Chemist Confessions

#118: Are Peptides in Skincare Worth It? Oct 29, 2024

Today we’re going to attempt to tackle the vast landscape of peptides! It’s a big topic but sadly without a lot of clarity. So let’s nerd out with us on just what peptides are, how they work on skin, what skin concerns they’re good for, and decode a few top peptide products.

#117: Hydroquinone and Some Comparison Actives Oct 22, 2024

After listening to this podcast long enough, you’ll probably get a sense that good testing data is sparse so we inevitably have to work with what we have! With the recent US ban of OTC hydroquinone products, it's worth noting that a notable few actives have done testing in direct comparison to hydroquinone. Though more testing is always needed, direct comparison studies are considered rare and top-tier in our books. In this episode, let’s review why hydroquinone is so prolific and discuss actives that have actually been tested in direct comparison to hydroquinone.

#116: Is Arbutin A Good Hydroquinone Alternative? Oct 14, 2024

This is a bit overdue! Arbutin is a hyperpigmentation active with a reputation as a hydroquinone alternative. So today we’re tackling all the major questions around arbutin: Does it convert to hydroquinone on skin? Is it even a good hyperpigmentation active?

#115: Can You Actually Treat Dark Circles With Skincare? Sep 30, 2024

It’s time for another wet blanket type episode - dark circles Just why are dark circles so hard to deal with? Do eye creams even work? We go through the data and discuss what you can actually do to treat this stubborn and complex skin concern.

#114: What's the Deal With Exosomes in Skincare? Sep 24, 2024

We’ve put it off for long enough, today we’re jumping into the very new, very hot realm of exosomes. These vesicle structures are getting a lot of attention because they’ve been tied to: stem cells, growth factors, fibroblasts…essentially all the juicy anti-aging good stuff. In this episode, the chemists attempt to make sense of exosomes’ true purpose in skincare, share what benefits they can bring, and explain the current exosome landscape. Strap in because we get pretty nerdy here, but hopefully this episode gives you a good idea of “hot tech” and how it evolves in the skincare world.

#113: Do Acne Patches Work? Sep 16, 2024

We're wrapping up our acne series with a deep dive on acne patches. These face stickers often get tied to some pretty enticing claims like absorbing excess sebum and rapidly healing pimples. We discuss the science behind these mystical patches, what they actually do to acne lesions, and what are their real benefits. Finally, we end on our experiences trying 5 different acne patches on the market. Enjoy!

#112: Does Any of the Plant Stuff Work for Acne? Sep 09, 2024

Continuing our acne series, we’ve been able to delve into some solid actives with pretty juicy data behind it, but there are quite a few less validated ingredients that are pretty popular and worth a look. In this episode, we look at succinic acid, mugwort, witch hazel, and tea tree oil. Four popular plant-ish actives that have gained some traction as magical home remedies for acne breakouts. Let’s see if the data holds up shall we?

#111: How Much Benzoyl Peroxide Should You Actually Be Using? Aug 26, 2024

When it comes to fighting acne, benzoyl peroxide has been around for so long it almost seems like it’s old-fashioned. However, because of its long history, BPO has a lot of great data and of the ingredients out there we actually have a very good understanding how it works to reduce breakouts. But are we actually using the right concentration? We dive into the research and discuss what concentrations we should all be trying to target and why.

#110: Is salicylic acid a MUST in your acne routine? Aug 19, 2024

Salicylic acid is probably the most common active ingredient you’ll run into when putting together your acne routine. But is it actually a must have? What kind of acne can it actually treat? In this episode, we dive into a few key clinical studies that look at just what 2% salicylic acid really bring to your routine.

#109: Are Collagen Supplements a Scam? Aug 12, 2024

One of the more popular questions we get is about collagen supplements and whether or not it’s a scam. We’d be lying if we said we haven’t been avoiding this one, but no longer! In this episode, we go through the clinical data. We discuss why it’s so hard to shop for good collagen supplements. Finally, we list our shopping tips and things to consider if you’re thinking of adding this to your beauty routine.

#108: The Best of 30 for 30 Sunscreen Challenge Pt. 2 Aug 05, 2024

After testing 30 sunscreens in 30 days, we’re finally going through our favorites! There was so much to discuss that this ended up turning into a 2 part segment. In part 2, we talked about our thoughts on baby sunscreens, international sunscreens, things we’d do differently in the future, and… pangolins? Let’s wrap the sunscreen series!

#107: The Best of 30 for 30 Sunscreen Challenge Pt. 1 Jul 29, 2024

After testing 30 sunscreens in 30 days, we’re finally going through our favorites! There was so much to discuss that this ended up turning into a 2 part segment. In part 1, we discuss what factored into our ratings and why. We then go through our “0 star” ratings and why they were so painful. Finally, we discuss our favorites for the mineral and tinted category! Hope you enjoy as we tell all in our journey to trialing another 30 sunscreens for 2024.

#106: Should You Stop Using Glycolic Acid in the Summer? Jul 22, 2024

You probably hear us often championing glycolic acid as the gold standard of exfoliation and a main active to consider having in your routine. However, AHAs are known to cause photosensitivity. Does that means we shouldn’t use glycolic acid during summer months during higher chances of sun exposure? We discuss the data, what skin types should and shouldn’t use glycolic acid, and how to best use this ingredient during summer.

#105: Which Toners Should You Use? Jul 15, 2024

This week we’re taking a break from skincare ingredients, and we’re talking about products. Specifically, toners! Toners will forever be a land of mystery. This category seems to always ends up in the spotlight, there are too many to choose from, and the claims can be all over the place. We decided to break down the product landscape, discuss some of the most popular toners of 2024, and weigh in on which toners we would want to use in our routine. It’s toner time!

#104: Does Tranexamic Acid Have Any Benefits for Skin? Jul 08, 2024

When tranexamic acid started gaining popularity a few years back, it felt similar to CBD. Suddenly it seemed like every brand was using it, but there didn’t seem to be a lot of data shared on its effectiveness. In this episode, the chemists share the benefits that tranexamic acid can bring to skin, go through the testing (if any), and discuss whether or not it’s a worthy addition to your skincare routine.

#103: Should You Be Using the Azelaic Acid Derivative Instead? Jul 01, 2024

Because of the limitations of azelaic acid, it only makes sense that azelaic acid derviative, potassium azeloyl diglycinate is on the rise! We dive into whether or not this is a good replacement for azelaic acid, what are its actual benefits, and how to use PAD in your skincare routine!

#102: Does 10% Azelaic Acid Do Anything for Skin? Jun 17, 2024

The chemists don’t talk about this ingredient as much as they probably should but azelaic acid has a solid amount of data behind it…at the prescription level 15-20% concentration. Naturally, you have to wonder if the 10% azelaic acid products you can purchase as a cosmetic would actually do anything for skin? They dissect the benefits of azelaic acid, discuss the formulation challenges behind this active, and ultimately how they would use a 10% azelaic acid product in their routine.

#101: Do You Need an Oil Cleanser to Remove Sunscreen? A Sunscreen Update! Jun 10, 2024

The chemists are gearing up for their 30 for 30 sunscreen challenge test! So naturally this is a great time to check up on some of the latest studies on sunscreens. We cover a large survey study on people’s sunscreen application habits (spoiler alert: it’s not great), an oil based vs water based cleanser study on sunscreen removal, a new J&J SPF50 vs SPF100 study, and an update on the ongoing studies on sunscreen’s impact on coral reef.

#100: The 100th Celebration! Chemists' (true) Confessions Jun 03, 2024

We’ve reached the 100th Episode! This week we’re going down memory lane ranking our top 5 podcast moments and our favorite skincare science. We also decide to reveal some true chemist “confessions”. We share what popular ingredients we might not be fully on board with and even what skincare steps we forget. Time for some fun!

#99: Plant Stuff That Should Be On Your Radar May 27, 2024

We’re back in the realm of plant extracts in skincare! This is a realm where real clinical data is quite sparse. So even simple questions like “does this extract work?” can be difficult to answer. In this episode, we discuss 3 plant ingredients with just enough interesting testing data for us to say “this is worth trying”.

#98: Does Petrolatum Clog Pores May 13, 2024

Journeying into the more controversial ingredients, we first have to talk about petrolatum. One common question that we haven’t answered yet is, “Will petrolatum clog my pores?” There’s a surprising amount of data to discuss on this subject and after, we share best practices on using petrolatum in your skincare routine.

#97: How Does Gluconolactone Compare to AHAs? May 06, 2024

Taking a break from plant stuff and antioxidants, let’s talk about the newer exfoliator on the block, gluconolactone. Uniquely, gluconolactone has been tied to many skin benefits, being called hydrating, brightening, exfoliating, to maybe even…acne fighting? Ultimately we dissect the data to discuss what exactly gluconolactone does for skin and how it compares to the classic AHAs. Tune in to learn if gluconolactone deserves a place in your routine and how to best shop for this category!

#96: What Actives Can You Layer With Vitamin C? Apr 29, 2024

In this episode, we’re continuing our Vitamin C series and are focusing on actives layering. Most of the questions we get are on whether or not you can layer certain actives with the very fussy ascorbic acid. We first review guidelines on the concept of layering, go through any evidence on ascorbic acid layering combinations, and finally discuss which pairings you should and shouldn’t worry about.

#95: How Good is Vitamin C For Hyperpigmentation Really? Apr 22, 2024

We’ve dedicated many episodes to Vitamin C, but there’s still more to cover! Recently, there have been a lot of Vitamin C launches and they are specifically for tackling hyperpigmentation. What makes this arena slightly confusing is that many of these products use Vitamin C derivatives. But, how helpful is Vitamin C in helping to tackle this very stubborn skin concern? And which Vitamin C molecule is best? We discuss all this and more. It’s time to go down the rabbit hole again!

#94: Is Resveratrol Better Than Vitamin C? Apr 15, 2024

We’ve encountered many skincare users who have discovered that the Vitamin C realm is just not their cup of tea and neither is it for their skin. Enter resveratrol! We discuss what resveratrol is, its antioxidant capabilities, and why despite the amount of data, we consider this a solid option as a non-Vitamin C antioxidant replacement. You’ve been warned, we get nerdy here, but lets go down the rabbit hole shall we?

#93: What Benefits Does Kojic Acid Have For Skin? Apr 08, 2024

There’s a lot of rice-based ingredients and rice-adjacent ingredients in skincare. They can span from functional ingredients such as waxes and thickeners to exotic actives like the very famous Pitera. Amongst all of these ingredients, there’s one isolated active compound that we believe deserves some attention and that is kojic acid. This ingredient is a byproduct of the sake fermentation process and happens to have some solid data as a hyperpigmentation-fighting active. So let’s dive in!

#92: What Does Centella Asiatica Actually Do For Skin? Apr 01, 2024

Centella Asiatica (aka cica) has continued to reign as a trendy plant-based active. For good reason! With origins as a wound healing ingredient, the research behind centella asiatica as a skincare ingredient has really grown. We go through the research update and talk about its benefits as a skin soother and possible anti-aging ingredient. Finally, we walk through how to shop for centella asiatica and ultimately how to hunt for the good stuff: madecassoside & asiaticoside.

#91: If There's Glycolic & Lactic Acid, Why Should We Use Mandelic Acid? Mar 25, 2024

In the world of AHAs, mandelic acid feels like that forgotten child. We always talk about the golden child, glycolic acid, as well as the more gentle exfoliator, lactic acid. So when would a person need mandelic acid in their life? We go through the data and discuss who it’s good for, how much you should be using, and how to shop for this unique AHA.

#90: Why is Ginseng in Skincare? Mar 18, 2024

Ginseng is definitely one of those alluring, almost magical ingredients that not only gets touted as a cure-all but almost as a skin cure-all as well. This root has been linked to a wide array of skincare benefits such as being an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging. But is there any merit to these claims? We discuss the science and just how helpful ginseng can be to your skincare routine.

#89: Can You Have Too Much Niacinamide? Mar 11, 2024

Niacinamide is EVERYWHERE in the skincare world, but for good reasons. It’s a jack-of-all-trades type of molecule that has actual clinical evidence that ranges from improving skin barrier function, reducing sebum production, to brightening hyperpigmentation. But in recent years products now have way more niacinamide than ever before. So let's review some of niacinamide’s most famous clinical tests and answer the question “is there such thing as too much niacinamide?”

#88: Can Urea Replace Your AHAs? Mar 04, 2024

Urea has surprisingly been creeping up the ranks in skincare ingredient awareness. This oldie but a goodie has actually been looked at for some time and been compared to some of the greats like glycerin. Uniquely, urea at lower percentages serves as a hydration ingredient but at higher concentrations acts as a keratolytic similar to AHAs. So you have to wonder, can urea replace our AHAs?

#87: Is Glycerin the BEST humectant hydrator out there? Feb 24, 2024

Glycerin is probably one of the first ingredients that chemists learn to work with in formulation. In fact, we happen to call this the Frank’s Red Hot of skincare because the industry really puts that sh** in everything! But despite its economical, functional status, this ingredient has really risen in the ranks in terms of trendy ingredients! In this episode, we review glycerin’s benefits and discuss whether or not glycerin deserves the title of best hydrating ingredient in skincare.

#86: Are Ceramides Only For Compromised Skin Barriers? Feb 20, 2024

It’s great to see awareness grow around maintaining skin barrier health. In caring for your skin barrier, ceramides would probably be the first ingredient that would be suggested. However, there are a lot of questions on who and what skin types should be using ceramides. Based on the data, are ceramides only good for those with compromised skin barriers? We dive into the research to see what the data says and how to use ceramide in your routine for your skin scenario!

#85: Is Hyaluronic Acid a MUST in Your Skincare Routine? Feb 12, 2024

Hyaluronic Acid has consistently been a trendy ingredient in skincare for better or worse. There’s so much confusion with this ingredient because it’s been touted as a miracle anti-aging ingredient but also gets flagged as a potential irritant that may even cause skin dehydration. Not to fear! In this episode, we go through the science, and talk about when and how to incorporate hyaluronic acid in your routine.

#84: Is Bakuchiol Better Than Retinol? Feb 05, 2024

Bakuchiol was put on the map as soon as results came out that bakuchiol seemingly performed on par with retinol in treating anti-aging concerns. But does this hold true? The chemists’ review what bakuchiol even is, the actual study that made this ingredient famous, and discuss who would benefit from using this ingredient! Let’s talk babchi stuff!

#83:Is Retinal Better Than Retinol? Jan 29, 2024

Retinal (aka retinaldehyde) is definitely a hot ingredient in skincare right now! You might have heard that retinal is more potent than retinol because it only needs one step to convert into retinoic acid vs. retinol’s two. But is retinal truly better than retinol? We go through the data and give you the inside scoop on the state of retinal skincare!

#82: Can You Use Retinol During the Daytime? Jan 23, 2024

We talk about retinol a lot. That’s because it’s the most popular retinoid that can be used in cosmetics. Most are well aware of the anti-aging and hyperpigmentation benefits but there are still a lot of questions on how to properly use retinol. In fact, one of the most common questions we get is, “Can I use retinol in the daytime? Does the sun destabilize retinol and thus what I’ve applied on my face is now useless?” Let’s dive into the science!

#81: Can Adapalene be Used for Anti-Aging? Jan 15, 2024

Adapalene is the one retinoid that’s available to us as an over the counter topical for acne. This third generation retinoid has become a popular alternative to tretinoin and for good reason! It’s found to be more stable and has less irritation. So naturally, you’re probably wondering…if tretinoin is great for anti-aging, can adapalene work too?

#80: Using Tretinoin Long-Term Bad for Skin? Jan 08, 2024

A New Year! A New Theme! 2024 is all about skincare ingredients and in this episode, we’re focusing on the OG of retinoids, tretinoin. We review what it is, why it’s so prevalent, and answer one of the most common questions we get on this ingredient: Is using tretinoin long-term bad for skin?

The 2023 Wrap-Up | CC Podcast S4E36 Dec 11, 2023

It’s the last episode of the 2023! It’s time to lookback on all the skincare science we discussed, all the animals we shared, all the skincare goodness (and craziness) that happened this year. It’s been a great year and we can’t wait for what’s in store for 2024! Happy Holidays!

Gifting Skincare | CC Podcast S4E35 Dec 04, 2023

How is it already end of year?! Well it’s gifting season again, so let’s go through skincare gifting! We decode gift sets, what might be worth it and what we would pass on. We also discuss skincare we would gift as well as skincare we would want gifted to us! TIme to get into the Christmas spirit!

Acne Scars - What works and What to Expect | CC Podcast E4 S34 Nov 13, 2023

We’ve talked a lot about tackling your active breakouts, but what about post acne marks & scars? They can seem so frustratingly persistent. But the good news is, things that tackle your breakouts like tretinoin and adapalene can also help tackle the healing phase to minimize acne scarring. Another active ingredient that can be helpful is glycolic acid… butttt that comes with a lot of caveats. So let’s dive into the science of post acne care!

Decode that Trendy Acne Product | CC Podcast S4E33 Nov 06, 2023

With acne breakouts being the stubborn, complicated creature that it is, it’s no wonder the world of acne treatment options is a billion-dollar industry. Today we’re walking through some of the recently trendy acne favorites. Are they worth the hype? How important are they to your acne strategy? Let’s dive in!

What actives can you use with retinol? | CC Podcast S4E32 Oct 31, 2023

We can’t believe we haven’t done a dedicated podcast episode to anti-aging superstar retinol. This skincare active has been clinically tested (again and again) to effectively improve fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation… you name it! But with thousands of retinol serums to choose from, and even countless different “retinoids” to shop for, it can get confusing fast. So let’s get into the retinoid landscape, interesting retinol clinical tests, and all your retinol questions answered.

Decode that Retinol | CC Podcast S4E31 Oct 23, 2023

Retinol's popularity is ever-growing as THE anti-aging ingredient to dabble into - and for good reason! Butttt with so many retinol serums on the market to choose from, it's bound to lead to some confusing products + claims. So let's take a look at some confusing %s, Cerave's retinol range, and get your burning retinol questions answered!

Skincare for Redness & Sensitive Skin | CC Podcast S4E30 Oct 15, 2023

Skincare for sensitive skin sometimes feels like an open-ended category. It can feel like there are too many random products out there and yet too few that really answer sensitive skin needs. In this very dense episode, we talk about what defines sensitive skin, what labels could help, the skin redness conundrum, and how to build a routine for sensitive skin. Settle in! We’re going down the rabbit hole!

Decode that ”Soothing” Product | CC Podcast Episode S4E29 Oct 09, 2023

If you have sensitive skin you may find that this realm of skincare just doesn’t speak to your skin needs that well. What’s worse is that if you try shopping for your sensitive skin, you’ll be bombarded with the widest array of skincare products and skincare actives. To help, the chemists break down this category into three groups of “could be better”, “better”, and “best” based on their product testing! Through these examples, the hope is that you’ll be able to research and find a more tailored skincare solution to your sensitive skin needs. Let’s get into it!

Are Luxury Hyperpigmentation Products Worth It? | CC Podcast Episode S4E28 Oct 02, 2023

Tackling hyperpigmentation already feels like you need a whole team of products to get any meaningful improvement. But, some of the most popular hyperpigmentation treatments seem to come with the biggest price tags. The chemists give their analysis on this group, run through the testing, and see if these truly live up to their price tag. For once, these frugal chemists might actually be swayed by these luxury serums.

Decoding Hyperpigmentation Products | CC Podcast Episode S4E27 Sep 26, 2023

Hyperpigmentation is probably one of the most stubborn skin concerns to tackle. It takes a lot more patience, diligence, and what feels like an army of actives to see meaningful improvement. Because of this, there are quite a few products in this realm to choose from, and decoding the ingredient list can get pretty messy. We go through two cult favorites and walk through our thought process in shopping for hyperpigmentation products! Lezzgo!

Slugging with Occlusives? | CC Podcast Episode S4E26 Sep 18, 2023

If you’re a skincare junkie, you’ve probably come across the term “slugging”. This trend of sealing in your moisturizing routine with a balm really highlights the benefits of occlusives. These waxy, oily, balmy substances are pretty helpful to your moisturizer game, so let’s get into the science, the controversy, and just which occlusive product to include in your arsenal!

Decode that Occlusive | CC Podcast Episode S4E25 Sep 11, 2023

The slugging trend is here to stay and if you've ventured into this realm, you might have realized that the products suggested can vary a lot! Here we decode two popular "slugging" products and go through which one to choose for your skin type.

Are You Exfoliating Correctly? | CC Podcast Episode S4E24 Sep 05, 2023

It's time for an exfoliation update! But this time, we're spending a segment on physical exfoliators aka. scrubs. Scrubs can actually be a helpful addition to your exfoliation game specifically for very stubborn texture concerns and blackheads. We discuss the various kinds of scrubs, any testing behind them, and what to look for when you're shopping for them!

Decode the Home Peel | CC Podcast Episode S4E23 Aug 27, 2023

Chemical exfoliants come in all sorts of product types and one type that seems to be expanding is home peels. These typically include higher concentrations of chemical exfoliants and are meant to be used as wash-off masks. To give everyone a general picture of the landscape, we go through a few product decodes and soon realize this realm isn’t as straightforward as we thought!

To Decode or Not to Decode the Ingredient List | CC Podcast S4E22 Aug 21, 2023

6 years ago our journey started in skincare education started with decoding ingredient lists. Since then, this realm has evolved a lot...for better or worse. In this episode, we've decided to take some time to break down decodes based on product type and discuss when decoding can be helpful and when decoding could lead you into a pit of confusion.

Decode that Claim (Challenge Mode!) | CC Podcast Episode S4E21 Aug 14, 2023

We’ve been decoding all sorts of claims in the skincare world, but devices happen to be some of the most confusing products to figure out. Today it’s decode challenge mode! We walk through a really good example of a device that comes with the works in terms of claims and talk about what to pay attention to and what we’d probably ignore.

Which Vitamin C Derivative is Better? | CC Podcast Episode S4E20 Aug 07, 2023

There’s a whole world of Vitamin C molecules outside of ascorbic acid, but they all get lumped under the “Vitamin C” serum category. The difficulty here is that not every molecule has been validated to give the same benefits of ascorbic acid. So let’s get into a few of the major players, what they’ve been tested for, and how to go about shopping for these Vitamin C alternatives.

Decoding Vitamin C? Body Products | CC Podcast S4E19 Jul 31, 2023

Vitamin C seems to be entering all sorts of skincare arenas, including body care. But is Vitamin C actually helpful in the category? Let’s take a look at a couple products to understand what’s really going on here.

Which Vitamin C Dupe Reigns Supreme? | CC Podcast S4E18 Jul 24, 2023

You’ve probably wondered, “Out of all the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Dupes out there, which one should I buy?” Well we’ve decided to put a few dupes to the test. After some surprising results, we go over which serums we would avoid. We also discuss what clues to look for to help you decide whether or not its time to let that Vitamin C serum go. Let’s get into it!

Decoding Body Products | CC Podcast S4E17 Jul 17, 2023

Have you wondered if your body needs a skincare routine too? You’re definitely not the only one. Despite this arena getting a lot of attention, there isn’t a ton of research or data to go off of. Instead, let’s go through a few common body products that would have some sort of testing behind them..and no it’s definitely not caffeine.

Skincare changes for summer? | CC Podcast S4E16 Jul 10, 2023

Summer is in full swing now! In addition to the gazillion sunscreen articles, this is also the time of year when all these jazzy “summer skincare routine guides” come out. But do you really need to change up your routine just for summer? Is skin actually different during this time of year? Should you continue with retinol usage? What about your hyperpigmentation routine?

Decoding Vitamin C Products | CC Podcast S4E15 Jun 26, 2023

Vitamin C is definitely a must-have active during summer because of its excellent antioxidant properties to help prevent and combat photodamage. Because of its benefits, this category has expanded in the last couple of years into different formats outside of the classic: water-based, suspension, and powder formats. In this episode, let’s decode a wash-off mask, a stick, and an AOX sunscreen to see if these alternative formats hold any merit.

How’s Your Skin Barrier Doing? | CC Podcast S4E14 Jun 19, 2023

There’s been a big focus on “Skin Barrier Health”, but what does that even mean? Many don’t realize that dabbling in things like anti-aging and hyperpigmentation is a moot point, if your skin barrier isn’t in tip-top shape! In this episode, the chemists do a deep dive into the biology behind good skin barrier health, what ingredients can help, and how to shop for your skin barrier!

Decode that Moisturizer | CC Podcast S4E13 Jun 12, 2023

It’s time to give our skin barrier some spotlight. But wait! When you start going down the rabbit hole of moisturizers, you stumble on some very odd formulation. So let’s go through some recent product launches and see if we can figure out what exactly we want in a moisturizer and how to make sense of the wild ingredients and claims.

30 Sunscreens in 30 Days - The Results! | CC Podcast S4 E12 Jun 05, 2023

For 30 days, the chemists decided to trial 30 different sunscreens for texture, wear, and wash-off using a UV camera. We ended up learning a lot through this journey so let's discuss! Who were the winners? losers? and what new sunscreen habits did we pick up? Let's talk about it!

Decoding ”pregnancy safe” skincare | CC Podcast S4 E11 May 30, 2023

Since one of the chemists reached a major life change, it’s finally time to dabble in the world of “pregnancy-safe” skincare. It’s not a surprise that this is a realm that doesn’t have a lot of regulation and not a lot of testing. So let’s go through what data IS available and how the chemists would navigate skincare during this more delicate time of life.

Find Your Cleanser Like a Chemist | CC Podcast S4E10 May 21, 2023

Cleansers are a pretty good hybrid of an art and a science. Aside from a few basic criteria like gentleness and cleansing power, why you like a cleanser can get pretty personal. This makes shopping for a cleanser pretty difficult, but you have us! And we’ll try to put some logic to this world, so let’s do it!

Decoding Cleanser Claims | CC Podcast S4E9 May 15, 2023

Let’s decode the mysterious world of cleansers! One of the most personal skincare product categories around where the science doesn’t quite link as well to product success. So how helpful are cleanser claims? And how well do they lead to your next holy grail cleanser? Let’s get into the bubbly, soapy, madness!

Build an Acne Routine like a Cosmetic Chemist | CC Podcast S4 Ep8 May 08, 2023

Let’s get into acne and how to build a solid acne routine. We discuss the research side where groups are looking into the microbiome, bacne, and even acne for people of color! We discuss how to assess your breakouts and how to build a proper acne routine. These are all critical pieces of knowledge to have as many of us tackle this stubborn and what feels like never-ending skin concern!

Decoding Acne Claims? | CC Podcast S4 Ep7 May 01, 2023

It’s time for our annual recap on acne. A ~$9 billion dollar industry with thousands of touted acne products. Unfortunately this category sometimes gets a pass when it comes to proper claims because everyone rides the OTC salicylic acid claim. That means it’ll take a little decoding to really know what claims are legitimately helpful for post acne marks (and not just hyperpigmentation). Let’s do this!

Are You Using Sunscreen Correctly? | CC Podcast S4 Ep 6 Apr 25, 2023

The sun is here! This means it’s time for us all to brush up on our sunscreen habits and make sure we all know what to look for when shopping for sunscreens. But the sunscreen landscape is vast and there are so many types to choose from: fluids, lotions, droppers, sprays, sticks, and foams?! Does this mean we have to apply these differently? How well does the touted “2-finger rule” hold up? So much to get into!

Decoding Sunscreen Claims | CC Podcast S4 Ep5 Apr 17, 2023

Sunny days ahead! That means it’s time to roll out the sunscreen content and we definitely had to start with sunscreen claims. The category has exploded into all sorts of formats and now we’re seeing brands get fancy with them by adding actives as well. So what does this mean? Is this how we decide which sunscreen is better? Let’s get into it!

Should You Buy an Eye Cream? | CC Podcast S4 Ep4 Apr 10, 2023

It’s time to get into the Eye Cream Meatz! A topic we’ve been avoiding for far too long. The main struggle is that the biology is complex and the research is sparse, ultimately leading to a confusing product landscape. We’ll walk through the eye cream category and help assess what makes for a better/best eye cream or…an eye cream that needs a whole lot of faith!

Decoding Eye Creams! | CC Podcast S4 Ep3 Apr 03, 2023

We’ve been avoiding it too long, but it’s time to tackle eye creams! In this episode, we break down the three types of eye claims you’ll come across: the faux clinical claim, the “not so clinical” clinical claim, and the legit clinical claim!

Skincare Botanicals Update | CC Podcast S4 E2 Mar 27, 2023

Exotic plant extracts are making their way back into the skincare spotlight. Let's go through them shall we? The chemists stumble on a few with some eyebrow-raising claims.

Decode that Retinol Claim | Chemist Confessions Podcast S4 E1 Mar 21, 2023

We. are. finally. back! Sorry about this long hiatus. We were working hard to gear up for this new season. The podcast will be sliiiggghhtly different - but this season, we'll be doing WEEKLY episodes. So let's jump right into episode 1 where we take a closer look at the ever-evolving retinol claims landscape!

Looking back at 2022 | CC Podcast S3 E11 Dec 31, 2022

Annnnddd that's a wrap everyone! Thanks for the love and support throughout 2022. Happy New Year!

Peptides Decoded! | CC Podcast Season 3 Episode 10 Dec 05, 2022

This episode is all about peptides! We're so excited to announce that this episode is sponsored by our friends at Croda. Who better to get the inside scoop on peptide science than the creators of perhaps the most famous skincare peptide Matrixyl?

🎄🎄 ps. Use code CCPODCAST to get 20% off on our website! Thank you podcast friends! 🎄🎄

Gimmick or Not? Oh the skincare trends of the interwebs | CC Podcast S3 EP9 Oct 07, 2022

Gimmick or Not? Oh the skincare trends of the interwebs | CC Podcast S3 EP9

Cleanser science and how to choose the right one for you! | CC Podcast S3 EP8 Aug 21, 2022

It suddenly hit us that we haven't done a cleanser episode in a long long time. So let's take a closer look at popular cleanser questions such as "is over washing bad for you?" "can cleansers be moisturizing" etc.

Oh. And let's decode a few new celebrity launches.

2022 Things you may not know about sunscreens | CC Podcast S3 EP 7 Jul 21, 2022

There are just so much to talk about for sunscreens! Let's talk application quirks, different sunscreen "formats", sunscreen absorption, expiration dates, and how to store sunscreen.

Oh! And let's talk about La Roche Posay's new UVMune 400 technology.

Cosmetics & the Environment | CC Podcast S3 EP 6 Jun 09, 2022

Sustainability is such an important topic for our generation... but it's also very complicated. In this episode, chemists Gloria and Victoria cover an overview of different facets of sustainability issues that the beauty industry faces - from ingredient sourcing, to manufacturing footprints, and packaging. It's not an easy topic with no clear solutions, but still important to have a status update for everyone!

2022 A Sunscreen Primer for the Warmer Months | CC Podcast S3 EP5 May 05, 2022

It's getting warmer out finally! So let's revisit sunscreens. Before diving into any sort of new science, new launches, new testing - let's make sure we all of our sunscreen fundamentals down pat! What do SPF values really mean? Is higher better? What's up with the "PA++" notations we see on packaging? Should I decode that ingredient list?

2022 Antioxidants Update | CC Podcast S3 EP 4 Apr 12, 2022

In episode 4 of 2022, the chemists, Gloria & Victoria, decided that it's time to revisit antioxidants. It's a vast and messy world! So how are antioxidants tested in skincare? And why are we STILL talking about vitamin C? They checkout new launches, talk salad skincare claims, and put the spotlight on the fashionistas of the ocean, crabs.

Scrap meat! What’s up with azelaic acid derivatives and encapsulation? | CC Podcast S3 EP 3 Mar 16, 2022

In episode 23 of 2022, chemists Gloria & Victoria dive into important topics that don't quite fill out a whole episode - what is up with azelaic acid derivatives and encapsulation?

Bakuchiol! Actual science behind this ”gentle retinol alternative”? | CC Podcast S3 EP2 Feb 24, 2022

Sorry we were a bit late this week!

In episode 2 of 2022, chemists Gloria & Victoria takes a closer look at the ever so popular gentle, plant-based retinol alternative bakuchiol. So is there actually any science behind this molecule? Who can benefit the most from bakuchiol? Check out this episode!

Kicking off 2022! New year, new skincare routine!| CC Podcast S3 EP 1 Feb 03, 2022

Okay... we're a little late... but happy new year everyone! With the new year of course, it means we have to revisit skincare routine building fundamentals. So check out this episode if you're thinking of tweaking (or nuking) your routine... and learn what counts as a beautiful camel!

#31: 2021 Year End Episode! AHA Review & Winter Kits Dec 24, 2021

We made it through 2021! In this episode, Gloria & Victoria celebrate the year-end with old fashioned in hand. This episode was all about an update to the chemists' favorite chemical exfoliants and how to shop for them, celebrating fellow entrepreneur friends, re-living some favorite 2021 moments, and ... termite love life?!

#30: Eye Creams & Our New DOUBLE PLAY Dec 03, 2021

You probably have a few questions about eye creams. Well so do we! The chemists, Gloria & Victoria, discuss eye creams, if they're actually helpful, and if there's any data behind eye cream ingredients! We also had a mini celebration for a new launch that's been 2 years in the making -- Double Play! Cheers guys!

#29: Moisturizers & Dry Skin Oct 29, 2021

Colder weather means all our focus turns to wrangling in dry skin. In this episode, Gloria & Victoria, discuss why keeping skin moisturized should be the first thing to figure out before tackling the other skin concerns and how to build your moisturizer strategy. See ya dry patches!

#28: Time to tackle that hyperpigmentation Oct 01, 2021

It's hard to believe that cooler weather is already upon us! Fall is a fantastic time to ramp up your actives game and tackle that pesky hyperpigmentation

#27 Part 2: Acne & Their Scars Sep 08, 2021

It's time for an Acne Update! This time the skincare chemists, Gloria & Victoria, are focusing on products for all things acne and acne scarring. In part 2, they take a closer look at acne scars - how they develop, how to prevent them, and what are some effective treatments.

#27 Part 1: Acne & Their Scars Aug 26, 2021

It's time for an Acne Update! This time the skincare chemists, Gloria & Victoria, are focusing on products for all things acne and acne scarring. In part 1, they discuss their breakdown of top non-prescription ingredients & secondary support ingredients, plus go through some cult favorite formats such as toners, cleansers, masks, etc.

#26: Did someone say sebum? All about oily skin Aug 09, 2021

Do you worry about the dreaded midday shine? This episode is for you!

In this episode dedicated to oily skin, chemists Victoria & Gloria talk about the biology of oily skin, why it's not all bad news, and some products and ingredients that target those overly productive sebaceous glands.

#25: Sunscreens Pt. 2 Jul 20, 2021

It's finally here! In this episode, skincare chemists Gloria and Victoria, touch on all the rest that comes with sunscreens. They talk about the four areas of controversy: sunscreens in your bloodstream, the impact on coral reef, questionable SPF values, and the latest benzene drama. Hopefully, this gives you an insider's perspective on all the questions and concerns on sunscreens and where we are in all the research. At the end of the day, let's keep on sunscreening!

#24: Cl-Cl-Cl-Cleansers Jul 06, 2021

In this episode, skincare chemists Gloria and Victoria finally get around to answering everyone's cleanser questions. They talk about the difficulties of testing cleanser efficacy, active ingredients in cleansers, AHA BHA cleansers, and... the California condor? Thanks to everyone who asked us cleanser questions on Instagram!

#23: The Other Antioxidants Over Wine Jun 17, 2021

In this episode, skincare chemists, Gloria and Victoria, have their annual rant about the antioxidant skincare category over some fancy glasses of wine. They talk about the difficulties of actually proving an ingredient to be a true antioxidant and the world of non-vitamin C antioxidants. It's the good, the bad, the unknown, and the Adelie Penguin!

#22: Let's Hack Your Summer Routine May 27, 2021

In this episode, skincare chemists, Gloria and Victoria, talk about modifying skincare routines for warmer weather and a lot more sunshine. They look at moisturizers, what actives to include, maybe some actives to put on summer break, and...thermal aging?

#21:2021 Sunscreen Trends! May 04, 2021

In this episode, skincare chemists Gloria and Victoria chat about all the new sun protection products on their radar over some sake. Hybrid vitamin C sunscreens, mineral sunscreens, and even... oral supplements?!

**Gloria made a mistake in this episode. Synthetic carmine is a Unilever patented technology not P&G's

#20: The Troublesome World of Botanicals Apr 18, 2021

There... are... just... so... many... extracts. In this episode, chemists Gloria and Victoria talk about why plant-y ingredients are hard to talk about over a few cans of Kirin Ichiban. They cover some of their favorite botanicals with surprisingly interesting clinical studies, and trendy ingredients such as grape and green tea!

#19: An Acne Update Mar 29, 2021

It's high time the chemists, Gloria & Victoria, gave a quick acne update! Are we any closer to solving acne for good? Over some hot toddy concoctions, they discuss OTC topicals, if diet plays a part, and things to keep in mind in an acne-fighting skincare routine.

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