The number of people prone to severe, sometimes fatal, allergic reactions has accelerated dramatically over the last two years, according to the latest official figures, which show there has been an unprecedented increase in prescriptions issued to combat the condition.

Can your hairspray really play havoc with your hormones, or a pot of face cream cause cancer? There are a bewildering array of claims and counter-claims about the life-enhancing or toxic qualities of cosmetics that not only women but men and children, too, are using on a daily basis.