Chemist Confessions

Latest Episodes:

#170) WE ARE ENDING THIS! Hyperpigmentation Finale! Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

We are taking a break from hyperpigmentation actives! In this finale, we tie together months of research to help you build the ultimate hyperpigmentation skincare routine.
We rank the actives from our last 10 episodes—including Hydroquinone, Azelaic acid, Arbutin, Glutathione, Thiamodol, Symwhite, etc. —from S-Tier (Gold Standard) to Tier “Meh.” We also filter through the 18 products we tested down to the ones we think should be on your radar and warn you about "Niacinamide Overload."

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro: Our Hyperpigmentation Journey Recap
1:34 - How to Build a Hyperpigmentation Routine Framework
3:37 - S-Tier Actives: The Most Effective Brightening Ingredients
5:44 - A-Tier: Reliable, Well-Tested Actives for Dark Spots
7:12 - B-Tier: Decent but with some caveats
10:23 - C-Tier & "Meh"
14:17 - Top Product Recommendations: which ones should you actually try?
21:07 - The Niacinamide Math: Avoid Potential Skin Irritation from Overlayering
Product Links
LA ROCHE-POSAY | Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide: https://go.shopmy.us/p-47880551 (use code: CHEMISTCONFESSIONS10 for 10% off)
EUCERIN | Radiant Tone Dual Serum Dark Spot Corrector: https://go.shopmy.us/p-47881019
ULTA | The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-49134844
ANUA | Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-49134854
PAULA'S CHOICE | 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-49134896
Numbuzin Glutahione TXA Advanced Dark Spot Ampoule Concentrate: https://go.shopmy.us/p-49134975

Shop more of my favorite products here: https://shopmy.us/chemistconfessions

#169) Reviewing Resorcinol stuff! Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

CHECK OUT DOUBLE PLAY!: https://chemistconfessions.com/products/double-play-retinol-face-eye-treatment

We follow up our deep dive into resorcinols by featuring five specific products that highlight these key ingredients for hyperpigmentation!

Do We Absorb Sunscreen Filters into Our Bloodstreams? https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/controversy-corner-do-we-absorb-sunscreen-filters-into-our-bloodstreams

Follow us: IG: / chemist.confessions INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfes...

Skincare questions for the podcast? Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack

#168) Resorcinol Part 2! Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

CHECK OUT DOUBLE PLAY!: https://chemistconfessions.com/products/double-play-retinol-face-eye-treatment

We are wrapping up our hyperpigmentation series by diving into the science of resorcinol and its various derivatives. We explore the history of this "ancient" molecule, its uses in treatments like designer peels and acne prescriptions, and why the industry has shifted toward modern derivatives to avoid skin irritation.

00:21 | Part 2: Continuing our Resorcinol Series
00:35 | What is Hexylresorcinol?
00:49 | Hexylresorcinol vs. 2% Hydroquinone: The Study Breakdown
01:07 | Testing Parameters: 1% Hexylresorcinol Concentration
01:37 | Analyzing the Results: Expert Grading and Data
01:53 | 12-Week Results: Significant Improvements in Pigmentation
02:03 | Comparing Performance to Hydroquinone
25:22 | Major Formulation Challenges with Resorcinols
25:33 | Conclusion and What’s Coming Next

Do We Absorb Sunscreen Filters into Our Bloodstreams? https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/controversy-corner-do-we-absorb-sunscreen-filters-into-our-bloodstreams

Follow us: IG: / chemist.confessions INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfes...

Skincare questions for the podcast? Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack

#167) Resorcinol! (But really its cousins) Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

CHECK OUT DOUBLE PLAY!: https://chemistconfessions.com/products/double-play-retinol-face-eye-treatment

01:28 | What is resorcinol?
01:50 | Resorcinol in acne treatments and designer peels
02:13 | Why is resorcinol used in hair dyes?
02:33 | The shift toward resorcinol derivatives for skin safety
02:54 | EU SCC regulations on resorcinol concentrations
22:30 | Hyperpigmentation serum scenarios and skin discomfort
23:05 | Preview: Hexylresorcinol and Diamond Oil

Do We Absorb Sunscreen Filters into Our Bloodstreams? https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/controversy-corner-do-we-absorb-sunscreen-filters-into-our-bloodstreams

Follow us: IG: / chemist.confessions INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfes...

Skincare questions for the podcast? Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack

#166) Reviewing 5 Glutathione Products! Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

We are back for a follow-up to our glutathione deep dive! We review five specific glutathione-heavy products, four from the K-beauty world and one popular Amazon find, to see if they truly deliver on their antioxidant and brightening claims.

00:00 | Intro: Hashtags & antioxidant claims
00:24 | Welcome back to Chemist Confessions Podcast
00:30 | Glutathione deep dive follow-up
00:56 | Product lineup: 4 K-beauty + 1 Paula’s Choice
02:05 | Price points & supply differences
03:40 | Texture notes: neutral, not hydrating
05:03 | Fragrance issues & masking glutathione scent
06:05 | Stability concerns & 2-week shelf life
07:23 | Paula’s Choice texture & film discussion
08:25 | The infamous “eggy with undertone of death” scent
10:16 | Clinical claims & before/after photos skepticism
12:04 | Niacinamide + tranexamic acid doing the heavy lifting
17:57 | Tulsa Wound serum: 2% glutathione, suspicious photos
21:03 | Abib serum: percentages, encapsulation, and clinical data

Product Shoutout: Double Play Retinol Face and Eye Treatment:
https://chemistconfessions.com/products/double-play-retinol-face-eye-treatment

Enrichment Content: Sunscreen Layering Guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ0Dlb0WXvc

Do We Absorb Sunscreen Filters into Our Bloodstreams? https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/controversy-corner-do-we-absorb-sunscreen-filters-into-our-bloodstreams

Follow us: IG: / chemist.confessions INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfes...

Skincare questions for the podcast? Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack

#165: We are finally talking about this ingredient: GLUTATHIONE! Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

WE HEARD YOU! We explore the science behind one of the most requested and hyped ingredients skincare sector: glutathione. We break down what this "master antioxidant" actually is.

01:25 | What is Glutathione? Breaking down the tri-peptide
01:54 | Why is it called the "Master Antioxidant"?
02:43 | Mechanisms: Tyrosinase inhibition and skin whitening
03:16 | The Stability Struggle: Why pH and temperature matter
06:18 | Half-life study: How quickly does it degrade in your products?
08:12 | Gold Standard Age Booster: Tactical hyperpigmentation tool
08:40 | Does it actually work? Reviewing topical clinical studies
12:35 | Study Deep Dive: 0.5% GSH vs. placebo on Indonesian women
17:36 | Oxidized Glutathione (GSSG): Is a more stable version better?

Product Shoutout: Double Play Retinol Face and Eye Treatment:
https://chemistconfessions.com/products/double-play-retinol-face-eye-treatment

Enrichment Content: Sunscreen Layering Guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ0Dlb0WXvc

Do We Absorb Sunscreen Filters into Our Bloodstreams? https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/controversy-corner-do-we-absorb-sunscreen-filters-into-our-bloodstreams

Follow us: IG: / chemist.confessions INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfes...

Skincare questions for the podcast? Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack

#164) The Drugstore Level Alpha Arbutin Landscape Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

We explore the science of skincare as we review five affordable, drugstore-priced arbutin products. In this episode, we break down everything from texture and clinical claims and ingredient lists of popular brands to help you find the right formula for your skin.

TIMESTAMPS:
01:27 | Texture Analysis: Why is Arbutin so Sticky?
03:01 | Texture Face-Off: Oily vs. Dry Skin Reactions
04:48 | Is the Beauty of Joseon Serum a Moisturizer?
06:01 | Chemist Notes: Breaking Down the Cosrx Formula
06:57 | Analyzing Clinical Claims: Inner and Outer Melanin?
09:57 | Instrumental Measurements: Reducing Dark Spots
13:01 | Deep Dive: Beauty of Joseon Ingredients
14:56 | The Truth About "Pregnancy Safe" Marketing
16:25 | The Ordinary & Naturium: Simple Serum Breakdown

Product Shoutout: Double Play Retinol Face and Eye Treatment:
https://chemistconfessions.com/products/double-play-retinol-face-eye-treatment

Enrichment Content: Sunscreen Layering Guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ0Dlb0WXvc

Do We Absorb Sunscreen Filters into Our Bloodstreams? https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/controversy-corner-do-we-absorb-sunscreen-filters-into-our-bloodstreams

Follow us: IG: / chemist.confessions INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfes...

Skincare questions for the podcast? Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack

#163 ) The Science of Arbutin: Does It Actually Clear Dark Spots? Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

We are diving deep into the science of skincare to explore the role of Arbutin in treating hyperpigmentation. In this human conversation, we break down what exactly Arbutin is, analyze the existing data on its efficacy, and provide a comprehensive guide on what you should consider when shopping for these products.

Product Shoutout: Double Play Retinol Face and Eye Treatment:
https://chemistconfessions.com/products/double-play-retinol-face-eye-treatment

Enrichment Content: Sunscreen Layering Guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ0Dlb0WXvc

Do We Absorb Sunscreen Filters into Our Bloodstreams? https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/controversy-corner-do-we-absorb-sunscreen-filters-into-our-bloodstreams

Follow us: IG: / chemist.confessions INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfes...

Skincare questions for the podcast? Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack

#162 ) Testing 3 Popular K-Beauty Azelaic Acid Serums Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of K-beauty azelaic acid products. We explore the science behind three popular contenders—Anua, Purito, and medicube—while decoding their ingredient lists, analyzing clinical testing data, and discussing the tricky chemistry of azelaic acid solubility. We provide a chemist’s perspective on how to choose the right formula for your skincare routine.

00:00 | Introducing K-Beauty Azelaic Acid Contenders
00:02 | The "Ouch" Factor: Testing medicube’s Needle Technology
00:04 | Sensation vs. Science: Do Spicules Improve Penetration?
00:05 | Texture Breakdown: Puridose Oil Droplets vs. Anua Watery Serum
00:08 | Decoding Ingredient Lists: Tea Tree Oil vs. Leaf Water
00:13 | Analyzing Anua’s Clinical Studies for Redness Reduction
00:18 | Is 4-Week Acne Testing Actually Meaningful?
00:23 | Bacterial Exosomes and the Future of Skincare Sourcing
00:29 | Chemist Corner: The Difficulty of Azelaic Acid Solubility
00:32 | Final Verdict: Choosing Suspensions vs. Soluble Formulas

@161) Is Azelaic Acid Better Than Hydroquinone? Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

This week, we're starting our series on hyperpigmentation answering one of the most common questions many of us will encounter which is, "Is azelaic acid better than hydroquinone for my hyperpigmentation

00:00 | Introduction: 2026 Skincare Kickoff
03:45 | Investigating the PNAS Combination Study
08:12 | Deep Dive: Azelaic Acid vs. Hydroquinone
12:50 | The Challenge of Finding Full Research Papers
18:30 | Patient Compliance: The 16-Week Milestone
22:15 | Why Visual Improvements Take Time
27:00 | Analyzing Study Abstracts vs. Full Data
31:10 | Dual Therapy Overkill: 5% Concentration Discussion
31:50 | Motivation and Routine Consistency for Results

Product Shoutout:
Double Play Retinol
https://chemistconfessions.com/products/double-play-retinol-face-eye-treatment

Enrichment Content:
Chemists’ Guide to Choosing an Exfoliating Toner
https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/how-to-choose-the-right-exfoliating-toner-for-your-skin

Follow us:
IG: / chemist.confessions
INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfes...

Skincare questions for the podcast?
Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next

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