Help! I’m Covered in Adjectives

This Second Edition of ‘Help I'm Covered in Adjectives: Cosmetic Claims & The Consumer" is an updated and expanded exploration of the intricate world of cosmetic claims, designed to enlighten and empower readers in today's beauty landscape.

In an era where consumers are inundated with information from various sources, distinguishing between fact and fiction is crucial, particularly when it comes to skincare choices. This second edition delves into the complexities of cosmetic claims development, shedding light on the processes that shape the products consumers use daily, whether it's shampoos, skin creams, or lipsticks.

Tailored to engage both consumers and industry professionals, this book bridges the gap between the cosmetic counter and the laboratory. Consumers will gain insights into the inner workings of the cosmetics industry, enabling them to navigate the myriad of claims with confidence. Meanwhile, professionals in marketing, research and development, and regulatory affairs will deepen their understanding of claim development processes and compliance with legislation.

Moreover, the book serves as a valuable resource for influencers, startups, and journalists, who wield significant influence in shaping consumer perceptions and industry trends. By equipping them with accurate information about cosmetic claims, the book aims to promote transparency and combat misinformation in the industry.

Entrepreneurs venturing into the cosmetics industry will find essential insights into claim development, regulatory compliance, and ethical marketing practices, enabling them to differentiate themselves in a crowded market and build consumer trust.

Journalists, too, play a crucial role in holding the cosmetics industry accountable. By providing them with in-depth knowledge of cosmetic claims, the book empowers journalists to investigate misleading claims and educate the public on consumer rights and safety concerns.

Through a comprehensive exploration of topics ranging from understanding consumer needs to navigating regulatory frameworks, readers will gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the cosmetics industry and the role of claims in shaping consumer perceptions.

With updated chapters covering a wide array of topics, including the science behind skincare, types of claims, legislation and law, and challenges posed by misinformation and greenwashing, this book offers a balanced blend of scientific rigour and engaging storytelling.

Ultimately, "Help I'm Covered in Adjectives" invites readers on a journey of discovery, enlightenment, and responsibility in the pursuit of beauty with integrity, ensuring that cosmetic claims reflect the truth behind the products we use and trust.

Chapter 1: Why Do We Use Cosmetics?
Chapter 2: The Skin
Chapter 3: Types of Claims & Where We Find Them
Chapter 4: What Are Cosmetic Claims?
Chapter 5: Legislation & Law
Chapter 6: Claims Pushing Innovation Boundaries
Chapter 7: How Claims Are Made & Substantiated
Chapter 8: Understanding Claims
Chapter 9: Claims in a Green World Gone Grey
Chapter 10: Misinformation - Challenges, Consequences, and Solutions
Chapter 11: Are We Worth It - Crafting Compelling Claims

BookLife

Biochemist Callaghan delves into the history of the cosmetics business-and cosmetic claims development-in hopes of demystifying an industry where, she writes, "selling hope" reigns supreme. Aimed at consumers, influencers, and journalists, Callaghan's informative guide delivers a glimpse into the inner workings of the business, covering modern technology's impact on cosmetic product development, ethical beauty standards, the research that goes into substantiating cosmetic claims, and more. Callaghan also confronts "fundamental questions about our relationship with cosmetics and the pursuit of beauty," with a heavy emphasis on the science driving the industry.

Callaghan's guide is enlightening, as she addresses how to differentiate between fact and fiction and "make informed decisions about... skincare regimen[s]." Her goal with this updated edition is to "[bridge] the gap between the cosmetic Counter and the laboratory, and she accomplishes that objective with flying colors. From a breakdown of the different types of cosmetic claims-ranging from lifestyle to ingredient to sensory-to instruction on the anatomy of skin, Callaghan's easy-to-read text covers all the bases, teaching consumers the ins and outs of an admittedly complex business. She consistently revisits safe and ethical product development, asserting that "product development pathways have to be turned on their head and re-drawn," and is a staunch advocate for rigorous scientific standards, arguing that "time and money to build a body of evidence has to be a first priority"

In peeling back the layered expectations that consumers (and regulating authorities) have for the cosmetics industry, Callaghan offers readers a refreshing backstage pass to creating a successful-and safe-cosmetic product and campaign. She covers the history of cosmetics (dating back to Ancient Rome), the four main culprits of misinformation in the field (influencers, consumers, journalists, and the industry itself), and offers readers a slew of valuable resources, all in hopes of helping consumers clarify their "actual and uniquely individual skin needs."

The woman who literally wrote the book on cosmetic claims

Dr Theresa Callaghan PhD the woman who literally wrote the book on cosmetic claims for the cosmetic industry!

Jen Novocavitch
The Eco Well

An essential reference guide

Awe inspiring to have Dr TC PhD whose book I keep on hand as an essential reference guide.

Kirsty Mawhinney
Skin Insight

★★★★★ 
A useful reference document to cosmetic claims

As someone who works in the beauty industry, I was delighted to come across Theresa's book that unravels the complexities of cosmetic claims. Although written with consumers in mind, I see this book being of more interest to anyone working with cosmetic brands, especially anyone looking to launch their own and who needs to understand the challenges and pitfalls surrounding claims. Theresa has done all the heavy lifting so you don't have to, but she provides useful references and further reading should you need more detail.

I. A. Matthews
via amazon

★★★★★ 
If you thought you knew everything about cosmetic claims - no you probably don't.....

The author let me have a pre-publication to read and I was not disappointed. The book is laid out in a easy to read format, and you don't need to be a skin scientists to understand how claims are developed for cosmetic products. As consumers some of may well have our opinions about the cosmetic industry, but this book sets us straight in many regards, especially our lack of understanding. It is clear and to the point and gives many examples an explanations throughout. The author manages to tread a fine line in communicating with the lay consumer and her industry colleagues, and I think the balance is just right. A must for beauty journalists. A great support for those working in myth debunking too!

DrySkin
via amazon

★★★★★ 
Amazing book for all eyes, cultures, arts and sciences

An excellent resource for professionals and a book that hopefully will soon be translated to other languages, for the sake of consumers.

Dimitra Gennimata, PharmD, MPH, PhD
via amazon