The Beauty Brains
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic: What is new? Episode 432
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Does Peptonix really grow hair?What’s up with the new Skinceuticals C, E, Ferulic formulation? Is there any science behind DHT-3 blockers to promote hair growth?Does clear gloss dp-Hue work?Can you damage hair on purpose to get body?Relevant links
Peptonix copper-peptide product
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
BosleyMD BosRevive non-color-treated hair shampoo
dpHUE gloss range
Approximate timestamps
0:00 - Introduction
1:00 - Chit chat
9:50 - Listene...
Can K18 serum reduce hair fall and reverse grey? Episode 431
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Do you have to worry about BHT in cosmetics?Are hair masks worth using?Will a biomimetic hair longevity serum reduce shedding?Can you mix products together to reduce irritation?What's the deal with QOAT Professional Hair Color?Perry and Valerie are back after their summer travels, with stories about Greece, Albania, cats, sidewalks, Texas heat, and a medical-testing catch-up before getting into the latest beauty news and listener questions.
Beauty News
- Millions use apps like Yuka...
Can a $1,200 Eye Treatment Really Reduce Wrinkles? - Episode 430
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
How does Olaplex Bond Shaper Curl Rebuilding work?Are plant stem cells reducing wrinkles?What chemical in hair color damages the hair?What’s a good sunscreen to use that won’t sting eyes?Is Le Balm solid moisturizer worth the price?Beauty News
New tool to grade cosmetic ingredients.
The future of beauty according to 5 top scientists.
Approximate timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Chit Chat
3:40 - Tool to grade...
What really works - Episode 429
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
How do you know a study can be trusted?Are collagen supplements for skin a myth?What makes a hair conditioner condition? Is EGF worth the hype?Is exfoliation just as important as SPF?Approximate timestamps
0:00 - Intro
2:00 - Trusting Studies
12:00 - Supplements and skin
18:30 - Hair conditioner
26:30 - EGF
30:25 - Exfoliation and SPF
40:00 - Ending
Five Ways to Ask a question -
1. Send us a messa...
The New Sunscreen Ingredient, Niacinamide Overload, and Keratin Treatments - Episode 428
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Are benzoyl peroxide products dangerous?Is a UBEAUTY serum really a holy grail?What is the new sunscreen active approved by the FDA?Do you need more than 5% Niacinamide?How do keratin treatments work?Links in questions
UBEAUTY serum
Approximate timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Chit chat
6:00 - Trigger warning: Nose injury story
9: 45 - Can AI be used to learn about active ingredients?
16:00 - Benzoyl peroxide lawsuit
22:25 - UBE...
Millennial skin care, face food and what really works - episode 427
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
What are our thoughts on Herbal Face Food brand?Can eye creams make skin sensitive to the sun?Do we have recommendations for reducing C-section scars?Have we ever looked at the brand Timeless?What do Silymarin and Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate do for skin?Beauty News
Science of scam?
Boomer skincare vs Millennials
Question links
Herbal face food
Authentic Ego
Approximate timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Chit chat<...
Does Sunscreen Stop Your Skincare From Working? - Episode 426
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Does sunscreen block skincare ingredients in makeup from working?What do you think of The Good Face Project for cosmetic formulation?Does AO2 Clear help treat acne?What would be a cheaper dupe for StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle Line BlurFector Primer?Do infrared hair tools damage hair, and do heat protectant oils actually work?Beauty News
What happens when clean has to mean something
Approximate timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Chit chat
6:25 - Be...
The Truth About Glycerin, Amlactin, and Beauty Ingredient Hype - episode 425
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Is it a good idea to put pure glycerin on skin?Can a salon professional attend a cosmetic chemist course?Why don’t all Amlactin lotions smell bad?Is there a good two in one shampoo on the market?Are there differences in ingredient quality between brands?Beauty News
Why would dangerous chemicals be allowed in the us but banned in the EU?
Register for Valerie's Hair Science course
Extras:
Perr...
Are Copper Peptides Better Than Retinol? Episode 424
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
What’s the difference between Cetaphil and AmLactin? How do you know if a sunscreen is delivering the SPF they claim?Are copper peptides better than retinol?How do you to stay smoother longer after shaving?Can extreme heat or cold affect the performance of a beauty product?Beauty News
Is this really new technology?
In cosmetics hot ingredient PDRN
Best podcasts
Animal products in cosmetics
Approximate timestamps
<...NAD Hype, Dry Hair, and Color Fade - episode 423
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On today’s show we cover questions including…
Does NAD skincare actually have real efficacy data?Do hair masks give better results if they are left on longer?Does shampooing after depositing the color weaken or degrade it?Is glycerin drying skin at high altitudes?Beauty News
Refillable beauty products. Innovation or a gimmick?
Approximate timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Chit chat
8:45 - Refillable beauty products
13:20 - Listener feedback - estrogen skincare
16:10 - NAD skincare
23:10 - Hair masks
32:00 - Shampoo remo...
Leaked Labs Lipstick Lesbians and Beauty Hype - episode 422
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
What are our thoughts on The Hair Multiplier from Le Jardin?We’ll look at Paula’s Choice new longevity serumWhat’s going on with Leaked Labs?Are various hair products bad for curls?Beauty News
Taking beauty advice from scientists.
Valerie's quoted article.
Henkel buys olaplex
Panthenol talk
Supplier's day mentioned in the show
Approximate timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Chit chat
5:45...
Can Rice Protein Really Grow Hair? - Episode 421
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
What’s the scoop on rice protein for hair?Can one improve the texture of synthetic hair?Are azelaic acid and copper peptides compatible?Will Alpharet improve 60 year old hands?What are alternatives to Crown Affair’s air dry mousse?Beauty News
Does rosemary oil help with hair growth?
Rosemary oil vs minoxidyl
What happened to Vegan brands?
Cosmetic ingredient safety checker app.
Approximate timestamps
0:00 - Intro<...
Beauty Dupes, Shampoo Truths, & becoming a Cosmetic Chemist - episode 420
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
What is nonenal odor and how do you minimize it? Does panthenol make a shampoo better?What’s an alternative to Matrix step one bleach amplifier?How expensive is it to test a product?How do you become a cosmetic chemist?Beauty News
Wirecutter hired a chemist to tell if products were real or dupes.
Approximate timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Chit chat
7:00 - Who are the Beauty Brains?
19:00 - Real...
Launching a line, hair hydration, and retinaldehyde - Episode 419
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Are there hydrogen peroxide free glosses for hair?Is retinaldehyde better than adapelene?What are our thoughts on cosmetics in terra cotta containers?Are oils or water better for locking in moisture to hair?How do you start your own skincare line?Beauty Questions
Adapelene study - Clinical efficacy of adapalene (differin(®)) 0.3% gel in Chilean women with cutaneous photoaging
Start a cosmetic line webinar
Approximate timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Chit chat
9:00 - Lis...
That product cost how much to make!? Episode 418
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
How much does it really cost to make products?Does goat milk have benefit on skin?Is the Paula’s Choice new serum amazing? Is Glycerin bad for hair?What ingredients should you look for in a makeup primer?Beauty News
FDA doesn’t determine safety of PFAS
Men’s skin care line.
Approximate timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Chit chat
4:00 - Beauty News
14:00 - How much do products...
Does Pantene’s "Abundant and Strong" Really Improve Your Hair Health? - Episode 417
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
What are your thoughts on Pantene’s Abundant and Strong system?Is The Ordinary Lash Curl Finisher safe?Do we have recommendations on barrier repair moisturizers?Are ionic hair dryers better for your hair?Is there anything unique about the Renpure Coconut Whipped Creme Leave-in Conditioner?Beauty News
Top 10 beauty brands
Beauty Question
Below are two videos talking about the science of the hair care system:
https://youtu.be/9eO6AF7...
Menstral Mask Madness, When Skincare Trends Go a Little Too Far - Episode 416
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On today’s show we cover questions including…
When do you need heat protectors in products?What do you think of color locker products from Fanola?Should we be worried about chemicals in our laundry detergent?Plus! our big start of the year prediction show!
Predictions
General trend
Hot ingredient
Celebrity launch
Beauty News
What’s the secret to good skin care? Have a lot of money
C&T most popular stories of the year...
Low pH shampoo - hard water - supplement sunscreen and more - episode 415
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Do low pH shampoos preserve color?Can a supplement provide you sun protection?What effects does hard water have on hair color?How significant are the health risks to taking topical tretinoin?What’s the difference between aerosol and non aerosol sprays?Beauty News
NY SCC meeting
FDA withdraws talc rule.
New sunscreen in US
Electrokinetics confirms BTMC is best conditioner!
Question links
Science direct articl...
Cleaner, Safer, Better? Sorting Fact from Fiction in Today’s Beauty Buzz - episode 414
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Can you mix sunscreens to change the tint of the product?Is California Naturals a good hair care optionHow do you talk to a clean beauty believer?How do you control frizz?What’s wrong with Decyl Glucoside in hair care products?Beauty News
Opinion issued on Tea Tree oil in products
Unregulated masks are flooding the market
7 hair care launches shaping the future of products
Approximate timestamps
0:00...
Hair bond builders and more - Episode 413
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
How do you know when an ingredient is in a formula at a working %?Why would a company use a dangerous ingredient in their product?Do heat-less curls damage hair?What’s the deal with Milk Shake Direct Color?How do hair color products with conditioning effects work?Beauty News
Science News - Valerie quoted speaking about the skin’s barrier
Bond builders - do they work?
Approximate timestamps
0:00 - Intro<...
Heat protectants, red light, antioxidants and more - episode 412
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
How long do heat protectants last? Is there a meaningful difference between different red light therapy masks?Why would an anti-aging cream be really expensive?Can you just use rubbing alcohol to prevent itching and ingrown hairs?In an antioxidant balm, will the antioxidants absorb into the skin or stay on top?Beauty News
Augustinus Bader backs Dua Lipa’s wallet-friendly line.
Are beauty products going all become the same?
Approximate timestamps
Maintaining Hair Color, Baby Skincare, Retinol and more - Episode 411
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On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…
Why would Differin be more irritating than prescription Adapalene?How do you know which retinol lotion to use?What is your opinion of k18 hair mask?Is Tubby Todd All Over Ointment really effective for baby acne?What ingredients help hair color last longer?Beauty News
Chief sustainability officer steps down
Really? Oral supplement can reduce wrinkles in 12 weeks
Approximate timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Chit chat
4:45 - Beau...
Sunscreen Stations, Blue Light, Silicones and more - Episode 410
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On today’s show we cover questions including…
What do you think of the young goose line of productsHow do silicones work in hair care products?How does Cetaphil nourishing oil to foam cleanser work?Are those outdoor sunscreen stations providing effective product?Does light from your cell phone affect your skin?Beauty News
1. 5 recent breakthroughs in cosmetic science
2. Beauty industry giants collide for cosmetic safety to end ‘historical lack of collaboration’
3. How reliable is the Yuka app for buying beauty products?
4. Ulta...
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:
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 quoted
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 fragrances
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?Beauty 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...
