Vanity, Vitality, and Virility: the Science Behind the Products You Love to Buy.

VANITY, VITALITY, AND VIRILITY: The Science Behind the Products You Love to Buy JOHN EMSLEY

In his last book, Nature's Building Blocks, chemist Emsley examined the history and nature of the elements of the periodic table. Now, he looks at how chemicals from hydrogen peroxide to Prozac affect our daily lives. In his wide-ranging consideration of some commonly used chemicals, the author moves from lipstick to sunscreen to bleach to baby diapers. He explains, for instance, how titanium dioxide dilutes the color of red dyes to produce shades of pink and tells us why we need vitamin C. Emsley also helps readers steer clear of some chemicals associated with false or exaggerated claims. For instance, he explains why alpha-hydroxy acids soften the appearance of wrinkles but don't eliminate the underlying problem. Emsley is a champion of the many ways chemicals ease our lives, and in the book's final pages he says he hopes to dispel the "chemiphobia" of those who think that anything chemical must be bad. OUP, 2004, 259 p., hardcover, $28.00.