The Cosmic Chemistry of Cosmetics with Neil deGrasse Tyson

Derived from the Greek word kosmos, meaning “order”, “cosmetics” have been used since ancient times to re-arrange appearance. Although we no longer use poisons like belladonna or lead-based paints to enhance our looks, we still risk our health in the name of beauty with tanning beds, eyelash-enhancing eye drops, and injections of the neurotoxin Botox. Neil and his comedian co-host Lynne Koplitz discuss historic and modern cosmetic methods, which even includes some NASA technology. Cosmetic chemists Steve Herman and Art Georgalas reveal some surprises about what the future holds to make sure we are all looking good while we keep looking up.

Episode: Season 2, Episode 16 – The Cosmic Chemistry of Cosmetics

Air date: 4 April 2011

Co-host: Lynne Koplitz: comedian

Guests: Steve Herman: chemist at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Art Georgalas: chemist at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Running Time: 42 minutes

ISBN: Digital Download 978-1-61544-919-4