The Skincarma® Pod

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Theresa Plavoukis, a seasoned beauty expert and founder of Fat Mermaid, the breakthrough beauty supplement brand that has reimagined your morning collagen. They delve into Theresa's extensive background in the beauty industry, her innovative approach to collagen supplements, and the science behind her inaugural product – bioavailable liquid marine collagen. The conversation highlights the evolution of beauty trends, the intricacies of product formulation, and the fun and creativity involved in developing effective beauty solutions. Theresa shares the innovative approach of her beauty supplement brand, Fat Mermaid, focusing on the science behind beauty supplements, consumer readiness, and the integration of these products into daily routines. She shares insights on the challenge of innovation, the importance of consumer feedback, and her transition from a behind-the-scenes role to being the face of her own brand.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.

Follow Fat Mermaid on Instagram at @fatmermaidco. Learn more about the science behind the brand and product innovation at fatmermaid.com. 

Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.

Product links:

Fat Mermaid Bio-Available Liquid Marine Collagen

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Product reviews on the Skincarma blog:

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma Blog™ is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Roger Ignon, co-founder of Hydrafacial, the skincare technology that revolutionized aesthetics. They explore Roger’s journey from a childhood interest in invention to becoming a key player in the beauty industry and beyond. The conversation explores the importance of collaboration in innovation, the lessons learned from early entrepreneurial experiences, and the significance of recognizing pivotal moments in one’s career. Roger shares insights into the nuances of invention, the importance of timing and luck, and the complexities of navigating the patent process. He shares personal anecdotes about past inventions, highlighting both successes and failures, and underscores the long road to market success that inventors often face.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.

Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.

Product reviews on the Skincarma blog:

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma Blog™ is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Deanna Kangas, a beauty industry trailblazer with a rich history of brand management and mentorship. The conversation explores Deanna's journey from her small-town roots in South Dakota to the fashion capital of New York City and ultimately her influential roles in major beauty brands, including Mattel and Ouai haircare. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the evolution of iconic brands like Barbie, and the significance of teamwork in achieving success. Deanna shares insights on navigating the beauty industry, the impact of global experiences, and the vital role of women supporting women in professional growth. In this engaging conversation, Carmine and Deanna explore the intricacies of branding, particularly in the beauty industry. They discuss the evolution of haircare, the importance of teamwork and timing in brand success, and the challenges new brands face in their first year. The dialogue highlights the dynamic nature of the beauty industry and the significance of collaboration and mentorship in fostering growth and innovation.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.

Follow Deanna on Instagram at @dkla123.

Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.

Product reviews on the Skincarma blog:

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma Blog™ is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Alec Batis, a cosmetic chemist and founder of Sweet Chemistry. They discuss Alec’s extensive background in the beauty industry, the innovative technology behind Sweet Chemistry’s products, and the intersection of medical science and skincare. The conversation delves into the science of matrikine peptides and the original approach Alec has taken in formulating Sweet Chemistry’s products. In the conversation, Carmine and Alec discuss the innovative advancements in peptide technology and their enduring applications in skincare. Alec shares his journey of taking risks to invest in novel solutions and the secrets behind effective formulation that goes beyond mere marketing levels to truly benefit skin health. They emphasize the long-term commitment required for effective skincare and reflect on personal health experiences, highlighting the connection between skincare and overall wellness.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.

Follow Sweet Chemistry on Instagram at @sweetchemistrylabs. Learn more about the science behind the brand and product innovation at sweetchemistry.com.

Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.

Product links:

Elasticity Reinforcing Hydra-Cream

Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum

Elasticity Reinforcing Lipid-Cream

Reparative Oil-Serum Infusion

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Product reviews on the Skincarma blog:

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma Blog™ is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Madhu Punjabi, co-founder and CEO of Lion Pose. They discuss the brand’s innovative Unspotted 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum and explore the challenges of creating reliably effective skincare products. Madhu shares her journey from a tech background to founding Lion Pose, highlighting the significance of consumer trust and effective marketing in the beauty industry. Madhu shares her personal struggles with hyperpigmentation and PIH and the inspiration for tackling the vexing issue of dark spots for people everywhere – including her own mother. The conversation highlights the innovative, “outsider” approach taken by Lion Pose in addressing skin concerns, particularly for those who may not have access to dermatological care. They explore the challenges of product efficacy and customer expectations, emphasizing the need for transparency and effectiveness in skincare solutions.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.

Follow Lion Pose on Instagram at @lionpose. Learn more about the science behind the brand and product innovation at lionpose.com. And catch Madhu’s skinvestigations on TikTok @skinvestigator.

Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.

Product links:

Lion Pose UNSPOTTED™ 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum

Lion Pose UNGHOSTED™ Sheer Tint 100% Mineral SPF 42

Lion Pose PEP TALK™ Bio-Placenta Barrier Cream

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Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:

Find the Lion Pose UNSPOTTED 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum product review here.

Explore the Best Products from The INKEY List here.

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma Blog™ is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Dr. Martin Smith, a double board-certified Allergist and Immunologist, staff physician at the Cleveland Clinic in the Department of Allergy, and co-founder of Untoxicated. They discuss his journey in creating Untoxicated, a range of allergen-free skincare designed specifically for very sensitive skin. They delve into the common allergens found in popular skincare products – including favorites of dermatologists like CeraVe and Cetaphil – and the challenges of formulating allergen-free products. Dr. Smith shares insights from his medical background and the need for a skincare brand that addresses the unique needs of people with skin allergies and common conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The conversation highlights the intersection of medicine and beauty, emphasizing the importance of consumer validation in the skincare industry.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.

Follow Untoxicated on Instagram at @untoxicatedskincare. Learn more about the science behind the brand and product innovation at untoxicated.com.

Follow @skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.

Product links:

Untoxicated Moisture Boost Hydrating Cream

Untoxicated Lightweight Hydrate Face & Body Lotion

Untoxicated Clean Start Facial Cleanser

Untoxicated Blank Slate Micellar Water

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Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:

Find the Untoxicated Moisture Boost Hydrating Cream product review here.

Explore the Best Products from The INKEY List here.

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma Blog™ is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Annie Meyer, co-founder of Untoxicated, the best allergen-free skincare on the market today. They discuss the challenges of launching a skincare brand in a crowded marketplace, particularly for sensitive skin. Annie shares her journey from a consumer brand builder to an accidental founder, driven by her own experiences with skin sensitivity. The conversation highlights the importance of education and trust in skincare, especially as more consumers identify with having sensitive skin. Untoxicated aims to provide effective, allergen-free solutions while empowering consumers with knowledge about their skincare choices. In this conversation, Carmine and Annie discuss the importance of building authentic relationships with consumers, the challenges of navigating brand growth, and the future vision for the Untoxicated brand.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.

Follow Untoxicated on Instagram at @untoxicatedskincare. Learn more about the science behind the brand and product innovation at untoxicated.com.

Follow @skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.

Product links:

Untoxicated Moisture Boost Hydrating Cream

Untoxicated Lightweight Hydrate Face & Body Lotion

Untoxicated Clean Start Facial Cleanser

Untoxicated Blank Slate Micellar Water

—

Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:

Find the Untoxicated Moisture Boost Hydrating Cream product review here.

Explore the Best Products from The INKEY List here.

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma Blog™ is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Mark Curry, co-founder and CEO of the INKEY List. They discuss Mark's journey from a science enthusiast to entrepreneur, the founding principles of INKEY, and the brand's mission to provide affordable, high-quality skincare to everyone. The conversation delves into the importance of ingredient innovation, the challenges of product development, and the future direction of the brand. Mark shares insights on the formulation process and the significance of connecting with consumers to meet their needs.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.

Follow The INKEY List on Instagram at @theinkeylist and TikTok at @theinkeylist. You can also connect with Mark Curry on his personal account at @mark__curry. Learn more about the science behind the brand and product innovation at theinkeylist.com.

Follow @skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.

Product links:

The INKEY List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex

The INKEY List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum

The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum

The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Serum

The INKEY List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment

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Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:

Explore the Best Products from The INKEY List here.

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma Blog™ is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Natacha Bonjout, a French pharmacist and founder of Bonjout Beauty. They discuss Natacha's unique background in skincare formulation, the innovative approach behind her product Le Balm, and the benefits of waterless formulas for highly sensitive skin. In the conversation, Natacha discusses her innovative approach to skincare, focusing on sustainability and the use of plant stem cells instead of traditional extracts in her products. She explains how she crafted Le Balm for sensitive skin, emphasizing its ability to repair the skin barrier and promote a natural glow.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.

Follow Bonjout Beauty on Instagram at @bonjoutbeauty. You can also find Dr. Bonjout on her personal account at @natachabonjout. Learn more about the science behind the brand and product innovation at bonjoutbeauty.com.

Follow @skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.

Product links:

Bonjout Beauty Le Balm Solid Serum

Bonjout Beauty Le Balm Unscented Solid Serum

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Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma Blog™ is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Smitha Rao, the founding scientist of Parëva Beauty. They discuss Smitha's extensive experience in the beauty industry, the inspiration behind Parëva, and the innovative technologies that power its products – including the proprietary Molecur 3 stem cell complex. The conversation delves into the specifics of Parëva's product line, including the C35.5 Firming Glow Serum, which Carmine declares “the most sensorial Vitamin C serum” he’s ever tried. Smitha emphasizes the importance of transparency in skincare, introducing the concept of the (F)actuals™, which detail the ingredients and their functions. The episode concludes with a look at the future of Parëva Beauty and its commitment to scientific innovation and consumer education.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.

Follow Parëva Beauty on Instagram at @parevabeauty Learn more about the science behind the brand and product innovation at parevabeauty.com.

Follow @skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.

Product links:

Parëva C35.5™ Firming Glow Serum

Parëva COLL20™ Gel Cream Moisturizer

Parëva RH5.5™ Hydrabond Primer

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Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma Blog™ is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.