The Beauty Brains
Why did they change their formula? - Episode 409
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Why would a company reformulate a product?Do different hair products cancel each other out?What sources do you recommend where consumers can educate themselves?What hair ingredient could be staining your shirt?Is a lotion with CBD oil suitable for sensitive skin?Beauty News
Pycnogenol in skin care
K beauty causing problems?
SPF updates:Â
SPF 50
Sunscreen investigation
Approximate timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Chi...
How to Get the Gunk Off and the Glow On - episode 408
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Is it a good idea to load up a product with active ingredients?What do you think of the Ziip Halo device?How do you remove mineral sunscreen from your skin?What do humectants really do in hair?What is Neogen plasma skin regeneration?Beauty News
What the Hell Are Skin-Loving Cosmetics?
Do you think that is true? I’m cynical but even I think that sounds a bit over the top.
https://www.you...
Sunscreen scandals, Busted celebrity brands & beauty questions answered - episode 407
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Is the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology a reliable source for peptide information?How do you know if a product with an active has enough to be effective?Does topical estrogen improve skin?Do at-home microneedling devices work, and is hypochlorous acid spray for skin care?Is a salon detangler different than one you can buy in the store?Beauty News
We were on the radio
Washington State bans formaldehyde preservatives.
ChatGPT now has a ma...
Can Collagen really improve skin & why is purple shampoo drying? - episode 406
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On this show we cover lots of questions including…
How can you tell if a new product is just a name change or the formulas are different?Why can’t companies sell mousse sunscreens?Why is purple shampoo drying?What’s the deal with OS-01 peptide? / What are your thoughts on Molecular Mesh?How do you deal with rosacea?Beauty News
Do collagen supplements really improve skin?
Is VO5 better than Pantene
Approximate timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1...
Ozempic skin care, serums and more - episode 405
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Do non-UV wavelengths of light also damage the skinAre Dr Emi Arpa products truly innovative or just driven by trendy marketing? Does using an ultra-plush, water-only makeup remover cloth cause significant mechanical exfoliation?Are there baby products that people should use and avoid?Do facial serums work?Beauty News
Ozempic face aging - Valerie is quotedÂ
J&J settles privacy lawsuit
Approximate timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Chit chat
7...
Sunscreen sticks, oils, hair masks and more - episode 404
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
What is the right way to apply sunscreen sticks? What role do oils, butters, and silicones actually play in haircareDo you need less anhydrous sunscreen than lotion based ones?Do all hair masks work the same way?Beauty News
PETA suspends Beauty without Bunnies program
Can We Stop Hating on Chemicals In Skincare, Please and Thanks?
Urban decay reformulation - is L’Oreal trying to cheapen the product?
Price analysis of over the counter...
Exfoliation, Beef Tallow and a baby - episode 403
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On this show Valerie is back and we cover...
Does product build-up cause breakage?Is a chemical exfoliant better than a soft silicone scrubber? What are your thoughts about beef Tallow facial creams?Are rinse-free shampoos any good?Beauty News
Safer Beauty Bill
Martha Stewart launches a line
Approximate timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Chit chat
5:50 - Beauty news - Safer beauty bill
11:20 - Martha Stewart beauty
15:15 - product build up on hair
19:55 - Exfoliating
Mushrooms, diamond dust and dark circle serums - Episode 402
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Are the IS Clinical Hydra Cool products special?What do we think of the anti-aging and effectiveness of Pavise?What ingredients might be responsible for the great results in a conditioner?What can be done about under eye dark circles?How do you practice sun safety diligentlyApproximate timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Chit chat
3:50 - Natural talk
11:05 - IS Clinical
17:10 - Pavise sunscreen
26:50 - Kerastas conditioner
32:10 - Dark circles
38:15 - Suns...
Heat protection, facial masks and sunscreen - episode 401
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
How do you know if a product is providing heat protection?What kind of damage can high force air do to wet hair?What makes a facial mask work amazingly?What is really important when using sunscreen?Do red light masks spur collagen growth?Beauty News
Buzzy skincare ingredients - which do you think are the most promising?
Approximate timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Chit chat
4:50 - Beauty News - Buzzy ingredients
14:55 - Beau...
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.
<...
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...