The beauty industry is more alive than ever, with makeup tutorials, home-brewed skincare hacks, talk of “anti-aging”, dieting, and more trending on social media, commercials, and celebrity blogs. We’re constantly being bombarded with an abundance of advertisements and misinformation. So how do we know what’s true, and who is just trying to sell us a product?

All we can do is turn towards the science and the experts and learn as much as we can about what really works for our bodies. With these five books that cover the basics of beauty and self-care, we can become informed individuals and make decisions that prioritize our own health and well-being. Looking and feeling good doesn’t have to be expensive, confusing or intimidating anymore!

The Science of Beauty: Debunk the Myths and Discover What Goes Into Your Beauty Routine by Michelle Wong

Viral trends are the main source of so many young people’s knowledge of the beauty industry. But Instagram cosmetic chemist Dr. Michelle Wong isn’t an “influencer” trying to sell you on a hidden agenda. Instead, she’s here to answer all of your burning questions about what’s true and what’s a myth, and make sure you know exactly what you’re putting on and into your body.

Does deodorant cause breast cancer? Can eating chocolate give you acne? How often should you be wearing sunscreen? With a friendly and informed approach, Dr. Wong has the answers to 100 frequently asked questions, with the research and science to back it up. From sustainability to product ingredients, to making good habits, to the truth about beauty brands, The Science of Beauty is a comprehensive guide to the industry.

Curly Hair: Structure, Properties, & Care by Dr. Ali N. Syed

Dr. Ali N. Syed, a renowned expert in hair care formulation, has created a learner-friendly guide that provides a science-based perspective on all types of curly hair. He dives into other issues such as hair loss, hair growth and any and all scalp-related issues. Curly Hair is your one-stop shop for all your hair-based questions and comparisons between curly, wavy, and straight hair. It offers science-based explanations of the structure of each hair type, and how to best care for your specific hair type.

The book also goes in-depth as to how curls differ between different races and how the beauty industry has made it difficult to find products made specifically for people of color. This obstacle has forced people to use styling products that aren’t meant for their hair type, which can be harsh and degrade their hair structure. Since founding Avlon in 1984 and As I Am in 2011, Dr. Syed’s innovative strategies and profound understanding of chemistry have revolutionized the hair-care industry across decades.

The Skincare Hoax by Dr. Fayne Frey

The high cost of boutique products is due to unnecessary packaging and clever marketing, not better ingredients. Leveraging her scientific expertise and 30 years of experience as a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Frey gives women the facts to make safer, healthier, better-informed decisions about the skincare products they buy. She empowers women to make the best affordable choices for the health, protection and ongoing care of their skin. The Skincare Hoax will not only expand your knowledge about skincare but also change your perspective on beauty.

Dr. Frey says, “My hope is that after reading The Skincare Hoax, consumers are more mindful of the marketing ads and the influences that beauty campaigns have on our psyches… A simple skincare regimen is all that is necessary for optimal skin health and… inexpensive products are as safe and effective, and sometimes more so, than expensive ones.”

Eat Pretty: Nutrition for Beauty, Inside and Out by Jolene Hart

Beauty is not just a focus on the external — you want to make sure that your body is fueled with energizing, non-toxic, hydrating and revitalizing foods. Eat Pretty is a lifestyle guide that helps readers identify foods, habits, and thoughts that stand in the way of beauty. Strong nails, restorative rest, healthy skin and hair don’t happen naturally, nor do they happen overnight.

A conscious knowledge of the damaging effects of an unbalanced and toxic diet can help you make the change in habits for a healthier, and thus more beautiful, lifestyle. Prepare to leave inflammation, digestive issues, mood changes and insomnia in the past. Filled to the brim with nutrition advice, illustrations, and delicious recipes, this book will prepare you to Eat Pretty for a lifetime of feeling and looking better.

Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary by M. Varinia Michalun and Joseph C. DiNardo

Milady’s Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary is an industry-standard reference book, used by real professionals. So of course, the information contained in this book is reliable, comprehensive and straightforward. Beginning with a basic explanation of skin anatomy and physiology, as well as various skin conditions and types, this guide provides essential background for everyone who wants to understand which products will perform well for their skin type. The second half of the book gives a glossary of and a reference for Latin names for common cosmetic ingredients, as well as clarification on the function and purpose of each listed ingredient. The people behind Milady know that what’s in your makeup, moisturizers and shampoos and how it can affect you is important, empowering knowledge to have.