Chemist Confessions

This week, we're starting our series on hyperpigmentation answering one of the most common questions many of us will encounter which is, "Is azelaic acid better than hydroquinone for my hyperpigmentation

00:00 | Introduction: 2026 Skincare Kickoff
03:45 | Investigating the PNAS Combination Study
08:12 | Deep Dive: Azelaic Acid vs. Hydroquinone
12:50 | The Challenge of Finding Full Research Papers
18:30 | Patient Compliance: The 16-Week Milestone
22:15 | Why Visual Improvements Take Time
27:00 | Analyzing Study Abstracts vs. Full Data
31:10 | Dual Therapy Overkill: 5% Concentration Discussion
31:50 | Motivation and Routine Consistency for Results

Product Shoutout:
Double Play Retinol
https://chemistconfessions.com/products/double-play-retinol-face-eye-treatment

Enrichment Content:
Chemists’ Guide to Choosing an Exfoliating Toner
https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/how-to-choose-the-right-exfoliating-toner-for-your-skin

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Skincare questions for the podcast?
Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next

The Chemist Confessions podcast year-end review is here!
We blitz through the 103 skincare products tested in 2025! We reveal our favorite and least favorite categories, discuss surprising finds like Hypochlorite Acid, and give our honest takes on individual products, including the Banana Boat Light as Air Sunscreen and the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Sunscreen, and of course, Animal Corner!

Timestamps: 
00:00 | Welcome to Chemist Confessions Podcast & Year-End Review
01:07 | How Many Skincare Products Did We Test in 2025? (103 products!)
03:55 | Favorite Skincare Product Categories We Tested This Year
07:27 | What is Our Least Favorite Skincare Product Category?
10:07 | Why is K-Beauty C-Fu Dupe Testing Boring?
12:21 | Most Surprising Skincare Category: Cleansing Oils & Hypochlorite Acid
18:11 | Best Product of the Year: Banana Boat Light As Air Sunscreen Review
21:48 | Worst Product of the Year: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Sunscreen Pill Test
25:54 | Most Surprising Product: What is A0X or 2X Intense?
28:17 | Are Cushion Foundations Good Sunscreens? Tarte Cushion Review

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  #skincarehacks

We did a product head-to-head comparing occlusive balms, all with a petrolatum base! Following our beef tallow deep dive, we are breaking down the texture, transfer, price, and complex chemist notes of Vaseline, Aquaphor, CeraVe, Prequel, and our own Bon Voyage. Which formula is best for sensitive, compromised, dry, or oily skin, and why a simple formula isn't always best!

00:00 | Welcome to Chemist Confessions Podcast!
00:37 | What is an occlusive balm and why does petrolatum matter?
01:09 | Vaseline vs Aquaphor: Price and ingredient breakdown
03:25 | How does Vaseline’s texture change with application amount?
06:01 | Is Aquaphor better than Vaseline for lips and transfer resistance?
07:55 | Why is CeraVe Healing Ointment less shiny than other balms?
11:31 | How do dry vs oily skin types react to occlusive balms?
14:47 | Why does Vaseline have a drug facts label?
16:07 | Should you avoid complex balm formulas for compromised skin?
23:07 | Are occlusive balms temperature sensitive? Storage tips for warmer climates

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

This week, we tackle one of the most requested ingredients: Beef Tallow in skincare. We break down the science, compare its characteristics to other popular ingredients like shea butter, and look at the actual topical studies (or lack thereof).

00:00 | What Is Beef Tallow and Why Is It in Skincare?
00:43 | Is Beef Tallow Really Similar to Human Skin Lipids?
02:09 | How Beef Tallow Is Made: The Science Behind the Fat
03:22 | Melting Point Breakdown: Beef Tallow vs Human Sebum
05:47 | How Extraction Methods Affect Skincare Ingredient Quality
09:37 | What Do Saponification and Iodine Values Mean for Skin?
20:25 | Does Beef Tallow Have Any Proven Skin Benefits?
37:18 | What Happened When I Put Beef Tallow on My Face?
40:56 | Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, or Beef Tallow — What’s Best for Dry 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

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

We dive deep into the complicated science of ceramides (NP, AP, EOP) in your barrier creams, explaining the complex nomenclature and how different ceramide types function in the skin. We compare the ceramide blends found in 10 popular moisturizers and reveal the winning factors to look for when you're shopping: known percentages and clinical testing. Plus, we explore supporting ingredients like Meadowfoam Estolide and Phytosphingosine, giving you a peek behind the curtain of how these popular moisturizers are formulated.

 

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  #skincarehacks