The Beauty Brains
Episode 400 - Indoor sunscreen, micellar water, and a baby?
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
How does different water affect the performance of hair products?Do you really need to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours?Can rinse out conditioner and a deep conditioner or mask be used interchangeably?Does Avene makeup removing micellar water really work?Are '20 free; or '12 free' nail polishes safer?Beauty News
Peptides in moisturizers. Do you really need them?
Troubling world of dupe fragrancesÂ
Stop falling for these sunscreen myths.
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Episode 399 - From Curl Cream to Tretinoin: Unpacking Your Beauty Questions!
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
How do you know if a product has gone bad? Are the results from Retinol comparable to Retin A?Is Pantene bad for hair?Can you use skin products on your scalp?Is it ok to use a metal spoon to mix vitamin C?Are salt sprays safe to use?ÂBeauty News
Fat Mascara taking a break?
The best shampoos for men?
Sydney Sweeny bath soap sparks controversy
Approximate timestamps
0:00 Intro
1...
Episode 398 - Product talk with Sarah Bellum
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In this episode of "The Beauty Brains," host Valerie George and guest Sarah discuss the latest beauty industry trends, including Pros’ new customizable scalp serum and the growing focus on scalp care. They share honest opinions on mass market versus premium shampoos, debunking common myths and highlighting their personal favorites. The conversation covers product effectiveness, ingredient misconceptions, and the importance of tailoring hair care to individual needs. They also touch on medicated shampoos, SPF products, and makeup preferences, offering practical advice and industry insights for listeners navigating the world of beauty products.
...
Episode 397 - Heat protectants, protein and sunburns
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Can you re-emulsify a broken product?How do you treat sunburned skin?Do you have to use the matching conditioner with a shampoo?How effective are heat protectantsDo regular hydrolyzed proteins build up on hair?Beauty News
Protein to restart hair growth
Hair color litigation
Social media influencing ingredient choice
Huda drops claims after saying it was the “strongest setting spray ever”
Valerie on another podcast?
Beauty Q...
Episode 396 - Toxic beauty, hair growth and lightweight sunscreens
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On this show we answer questions like...
What do you think about the hair loss product Calecim? What is the deal with Banana Boat's Light As Air sunscreen?Are personal care products filled with harmful toxins?What are your thoughts on the DECIEM company? Are they sketchy?And finally we’ll end with a series of patron hair questions.Beauty News
NPR chemical story
Huffpost toxic ingredients
Best wrinkle creams according to Good Housekeeping
Question links:
Calecim pro...
Episode 395 - The Klutziest Beauty Podcast?
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
What is a good leave-in conditioner that has only a little bit of protein?What is special fraction petrolatum?Is wet hair more resistant to chlorine than dry?How does Violet #2 work in hair & what’s a hair toner?Can you layer an Ascorbyl Glucoside product over an L-Ascorbic Acid product?Beauty Science
Best new skincare ingredients
1. Retinol Alternatives (e.g., Bakuchiol)
2. Malassezin
3. Growth Factors
4. Sturgeon DNA (Caviar Extract)
5. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Pept...
Episode 394 - Ingredients, hair growth, DIY and more
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It's a solo episode for Perry today as the Beauty Brains travel schedule made it too difficult to record together. But we'll be back together next show. In the meantime, enjoy these answers to a variety of questions sent in including...
1. Is Ethylhexylglycerin a suitable preservative?2. What are your thoughts about coenzyme Q10?3. Do hair thinning shampoos really help?4. What are the best ingredients for skin and hair?5. What do you make of this research article about paraben and phthalate exposure?6. Is it ok to make DIY natural deodorant?7. How do we...Episode 393 - Jojoba Oil, Retinol, and Other Unexpected Power Couples
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Are cosmetic products filled with microplastics? What do you do about facial hair?Is jojoba oil good to use with retinol?How can a formula with hypochlorous acid and azeleic acid be stable?How do you handle acne at the hair line?Beauty News
Will printed skin replace animal testing?
Is Gelatin the same as a Collagen supplement?
Is California going to ban anti-aging products for people under 18?
J&J Talc case updat...
Episode 392 - Protein overload, Witch hazel, and Razor burns
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On this show we cover questions including…
Can you highlight hair after getting kenalog injections?Is protein overload a real thing?Can Witch hazel can prevent or get rid of acne?Is Alastin Skin Nectar beneficial?How can you deal with the razor burnBeauty News
Are consumers really getting more educated?
Time Stamps
0:00 - Intro and chit chatÂ
5:10 - Beauty News
12:30 - Highlighting hair
14:45 - Protein overload
21:00 - Witch Hazel and acne
29:20 - Alastin skin nectar
35:50 - Razor burn
Episode 391 - Beef tallow, humectants, smoke and more
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On today’s show we cover the following questions:
Does beef tallow do anything for skin?What can you do to address the effects of second hand smoke on skin and hair? What should you consider when picking humectants?Why are cheap conditioners so thin?What does it mean for a fatty acid to swell?Beauty News
Articles like this have been showing up in my feeds.
68 year olds spring skin routine made sagging skin 43% firmer?
47 year old skin became 42% firmer?
T...
Episode 390 - Squalene, micro needling, misleading labeling
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On today’s show we cover questions including…
Can you make your own grey treatment shampoo at home?Is an at-home micro needling system a great addition to skin care routine? What is squalene and why does my skin love products that have it in it?Why can’t you feel the menthol effect everywhere as strongly?What’s the difference between body lotion or cleanser and face lotion or cleanser?Beauty News
Are beauty labels lying to you?
Can you really create beauty products that are different...
Episode 389 - Fragrance trends, dye and dry shampoo, peptides and more
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On this show we cover questions including…
How does a dye shampoo work?How do you deal with excessive sebum?Are dry shampoos dangerous?How can a company sell azaelic acid products without requiring a prescription?Does Sh-Polypeptide-9 stimulate capillary growth?Are natural fragrances toxic to aquatic life?ÂBeauty News
Biggest fragrance trends for 2025
What is antipollution beauty?
Questions
SkinSAFE
Instant Dye Shampoo
Vivier GrenzCine serum
Time Stamps
0:00 - Int...
Episode 388 - Minoxidil, Hair Loss Lawsuits, Phthalates and cats
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Can you mix chemical exfoliant with a hydrating serum to dilute the exfoliant?Is using a topical minoxidil for women safe to use on eyebrows?Does shampoo really strip all the lipids from your hair?Is the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Cream properly preserved?Do we know of a good website to find allergenic ingredients in products?Beauty News
First lawsuit of the year!
What you should know about the toxins in beauty products.
Qu...
Episode 387 - Inflammaging, eye lash glue, estriol and more
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On this show we cover questions including…
What are our thoughts on eye lash glues?What polymers are used in tubing mascara?What is inflammaging and is it going to be a big trend this year?Does Estriol cream live up to its claims?How do you restore hair's natural texture and manageability after washing?ÂBeauty News
Top 10 most beautiful women according to science?
Best ingredients for mature skin
Time Stamps
0:00 - Intro and chit chat - bug bites, cat in the wall upd...
Episode 386 - Seals of approval, Brooke Shields and more
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
How much should you trust seals of approvals on product labels?What do you think of Brooke Shields hair care line?What makes a good lip mask and day cream?What are your thoughts on the Geek & Gorgeous brand?Why would a brand include two hydroquinone-based lightening creams with the same active ingredient and concentration?Beauty News
FDA bans red #3 from food.Â
Time Stamps
0:00 - Intro and chit chat - black eye...
Episode 385 - Air drying, growth factors and more
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On this show we cover lots of questions including…
How effective are growth factors in topical products?Can low dose Minoxidil pills treat hair loss in women?Does air drying cause more damage than blow drying?What shampoo & conditioner won’t weigh down fine hair?Can a dark spot serum work to reduce pigmentation?Beauty News
The Rock - Papatui
Study validates anti-aging benefit of collagen peptides?
Time Stamps
0:00 - Introduction / chit chat
7:45 - The Rock hair care
...
Episode 384 - Nanoplasty, talc, and heat oh my
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Is it ok to use self-tanner under your eyes and around your lips?Are PFAS the ingredients that cause products to self-foam?How can a silicone protect hair up to temperatures of 450 degrees?Are certain types of products worth getting the more expensive product?What is the chemistry of nanoplasty?But first…
Beauty News
FDA proposes new test for talc containing products.
Walmart says it won’t hit its’s emission goals.
Five Way...
Episode 383 - Goodbye 2024!
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On today's show, we just chit chat about the year in beauty, our goals for next year and answer a couple of questions.
Thanks for all your support and we look forward to more Beauty Q&A in 2025!!
Five Ways to Ask a question -
1. Send us a message through Patreon!
2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to thebeautybrains@gmail.com
3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)
4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a...
Episode 382 - Beauty predictions for 2025 plus questions answered
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On this show we cover questions including…
What do you think of Oneskin products?Are there any good beauty finds in the EU that you can’t find in the US?Will hair water damage hair over time?Do you have to wash the sweat out of your hair every time?Can a cream really “firm” or lift the neck?ÂPrediction show!
Time stamps
0:00 - Intro and chit chat
5:00 - Prediction review from 2024
14:15 - Beauty predictions for 2025
25:30 - Oneskin products
29:00 - European Beauty Finds
Episode 381 - Can babies eat sunscreen? and other beauty questions
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On today’s show we cover questions including…
What can you use to fight static?Is it ok for babies to eat sunscreen?What are the best ingredients to use for conditioning?What is the difference between body wash and hand soap?How does the performance of the various retinols compare to retin-A?Beauty News
Company is being sued for calling themselves “natural”Â
Beauty influencers.
What do we think of these DIY options
Time stamps
0:00 - Intro and chit...
Episode 380 - Patented ingredients, porosity, quats and more
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It's a solo episode today but lots to cover including...
Are quats in hair conditioners causing bacterial resistance?What do you think of WISH skin health products?Do more expensive heat protectant products provide better protection?How do you figure out whether hair is high or low porosity?Is it worth buying products online instead of in drug stores?Are patented ingredients really game-changers, or just marketing tricks?Time stamps
0:00 - Intro and chit chat
3:30 - Quaternary compounds in conditioners
8:45 - WISH skin products
12:35...
Episode 379 - Wonder Water, Product Dupes, Sunscreen layering and more
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Can layering sunscreens make them less effective?Why can’t you use L’oreal wonder water on your scalp?What’s the history of using blue light to treat acne?Is it damaging to use a pre-treatment on hair?When can you call a formula a “dupe”?Beauty News
The Beauty Brains were on the Pretty Curious podcast.
Approximate timestamps
0:00 Chit chat - Pretty Curious podcast, Thailand, Lip problems
7:40 Vitamin C derivatives follow-up
13:20 Sunscreen laye...
Episode 378 - Hair bonding, sponges, and becoming a cosmetic chemist
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On today’s show we cover the following questions…
What is required to become a cosmetic chemist?Why don’t beauty products always have a safety seal on them?Questions about makeup spongesHair bonding questionsApproximate timestamps
0:00 Chit chat - Who's responsible for beauty industry misinformation?
6:00 Cosmetic Chemist Career question
15:30 Safety seals on cosmetics question
22:15 Makeup sponge question
27:30 Hair bonding question
Five Ways to Ask a question -
1. Send us a message through Patreon!
2. You can record your question on your smart...
Episode 377 - Beauty Product Talk!
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Sorry we haven't gotten an episode out in a while! I've been literally traveling (South America) and it was difficult to get a joint episode recorded.
But Sarah Bellum stepped in and Valerie and her put together this episode where they talk about their favorite products.
We'll be back next episode with all new Q&A!
But for now, enjoy some Beauty Product Talk.
Perry, 44
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Episode 376 - Collagen supplements, hair bonding and more beauty questions answered
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On this show we cover lots of questions including…
How can a cosmetic company claim their product “fixes” DNA errors?How does hair coloring and hair bleaching affect hair damage differently?Why isn’t there an SPF rating on hair care products that protect from UV damage?What are your thoughts about rejuran skincare?How good is 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid? How does the Rebond Leave-in Miracle Bond³ Building Mask work?Beauty News
The next 5 years in BeautyÂ
Skin benefits of Collagen supplements?
Question li...
Episode 375 - Is exfoliation just as important as using SPF?
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On this show we cover lots of questions including…
Are silicones like amodimethicone and dimethicone environmentally sound?Is it ok to use both a rinse-off and leave-on conditioner?What do you think of the dermatologist recommended brand (Defenage)Are there any problems with spraying fragrance on your hair?Is exfoliation just as important as SPF for maintaining youthful skin?ÂBeauty News
Shiseido is emphasizing the importance of fragrance in skin care
Beauty Question links
https://defenage.com
Approximate tim...
Episode 374 - The Truth About Quats - Friend or Foe & more beauty questions
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On this show we cover lots of questions including…
What can Batanna oil do for hair? Is there a benefit to looking for “quat free” products?Can you use a clarifying shampoo more than once a week?Is there a difference between men’s and women’s products that treat thinning hair?Plus career advice!Beauty News
Are fish guts going to help smooth your wrinkles?
Are you paying too much for shampoo and conditioner?
Selena Gomez is a billion dollar brand?
Approximate timestamps<...
Episode 373 - Does deodorant make you retain water?
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Does a shampoo really contain 3% citric acid?Does deodorant work even if you have long armpit hair?How good are sulfate free detergents?What do you know about Albage & bioprogramming technologyIs the Andalou Oil Free Lotion effective and are the natural things in it gimmicks?Beauty News
Collagen banking? Â
Celebrity Athlete Launch
Question links
Kerastas shampoo - 3% citric acid?
Andalou lotion
Approximate timestamps
...
Episode 372 - Collagen, Horse products, whatsinmy jar and more
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Does topical collagen really work?How good is the whatsinmyjar website?What is the best product/ingredient for long lasting hydration?How good is the Trophy Line Manely Long Hair Polisher as a daily leave-in?Is Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate & Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate the same ingredient?What is the isoelectric and isoionic point for hair and hair care products & should anyone care?Beauty News
Women use more makeup for parties but less carefully if they feel threatened.
Can your...
Episode 371 - Scalp serums, alcohol and hair growth
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Can a scalp serum or electric wands actually help you regrow your hair? Is it ok to have alcohol in a hair product?What do you think of Mother Science and MalassezinWhat do you think about the Skingredients products?How does color changing makeup work?Beauty News
Can brands really educate consumers?
Clean beauty democratization?
An advert linking deodorant to breast cancer is banned.
Question links
Mother Science
Malassezin
Five...
Episode 370 - Serum drops, dimethicone, hydra facials and warts oh my
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On today’s show we cover questions including…
Can using too much heat make your hair yellow?Can you turn your bronzer into an SPF 50 with drops from a serum?What is the actual difference between derma glow versus hydra facial consumer results vs clinical results?Is dimethicone bad for your scalp and hair?Are there any benefits to scalp cleanses?Beauty News
California bill would ban selling skincare to kids under 13.
Company is making bioidentical ingredients.
Question notes
SPF...
Episode 369 - Can Tranexamic Acid Really Reduce Hyperpigmentation?
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Does tranexamic acid really help reduce hyperpigmentation?Can Rene Furterer products for "reactional thinning hair" do what they claim?Will eating hyaluronic acid improve skin?What’s the difference between derma glow versus hydra facial?Does Gucci Westman’s use a more potent form of Vitamin C?What silicones or other materials are good replacements for cyclopentasiloxane?Beauty News
Can omega-3 supplementation reduce acne severity? Â
Direct paper
Neurocosmetics -Â A new trend in skin care
Five Way...
Episode 368 - Drunk Elephant vitamin C and more skin care questions
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On today’s show we cover lots of skin questions including…
Does spraying magnesium on your legs help you sleep and relieve nausea?Are Olivada's waterless skincare products, which use pressed olive oil, truly effective and comparable to Botox?Is the new DIY vitamin C serum from Drunk Elephant safe, effective, and likely to be popular among consumers?What are the differences, pros, and cons of Morpheus 8 and Ultherapy for skin tightening?Can cheaper hyaluronic acid products be as effective as more expensive ones?Beauty News
Reef safe...
Episode 367 - Long Hair Myths and Microneedling Marvels
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On this show we cover lots of questions including…
Is a deep conditioner really needed?Is long hair bad for your pregnancy?What ingredients in hair products might make you lose hair?What hair products can we use that don’t have toxic chemicals in them?Do microneedles help ingredients work better?News
Creating A Semi-Custom SPF Just Got A Lot Easier With Drunk Elephant’s Latest Launch
Understanding the biomechanics of split hair.
Question links
Hairmayraki
Reedle...
Episode 366 - Will Hyaluronic acid dry out your skin?
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This is the 200th episode that Valerie and Perry have recorded together!! And in celebration we had a LIVE virtual audience made up of our patrons.
But this is a regular show too so, On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Can face & body treatments and moisturizers be used on the scalp, and is it okay to use hada labo toner on the scalp daily?Is it true that hyaluronic acid should not be used frequently in dry weather?Can epsom salts really penetrate the skin?What are...Episode 365 - Is Topical Estrogen the Secret to Youthful Skin?
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On this show we cover lots of questions including…
Why are people putting estrogen cream on their face?Can a shampoo offset the negative problems of hard water?Why aren’t more beauty products sold in a concentrated form?When should you apply a leave-in conditioner?What advice do you have for a future cosmetic chemist?Beauty News
Do gray hair delay products work?
Top three innovative ingredients in Cosmetics. Â
Celebrity launch
Kate moss launches makeup
Everist conce...
Episode 364 - Dry Eyes, Sleepy Scrubs and Energizing Shampoos
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On today’s show we cover your questions including…
Is sun powder a sensation?Does a corneometer measurement prove a moisturizer works better?What does melatonin do in a body scrub?What does it mean when a shampoo claims it “promotes hair growth”?Can eyelash serum cause dry eyes?Beauty News
Unilever settles a benzene lawsuit.Â
J&J proposes new settlementÂ
Should you wear makeup while exercising?
Actual exercise studyÂ
Links relevant to Questions
Sun powder Tik...
Episode 363 - Head, neck, knees and toes questions
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Are shampoos for different hair types all that different? Can topical products help skin once it’s aged?Should you buy tretinoin without a prescription?Do products that claim to get rid of stretch marks actually work?How does a clay mask make skin tingly and red?Beauty News
Who are the biggest plastic polluters in the world?
Five Ways to Ask a question -
1. Send us a message through Patreon!
2. You can record your questio...
Episode 362 - Hair Care Hacks: Frizz Control, Safe Dandruff Solutions, and Finding Perfect Product Dupes
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On today’s show we cover lots of hair questions including…
What should you look for in hair care products to prevent frizz on humid days?What anti dandruff ingredients are ok for colored hair?How do you find a suitable dupe for an expensive conditioner?Can a product really repel water on the hair?Do heat protectants inhibit the ability to crimp hair?Are phytoestrogens helpful in skincare products?Beauty News
Eye ointment product recalled
Be wary of buying personal care products from Facebook. Â
...
Episode 361 - Why are exosomes in skin care products?
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On today’s show we cover lots of hair questions including…
How do different hair bond repair products compare? Â What makes nail polish strengtheners work?Does skin know when it is too dry?What are exosomes and why are they in skin care products?Beauty News
Velveeta hair color
72% of young males are using makeup?
Serena launches a makeup line.Â
Is Animal testing still a big problem in cosmetics?
Five Ways to Ask a question -
1. Send us a mess...
