Chemist Confessions

Why popular over-the-counter ingredients might be falling short, how prescription options like low-dose tretinoin and spironolactone fit into the picture, and what a realistic, long-term management game plan looks like for aging, irritation-prone skin. Tune in to cut through the marketing noise and get the hard science on managing adult acne! 00:00 | HOT TAKE! 02:20 | The Four Biological Culprits...

We spent three years developing our own mask tech, and it’s finally here! Meet CryoGoo, our  lattice jelly peel-off mask, built to get around the material limits of traditional masks.   To celebrate, we are going down a mask tech rabbit hole with everyone. In this episode,we break down what a face mask actually needs to do: occlusion, hydration, and active delivery. Then we put fabric sheet masks,...

In this special episode, we're joined by Rita Silva, Acting Director of Scientific Communications at DECIEM, for a deep dive into the science behind The Ordinary's popular peptide serums. From Multi-Peptide and Matrixyl to Argireline and the latest plant-derived growth factors, we're getting into the formulation history, clinical research, and what these products can realistically do for your skin...

PLEASE NOTE: In this episode, the original Skinceuticals CE Ferulic formula with only 15% ascorbic acid, 1% tocopherol, and 0.5% ferulic acid was tested for this episode. We dive into part two of our vitamin C series by putting popular C E Ferulic dupes to the test. Before revealing our side-by-side stability results, we go through a very helpful study from Slovenia examining 41 finished vitamin C...

We dive into a science-heavy breakdown of vitamin C formulations, focusing on the recent updates to the gold-standard C E Ferulic serum. We explore the history of L-ascorbic acid efficacy studies dating back to the 1990s by Dr. Pinnell’s lab, highlighting the classic UV-induced erythema protocol used to validate antioxidant skin protection. Then, we analyze emerging clinical data around new CE Fer...

Check out Soko Glam: Check out our products: https://sokoglam.com/collections/chemist-confessions?_pos=1&_psq=chemist+confessions&_psid=080163648&_ss=e In celebrating our arrival on Soko Glam, we sat down with founder Charlotte Cho to dive deep into the real science, mechanics, and formulation realities behind K-Beauty. We break down the evolution of multi-step routines, the truths beh...

#sponsored We’re taking a deep dive into the science behind K-Beauty brand Dr. Reju-All!   In this sponsored episode, we've partnered with Dr. Reju-All, to share some of their testing behind the products: the Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Cream and their latest launch, the Advanced PDRN Copper Peptide Serum. We discuss their PDRN ingredient sourcing and why higher concentrations aren't always better—...

We’re cutting through the marketing fluff to decode five popular copper peptide serums! In this episode, we analyze the formulas, active ingredient combinations, and clinical data behind products from the Remedy, COSRX, Dr. Reju-All, The Ordinary, and Peach & Lily. We break down what these serums intend to treat, highlight potential formula overlap (like sneaky niacinamide and bakuchiol), and...

🧪 Is GHK-Cu Overrated? The Science of Copper Peptides Explained Are Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu) actual anti-aging powerhouses, or just smart marketing hype?   In this video, we dive deep into the 50-year scientific history of GHK-Cu, breaking down the exact biological pathways behind collagen and elastin synthesis. We analyze the physiological realities of peptide size, molecular weight, and the fam...

Description: We are tackling our top 10 sunscreen takeaways after four straight years of testing dozens of formulas in our 3430 series! From figuring out how much SPF you actually need to apply (and why we rating-split over the infamous Rich Area Hold Cream), we get into all the messy details. We also dive into eye-area stinging, why US mineral sunscreens hit differently, layering under makeup, ha...

WE ARE BACK! Our 30 for 30 sunscreen challenge continues by diving into the wild world of US chemical sunscreens! In this episode, we break down 13 different formulas—categorized by price point from budget-friendly drugstore finds to eye-watering luxury formulas.   TIMESTAMPS: 00:31 | US Chemical Sunscreens Overview 01:30 | Economical & Drugstore Sunscreens 05:11 | Neutrogena Sport Face SPF Re...

We are wrapping up the next leg of our #30for30 sunscreen challenge testing roundup! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of international sunscreens, putting five popular EU formulas and eight Asian sunscreens to the test. Plus, don't miss a hilarious, science-backed detour into the sophisticated culinary habits of cockatoos! Products Mentioned: • Avene Anti-Pigmentation Tinted Fluid http...

The #30for30 Sunscreen Challenge is back, and we are officially kicking off our deep dive! In this episode, we’re breaking down the US mineral sunscreens we put to the test. From "accidental" foundations and heavy-duty rub-ins to luxury formulas that claim to erase wrinkles, we’re giving you the unfiltered truth on what’s worth your cash and what you should pass on. Grab your SPF, and let's get in...

Sunscreen database: https://chemistconfessions.com/sunscreen Shop other products tested on the CC podcast here: https://shopmy.us/collections/4698294 Shop more of my favorite products here: https://shopmy.us/chemistconfessions   Instead of getting bogged down by marketing fluff, we dive deep into the real metrics of sunscreen performance: initial application speed, the science behind "watery break...

Sunscreen database: https://chemistconfessions.com/sunscreen Shop other products tested on the CC podcast here: https://shopmy.us/collections/4698294 Shop more of my favorite products here: https://shopmy.us/chemistconfessions   We are deep in sunscreen season, but unfortunately, it is also fear-mongering season. In this episode, we take a scientific look at prominent clean beauty advocacy voices...

Sunscreen database: https://chemistconfessions.com/sunscreen Shop other products tested on the CC podcast here: https://shopmy.us/collections/4698294 Shop more of my favorite products here: https://shopmy.us/chemistconfessions   We are starting of this series with tinted sunscreens. Navigating this category can feel like an existential crisis because these formulas are highly dependent on specific...

We are officially diving into the sunscreen segment to break down a burning, highly technical question for anyone tackling stubborn dark spots: is iron oxide a non-negotiable must-have for your hyperpigmentation routine?   Sunscreen database: https://chemistconfessions.com/sunscreen Shop other products tested on the CC podcast here: https://shopmy.us/collections/4698294 Shop more of my favorite pr...

We are reviewing five popular K-Beauty products to see if they actually live up to the hype. We break down the science behind different PDRN sources, explore the "50 peptides" marketing claims, and analyze clinical data to separate realistic skin improvements from clever lighting tricks. You will learn how these products perform on different skin types—from "sticky and drying" textures to clinical...

We take an objective look at two polar opposite formulas—a $20 "junior" product and a $250 luxury serum—to see if the high science matches the high price tag. We break down the mysteries of sourcing, discuss why your 1% active might not be what it seems, and share our honest (and sometimes smelly) trial experiences. Whether you’re looking for genuine rejuvenation or just want to avoid lighting $50...

Chemist Confessions Minis! https://chemistconfessions.com/shop/kits&minis We're pickup where we left off with another science update episode! Today, we're diving into another buzzy ingredient in the "longevity" space: PDRN. In this episode, we go beyond the "salmon sperm" headlines to investigate the latest science update on plant-derived PDRN from peony & rose, discuss the potential impac...

Exosome is that $500 buzzword that's not going anywhere anytime soon. The claims have only gotten broader from healing, skin regeneration, eczema, anti-aging, to even alopecia. In this episode, we provide an update on any new data since our last deep dive last year. We discuss how these tiny lipid nanovesicles—ranging from 30 to 200 nanometers—function as "biological mail" that triggers collagen s...

In this episode, we are diving deep into the retinal (retinaldehyde) landscape to see how current market offerings stack up. Following our technical breakdown of retinol versus retinal, we shift our focus to real-world testing of popular formulations from Krave Beauty, Prequel, Celimax, and Medik8. We examine the scientific validity of concentration ranges—from the entry-level 0.05% to the more in...

We are diving back into the "rumor mill" of the retinoid world! Is Retinal actually better than Retinol, or is it just better marketing? In this episode, we revisit the Retinol vs. Retinal debate with new 2026 data. We break down what the evidence says about the retinoid conversion pathway into retinoic acid. We look at the latest clinical evidence to help you decide if it’s time to switch your an...

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 dow...

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-bloodst...