Gina and Steve Antczak are the authors of Cosmetics Unmasked.

Dr Steve Antczak: I am a chemistry teacher and former research chemist. So when I was asked by a friend what was in her face cream that caused her skin to become sore and blotchy, I should have been able to tell her. But I couldn't because I didn't understand the terminology used for the list of ingredients. They didn't use the normal rules for naming chemicals and I thought, if I don't understand what they are, what chance does the ordinary consumer have? So I decided to investigate. I quickly became aware that some of the chemicals I use in the laboratory, which are labelled as harmful, irritant or corrosive, are frequently used in everyday cosmetics and toiletries. This book is the valuable and often startling result of my research.

Gina Antczak: I have tried countless shampoos, conditioners, soaps, face creams and other cosmetics and toiletries. Most are unsuitable for my skin. Some of them seemed to be fine but after a while, I would become sensitised to them, my skin becoming flaky and sore.

I had always assumed the problem was my own and that it was simply a matter of trial and error to find the right products. Then one day, after a close friend asked Stephen what was in her face cream that was making her skin sore, it dawned on me that the problem was not my sensitive skin but the ingredients used in the cosmetics. But trying to make sense of the information on the label or the list of ingredients was a mammoth task.

So we started to systematically research into cosmetics ingredients. I was horrified to find that the medicated shampoo that was "specially formulated" for my scalp condition contained several ingredients that were known to cause contact dermatitis. No wonder it wasn't working and my scalp was getting worse.

Our findings were astounding and led to the publication of Cosmetics Unmasked.

Cosmetics Unmasked is published by Thorsons, HarperCollins

ISBN 0-00-710568-1

Price:
UK - £9.99
USA - $14.95
(Paperback - 404 pages)

© Gina & Steve Antczak, 2001

This page was last updated, 18 August 2001

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