Chemist Confessions

By Chemist Confessions Inc.

Skincare chemists Gloria & Victoria’s weekly conversation on all things skincare science.
The podcast covers notable skincare news, decoding outrageous claims, demystifying the overwhelming pro... more

4.5

109109 ratings

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FAQs about Chemist Confessions:

How many episodes does Chemist Confessions have?

The podcast currently has 167 episodes available.

Chemist Confessions episodes:

February 19, 2026 #165: We are finally talking about this ingredient: GLUTATHIONE!
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 temperature matter
06:18 | Half-life study: How quickly does it degrade in your products?
08:12 | Gold Standard Age Booster: Tactical hyperpigmentation tool
08:40 | Does it actually work? Reviewing topical clinical studies
12:35 | Study Deep Dive: 0.5% GSH vs. placebo on Indonesian women
17:36 | Oxidized Glutathione (GSSG): Is a more stable version better?

Product Shoutout: Double Play Retinol Face and Eye Treatment:
https://chemistconfessions.com/products/double-play-retinol-face-eye-treatment
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
...more
35min
February 12, 2026 #164) The Drugstore Level Alpha Arbutin Landscape
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 Beauty of Joseon Serum a Moisturizer?
06:01 | Chemist Notes: Breaking Down the Cosrx Formula
06:57 | Analyzing Clinical Claims: Inner and Outer Melanin?
09:57 | Instrumental Measurements: Reducing Dark Spots
13:01 | Deep Dive: Beauty of Joseon Ingredients
14:56 | The Truth About "Pregnancy Safe" Marketing
16:25 | The Ordinary & Naturium: Simple Serum Breakdown
Product Shoutout: Double Play Retinol Face and Eye Treatment:
https://chemistconfessions.com/products/double-play-retinol-face-eye-treatment
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
...more
30min
February 05, 2026 #163 ) The Science of Arbutin: Does It Actually Clear Dark Spots?
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://chemistconfessions.com/products/double-play-retinol-face-eye-treatment
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
...more
40min
January 28, 2026 #162 ) Testing 3 Popular K-Beauty Azelaic Acid Serums
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 routine.
00:00 | Introducing K-Beauty Azelaic Acid Contenders
00:02 | The "Ouch" Factor: Testing medicube’s Needle Technology
00:04 | Sensation vs. Science: Do Spicules Improve Penetration?
00:05 | Texture Breakdown: Puridose Oil Droplets vs. Anua Watery Serum
00:08 | Decoding Ingredient Lists: Tea Tree Oil vs. Leaf Water
00:13 | Analyzing Anua’s Clinical Studies for Redness Reduction
00:18 | Is 4-Week Acne Testing Actually Meaningful?
00:23 | Bacterial Exosomes and the Future of Skincare Sourcing
00:29 | Chemist Corner: The Difficulty of Azelaic Acid Solubility
00:32 | Final Verdict: Choosing Suspensions vs. Soluble Formulas
...more
39min
January 19, 2026 @161) Is Azelaic Acid Better Than Hydroquinone?
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
18:30 | Patient Compliance: The 16-Week Milestone
22:15 | Why Visual Improvements Take Time
27:00 | Analyzing Study Abstracts vs. Full Data
31:10 | Dual Therapy Overkill: 5% Concentration Discussion
31:50 | Motivation and Routine Consistency for Results
Product Shoutout:
Double Play Retinol
https://chemistconfessions.com/products/double-play-retinol-face-eye-treatment
Enrichment Content:
Chemists’ Guide to Choosing an Exfoliating Toner
https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/how-to-choose-the-right-exfoliating-toner-for-your-skin
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

...more
33min
November 26, 2025 #160) We tested 103 products in 2025
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!
Timestamps:
00:00 | Welcome to Chemist Confessions Podcast & Year-End Review
01:07 | How Many Skincare Products Did We Test in 2025? (103 products!)
03:55 | Favorite Skincare Product Categories We Tested This Year
07:27 | What is Our Least Favorite Skincare Product Category?
10:07 | Why is K-Beauty C-Fu Dupe Testing Boring?
12:21 | Most Surprising Skincare Category: Cleansing Oils & Hypochlorite Acid
18:11 | Best Product of the Year: Banana Boat Light As Air Sunscreen Review
21:48 | Worst Product of the Year: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Sunscreen Pill Test
25:54 | Most Surprising Product: What is A0X or 2X Intense?
28:17 | Are Cushion Foundations Good Sunscreens? Tarte Cushion Review
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
...more
34min
November 19, 2025 #159) Occlusive Balms Head-to-Head! | Chemist Confessions Podcast
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 Chemist Confessions Podcast!
00:37 | What is an occlusive balm and why does petrolatum matter?
01:09 | Vaseline vs Aquaphor: Price and ingredient breakdown
03:25 | How does Vaseline’s texture change with application amount?
06:01 | Is Aquaphor better than Vaseline for lips and transfer resistance?
07:55 | Why is CeraVe Healing Ointment less shiny than other balms?
11:31 | How do dry vs oily skin types react to occlusive balms?
14:47 | Why does Vaseline have a drug facts label?
16:07 | Should you avoid complex balm formulas for compromised skin?
23:07 | Are occlusive balms temperature sensitive? Storage tips for warmer climates
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
...more
28min
November 12, 2025 #158) Why is BEEF TALLOW in skincare?
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 Science Behind the Fat
03:22 | Melting Point Breakdown: Beef Tallow vs Human Sebum
05:47 | How Extraction Methods Affect Skincare Ingredient Quality
09:37 | What Do Saponification and Iodine Values Mean for Skin?
20:25 | Does Beef Tallow Have Any Proven Skin Benefits?
37:18 | What Happened When I Put Beef Tallow on My Face?
40:56 | Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, or Beef Tallow — What’s Best for Dry 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
...more
43min
November 03, 2025 #157) Ceramides in products! | Chemist Confessions Podcast
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
...more
48min
October 21, 2025 #156) EAST VS WEST! 10 Barrier Creams Reviewed & Ranked!
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
02:44 | How much do Barrier Creams cost? Price Buckets
03:51 | What are the different Barrier Cream textures for dry and oily skin?
09:25 | Moisturizer Residue: How long does the cream's finish last?
16:22 | Pilling Potential: Which barrier creams are prone to pilling?
18:15 | How do chemists evaluate a barrier cream? Key ingredients
18:52 | Heavy-handed vs. Lightweight Occlusives in Barrier Creams
21:20 | Glycerin and Humectants in Barrier Creams: What position matters?
25:38 | Clinical Highlights: Dieux, Dr. Jart, and Aestura claims explained
31:17 | Barrier Cream Recommendations for Suffering vs. Healthy 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
...more
38min

FAQs about Chemist Confessions:

How many episodes does Chemist Confessions have?

The podcast currently has 167 episodes available.

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