The majority of feminine hygiene products aren’t exciting, but with the corporations responsible for making them barely changing over a century, do women have much choice? Period panty start-up Thinx says yes, offering a friendlier, cheaper and cooler way to sail through that time of the month.

The US oral care market is dominated by the big four of P&G, Colgate, J&J and GSK. With its design-led packaging, fruity flavours and ‘natural’ ingredients, Hello is looking to take a bite out of their 72% market share. But is good-looking toothpaste enough to stop people buying Colgate?

Public shaming is back on the agenda. From fears of being photographed eating on the tube, to apps that erase pics from the night before – the spectre of public criticism looms large. Has social media revived this age-old mechanism of control? Or can shame be a force for positive change?

Femininity and fitness are increasingly regular bedfellows. From gym classes where heels are compulsory to Victoria’s Secret workout garb, feeling sexy while you sweat has never been easier. Sweat Cosmetics is a make-up line for women who want to wear make-up while they keep fit, too.

A US survey calculated that the average Gen Yer will take up to 25,700 selfies in their lifetime. And all this snapping means that women want their faces to be ‘photo-ready’ all the time. The selfie craze is creating a new sub-sector in the cosmetics industry and it's increasing sales too.

Science has long been used by cosmetics brands to assert themselves as authorities on beauty and well-being. But consumers are shrewder than ever. Mother Dirt is different; it's the brainchild of a scientist. But can beauty buffs get to grips with cosmetics containing live bacteria?

With media and researchers exposing the chemical nasties found in everyday products – from air fresheners to washing powders – consumers across the world are facing up to a hidden health crisis. With indoor pollutant levels two to five times higher than outdoor, is it time our homes had a detox?

The way people lose weight is changing. Out are the cardboard-tasting diet foods, awkward meet-ups and communal weight shaming, in are the whole foods, digital apps and sexy workout gear. But is dieting really dead? And how are consumer attitudes towards wellness changing?