The Beauty Brains

Does Sunscreen Stop Your Skincare From Working? - Episode 426 31.05.2026 45min

Send us Fan Mail 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 - Chi...

The Truth About Glycerin, Amlactin, and Beauty Ingredient Hype - episode 425 15.05.2026 44min

Send us Fan Mail 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: Perry's Kitten microneedling - ...

Are Copper Peptides Better Than Retinol? Episode 424 30.04.2026 47min

Send us Fan Mail 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 0:00 ...

NAD Hype, Dry Hair, and Color Fade - episode 423 10.04.2026 43min

Send us Fan Mail 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 skinca...

Leaked Labs Lipstick Lesbians and Beauty Hype - episode 422 31.03.2026 52min

Send us Fan Mail 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 - Silicones and hair 9:00 - Takin...

Can Rice Protein Really Grow Hair? - Episode 421 19.03.2026 53min

Send us Fan Mail 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 1:00 - Ch...

Beauty Dupes, Shampoo Truths, & becoming a Cosmetic Chemist - episode 420 11.03.2026 53min

Send us Fan Mail 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 or Dupe products 28:30 ...

Launching a line, hair hydration, and retinaldehyde - Episode 419 13.02.2026 54min

Send us Fan Mail 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 times...

That product cost how much to make!? Episode 418 02.02.2026 48min

Send us Fan Mail 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 cost 18:30 - Goat milk and Paula's Choics 28:...

Does Pantene’s "Abundant and Strong" Really Improve Your Hair Health? - Episode 417 24.01.2026 50min

Send us Fan Mail 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.b...

Menstral Mask Madness, When Skincare Trends Go a Little Too Far - Episode 416 07.01.2026 51min

Send us Fan Mail 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 Strange skin treatments Approximate timesta...

Low pH shampoo - hard water - supplement sunscreen and more - episode 415 24.12.2025 43min

Send us Fan Mail 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 article Cleveland cli...

Cleaner, Safer, Better? Sorting Fact from Fiction in Today’s Beauty Buzz - episode 414 13.12.2025 52min

Send us Fan Mail 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 - Intro 1:00 - Chit ch...

Hair bond builders and more - Episode 413 04.12.2025 55min

Send us Fan Mail 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 1:00 - Chit chat 3:2...

Heat protectants, red light, antioxidants and more - episode 412 26.11.2025 48min

Send us Fan Mail 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 ...

Maintaining Hair Color, Baby Skincare, Retinol and more - Episode 411 17.11.2025 52min

Send us Fan Mail 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 - Be...

Sunscreen Stations, Blue Light, Silicones and more - Episode 410 08.11.2025 51min

Send us Fan Mail 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 r...

Why did they change their formula? - Episode 409 20.10.2025 40min

Send us Fan Mail 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 - Chit ch...

How to Get the Gunk Off and the Glow On - episode 408 12.10.2025 52min

Send us Fan Mail 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.youtube.com/watch?v=6vvht6jMYlY Pt...

Sunscreen scandals, Busted celebrity brands & beauty questions answered - episode 407 04.10.2025 53min

Send us Fan Mail 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...