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Skincare chemists Gloria & Victoria’s weekly conversation on all things skincare science. The podcast covers notable skincare news, decoding outrageous claims, demystifying the overwhelming product landscapes, and answering your burning skincare questions. Tune in if you might need help building a skincare routine, finding a serum that’ll ACTUALLY deliver, or just want to have a few laughs on some of the crazy things you see in skincare.
Episodes

11 hours ago
#143) 30 Sunscreens in 30 Days 2025 Pt.2!
11 hours ago
11 hours ago
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 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

Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
#142) 30 for 30 Sunscreen Challenge 2025 Pt.1 - Minerals
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
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?
Follow us:
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

Friday May 30, 2025
Friday May 30, 2025
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 Cleanser
https://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 Guide
https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/chemists-ultimate-sunscreen-application-guide
Don’t just take it from us - check out other sources like AAD, PCPC, and IBA
https://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=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
Resources Mentioned:
Interactions between different solar UVB/UVA filters contained in
commercial suncreams and consequent loss of UV protection
https://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 dioxide
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/phpp.12439
Understanding the causes of skincare product pilling
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/srt.13828
Interactions between different solar UVB/UVA filters contained in
commercial suncreams and consequent loss of UV protection
https://sci-hub.ru/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1039/b606768a

Wednesday May 21, 2025
#140) 6 CE Ferulic Serum Dupes Put to the Test pt 2!
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 21, 2025
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 Cleanser
https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser
Enrichment Content:
Podcast #139: Water vs. Anhydrous Vitamin C
5 CE Ferulic Dupes put to the Test Pt 1
https://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.html
CeraVe (10% Vitamin C) - $23.99 :
https://www.cerave.com/skincare/facial-serums/skin-renewing-vitamin-c-serum
Prequel Lucent C Brightening Vitamin C (15%) - $23 :
https://prequelskin.com/products/lucent-c-vitamin-c-serum
Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow (15% Vitamin C) - $13.90 :
https://geekandgorgeous.us/products/c-glow
Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop (5% Vitamin C) - $23 :
https://sokoglam.com/products/klairs-freshly-juiced-vitamin-c
Wildfleur Pure Vitamin C 15% + Marigold Brightening - $26 :
https://www.ulta.com/p/pure-vitamin-c-15-marigold-brightening-serum-pimprod2050101
La Roche-Posay 12% Pure Vitamin C - $46.99 :
https://www.laroche-posay.us/our-products/face/face-serum/vitamin-c12-serum-3337875660570.html

Tuesday May 13, 2025
#139) Which Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Serum is Better? Water or Anhydrous?
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
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 Gel
https://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. 1
https://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=en
Skincare 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

Tuesday May 06, 2025
#138) Sunscreen Update 2025 - Drama, Tariffs, and Some Science Share
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
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.

Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
#137: 5 KBeauty Cleansing Oils H2H
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
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.

Monday Apr 28, 2025
#136: Can You Just Use Water to Cleanse Your Face?
Monday Apr 28, 2025
Monday Apr 28, 2025
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.

Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
#135: 4 Affordable Drugstore Moisturizers H2H
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
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.

Monday Apr 14, 2025
#134: Which Ceramide is the Best For Your Skin?
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
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.