The British cosmetic, toiletry and perfumery industry is worth more than £6.5 billion a year.

Yet just this week, research was published showing that common chemicals used in toiletries may make women more likely to be infertile.

Indeed, inside all those gleaming bottles and tubes we take for granted lurks a cocktail of dangerous synthetic chemicals that research suggests may be responsible for everything from reproductive complications to allergies and cancer.

In her new book, Toxic Beauty, investigative journalist DAWN MELLOWSHIP takes a look at what's really in our cosmetics

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Book Description

Every year we each absorb an estimated 2 kilograms of chemicals through beauty and cosmetic products. Chemicals found in lipsticks, skin lotions and hair dyes have been linked with tumours, cell mutation, allergies, reproductive complications, endocrine disruption and cancer. Isn't it time we all paid more attention to exactly what goes into the eye shadows, body washes and deodorants we love to use? This compelling and timely book tells you the key chemicals you should avoid, reveals just how natural 'organic' beauty products really are, and features a directory highlighting the health issues surrounding a wide range of products, from hair gel to sunscreens.

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