The Beauty Brains

By Discover the beauty and cosmetic products you should use and avoid

Arts Natural Sciences Fashion & Beauty

What's The Beauty Brains about?

Real scientists answer your beauty questions

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Cosmetic safety, at home ha...

06.27.2022

On today’s show Valerie and Perry answer questions about:Could Vegemite be a dupe for the Biologique Recherche favorite mask Vivant?Why does getting hair dyed in the salon take longer than at home?What’s a good treatment for Melasma?Have ingredients in cosmetics ...

The Beauty Brains episodes:

06.27.2022 Cosmetic safety, at home hair color, Vegemite facials and more - Episode 307 On today’s show Valerie and Perry answer questions about:Could Vegemite be a dupe for the Biologique Recherche favorite mask Vivant?Why does getting hair dyed in the salon take longer than at home?What’s a good treatment for Melasma?Have ingredients in cosmetics ...
06.16.2022 Encapsulated sunscreens, petrolatum on leather, lash boosters and more - episode 306 On today’s show Perry & Valerie answer questions about:How does the new temporary color from Schwarzkopf work?Can you use a skin lotion ingredient to protect leather?Is it worth spending money on an expensive flat iron?Does encapsulated sunscreen work?What do you ...
06.09.2022 Episode 305 - Hair protein treatments and more On today’s show Perry & Valerie answer questions about:What do you think of the Aphogee Two Step Protein Treatment and Balancing Moisturizer?Does human keratin bind to hair and make it stronger and repair damage?Does hydrolyzed wheat protein work as well ...
06.01.2022 Do chemical sunscreens cause free radicals? episode 304 On today’s show we’re going to answer questions about:Do chemical sunscreens cause free radicals?what are your favorite heat protection products for hairWhy would Nizoral have an unexpected effect on hair and scalp?Can stem cell technology in professional products straighten hair?Beauty ...
05.25.2022 Episode 303 - What makes a cleanser without surfactants work? It's a shortened episode today due to the traveling of our dedicated hosts. But there is some interesting topics discussed including whether science has really reversed the aging of cells, whether the industry needs more regulation, and a warning for ...
05.16.2022 Episode 302 - Can you dilute your products to make them last longer? On today’s show Perry and Valerie answer questions about…What should we think about the EWG?How can you find less expensive versions of expensive hair shampoos/conditioners?Can you dilute out a conditioner with water to make it thinner?What in leave-in conditioner makes ...
05.07.2022 Episode 301 - Home treatments vs professionals On today’s show we are going to answer questions about…How do magnetic eyelashes work?Can red light make your hair grow?What home treatments are as good as what you would get from an esthetician?And Is it fine to cut your hair ...
04.26.2022 Is Retinyl Retinoate a gimmick - and other beauty questions - Episode 300 On today’s show we are going to answer questions about…What’s the difference between ethyl ascorbic acid and ascorbic acidIs Retinyl Retinoate a gimmick?Do skincare lines add self tanner to their products to produce that glow on the skin?Does the AQUIS ...
04.15.2022 Episode 299 - Lets talk about oil in beauty products On today’s show we are going to answer questions about…Can cosmetics increase the production of melanin in your skin?Do oils act as a sealant on skin?Does pre-pooing hair with oil reduce the effectiveness of shampoo?Does oil on hair cause dandruff?Does ...
04.06.2022 Why are more expensive products popular? Episode 298 On today's show it's a solo episode where Perry tackles three questions including...Why brands might change their formulas?Are professional skincare is better than the stuff you can buy in stores?If expensive products don’t work better why are they so popular?Link ...
03.28.2022 Should you take toxicology advice from Youtube? episode 297 On today’s show we answer questions about…How would a US citizen get a sunscreen from outside the US?Non-pilling Vitamin C productsWhy is a foundation considered a hazmat product?Is curlsmith a less expensive version of Olaplex?And can you believe claims of ...
03.15.2022 What products are really necessary for hair and other beauty questions - episode 296 On today’s show Perry & Valerie are going to answer questions about…Can home bleaching your hair affect the follicles and hair production long term?Why is BHT in cosmetics and is it safe? What is the difference between a fragrance and ...
03.07.2022 Olaplex infertility, the accuracy of Skinskool dupe finder and more - episode 295 On today’s show Perry and Valerie answer questions about…What is your opinion about ghost oil for damaged hair? Is Epilfree a good alternative to laser hair removal? Can any hair oil make your hair grow? Are there any skincare brands ...
03.02.2022 Lawsuits, lanolin, petrolatum and expired lipstick - episode 294 On today’s show, Valerie and Perry answer all audio questions about... What’s the difference between Lanolin and Petrolatum? Is it dangerous to use expired lipstick? And what about a few hair trends like micellar, lamellar and apple cider vinegar rinses ...
02.23.2022 Are herbal infused hair colors really less harsh? Episode 293 On today’s show Perry and Valerie answer questions about…Augustinus Bader Rich CreamU Beauty resurfacing compoundWhether herbal infused hair colors are really less harshWhether the droplette device has gotten any betterAnd whether the Lypo-Spheric delivery system is a better way to ...
02.14.2022 Is electrolyte water beneficial for your skin? and other beauty questions - episode 292 On today’s show Valerie and Perry answer questions about…Are glycols a problem in skincare?What is hypochlorous acid doing in skincare products?Is Argirelene botox in a bottle?Do we have thoughts on the brand KEEP ME ANCHORED?Beauty Science News Are shampoo bottles ...
02.04.2022 Why do companies use retinyl palmitate and other beauty questions answered - episode 291 On today’s show, Valerie and Perry answers questions about...Why do companies use retinyl palmitate instead of retinol?Do thickening shampoos work for people with hair loss concerns?How fast does Vitamin C oxidize?What are your thoughts on Mineral Oil?Do Hair Minimizing products ...
01.30.2022 Will powdered shampoo clog your pores? - and more beauty questions - episode 290 On today’s show we are going to answer questions about…Can you use a dryer sheet to tame your hair?Is it beneficial to use lip scrubs or are they doing more harm than good?What is with the Malibu packet products? Can ...
01.24.2022 Are shampoo and laundry detergent the same - Episode 289 On today’s show we are going to answer questions about…Will shower head filters help with hair color retention?Is polyethylene in cleansing balms an environmental problem?Can you wash your hair with laundry detergent?Does Jamaican Black Castor Oil really make your oil ...
01.14.2022 Who are the Beauty Brains? - episode 288 In this episode Perry and Valerie talk about who the Beauty Brains are, their mission and what the show is all about. They'll be back next episode answering all new beauty product questions. Four Ways to Ask a question - ...
01.06.2022 What should you do for dehydrated winter skin? Episode 287 On today’s show, Valerie and Perry answers questions about...Are the Acrylates Copolymer in Arrojos Elixer Defrizzer Gel water soluble?Are there any cosmetic chemist jobs in Chicago?What do you do for skin that gets really dehydrated in winter?Is any evidence supporting ...
12.30.2021 Year end wrap up show - episode 286 On today’s show, Valerie and Perry do a short wrap-up of the past year and look forward to 2022. Valerie's ingredient company - Simply Ingredients Four Ways to Ask a question - 1. Become a patron and ask through there. ...
12.25.2021 Happy holidays from the Beauty Brains! Warm wishes to you and your family this season. We'll have a wrap-up show next week. Valerie & Perry Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thebeautybrains?fan_landing=true)
12.24.2021 Can you mix vitamin C and other anti-aging ingredients - episode 285 On today’s show, Valerie and Perry answers questions about...What is the difference between cleansing oil and facial oil?Do oils hydrate or moisturize? Are there oils you recommend?Can you mix foundation with sunscreen to make a tinted sunscreen?Can a sunscreen help ...
12.17.2021 Does Sweet N Low affect Hair color - and more beauty questions - episode 284 On today’s show, Valerie and Perry answers questions about...Is a two step peel more effective than a self-neutralizing peel?Does Sweet and Low help desensitize the scalp?What makes a product or ingredient more likely to clog your pores and how do ...
12.09.2021 What ingredients penetrate the skin? and more - episode 283 On today’s solo show we answer questions about…How to find an affordable alternatives to expensive facial washes.What ingredients can really penetrate skin?Which glycolic acid product is the better buy one from the Ordinary or Paula’s Choice?And I’ll cover an opinion ...
11.24.2021 Snail mucin for your skin - is it worthy using? episode 282 On today’s show, Valerie and Perry answers questions about...Is snail mucin a worthwhile ingredient?Do blackhead suction devices work?Will a humidifier help your skin?Beauty Science stories Garnier teams up with Walmart to launch clean beauty hair care brand Lawsuit oil free ...
11.17.2021 Should you put sunscreen on bare skin? episode 281 On today’s show we answer questions about…What ever happened to SD alcohol 40?Does sunscreen need to be applied on bare skin?Do facial oils penetrate deeper than a moisturizer?Does kakadu plum actually benefit the skin?Should Vitamin C be used at night?Beauty ...
10.29.2021 Why do people hate sulfate free shampoos? episode 240 rebroadcast On today’s rebroadcast show we answer questions about…What’s a good beauty routine for someone in their 50s?Does Pacifica’s underarm detox really help you get out those pore clogging toxins?Can coconut oil absorb through your skin to cause an allergy?Why do ...
10.19.2021 Does tanning water work? and other beauty questions answered - episode 280 On today’s show, Valerie and Perry answers questions about...What are your thoughts on carboxytherapy?Do tanning waters work?Can you apply too much vitamin C to the skin?Can you protect hair by taking shorter showers?Beauty Science stories FTC puts companies on notice ...
10.09.2021 Why is hair color hair conditioner like liquid gold? Episode 279 On today’s show, Valerie and Perry answers questions about...Is Octafluoropentyl methacrylate an amazing technology for hair?Does steampod really result in less hair damage?Is there something special about the conditioner that comes with hair dye?Are US ingredients appropriate for use in ...
10.01.2021 Sun Bum - Cosmetic Ingredients - and more questions answered - Episode 278 On today’s solo show, Perry answers questions about...Is PPG-9 a humectant or a film former, and if so does it rinse off?Why shouldn't you comb wet hair?Is Polyglutamic acid the best?Does the Sun Bum Tone Enhancer work to remove brassy ...
09.22.2021 What makes Peter Thomas Roth Firmx Eye tightener work - Episode 277 On today’s show, Perry and Valerie cover...What ingredients are suitable for sensitive skin?What makes Peter Thomas Roth Firmx Eye tightener work?Peptides in cosmeticsDo ingredients accumulate in your body?Are there ingredients in makeup you should avoid?Can estheticians get more powerful ingredients ...
09.15.2021 Can there really be solid oxygen in your cosmetics? episode 276 On today’s show, we are going to cover...Can you mix vitamins and acids?We’ll talk about how and whether products like DefenAge and O2 Skin pro powder workIs ORG Mineral Face Peel a gimmick?How long should it take to see results ...
09.03.2021 Do collagen drinks improve acne? (Episode 231 rebroadcast) Valerie and Perry are traveling so here's a rebroadcast from last year. On today’s show we answer questions about…What is the PAO and why can’t I find it on makeup?Will natural collagen drinks or tablets improve the appearance of acne ...
08.24.2021 Do active ingredients in body wash benefit your skin? - Episode 275 On today’s show, we are going to cover...Is there something that makes Hair Story products special?How can you tell if a vitamin C product still works?Whether emulsifying wax NF is safe to useCan active ingredients in a body wash really ...
08.17.2021 Episode 274 - Dyson Hair dryer, EGFs, lip balms and more On today’s show, we are going to cover...What are your thoughts on the Dyson hairdryer?Can EFGs penetrate the skin?What’s a good substitute for the QV lip balmWhy do prostaglandin based eyelash products require a prescription?Beauty Science News Consumers and transparency ...
08.03.2021 What type of vitamin C should you use? and other product questions answered - episode 273 On today’s show, we are going to cover...Are natural fragrances safe for sensitive skin?What is hair glaze? What type of vitamin C do you use?Where can you find heat protecting products?Are salon products different than store products?What’s your opinion of ...
07.21.2021 Why aren't copper peptides blue? episode 272 On today’s show Valerie and Perry are going to be answering your questions including… Why isn’t a product with GHK-Copper peptide blue?How can a product have HA as the first ingredient?What do we think of IGK Hi-Shine Gloss?What do we ...
07.16.2021 Why are nanoparticles in a sunscreen and is that bad? Episode 271 On today’s solo show Perry tackles some audio questions and weighs in on the J&J; sunscreen recall. Questions covered include...How much does zinc oxide affect SPF valuesIs non-nano sunscreen safer?Is it bad for skin if you try different products?Are there ...
07.07.2021 Celebrity beauty products and more beauty science news - episode 270 On today’s show Valerie and Perry talk about beauty science news. Stories covered include... NAD rules P&G; making reasonable claims Scarlett Johansen is launching a beauty line Is Clean Beauty Under Attack and What Can Be Done About It? Does ...
07.01.2021 Episode 269 - Ask Me Anything - Answers to 20 questions On today’s show Perry flies solo and answers a lot of questions...Does galactomyces brighten skin?Does propolis work on acne?What should you use on thick, coarse curly hair?What is "cold processing"?Is Lume Deodorant products safe for someone with Chronic Kidney Disease?Can ...
06.13.2021 Should you use expired sunscreens? - replay episode 225 On today’s show I’m going to answer questions aboutMicroplastics in cosmetic productsMetallic colorants in hair colorThe best products to use when undergoing chemotherapyShould you used expired sunscreens?4 Ways to Ask a question - 1. Become a patron and ask through ...
06.04.2021 Is mixing Vitamin C and Niacinamide a problem? Episode 268 On today’s show Valerie and Perry are going to be answering your questions including… What’s the deal with vitamin C and niacinamide? Is it bad to use them together?What’s the difference between reactive and sensitive skin?And are products who disclose ...
05.28.2021 Episode 267 - What can you do to make hair grow thicker and other hair questions On today’s show Valerie and Perry are going to be answering your questions including… Is the new Metal Detox technology something revolutionary to protect hair?Is there anything that can be done to get hair to grow thicker?What’s the difference between ...
05.21.2021 Episode 266 - Is tretinoin making hair fall out? On today’s shortened show Valerie and Perry answer questions about...Is tretinoin making hair fall out?What are your thoughts on the Oribe hair care products?What are your thoughts on active ingredients in cosmetics?Which LED mask should you get, if any?What do ...
05.13.2021 Episode 265 - Celebrating 100 episodes together plus some questions answered On today’s show Valerie and Perry look back on 100 episodes recorded together & include our first episode recorded together. Fortunately, we've gotten a bit better. Episodes mentioned: Episode 167 - hair color (Perry mistakenly called it episode 165) Episode ...
05.06.2021 Episode 264 - Lip plumpers and salt in shampoos On today’s shortened show Valerie and Perry answer questions about...Are multichrome eyeshadows really more expensive and what makes them work?What ingredient is used to cause the plumping & is it safe to do every day?Does keeps.com work to prevent hair ...
04.29.2021 Episode 263 - More on high frequency skin devices plus CBD talk On today’s shortened show Valerie and Perry answer questions about...Why did you say high frequency treatments are a gimmick?Does letting hair stay damp cause more damage?Beauty Science Allure Will No Longer Call Plastic Packaging "Recyclable" New Research by Syracuse University ...
04.21.2021 Episode 262 - Answering questions at live event This is a special broadcast of an edited version of our March 2021 Patreon event. If you would like to participate in events like these live, just sign up to support us on patreon. 4 Ways to Ask a question ...

Older episodes

The Beauty Brains

What's The Beauty Brains about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Beauty Brains episodes:

Cosmetic safety, at home hair color, Vegemite facials and more - Episode 307

Encapsulated sunscreens, petrolatum on leather, lash boosters and more - episode 306

Episode 305 - Hair protein treatments and more

Do chemical sunscreens cause free radicals? episode 304

Episode 303 - What makes a cleanser without surfactants work?

Episode 302 - Can you dilute your products to make them last longer?

Episode 301 - Home treatments vs professionals

Is Retinyl Retinoate a gimmick - and other beauty questions - Episode 300

Episode 299 - Lets talk about oil in beauty products

Why are more expensive products popular? Episode 298

Should you take toxicology advice from Youtube? episode 297

What products are really necessary for hair and other beauty questions - episode 296

Olaplex infertility, the accuracy of Skinskool dupe finder and more - episode 295

Lawsuits, lanolin, petrolatum and expired lipstick - episode 294

Are herbal infused hair colors really less harsh? Episode 293

Is electrolyte water beneficial for your skin? and other beauty questions - episode 292

Why do companies use retinyl palmitate and other beauty questions answered - episode 291

Will powdered shampoo clog your pores? - and more beauty questions - episode 290

Are shampoo and laundry detergent the same - Episode 289

Who are the Beauty Brains? - episode 288

What should you do for dehydrated winter skin? Episode 287

Year end wrap up show - episode 286

Happy holidays from the Beauty Brains!

Can you mix vitamin C and other anti-aging ingredients - episode 285

Does Sweet N Low affect Hair color - and more beauty questions - episode 284

What ingredients penetrate the skin? and more - episode 283

Snail mucin for your skin - is it worthy using? episode 282

Should you put sunscreen on bare skin? episode 281

Why do people hate sulfate free shampoos? episode 240 rebroadcast

Does tanning water work? and other beauty questions answered - episode 280

Why is hair color hair conditioner like liquid gold? Episode 279

Sun Bum - Cosmetic Ingredients - and more questions answered - Episode 278

What makes Peter Thomas Roth Firmx Eye tightener work - Episode 277

Can there really be solid oxygen in your cosmetics? episode 276

Do collagen drinks improve acne? (Episode 231 rebroadcast)

Do active ingredients in body wash benefit your skin? - Episode 275

Episode 274 - Dyson Hair dryer, EGFs, lip balms and more

What type of vitamin C should you use? and other product questions answered - episode 273

Why aren't copper peptides blue? episode 272

Why are nanoparticles in a sunscreen and is that bad? Episode 271

Celebrity beauty products and more beauty science news - episode 270

Episode 269 - Ask Me Anything - Answers to 20 questions

Should you use expired sunscreens? - replay episode 225

Is mixing Vitamin C and Niacinamide a problem? Episode 268

Episode 267 - What can you do to make hair grow thicker and other hair questions

Episode 266 - Is tretinoin making hair fall out?

Episode 265 - Celebrating 100 episodes together plus some questions answered

Episode 264 - Lip plumpers and salt in shampoos

Episode 263 - More on high frequency skin devices plus CBD talk

Episode 262 - Answering questions at live event

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