Chemist Confessions

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?

In 2025, the chemists want to tackle both the science and practical application of skincare. Following the spicules deep dive, the chemists review the top two spicule (reedle) skincare 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 perspectives.