Lead in lipstick? 1,4 dioxane in baby soap? Coal tar in shampoo? How is this possible? Simple. The $35 billion cosmetics industry is so powerful they’ve kept themselves unregulated for decades. Not Just a Pretty Face chronicles the quest that led a group of health and environmental activists to the world’s largest cosmetics companies to ask some tough questions:
Why do companies market themselves as pink ribbon leaders in the fight against breast cancer, yet use hormone-disrupting and carcinogenic chemicals that may contribute to that very disease?
Why do products used by men and women of childbearing age contain chemicals linked to birth defects and infertility?
As doors slammed in their faces and the beauty myth peeled away, the industry’s toxic secrets began to emerge. This scathing investigation peels away less-than-lovely layers to expose an industry in dire need of an extreme makeover. The good news is that while the major multinational companies fight for their right to use hazardous chemicals, entrepreneurs are developing safer non-toxic technologies and building businesses on the values of health, justice and personal empowerment.
Great Book with useful information! This book was great! It was very interesting. I couldn't put it down. It gives you a great insight into how big cosmetic companies really think.
excellent layperson's overview First let me put my biases up front. I do not like the cosmetics industry. I do not like the petroleum industry and I certainly do not like the advertising industry.
Having said that, let me try and and provide a constructive review.
This is a book that proposes to expose the seedy underside of the cosmetics industry. It is very readable and "user friendly". I read it from cover to cover in just a few days and in every chapter learned/was repulsed by something new. Given my biases I do encourage readers to check out the provided sources to determine for themselves the veracity of the information (I did so and was convinced). However, be aware that this is not an unbiased perspective. The author has a definite point of view (which I happen to agree with) but still raise some interesting and important issues that are worthy of further consideration beyond the "preaching to the choir" crowd. It is a well written, entertaining read and encourages you to pause and think a moment without being overly preachy. My wife is now regularly visiting the database the author and the affiliated organization has set up and made self informed choices about makeup, sunscreens and other cosmetics. Not as a reactionary "go all natural" consumer but being able to make reasonable choices about products that work for her and possible alternatives that are less risky/carcinogenic.
I highly recommend this book.
A MUST READ! THIS IS NOT JUST ABOUT MAKEUP, IT IS ABOUT THE PRODUCTS WE USE ON ON BODIES! I COULDN'T PUT THE BOOK DOWN.
A MUST READ This book provides enlightening insight into the ongoing deceptions in the skin care industry. There are numerous studies cited as to the effects of chemicals found in most skin care products. An absolute must read for anyone, especially those with children.
Great book, fast delivery! This book came quickly after I purchased it. The book is fabulous and I highly recommend it!
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
