Always ensure you carefully read the product label before making a purchase or using a new item. The label is a valuable source of essential information, providing details about the manufacturer, the product's country of origin, its intended use, tips on proper storage, expiration date, and instructions on usage, precautions, and limitations. One crucial aspect, especially for many countries, is the list of ingredients, which is mandatory. This section allows you to identify substances that you may be allergic or intolerant to, or simply wish to avoid for health reasons. This knowledge empowers you to make informed choices about the products you use. When considering more affordable cosmetic products, exercise extra caution, whether you're buying them in-store or online. It's important to remember that counterfeit cosmetics may come at a lower price compared to their authentic counterparts, but they cannot guarantee the same level of quality, effectiveness, and safety. The price of a product is influenced by factors such as its formula composition, adherence to good manufacturing practices, packaging quality, and advertising expenses. If you have naturally dark skin, it's crucial to be aware of the potential dangers associated with skin whitening products. These products may contain toxic substances, with the most hazardous ones being Mercury and other substances like Cortisone. While these substances are authorized for use in medicine, they are not approved for use in cosmetics. When it comes to legally-commercialized cosmetics, these concerns do not typically arise, ensuring your safety and well-being.