A substantial number of illicit health and beauty products are available on popular online trading platforms, according to a new study by OpSec Security Inc., an anti-counterfeiting and brand-protection company. The findings point to a significant rise in health and beauty products that may be counterfeit, substandard, expired or contain dangerous chemicals, which not only pose a threat to brand reputation, but also present a serious risk to consumer safety.

Counterfeiting has expanded beyond high cost goods, such as luxury fragrances, into everyday personal care items, such as toothpaste, shampoo and nail polish, according to the study. In addition, researchers noted that dubious sellers often offer not only customized packaging but also customized products to supply any brand name product in massive quantities.