The sight of a snail is often met with disgust, with many considering the slimy-skinned molluscs to be pretty gross. So imagine putting some on your face and letting them roam around. Disgusting? Mad? It’s actually a new beauty treatment gaining supporters across the UK.

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?

Skin care products often have a long list of complex ingredients, and with a growing awareness of the chemical nasties in cosmetics, Make It Make It is offering an alternative. Its all-natural DIY kits, which are mixed up at home, ensure people understand exactly what’s going on their skin.

After slumping during the recession, sales of organic food, fashion and beauty are on the up again, tapping into a consumer desire for authenticity and transparency. But what does the term ‘organic’ actually mean to consumers? And where do the opportunities lie for businesses?