Chemist Confessions

#141) Can You Layer Foundation with Sunscreen? Chemists’ Sunscreen Application Tips

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 

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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

 

#140) 6 CE Ferulic Serum Dupes Put to the Test pt 2!

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

#139) Which Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Serum is Better? Water or Anhydrous?

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

#138) Sunscreen Update 2025 - Drama, Tariffs, and Some Science Share

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.

#137: 5 KBeauty Cleansing Oils H2H

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. 

#136: Can You Just Use Water to Cleanse Your Face?

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. 

#135: 4 Affordable Drugstore Moisturizers H2H

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. 

#134: Which Ceramide is the Best For Your Skin?

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. 

#133: Prequel & Inkey's Ectoin Product H2H

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. 

#132: Should you use ectoin in your routine?

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.