From $20 drugstore finds to $185 luxury formulas, We break down Vitamin C skincare products, textures, and ingredient lists to help you choose what really works for hyperpigmentation, hydration, and beyond.   Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season*a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514 Product Shoutout:Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser Enrichment Content:EP144: Is 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid a worthy vitamin C derivative?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9wfbFIUIJg From the Blog: Which Vitamin C Derivative is Best for My Skinhttps://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/which-vitamin-c-derivative-is-the-best-for-my-skin Follow us:IG:  https://www.instagram.com/chemist.confessions/?hl=enINTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfessions?lang=en Skincare questions for the podcast?Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack

Is tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (aka. THD ascorbate) a more stable, more exciting form of vitamin C, or just another quirky chemical cousin? We unpack the science, separate facts from marketing fluff, and reveal what this ingredient really does for your skin. Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season*a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514 Product Shoutout:Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser Enrichment Content:EP144: Is 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid a worthy vitamin C derivative?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9wfbFIUIJg From the Blog: Which Vitamin C Derivative is Best for My Skinhttps://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/which-vitamin-c-derivative-is-the-best-for-my-skin Follow us:IG:  https://www.instagram.com/chemist.confessions/?hl=enINTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfessions?lang=en Skincare questions for the podcast?Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack

It’s the last sunscreen episode of 2025 (we promise!). The chemists have been mulling over all of the recent sunscreen drama. Ultimately, they’ve decided that the most constructive way to address everyone’s concerns is to walk everyone through how to properly shop for sunscreens in 2025. In this guided tour of sunscreens, they will also address concerns on SPF boosters and even how to process the concerning results published by Choice.  00:20 | Chemist Confessions Podcast: Addressing the Sunscreen Drama 01:00 | How to Shop for Sunscreen 01:49 | Method to Shop for Sunscreen: Addressing Concerns and Finding Confidence 02:29 | Starting Point: Chemical Fluid or Lotion Formulas 03:17 | Asian or EU Sunscreens (Chemical) 05:29 | Why are US Sunscreens Different? (Texture Discussion) 07:41 | When to Choose Mineral Sunscreens (Acne, Irritation, Sensitivity) 08:40 | Mineral Sunscreen Controversy: Are "Mineral" Sunscreens Truly Mineral? 09:58 | Understanding UV Boosters in Sunscreen Formulas 12:01 | Quirky Traits of Mineral Sunscreens: White Cast and Powdery Formulas  30 for 30 Sunscreen Challenge Compiled Summary *a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.https://shopmy.us/collections/1766357 Other products discussed this 2025 Podcast Seasonhttps://shopmy.us/collections/1280514 Product Shoutout:Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanserhttps://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser Enrichment Content:Can You Layer Foundation With Sunscreenhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ0Dlb0WXvc&t=1356s Chemists’ Complete Sunscreen Review Guidehttps://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/how-to-best-use-cleansers Follow us:IG:  https://www.instagram.com/chemist.confessions/INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfes…

Victoria recently decided to commit to 100 days of double cleansing on her oily, acne-prone skin. In those 100 days, she tests 10 cleansing oils and 10 gel cleansers. They discuss their likes, dislikes, and surprise discoveries amongst these formulas. Ultimately, the chemists’ goal in this experiment is to answer the question, “Should you be double cleansing every day?” Additionally, they hope that in this experiment they can help pinpoint what traits to look for in a good oil cleanser and gel cleanser. Enjoy!   Products Enjoyed in the 100 Days of Double Cleansing Journey *a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. https://shopmy.us/collections/1942385   Other products discussed this 2025 Podcast Season https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514   Product Shoutout: Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser   Enrichment Content: Chemists’ Review 5 Kbeauty Cleansing Oils https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WiF-LYh1no&t=380s   Chemists’ Double Cleansing Guide https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/how-to-best-use-cleansers   Follow us: IG:   / chemist.confessions   INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfes…

In this episode, we put five popular vitamin C serums featuring 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid to the test: Beauty of Joseon Light on Serum, Elf C+E+Feruic Acid Serum, Olay Vitamin C Brightening Serum,  Innisfree Green Tean Enzyme Vitamin C, and Numbuz:n 5+. This is a wild category of products. Unlike the CE Ferulic dupes, the range is far and wide in between! From texture critiques (why so sticky, Elf?) to actives breakdown, we decode the labels and share which formulas we’d choose — and which ones barely count as a vitamin C serum at all.   Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season*a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514 Product Shoutout:Mr. Reliable Moisturizer with 3% Ceramide Complexhttps://chemistconfessions.com/products/mr-reliable-lightweight-moisturizer Enrichment Content:EP144: Is 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid a worthy vitamin C derivative?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9wfbFIUIJg From the Blog: Which Vitamin C Derivative is Best for My Skinhttps://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/which-vitamin-c-derivative-is-the-best-for-my-skin  Follow us:IG: https://www.instagram.com/chemist.confessions/INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfessions?lang=enSkincare questions for the podcast?Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack

Is 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid truly a gentler, more stable form of vitamin C, or just a shiny chemical cousin? We unpack the science, separate facts from marketing fluff, and reveal what this ingredient really does for your skin. Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Seasona small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514 Recommended 30 for 30 Sunscreens 2025a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. https://shopmy.us/collections/1766357Product Shoutout: Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanserhttps://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser Enrichment Content:Sunscreen Layering Guidehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ0Dlb0WXvc Do We Absorb Sunscreen Filters into Our Bloodstreams?https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/controversy-corner-do-we-absorb-sunscreen-filters-into-our-bloodstreams Follow us:IG:   / chemist.confessionsINTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfes...Skincare questions for the podcast?Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack

In this extended 30 for 30 finale, we review 30 chemical sunscreens across drugstore, mid-tier, international, and luxury categories. breaking down textures, performance, pilling, greasy finishes, and even surprise standouts like Banana Boat Light as Air. Perfect for anyone struggling to find their next go-to SPF! Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season*a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514 Recommended 30 for 30 Sunscreens 2025*a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.https://shopmy.us/collections/1766357 Product Shoutout:Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanserhttps://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser Enrichment Content:Sunscreen Layering Guidehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ0Dlb0WXvc Do We Absorb Sunscreen Filters into Our Bloodstreams?https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/controversy-corner-do-we-absorb-sunscreen-filters-into-our-bloodstreams  Follow us:IG:   / chemist.confessions  INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfes... Skincare questions for the podcast?Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack

We’re back for our third year of the 30 for 30 sunscreen challenge where we test 30 sunscreens in 30 days. In part 1, we discuss the mineral sunscreens. This category is divided into mineral fluids and mineral lotions. We rate them from worst, meh, noteworthy, and best based on their texture and finish. Overall, we’ve found this category to be much improved! Let’s dive into our mineral sunscreen journey!   Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season *a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514   Recommended 30 for 30 Sunscreens 2025 *a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. https://shopmy.us/collections/1766357   Product Shoutout: Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser   Enrichment Content: Sunscreen Layering Guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ0Dlb0WXvc   Do We Absorb Sunscreen Filters into Our Bloodstreams? https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/controversy-corner-do-we-absorb-sunscreen-filters-into-our-bloodstreams    Follow us: IG:   / chemist.confessions   INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfes...   Skincare questions for the podcast? Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack  

One of the top questions we get on sunscreen is - I want to layer foundation with my sunscreen is that okay? What does it mean for the level of sun protection I’m getting? That’s a pretty complex question and thankfully - we have some great studies and recommendations to share. *a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514 Product Shoutout:Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanserhttps://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser Enrichment Content:Do we Absorb Sunscreen Filters into Our Bloodstreams?https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/controversy-corner-do-we-absorb-sunscreen-filters-into-our-bloodstreams Chemists’ Ultimate Sunscreen Applicatin Guidehttps://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/chemists-ultimate-sunscreen-application-guide Don’t just take it from us - check out other sources like AAD, PCPC, and IBAhttps://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/is-sunscreen-safe  Follow us:IG: https://www.instagram.com/chemist.confessions/INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfessions?lang=enSkincare questions for the podcast?Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack Resources Mentioned: Interactions between different solar UVB/UVA filters contained incommercial suncreams and consequent loss of UV protectionhttps://sci-hub.ru/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1039/b606768a Only one quarter of sunscreens on store shelves are safe and effective, new report says https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/20/health/2025-safest-sunscreens-wellness  A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxidehttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/phpp.12439  Understanding the causes of skincare product pillinghttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/srt.13828  Interactions between different solar UVB/UVA filters contained incommercial suncreams and consequent loss of UV protectionhttps://sci-hub.ru/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1039/b606768a  

Ever since we did round 1 of our CE Ferulic dupe tests, round 2 has been highly requested. This time around, the ascorbic acid serum contenders are: La Roche Posay Pure 12% Vitamin C Serum, Wild Fleur 15% Pure Vitamin C + Xanthophyll - Marigold Brightening Serum, Cerave Vitamin C Serum, Geek & Gorgeous Vitamin C Face Serum, Prequel Lucent C, and Vichy 16% Pure Vitamin C Brightening Serum We incubated these for 6 weeks, and the results are in. Let’s see which reigned supreme, and which would we skip!   Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season*a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514 Product Shoutout:Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanserhttps://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser Enrichment Content:Podcast #139: Water vs. Anhydrous Vitamin C 5 CE Ferulic Dupes put to the Test Pt 1https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/5-skinceuticals-vitamin-c-dupes-put-to-the-test  Product Tested:Vichy LiftActiv Brightening (15% Vitamin C) - $34.99 :https://www.vichyusa.com/skin-care/skin-care-product-type/face-serum/liftactiv-vitamin-c-serum-vitamincserum.htmlCeraVe (10% Vitamin C) - $23.99 :https://www.cerave.com/skincare/facial-serums/skin-renewing-vitamin-c-serumPrequel Lucent C Brightening Vitamin C (15%) - $23 :https://prequelskin.com/products/lucent-c-vitamin-c-serumGeek & Gorgeous C-Glow (15% Vitamin C) - $13.90 :https://geekandgorgeous.us/products/c-glowKlairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop (5% Vitamin C) - $23 :https://sokoglam.com/products/klairs-freshly-juiced-vitamin-cWildfleur Pure Vitamin C 15% + Marigold Brightening - $26 :https://www.ulta.com/p/pure-vitamin-c-15-marigold-brightening-serum-pimprod2050101La Roche-Posay 12% Pure Vitamin C - $46.99 :https://www.laroche-posay.us/our-products/face/face-serum/vitamin-c12-serum-3337875660570.html

Vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is famously known as the only rigorously tested antioxidant for age prevention. Yet this active is also notoriously known for its quirky characteristics in the classic CE Ferulic serum format. This unstable hot dog water has often generated concerns for using it long term. In this episode, the chemists discuss ascorbic acid’s stability and compare vitamin C in water-based formulas vs. anhydrous formulas to see if there’s a better format for this finicky active.  Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season*a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist.https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514 Product Shoutout:Aquafix Hydrating Water Gelhttps://chemistconfessions.com/products/aquafix-hydrating-water-gel Enrichment Content:Podcast Ep - Which Vitamin C Derivative is Better?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b96PX4L6hsQ&t=82s Results of our CE Ferulic Dupe Test - Pt. 1https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/5-skinceuticals-vitamin-c-dupes-put-to-the-test Follow us:IG: https://www.instagram.com/chemist.confessions/INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfessions?lang=enSkincare questions for the podcast?Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehacks  Resources Mentioned:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34986505/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1226086X17304422 https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/9/4/74 https://www.martiderm.com/int-en/product/vitamin-c-antiox https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.14837 https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-taught-pet-parrots-to-video-call-each-other-and-the-birds-loved-it-180982041/https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2008.00473.x

It’s finally getting warmer and this means that we’ve already started testing our 2025 #30for30SunscreenChallenge tests! So this feels like a great time to do a special sunscreen news roundup episode. In this episode, we discuss why you can’t buy Asian sunscreen formulas as easily anymore, what tariffs might mean for the sunscreen landscape, and interesting studies on sunscreen application. Oh! And in case you’re curious, we also cover all the factors the UV index considers to help you make an informed decision on your sun protection of the day.

In 2025, the chemists want to tackle both the science and practical application of skincare. Following our cleanser science episode, we tested 5 of the topselling Kbeauty cleansing oils so you don’t have to, which include: Skin1004, Beauty of Joseon, Anua, Ma:Nyo, and Haru Haru. We discuss our thoughts on the texture and use experience from both the oily skin and dry skin perspective. 

On the topic of cleansers, a lot of the questions the chemists get are about the cleansing routine. One of the common questions is, “Can you just use water to cleanser your face?” The great thing is, this scenario has actually been tested (which is very rare). The chemists discuss the findings and what things to consider if you happen to be using just water to rinse your face. An unusual deep dive, but hopefully interesting and satisfying for those who’ve ever wondered. 

In 2025, the chemists want to tackle both the science and practical application of skincare. Following the ceramide deep dive, the chemists review 4 of the most popular drugstore moisturizers so you don’t have to, which include: Vanicream, CeraVe, Cetaphil, and La Roche Posay Lipikar. We discuss our thoughts on the texture and use experience from both the oily skin and dry skin perspective. 

The chemists are going down the ceramides rabbit hole again because many of you have asked, “Which ceramide is best?” The chemists explain the different types of ceramides and what the research says on which one you should be targeting in your skincare. 

In 2025, the chemists want to tackle both the science and practical application of skincare. Following the ectoin deep dive, the chemists review two ectoin products so you don’t have to. Products were chosen to showcase the diverse landscape of ectoin skicnare. This episode was recorded before the launch of Prequel’s latest Ectoin cream. We discuss our thoughts on the texture and use experience from both the oily skin and dry skin perspective. 

Many of you asked about ectoin so the chemists went down the research rabbit hole. Ectoin is a new kid on the block with some surprising data in the skin barrier and hydration realm. The chemists talk about what it is, what it does for skin, and whether or not it’s better than niacinamide.

In 2025, the chemists want to tackle both the science and practical application of skincare. Following the pore care deep dive, the chemists review five toner pad products so you don’t have to. We discuss our thoughts on the texture and use experience from both the oily skin and dry skin perspective.

When strategizing how to tackle pores, the science is about as random as the skincare landscape. The chemists tackle the biology, the ingredients, and the skincare to try to make sense of what steps can actually make a meaningful difference to help reduce pore size. Can “glass”, “egg”, poreless skin actually achievable?