Book excerpt: The fifth edition of this classic guide, first published in 1978, continues the tradition of being the most up-to-date, complete, and trusted reference for taking the guesswork out of choosing safe and effective cosmetics and toiletries. The more than 6,000 entries include 1,400 newly developed chemicals (along with hundreds more whose names have been changed by the manufacturers since the last edition of this book was published in 1994). Virtually every chemical found in toiletries and cosmetics, from body and face creams to toothpaste, hand lotion, shaving cream, shampoo, soap, perfume, and makeup, is evaluated, including those ingredients marketed as being all natural, for children, and for people of color. The book's alphabetical arrangement makes it easy to look up the ingredients in the products you use. With more substances than ever in products we use every day--and with the continuing deregulation of the cosmetics industry--this book is more indispensable than ever.