The safety of counterfeit cosmetics and fragrances should cause consumers more than just a little concern. Tests reveal dangerous chemicals in counterfeit cosmetics.

Ever spot your favorite makeup brand on sale for half the price? A consumer advocacy group is warning that those too-good-to-be-true prices might not only signify a counterfeit product: They could even be dangerous.

A few tips that consumers can use to avoid knock-off cosmetic and personal care items, especially when purchasing online.

The China unit of Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN:S), the world’s largest e-commerce company, closed a third-party online store after state media reported that fake cosmetics were being sold.

About half of the 73 national and international brands of popular cosmetics contain high levels of toxic heavy metals, a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report said.