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Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where Sciences Gets a Hot New Makeover! We're two cosmetic chemists who want to reveal what really goes into your favorite products. Join us in the Science Salon! Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a curious consumer, or just tired of being told coconut oil cures everything, you’re in the right place. Let's gossip about all things beauty together! Pull up a chair, your appointment's about to start. There is drama in the soap making community, and we are here to weigh in. This week we are talking about a small soap business that has come under fire for less than hygienic practices, but unlike most of the opinions we are seeing online, we might be defending her. In order to fully understand why, we need to understand what rules and regulations are actually in place when it comes to crafting products. We read through pages and pages of the FDAs website so that you don’t have to. And I think before we can even decide if she is at fault, we need to understand if her soap is even considered a cosmetic product at all. It turns out, you have been thinking of a ‘soap’ wrong this whole time! But don’t worry, we are here to straighten things out (as best as we can). We are talking about what makes a soap a soap, or more specifically, what makes it not a soap. Cleansing the body is not the only criteria. Turns out soap is a pretty exclusive category. A viral soap-making controversy raises bigger questions about cosmetic chemistry, product safety, and what U.S. regulations actually require of small businesses. In this episode of Beauty by the Beaker, cosmetic chemists break down the online debate around a small soap business and explain how soap differs from cosmetics, what MoCRA changed, and where the FDA fits in. We also discuss hygiene and manufacturing practices, product claims, ingredient and quality concerns, and why a product changing color doesn’t automatically tell the whole story. It’s a nuanced look at small-business cosmetics regulation, consumer judgment, and how internet criticism can grow around a viral story. Engaging with consumers through social media can be a double-edged sword for small businesses. Questions About Your Cosmetics? Call NOW! (801) 901-3804 Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with more sources. www.beautyxbeaker.com Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube! @beautyxbeaker @natbxb @sadiebxb Contact us at [email protected] Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and music and Hailey Romero for our branding. Your Appointment Includes: 00:00 Introduction to Beauty by the Beaker 02:09 The Soap Opera of Crafty Slaughter 04:53 Understanding Soap Regulations 12:01 Hygiene Practices in Soap Making 19:40 Customer Complaints and Business Ethics 24:18 Controversy Over Contaminated Soap Products 29:03 Understanding FDA Regulations and MOCRA 34:09 The Gray Areas of Cosmetic Manufacturing 39:14 Public Perception and Social Media Backlash 43:31 The Impact of Appearance on Business Practices

Winter is coming, so this week we are reminding you how to keep your hair happy and healthy as the temperatures drop. In this episode, we discuss the effects of winter on skin and hair, emphasizing the importance of adjusting beauty routines to combat dryness and irritation caused by cold weather. We explain the science behind humidity, skin structure, and the necessity of maintaining hydration through effective skincare products. The conversation also highlights the significance of understanding how environmental changes impact skin health and offers practical tips for winter skincare routines. Join us as we discuss essential skincare and hair care routines for winter, emphasizing the importance of hydration, moisturization, and adjusting beauty routines to combat the effects of cold weather. Explore the differences between skin and hair care, the significance of conditioning over hydration, and practical tips for maintaining healthy skin and hair during the winter months. As winter approaches, we encourage you to embrace the coziness (just do it with a big jug of water). Your Appointment Includes: 00:00 Winter's Impact on Skin and Hair07:54 Understanding Skin Structure and Function17:02 Adjusting Your Routine for Winter Care19:44 Winter Skincare Essentials20:39 Understanding Hair Structure and Care25:30 Hydration vs. Moisturization in Hair Care30:15 Adjusting Hair Care for Winter Conditions33:42 Embracing Winter Self-Care RitualsWe are chatting about: How cold temperatures make hair and skin dry.Why humidity levels drop in winter, affecting skin hydration.How cold and warm air are different. How wind can cause additional irritation.How UV radiation is different in the snow. Why understanding skin structure helps in choosing the right products.The skin barrier, and its crucial role in retaining moisture.Topical products and cleansing. Hydration from within vs topicallyAdjusting skincare routines for winter.Ways to increase moisture in the air.How to care for hair vs skin.How porosity affects how hair absorbs moisture.Why humidity impacts hair appearance and texture.Why hydration and moisturization are not the same.The importance of conditioning.Adjust hair care routine based on humidity levels.Gentle hairstyles to minimize damage during winter.The importance of self-care during the winter months.*This episode was originally released on December 17, 2025Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where Sciences Gets a Hot New Makeover! We're two cosmetic chemists who want to reveal what really goes into your favorite products. Join us in the Science Salon! Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a curious consumer, or just tired of being told coconut oil cures everything, you’re in the right place. Let's gossip about all things beauty together! Pull up a chair, your appointment's about to start.Questions About Your Cosmetics? Call NOW! (801) 901-3804Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with more sources.www.beautyxbeaker.comJoin us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube!@beautyxbeaker@natbxb@sadiebxbContact us at [email protected] thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and music and Hailey Romero for our branding.

This week we are feeling extra spooky, because it’s nearly Halloween! So we wanted to give you a sneaky little peak into the scariest things we have heard as cosmetic chemists, and we promise its more than just unpreserved cosmetics (Of course its still a little bit of that, because they are really scary).  Sadie and Nat are sharing some of the times that things didn’t go as planned while working in the lab. Maybe they were honest mistakes, but we can’t prove that these events weren’t supernatural. We discuss spilling banned ingredients, broken glass, and Natalie gives her professional opinion on why mascara is so bad. We talked about frightening client interactions and finished good failures to show you the (not so scary) details that need to be considered when making cosmetics.  We also share the one and only time either of us ever tried working with soap noodles, and spoiler it led to an evacuation. We discuss why even if something is ‘safe’ it's probably best to still take precaution when handling it. We discuss how development labs are different than manufacturing labs, and the precautions that are needed to keep chemists and consumers happy and healthy. And while we can’t prove that there are ghosts haunting the air of the laboratory, we can confirm that there are potential irritants like silica and capsaicin powder floating around.  We are also sharing some anonymous stories from fellow cosmetic chemists and talking about color changes, form changes, and failed stability testing. Join us for a silly episode, and learn what we find frightening!  Your Appointment Includes:   00:00 - Cosmetic chemistry’s spooky lab stories 02:07 - A shattered beaker and a two-kilo spill 04:31 - Broken glass, lash formulas, and a rough lab day 08:05 - Getting cornered at an industry event 09:56 - The tenfold lip-gloss color mistake 12:45 - Soap noodles and a lab evacuation 16:01 - Lab exposure, protective gear, and a sodium hydroxide tale 19:00 - Capsaicin powder turns the lab air spicy 22:10 - Unexpected color changes and foundation brains 25:07 - Peanut butter and jelly toothpaste 27:21 - Why late stability failures are so stressful 32:15 - Mislabeled chemicals and risky sniff tests 34:08 - Wrong samples, homogenizers, and metal spatulas 36:08 - Preservative-free briefs, aerosol risks, and impossible costs 39:25 - How cosmetic lab scares can be avoided Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where Sciences Gets a Hot New Makeover! We're two cosmetic chemists who want to reveal what really goes into your favorite products. Join us in the Science Salon! Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a curious consumer, or just tired of being told coconut oil cures everything, you’re in the right place. Let's gossip about all things beauty together! Pull up a chair, your appointment's about to start. Questions About Your Cosmetics? Call NOW!  (801) 901-3804 Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with more sources. www.beautyxbeaker.com Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube! @beautyxbeaker @natbxb @sadiebxb Contact us at [email protected] Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and music and Hailey Romero for our branding.

Fungi are everywhere, and I mean EVERYWHERE. And they tend to be pretty misunderstood.  Yeast, mold, and mushrooms are not plants, not bacteria, and not just spooky Halloween germs. They are a completely different branch of life, and they play a much bigger role in your environment, your skin, and your cosmetics than you probably realize. This week we break down what it means to be a fungus in a way that finally makes sense, from the cell-wall secret ingredient that separates them from bacteria and plants to the digestive reason they can be both helpful and harmful. This episode also gets into one of the strangest and most useful parts of fungi - their byproducts. From ancient moldy-bread medicine to modern ingredients like citric acid, azelaic acid, beta carotene, and fermented squalane, fungi show up everywhere once you know what to look for. If you care about skincare, cosmetic preservation, microbiomes, or just want to stop side-eyeing mushrooms every time they pop up on your feed, or in your lawn, this one is for you. Perfect for anyone with a little mycophobia, a lot of curiosity, or a growing obsession with the science behind beauty products. By the end, fungi may still seem weird - but they’ll make a whole lot more sense. We are chatting about: Why fungi are similar to humans  What chitin is and why it matters in fungal cell walls The difference between yeasts, molds, and mushrooms How fungi help decompose matter and recycle nutrients Why your skin microbiome includes both bacteria and fungi The real risks behind fungal infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and fungal acne How cosmetics get contaminated, and how GMP and preservatives help prevent it Which fungal-derived ingredients show up in skincare, including snow mushroom, reishi, shiitake, chaga, cordyceps, and more Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where Sciences Gets a Hot New Makeover! We're two cosmetic chemists who want to reveal what really goes into your favorite products. Join us in the Science Salon! Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a curious consumer, or just tired of being told coconut oil cures everything, you’re in the right place. Let's gossip about all things beauty together! Pull up a chair, your appointment's about to start. Questions About Your Cosmetics? Call NOW!  (801) 901-3804 Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with more sources. www.beautyxbeaker.com Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube! @beautyxbeaker @natbxb @sadiebxb Contact us at [email protected] Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and music and Hailey Romero for our branding.

Have you heard of Zombie Cells? Senescent cells are real, but the skincare claims built around them are often way more terrifying than the science supports. This week in the Science Salon, Sadie and Nat unpack the spooky truth behind these dormant skin cells.  The scariest thing might be all the new vocab words. This week we discuss telomeres and apoptosis and explain how UV damage and stress fit into the story. You’ll hear how certain ingredients are being sold as senolytics, and why the jump from petri dish results to real-world skin benefits is a much bigger leap than brands want you to think. This week we help you understand why these “zombie cells” are suddenly everywhere in anti-aging marketing.  We also dig into the products making the loudest promises like Peach and Lily’s Zombie Cream featuring DSM’s Eterwell™ Youth. We dive into the studies, including the in vitro, ex vivo, and human data behind the ingredient claims. We press on the details that matter most: sample size, placebo controls, concentration, and whether the marketing is really about science or just smart wording. The conversation also gets into why hydration ingredients like glycerin may be doing more of the visible heavy lifting than the “zombie cell” story. We are chatting about: Why senescent cells are called zombie cells How telomeres and cellular damage push skin cells toward senescence or apoptosis What DSM claims about targeted apoptosis and collagen support Where the evidence is strong, where it gets fuzzy, and where brand marketing starts to overreach Why a $435 serum with a confusing ingredient deck is not automatically worth your money Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where Sciences Gets a Hot New Makeover! We're two cosmetic chemists who want to reveal what really goes into your favorite products. Join us in the Science Salon! Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a curious consumer, or just tired of being told coconut oil cures everything, you’re in the right place. Let's gossip about all things beauty together! Pull up a chair, your appointment's about to start. Questions About Your Cosmetics? Call NOW!  (801) 901-3804 Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with more sources. www.beautyxbeaker.com Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube! @beautyxbeaker @natbxb @sadiebxb Contact us at [email protected] Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and music and Hailey Romero for our branding. Your Appointment Includes:  00:00 Spooky October intro 01:00 What zombie cells are and why they matter 03:12 How cells age and lose communication 05:55 Telomeres, cell division, and senescence 07:26 Senescence versus apoptosis 09:36 What triggers senescence besides telomere shortening 10:28 Why senescent cells can still be useful 12:45 How senescent cells may spread damage 13:46 Zombie cell skincare marketing 14:27 Peach & Lily Zombie Cream and its price 16:00 Eterwell™ Youth and supplier claims 18:15 What DSM says the ingredient does 21:02 Lab testing, petri dishes, and skin samples 23:28 Human study results and their limitations 26:16 Why formulation matters 27:01 Glycerin, hydration, and the formula’s effects 29:10 Prescription Skin Care and brand naming 34:27 The Nescens Zombie Cell Clearing Serum and its price point 38:39 The ingredient list and marketing claims 41:07 Is zombie skincare legit? 43:09 Aging, anti-aging pressure, and the closing message

We are kicking off Spooky Season the scariest way we know how! Beauty misinformation is more than annoying, it shapes what people buy, believe, and do with their skin. In this episode, Sadie and Nat break down some of the most persistent beauty myths, from chemical sunscreen fears and “reef-safe” claims to oral sunscreen supplements, preservative misinformation, and the ways AI and sensational headlines can distort scientific evidence.The hosts recap the Truth and Beauty eSummit from The Eco Well, exploring how emotional marketing, cherry-picked studies, and the attention economy help beauty misinformation spread. They discuss why chemical sunscreens are often unfairly villainized, why sunscreen supplements probably aren’t the safer shortcut they sound like, and why “reef-safe” is more of an unregulated marketing claim and less of a scientific guarantee.From sunscreen myths to fear-based beauty marketing, this conversation looks at the real-world consequences of misinformation and offers a more thoughtful way to evaluate skincare claims. If you’re interested in skincare, cosmetic chemistry, sunscreen, or making sense of beauty science, this episode is for you.Grab a seat, we are chatting about: The Importance of Science CommunicationThe financial problem behind beauty researchWhy the term “chemical sunscreen” can sound scarier than the evidence suggestsWhat to consider when evaluating sunscreen claimsWhy sunscreen and coral reef headlines can leave out important contextHow AI search results can amplify low-quality or misleading scienceWhy preservatives matter for cosmetic safetyHow science, art, and aspiration shape the beauty marketQuestions to ask when deciding who to trust, and what they might gain from your beliefThe importance of source vettingWelcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where Sciences Gets a Hot New Makeover! We're two cosmetic chemists who want to reveal what really goes into your favorite products. Join us in the Science Salon! Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a curious consumer, or just tired of being told coconut oil cures everything, you’re in the right place. Let's gossip about all things beauty together! Pull up a chair, your appointment's about to start.Questions About Your Cosmetics? Call NOW! (801) 901-3804Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with more sources.www.beautyxbeaker.comJoin us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube!@beautyxbeaker@natbxb@sadiebxbContact us at [email protected] thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and music and Hailey Romero for our branding.Key Sources: Truth In Beauty eSummit Replayhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpiU8-a9RIo&t=19023s&list=PLV7JqwvL7SSsYciULwVUZuYwXPZybUDHNMore Info on the eSummithttps://www.theecowell.com/truth-in-beauty-esummit

This week is all about scalp health. Your itchy, flaky scalp might not be dandruff, and using the wrong treatment could make it worse. In this episode of Beauty by the Beaker, cosmetic chemists Sadie and Natalie explain the difference between dry scalp, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis, plus how to choose a smarter next step. Learn how scalp oil, aka sebum, and the yeast Malassezia are connected to dandruff and why itching can start before flakes appear. Not all scalp issues are microbial, and this week we discuss how clues like flake texture, redness, your environment, and hair-washing habits may help you understand what’s going on. What makes this distinction important? We explain why dry scalp and dandruff typically call for opposite approaches. This episode covers the scalp microbiome (and its limited research), over-the-counter dandruff shampoo ingredients, and how treatments such as pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, sulfur, and ketoconazole work. Find out why some ingredients target fungal overgrowth while others help loosen and break up flakes. Learn how to properly use these products, and why letting dandruff shampoo sit on your scalp for a few minutes can matter. If you’re wondering whether to use a gentle hydrating shampoo, an anti-dandruff treatment, or scalp oil, this practical scalp-care guide can help you avoid common mistakes. Understand when cautious trial and error may be reasonable and when it’s best to see a dermatologist. Remember if your scalp is painful, very inflamed, or symptoms are spreading, it’s best to skip the headache and see a professional for a diagnosis.  Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for medical advice or a diagnosis from a healthcare professional. Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where Sciences Gets a Hot New Makeover! We're two cosmetic chemists who want to reveal what really goes into your favorite products. Join us in the Science Salon! Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a curious consumer, or just tired of being told coconut oil cures everything, you’re in the right place. Let's gossip about all things beauty together! Pull up a chair, your appointment's about to start. Questions About Your Cosmetics? Call NOW!  (801) 901-3804 Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with more sources. www.beautyxbeaker.com Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube! @beautyxbeaker @natbxb @sadiebxb Contact us at [email protected] Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and music and Hailey Romero for our branding. Timestamps (0:00) Welcome back to Beauty by the Beaker (2:02) Why scalp care is suddenly everywhere (3:42) What the scalp actually is (4:08) Hair follicles, sebum, and scalp structure (4:34) Why do humans have so many scalp follicles (7:24) The scalp microbiome and Malassezia (8:38) How microbial balance affects dandruff (9:05) What dandruff is and why it itches (10:05) Why itching can appear before flakes (10:28) Dry scalp versus dandruff (12:08) How to spot the difference by flakes and symptoms (13:26) When to see a dermatologist (13:54) Gentle shampoos and scalp serums for dryness (14:51) FDA rules for dandruff treatment products (15:44) Ingredients used in anti-dandruff products (16:19) Why Nizoral and Differin are special (17:29) Pyrithione zinc and how it reduces dandruff (18:26) Salicylic acid and flake removal (19:19) Why dandruff often needs ongoing management (19:45) Seborrheic dermatitis and where it can show up (20:50) Psoriasis treatment options and red flags (21:18) Why washing less is not always better (22:20) When trial and error is okay, and when to seek help (23:21) Rosemary oil and scalp problems (24:51) Final recap and takeaways

Every once in a while we see pH marketed on labels, but most people have no idea what it actually means - and that confusion is exactly why it has the opportunity to become such a powerful buzzword. If you’ve ever wondered whether “pH balanced” skincare or hair care is worth paying more for, this episode breaks down the science in a way that finally makes sense. This week we are discussing the power of Hydrogen, and we are doing it in some very conceptual and possibly less than scientific ways. We explain what the pH is, what the scale is based on, and how a tiny shift can represent a 10x change in hydrogen ion concentration. That definitely matters as a chemist when we are formulating products that touch your skin, hair, or scalp, but does it matter as a consumer? This week you'll discover: Why pH is logarithmic, and why that makes a difference between pH of 5 and 7 much more significant than it sounds Where common substances like lemon juice, vinegar, shampoo, skin, soap, and oven cleaner fall on the scale Why the acid mantle matters for skin health, dryness, and barrier function When pH really does matter in cleansing, and when it’s mostly a marketing distraction How acids, surfactants, and product formulas actually behave in water and on skin Why certain shampoo studies and “low pH” marketing can be misleading, and why formulators already account for these details so consumers usually don’t have to. The different role of pH in cleansers versus acids like AHAs, BHAs, and functional other skincare ingredients. If you are curious about how the pH scale works, and why it's important in skincare but don’t have a background in chemistry, this episode is for you. Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where Sciences Gets a Hot New Makeover! We're two cosmetic chemists who want to reveal what really goes into your favorite products. Join us in the Science Salon! Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a curious consumer, or just tired of being told coconut oil cures everything, you’re in the right place. Let's gossip about all things beauty together! Pull up a chair, your appointment's about to start. Questions About Your Cosmetics? Call NOW! (801) 901-3804 Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with more sources. www.beautyxbeaker.com Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube! @beautyxbeaker @natbxb @sadiebxb Contact us at [email protected] Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and music and Hailey Romero for our branding.

When it comes to curls there is a lot of misinformation, and this week we are setting the record straight. Natalie and Sadie, cosmetic formulation chemists are covering the 3 main misconceptions when it comes to curly hair, and explaining why you might not be treating your hair right. We break down why curl type is a weak predictor of what your hair actually needs, why “wash less” is not universal, and why products do not magically change your curl pattern. Starting with the origins of curl typing, including its uncomfortable ties to racial classification and the later Andre Walker system that still dominates online charts today. We show why two people with the same curl label can need completely different routines depending on porosity, elasticity, thickness, product load, and how much manipulation their hair gets. This week we learn: Why curl typing can be useful for estimating shrinkage and gel-cast behavior, but not for choosing products Why scalp oil, sweat, climate, and product buildup matter more than curl pattern when deciding wash frequency How hydrogen bonds and disulfide bonds actually shape what your hair does—and what heat, bleaching, and chemical services can permanently change Why wet styling, gentle handling, and the right level of hold can enhance your natural pattern without “creating” new curls We also get into the wavy-versus-curly debate, the fear around brushing dry hair, and the beauty-industry habit of turning pseudoscience into product advice. If you’ve ever been told your hair routine “has” to be done a certain way because of your curl type, this episode gives you permission to stop following rules that do not fit your hair. Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where Sciences Gets a Hot New Makeover! We're two cosmetic chemists who want to reveal what really goes into your favorite products. Join us in the Science Salon! Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a curious consumer, or just tired of being told coconut oil cures everything, you’re in the right place. Let's gossip about all things beauty together! Pull up a chair, your appointment's about to start. Questions About Your Cosmetics? Call NOW!  (801) 901-3804 Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with more sources. www.beautyxbeaker.com Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube! @beautyxbeaker @natbxb @sadiebxb Contact us at [email protected] Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and music and Hailey Romero for our branding.

It’s the first official episode of season 2, and we are going to be trying something a little bit different. Mostly because we want to talk about beauty science you are actually interested in, but also because our lives have been a bit crazy, and we needed another week of chatting to give us more time for research. Since we want to give you the most accurate and easy to understand information we possibly can, we typically have to spend a LOT of time researching for each episode, but we only want to do that for topics you have questions about! This week we are telling you the topics we think are HOT in the beauty industry, and giving you a little insider information on why we think they are worth diving into. If any of today's topics interest you, make sure to comment so we know where to start!  We are cosmetic formulation chemists, and today in the science salon we are covering makeup myths, over(or under)hyped ingredients, laser and light treatments, and so much more!  Red Light Therapy: It might sound like bologna, but this might actually work! Of course, not all red lights are created equal. As it turns out the wavelength, dosage, and treatment practices can all play a role in the type of benefits you might get from this therapy.  Peptides: What are these, and what are they doing? Well, that's not such an easy question to answer. What’s actually coming in that unlabeled bottle you bought online?  Niacinamide: This ingredient may be too common to care about. This vitamin is found in many cosmetics, but is it actually doing anything? Experts are ditching it, and we want to know why.  Hyaluronic Acid: Or is it Sodium Hyaluronate? What used to be the gold standard for skin hydration has taken somewhat of a fall from grace. So is there a more reliable alternative?  Pet Cosmetics: Pet grooming aids like shampoo are not regulated by the FDA, so how do you know what's safe to use on our pets? Find out what the people who formulate these products think about the difference in regulation, and similarity to human products.  ‘Toxic’ Ingredients: It's no secret that the EU has banned more cosmetic ingredients than we have in the USA, but is there actually a difference in what is being used in products? We want to dive into the common misconception that your products contain harmful ingredients.  Benzene: Did someone say harmful ingredients? This is a known human carcinogen, but the problem probably isn’t cosmetics. We want to dive into why this keeps making its way into the spotlight, and what risk it actually poses.  In Office Treatments: Are these worth the money? And what can these do that topical cosmetics can’t? We have talked about light, so what about lasers? Should we swap notes with a dermatologist?  Specialized Cosmetics: Are these brands filling a hole in the market, or are they just finding creative new ways to take your money. Sometimes products that you don’t understand are not made for you, but other times there are much cheaper and well studied alternatives for treating actual medical issues. We are giving you a sneak peak at one cosmetic that we find extra audacious.   Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where Sciences Gets a Hot New Makeover! We're two cosmetic chemists who want to reveal what really goes into your favorite products. Join us in the Science Salon! Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a curious consumer, or just tired of being told coconut oil cures everything, you’re in the right place. Let's gossip about all things beauty together! Pull up a chair, your appointment's about to start. Questions About Your Cosmetics? Call NOW!  (801) 901-3804 Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with more sources. www.beautyxbeaker.com Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube! @beautyxbeaker @natbxb @sadiebxb Contact us at [email protected] Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and music and Hailey Romero for our branding.

Happy Birthday BXB!!! This week we are celebrating 1 year of the podcast by reflecting on some of the epic highs and lows of the past, and setting some new expectations for the future. We discuss the unexpected struggles of co-hosting a beauty science podcast, and the desire to stop the spread of misinformation while still appealing to a large audience… which we unfortunately haven’t done yet after a year… but we aren’t ready to stop trying! And although small, we talk about how positive the feedback on the show has been, especially from the people we were most afraid of judgement from. This episode is extra sappy as we reflect on some amazing industry connections we have made, the milestones we have crossed.  We are diving into one of our most asked questions - how do we have a high quality production without making any money? And Natalie is making a (not so) strict rule on who is NOT invited to the salon.  Stick around for a new exciting update you’re not going to want to miss!  Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where Sciences Gets a Hot New Makeover! We're two cosmetic chemists who want to reveal what really goes into your favorite products. Join us in the Science Salon! Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a curious consumer, or just tired of being told coconut oil cures everything, you’re in the right place. Let's gossip about all things beauty together! Pull up a chair, your appointment's about to start. Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with more sources. www.beautyxbeaker.com Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube! @beautyxbeaker @natbxb @sadiebxb Contact us at [email protected] Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and music and Hailey Romero for our branding.

Summer isn’t over yet! We have stressed the importance of sunscreen, but how does the sun affect your hair? In this episode we are breaking down the science of UV damage, visible light, melanin, and why some hair fades or weakens faster in the sun. Have you ever wondered if your hair needs sunscreen? Tune in, this episode is for you. Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where Sciences Gets a Hot New Makeover! We're two cosmetic chemists who want to reveal what really goes into your favorite products. Join us in the Science Salon! Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a curious consumer, or just tired of being told coconut oil cures everything, you’re in the right place. Let's gossip about all things beauty together! Pull up a chair, your appointment's about to start. Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with more sources. www.beautyxbeaker.com Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube! @beautyxbeaker @natbxb @sadiebxb Contact us at [email protected] Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and music and Hailey Romero for our branding. In this episode we cover: How UV light damages hair structure Why visible light affects hair color The difference between eumelanin and pheomelanin Why blonde, bleached, and damaged hair is more vulnerable Hair protection tips, including hats, scarves, and leave-on products What to look for in hair UV protectants Whether you’re looking for science-backed hair care tips, summer hair protection advice, or a deeper understanding of UV and visible light damage, this episode has you covered. Timestamps 00:00 - Why nobody talks about sun damage to hair 01:40 - Summer, UV index, and the episode’s main question 02:40 - Valerie George’s UV damage lecture as the key reference 04:37 - Hair structure refresher: cuticle, cortex, and medulla 05:42 - Why disulfide bonds matter for hair strength 06:38 - UV light and visible light as the two main forms of damage 07:19 - How melanin protects hair from sunlight 08:41 - Eumelanin vs pheomelanin and why hair color varies 09:33 - Why lighter hair usually fades and damages faster 11:59 - Why eumelanin protects better from UV than pheomelanin 13:09 - Study findings: blonde hair vs dark hair in sunlight 15:45 - UV damage vs visible light damage in hair 17:39 - The chocolate chip cookie analogy for melanin damage 18:07 - Why humidity accelerates sun damage 19:09 - Leave-on products vs rinse-off protection 19:31 - Why hair SPF is not regulated like skin SPF 20:55 - How hair protection is tested and why it is hard to prove 21:15 - Why formulators need special ingredients to help filters stick 22:20 - Why hats and scarves are the best protection 23:37 - Where to find the hosts’ product recommendations and episode notes 25:14 - Closing advice: protect your hair from the sun #HairCare #UVDamage #SunscreenForHair #HairProtection #BeautyScience #CosmeticChemistry #SunDamage #BlondeHair #HairScience #BeautyByTheBeaker

It’s about time we give you another peak into our vanity shelves! This week we are spilling the details on our favorite skin and hair care products under $30 (well almost, we need to make one exception for Sadie). As cosmetic formulation chemists we have tried a lot of different products, and are very familiar with all types of ingredients. Join us in the Science Salon for 10 products we are currently obsessed with. And we know how hard it can be to trust ‘influencers’ but don’t worry, we are scientists. We have no affiliation with any of the brands or products that we are talking about in today’s episode. These are just products that we are actually buying, using and liking. Remember, we are talking about PERSONAL care, so even though we like these products, they might not be the best options for you. We are cosmetic formulation chemists, so our suggestions are coming from the sensory experience and wearability of skincare products. We do not necessarily support any efficacy claims that the brands are making. Let us know if you have tried any of these products, or have any products you want our opinions on! We are here to pull back the curtain and expose all your favorite cosmetics. Nat’s Picks e.l.f Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm Panoxyl Acne Foaming Wash Thayer’s Hydrating Milky Toner CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum Eucerin Age Defense SPF 50 Face Sunscreen Sadie’s Picks Reale Actives Pore Power Exfoliating Cleanser Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer Experiment Beauty Super Saturated Serum Regimen Labs Glycolide Lipid Repair Amika Flash Instant Shine Mask for Shiny Hair Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where Science Gets a Hot New Makeover! We're two cosmetic chemists who want to reveal what really goes into your favorite products. Join us in the Science Salon! Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a curious consumer, or just tired of being told coconut oil cures everything, you’re in the right place. Let's gossip about all things beauty together! Pull up a chair, your appointment's about to start. Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with more sources! Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube! @beautyxbeaker @natbxb @sadiebxb Contact us at [email protected] Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and music, and Hailey Romero for our branding.

Are you ready for perfect hair? Good, because this episode is your scientifically proven guide to perfect hair! .. well… sort of. As it turns out, hair isn’t super vital, and for that reason, there hasn’t been a very strong push for rigorous scientific evaluation. But today we have the closest thing we are going to get to a hair expert, Sadie! Sadie performs microscopic hair analysis, and writes up a customized report, detailing everything you could need to know about your hair. She has looked at thousands of hairs under a microscope, and through this research has seen common hair issues, and today she is sharing the solutions. This week we are back in the science salon, and we are here to solve your hair horrors. First we are covering the basics and talking all about the hair structure. Then we dive into the most frequent issues when it comes to hair. The solution may be more simple than you think! Want your hair analyzed under a microscope? Use code BXB10 for $10 a custom Hair Analysis from Sadie's business, Strandprint! Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where Science Gets a Hot New Makeover! We're two cosmetic chemists who want to reveal what really goes into your favorite products. Join us in the Science Salon! Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a curious consumer, or just tired of being told coconut oil cures everything, you’re in the right place. Let's gossip about all things beauty together! Pull up a chair, your appointment's about to start. Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with more sources. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube! @beautyxbeaker @natbxb @sadiebxb Contact us at [email protected] Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and music and Hailey Romero for our branding.

What ingredients are in your lash serum? And is it really worth the risk?  Long, luscious lashes are a beauty goal for many, but do you really know what's happening when you use those popular eyelash serums? This week we are diving into an unlikely lash lengthener that was discovered while treating glaucoma. We are telling you everything you need to know about prostaglandin analogs. These ingredients not only stimulate lash growth but can also cause side effects like eye color darkening and sunken under-eye fat. In this eye-opening episode, cosmetic chemists Natalie and Sadie explain the science behind lash enhancers, revealing why they're effective and how they might do more harm than good. We cover:  How prostaglandin analogs influence your hair growth cycle to produce longer, thicker lashes The truth about the only FDA-approved lash serum, Bimatoprost (Latisse), and its risks Why ingredients like peptides and oils might be safer, yet less dramatic, alternatives The potential danger of prostaglandin analogs causing your eye fat to shrink and your iris to darken Practical tips to protect your eyelashes and avoid undesired side effects, focusing on more sustainable routine habits. This episode is great for beauty enthusiasts who want that fluttery lash look without risking their eye health.  Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where Science Gets a Hot New Makeover! We're two cosmetic chemists who want to reveal what really goes into your favorite products. Join us in the Science Salon! Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a curious consumer, or just tired of being told coconut oil cures everything, you’re in the right place. Let's gossip about all things beauty together! Pull up a chair, your appointment's about to start. Timestamps: 00:00 - The chemistry behind lash serums and their effects 00:40 - The biology of eyelash phases and how serums extend growth 02:14 - Side effects: fat loss under the eyes and eye discoloration 03:02 - Glaucoma, prostaglandin analogs, and their accidental lash-growing effects 04:17 - The mechanism of prostaglandin analogs on eyelashes and eye health 05:09 - FDA-approved lash ingredients versus marketing claims 06:02 - The eyelash growth cycle and how serums hijack the process 07:27 - How prostaglandin analogs can cause eyelid and eye color changes 08:27 - Reversibility of fat loss and risks of eye pigmentation 09:25 - Safe lash practices and alternative products 10:11 - Summary of risks and safety tips for users of lash serums 11:04 - Making your lashes appear longer with makeup tricks 12:12 - Practical advice for protecting natural lashes and monitoring side effects 13:40 - The importance of clinical evidence in choosing lash serums 14:25 - Everyday habits influencing lash health and longevity 15:46 - Final safety considerations and product recommendations 16:36 - Enhancing lash appearance with makeup techniques 17:00 - Final thoughts Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with more sources. www.beautyxbeaker.com Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube! @beautyxbeaker @natbxb @sadiebxb Contact us at [email protected] Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and music and Hailey Romero for our branding.