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• Thomas, Pat

Most morning routines include a basic array of products like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant. Add to that a number of optional grooming items such as shaving cream, cologne, makeup, and hair care aids--and many people expose themselves to nearly 200 potentially harmful chemicals each day.

Skin Deep is Pat Thomas’s essential, comprehensive guide to the dangers lurking in medicine cabinets, under bathroom sinks--and in our very own skin. In fact, human skin absorbs up to 60 percent of the chemicals with which it comes into contact, releasing them directly into the bloodstream. It can take as little as 26 seconds for such substances to reach every major organ of the body--some fragrances even cause discoloration of internal organs.

Divided into two parts, Skin Deep first presents an accessible overview of how personal care products are made, including the roles of ingredients like fragrances, emulsifiers, and preservatives. Part Two, organized by categories like “Makeup,” “Hair Care,” and “Dental Care,” details the potential health hazards of these preparations and offers safe, healthy alternatives and affordable at-home recipes.

In addition to exposing the dangers of conventional products, Thomas also explains how to navigate seemingly virtuous vocabulary such as “hypoallergenic,” “dermatologist tested,” and “fragrance free.” With helpful tips, sidebars, and an appendix of ingredients to avoid at all costs, Skin Deep will educate and empower consumers to make healthier, more informed choices the next time they visit the drugstore.