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?

SPF skincare has become a must for beauty products – from drugstore staples to high-end lotions. But with more than half the world’s population now living in cities, there's a new environmental factor that's affecting our skin. Is anti-pollution the new SPF?

Everyone has a skin problem – saggy, dull, greasy or dry. Spots are no longer a teenage problem; half of adults have acne. Geneu has developed U+, in-store technology that tailors skincare to customer’s DNA. But do we really want to mix science into our beauty regime?

Black women have long been underrepresented by cosmetics brands in terms of product ranges and advertising campaigns. But as the global population becomes more diverse – and as companies recognise the diversity that’s always existed – could the beauty market be set for an overhaul?