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 Meadowfoam Estolide and Phytosphingosine, giving you a peek behind the curtain of how these popular moisturizers are formulated.

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  #skincarehacks

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: East vs. West Product Lineup 

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

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

Product Shoutout:

The Specialist: https://chemistconfessions.com/products/the-specialist-exfoliating-treatment

Enrichment Content:

EP153: OTC Sulfur for Acne is Kinda Weird!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cPB2eUtYpY&list=PLldQkxjc7bYnFkUtOw8Y07yCyBnaF4ddx&index=2

From the Blog: The Chemists’ Comprehensive Guide to Acne Pt. 1

https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/the-chemists-comprehensive-guide-to-acne-pt-1

00:00 | Sulfur Products Review: Which 10% Sulfur Acne Treatment is Best?

00:39 | What are the selection criteria for the 4 sulfur products?

01:22 | Price comparison of The Ordinary, Vichy, Kate Somerville, and De La Cruz sulfur products

02:48 | How does a dry-skin representative use a drying sulfur spot treatment?

03:38 | Which sulfur product has a classic drying, high absorption lotion texture?

04:00 | The problem with Kate Somerville's isopropyl alcohol-based drying lotion

06:30 | Ranking sulfur products by "rotten egg smell"—which one smells the most?

08:46 | Chemist Notes: Which oil-absorbing powders are in the sulfur formulas?

11:13 | Which sulfur products contain additional acne actives like Glycolic or Salicylic Acid?

14:11 | Is sulfur a long-term preventative acne ingredient or just a spot treat?

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Skincare questions for the podcast?

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

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? Kbeauty serum.

Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season

*A small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. (Thank you!)

https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/1280514

Enrichment Content:

EP 128: Our Deep Dive into Spicules (Non-paid/non-gifted)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acn8V6-4_Uk&t=61s

EP 129: VT’s Reedle Shot 50 vs. 100 (Non-paid/non-gifted)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-BwdlFYFU0&t=1s

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Skincare questions for the podcast?

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

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, such as particle size. We also look at old-school research, including a study on 10% Sulfur + 4% Niacinamide drying lotion , and offer realistic expectations: Sulfur is best used as a spot treatment for quick fixes, not for long-term overall breakout reduction

Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season

Recommended 30 for 30 Sunscreens 2025

Product Shoutout:

Enrichment Content:

Do We Absorb Sunscreen Filters into Our Bloodstreams?

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Skincare questions for the podcast?

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.

Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season

Product Shoutout:

Enrichment Content:

EP136: Can You Just Use Water to Cleanse Your Face?

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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

Recommended 30 for 30 Sunscreens 2025

Product Shoutout:

Enrichment Content:

Do We Absorb Sunscreen Filters into Our Bloodstreams?

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Skincare questions for the podcast?

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

Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season

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

Product Shoutout:

Enrichment Content:

From the Blog: Which Vitamin C Derivative is Best for My Skin

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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

Product Shoutout:

Enrichment Content:

From the Blog: Which Vitamin C Derivative is Best for My Skin

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Skincare questions for the podcast?