What’s Really In Our…?

What’s Really In Our…?(similar to What’s Really In Our Food, this series is about cosmetics)The average person uses 10 to 25 cosmetic products before they leave the house.  When even the humble bar of soap comes with a long list of ingredients, a simple routine of soap, deodorant, moisturizer and sunblock adds up to a smorgasbord of chemical ingredients.  Add shampoo, conditioner and hair product, shaving cream and aftershave,  makeup and you’re exposing their hair, skin, and mouth to hundreds of chemicals before breakfast. What’s Really In Our…? explores the benefits and risks of creams, gels and pastes we use every day, demystifying the science, testing the ingredients and translating the labels.  Petra looks into the popular myths and misunderstandings surrounding personal care products: asking whether any anti-aging products actually work; is there’s lead in lipstick; can mouthwash can give you cancer; what the fuss is about sodium lauryl sulfate and parabens;  is aluminum in deodorants is dangerous; and whether ‘natural’ is any better than ‘synthetic’?http://www.tv3.co.nz/Season-3-Ep-1—Deodorant/tabid/934/articleID/64625/Default.aspxEpisode 1 DeodorantPetra discovers the truth about pheromones, the difference between antiperspirant and deodorant, and whether the ingredients in them increase your risk of breast cancer or Alzheimer’s.Episode 2 ShampooPetra finds out whether salon shampoo is any better than supermarket, what happens when we don’t shampoo at all, and do hair repair products actually work?Episode 3 ToothpastePetra delves into the controversy about fluoride, finds out what makes teeth turn yellow and how to stop bad breath.Episode 4 Hair DyePetra uncovers dyes on sale in New Zealand which contain banned ingredients. We also reveal the hazards of using regular hair dyes and ask who is protecting us from illegal cosmetics and their dangerous contents. Episode 5 MakeupIs there lead in lipstick? Are we damaging our eyes by using mascara and eye shadow? What’s really in foundation? Petra gets the low down on our favourite makeup products, and finds out whether there are chemical weapons hidden in our war paint.Episode 6 SunscreenCan you tell your UVA from your UVB? Do you really understand what it takes to keep yourself, and your family, sun-safe? Petra investigates nanoparticles, discovers what sort of sun-protection we need, and reveals the startling truth about sunscreen application.Episode 7 Anti-Aging CreamPetra looks into the holy grail of personal care products, sorting the science from the snake oil, and asking if spending more is any guarantee of results.Episode 8 Shaving and Hair Removal KitWe look into the chemicals in shaving creams, aftershaves and depilatories – and ask just how smooth is a baby’s bottom?Episode 9 SoapPetra investigates the humble soap, asks why some people are in a lather about sodium lauryl sulphate, digs the dirt on antibacterial cleansers, and discovers that grime might actually be good for our health.