Chemist Confessions

Latest Episodes:

#150) Hypochlorous Acid Explained | Chemist Confessions Podcast Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

Hypochlorous acid is the trending skincare ingredient for acne, eczema, and irritated skin...... but does it really work?

Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season
a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.
https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514

#149) THD Products Texture Discussion | Chemist Confessions Podcast Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

From $20 drugstore finds to $185 luxury formulas, We break down Vitamin C skincare products, textures, and ingredient lists to help you choose what really works for hyperpigmentation, hydration, and beyond.

Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season
*a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.
https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514

Product Shoutout:
Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser

Enrichment Content:
EP144: Is 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid a worthy vitamin C derivative?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9wfbFIUIJg

From the Blog: Which Vitamin C Derivative is Best for My Skin
https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/which-vitamin-c-derivative-is-the-best-for-my-skin

Follow us:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/chemist.confessions/?hl=en
INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfessions?lang=en

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

#148) Is THD Ascorbate a worthy Vitamin C derivative? Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

Is tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (aka. THD ascorbate) a more stable, more exciting form of vitamin C, or just another quirky chemical cousin? We unpack the science, separate facts from marketing fluff, and reveal what this ingredient really does for your skin.

Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season
*a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.
https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514

Product Shoutout:
Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser

Enrichment Content:
EP144: Is 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid a worthy vitamin C derivative?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9wfbFIUIJg

From the Blog: Which Vitamin C Derivative is Best for My Skin
https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/which-vitamin-c-derivative-is-the-best-for-my-skin

Follow us:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/chemist.confessions/?hl=en
INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfessions?lang=en

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

#147) Shopping for Sunscreens in 2025! | Chemist Confessions Podcast Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

It’s the last sunscreen episode of 2025 (we promise!). The chemists have been mulling over all of the recent sunscreen drama. Ultimately, they’ve decided that the most constructive way to address everyone’s concerns is to walk everyone through how to properly shop for sunscreens in 2025. In this guided tour of sunscreens, they will also address concerns on SPF boosters and even how to process the concerning results published by Choice.

00:20 | Chemist Confessions Podcast: Addressing the Sunscreen Drama
01:00 | How to Shop for Sunscreen
01:49 | Method to Shop for Sunscreen: Addressing Concerns and Finding Confidence
02:29 | Starting Point: Chemical Fluid or Lotion Formulas
03:17 | Asian or EU Sunscreens (Chemical)
05:29 | Why are US Sunscreens Different? (Texture Discussion)
07:41 | When to Choose Mineral Sunscreens (Acne, Irritation, Sensitivity)
08:40 | Mineral Sunscreen Controversy: Are "Mineral" Sunscreens Truly Mineral?
09:58 | Understanding UV Boosters in Sunscreen Formulas
12:01 | Quirky Traits of Mineral Sunscreens: White Cast and Powdery Formulas

30 for 30 Sunscreen Challenge Compiled Summary
*a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.
https://shopmy.us/collections/1766357

Other products discussed this 2025 Podcast Season
https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514

Product Shoutout:
Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser
https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser

Enrichment Content:
Can You Layer Foundation With Sunscreen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ0Dlb0WXvc&t=1356s

Chemists’ Complete Sunscreen Review Guide
https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/how-to-best-use-cleansers

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

#146) 100 Days of Double Cleansing Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

Victoria recently decided to commit to 100 days of double cleansing on her oily, acne-prone skin. In those 100 days, she tests 10 cleansing oils and 10 gel cleansers. They discuss their likes, dislikes, and surprise discoveries amongst these formulas. Ultimately, the chemists’ goal in this experiment is to answer the question, “Should you be double cleansing every day?” Additionally, they hope that in this experiment they can help pinpoint what traits to look for in a good oil cleanser and gel cleanser. Enjoy!

Products Enjoyed in the 100 Days of Double Cleansing Journey

*a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.

https://shopmy.us/collections/1942385

Other products discussed this 2025 Podcast Season

https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514

Product Shoutout:

Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser

https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser

Enrichment Content:

Chemists’ Review 5 Kbeauty Cleansing Oils

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WiF-LYh1no&t=380s

Chemists’ Double Cleansing Guide

https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/how-to-best-use-cleansers

IG: / chemist.confessions

INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfes…

#145) 5 Ethyl Ascorbic Acid Products Compared Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we put five popular vitamin C serums featuring 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid to the test: Beauty of Joseon Light on Serum, Elf C+E+Feruic Acid Serum, Olay Vitamin C Brightening Serum, Innisfree Green Tean Enzyme Vitamin C, and Numbuz:n 5+. This is a wild category of products. Unlike the CE Ferulic dupes, the range is far and wide in between! From texture critiques (why so sticky, Elf?) to actives breakdown, we decode the labels and share which formulas we’d choose — and which ones barely count as a vitamin C serum at all.

Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season
*a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.
https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514

Product Shoutout:
Mr. Reliable Moisturizer with 3% Ceramide Complex
https://chemistconfessions.com/products/mr-reliable-lightweight-moisturizer

Enrichment Content:
EP144: Is 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid a worthy vitamin C derivative?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9wfbFIUIJg

From the Blog: Which Vitamin C Derivative is Best for My Skin
https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/which-vitamin-c-derivative-is-the-best-for-my-skin

Follow us:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/chemist.confessions/
INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfessions?lang=en
Skincare questions for the podcast?
Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack

#144) Is 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid a worthy vitamin C derivative Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

Is 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid truly a gentler, more stable form of vitamin C, or just a shiny chemical cousin? We unpack the science, separate facts from marketing fluff, and reveal what this ingredient really does for your skin.

Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season
a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.
https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514

Recommended 30 for 30 Sunscreens 2025
a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.

https://shopmy.us/collections/1766357
Product Shoutout:

Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser
https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser

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

#143) 30 Sunscreens in 30 Days 2025 Pt.2! Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

In this extended 30 for 30 finale, we review 30 chemical sunscreens across drugstore, mid-tier, international, and luxury categories. breaking down textures, performance, pilling, greasy finishes, and even surprise standouts like Banana Boat Light as Air. Perfect for anyone struggling to find their next go-to SPF!

Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season
*a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.
https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514

Recommended 30 for 30 Sunscreens 2025
*a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.
https://shopmy.us/collections/1766357

Product Shoutout:
Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser
https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser

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

#142) 30 for 30 Sunscreen Challenge 2025 Pt.1 - Minerals Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

We’re back for our third year of the 30 for 30 sunscreen challenge where we test 30 sunscreens in 30 days. In part 1, we discuss the mineral sunscreens. This category is divided into mineral fluids and mineral lotions. We rate them from worst, meh, noteworthy, and best based on their texture and finish. Overall, we’ve found this category to be much improved! Let’s dive into our mineral sunscreen journey!

Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season

*a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.

https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514

Recommended 30 for 30 Sunscreens 2025

*a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.

https://shopmy.us/collections/1766357

Product Shoutout:

Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser

https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser

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

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

#141) Can You Layer Foundation with Sunscreen? Chemists’ Sunscreen Application Tips May 30, 2025

Show notes

One of the top questions we get on sunscreen is - I want to layer foundation with my sunscreen is that okay? What does it mean for the level of sun protection I’m getting? That’s a pretty complex question and thankfully - we have some great studies and recommendations to share.

*a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.
https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514

Product Shoutout:
Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser
https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser

Enrichment Content:
Do we Absorb Sunscreen Filters into Our Bloodstreams?
https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/controversy-corner-do-we-absorb-sunscreen-filters-into-our-bloodstreams
Chemists’ Ultimate Sunscreen Applicatin Guide
https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/chemists-ultimate-sunscreen-application-guide
Don’t just take it from us - check out other sources like AAD, PCPC, and IBA
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/is-sunscreen-safe

Resources Mentioned:

Interactions between different solar UVB/UVA filters contained in
commercial suncreams and consequent loss of UV protection
https://sci-hub.ru/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1039/b606768a

Only one quarter of sunscreens on store shelves are safe and effective, new report says
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/20/health/2025-safest-sunscreens-wellness

A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/phpp.12439

Understanding the causes of skincare product pilling
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/srt.13828

Interactions between different solar UVB/UVA filters contained in
commercial suncreams and consequent loss of UV protection
https://sci-hub.ru/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1039/b606768a

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