Chemist Confessions

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...

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...