Chemist Confessions

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...

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...

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 l...

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 tem...

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 Be...

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://chemistcon...

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 routin...

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...

The Chemist Confessions podcast year-end review is here! We blitz through the 103 skincare products tested in 2025! We reveal our favorite and least favorite categories, discuss surprising finds like Hypochlorite Acid, and give our honest takes on individual products, including the Banana Boat Light as Air Sunscreen and the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Sunscreen, and of course, Animal Corner! Timestam...

We did a product head-to-head comparing occlusive balms, all with a petrolatum base! Following our beef tallow deep dive, we are breaking down the texture, transfer, price, and complex chemist notes of Vaseline, Aquaphor, CeraVe, Prequel, and our own Bon Voyage. Which formula is best for sensitive, compromised, dry, or oily skin, and why a simple formula isn't always best! 00:00 | Welcome to Chemi...

This week, we tackle one of the most requested ingredients: Beef Tallow in skincare. We break down the science, compare its characteristics to other popular ingredients like shea butter, and look at the actual topical studies (or lack thereof). 00:00 | What Is Beef Tallow and Why Is It in Skincare? 00:43 | Is Beef Tallow Really Similar to Human Skin Lipids? 02:09 | How Beef Tallow Is Made: The Sci...

We dive deep into the complicated science of ceramides (NP, AP, EOP) in your barrier creams, explaining the complex nomenclature and how different ceramide types function in the skin. We compare the ceramide blends found in 10 popular moisturizers and reveal the winning factors to look for when you're shopping: known percentages and clinical testing. Plus, we explore supporting ingredients like Me...

We review 10 popular East and West barrier creams from Aestura, Dr. Jart, Dieux, Skinceuticals, La Roche Posay, and more. We break down everything from texture and finish for different skin types to occlusives like petrolatum and dimethicone, humectants like glycerin, and clinical claims. We also look at which creams are best for "suffering" vs. generally healthy skin 00:00 | 10 Barrier Creams: Ea...

We put three 10% OTC sulfur products to the test! Kate Somerville, the Ordinary, Vichy, and De La Cruz Lab have four completely different takes on sulfur. The chemists discuss which product is the best to use as an acne spot treat!   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   P...

In paid partnership with VT! VT has given us insider access to the R&D behind their viral Reedle Skincare. In thanks to our community’s curiosity, they’ve decided to share the research behind their reedles, what makes them special, and all the testing they’ve done behind this product line. The chemists also share their experience and recommendation using this uniquely prickly but soothing? Kbe...

We take a deep dive into the science behind Sulfur, a very old and historically prevalent ingredient for acne. We discuss its nonmetal clay origins and characteristic scent, often described as rotten eggs , or like "if a clay farted". The episode covers its classification as an OTC acne ingredient , its proposed catalytic and oil-absorbing mechanisms , and the challenges in its topical formulation...

Everyone at some point in their lives will experience skin irritation. From overeager retinoid use to skin deciding to do a complete 180° just because. When skin is angry, troubleshooting your routine can start to feel stressful and overwhelming . The chemists review why skin reacts the way it does and best practices on how to appease unhappy skin and recalibrate back to your original healthy skin...

We put popular hypochlorous acid sprays to the test! Tower 28, Prequel, and Magic Molecule. Do they live up to the hype for acne, redness, and barrier support? Here’s the chemists’ breakdown. 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](https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514) Rec...

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

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 Slat...

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/...

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...

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 tha...

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?)...

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...