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The Beauty Brains

The Beauty Brains

Discover the beauty and cosmetic products you should use and avoid

Real scientists answer your beauty questions

  • 45 minutes 54 seconds
    Does Sunscreen Stop Your Skincare From Working? - Episode 426

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    On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…

    1. Does sunscreen block skincare ingredients in makeup from working?
    2. What do you think of The Good Face Project for cosmetic formulation?
    3. Does AO2 Clear help treat acne?
    4. What would be a cheaper dupe for StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle Line BlurFector Primer?
    5. Do infrared hair tools damage hair, and do heat protectant oils actually work?

    Beauty News

    What happens when clean has to mean something

    Approximate timestamps

    0:00 - Intro
    1:00 - Chit chat
    6:25 - Beauty News - Defining clean beauty
    11:10 - Listener feedback
    13:10 - Sunscreen blocking skincare ingredients
    17:40 - The good face project
    23:45 - AO2 clear up acne
    30:05 - Strivectin alternatives
    35:35 - Infrared hair damage
    44:25 - Ending

    Five Ways to Ask a question -
    1. Send us a message through Patreon!
    2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to [email protected]
    3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)
    4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question
    5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856

    Social media accounts
    on Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018
    on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrains
    On Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrains
    On Youtube we are at thebeautybrains2018
    And we have a Facebook page

    Valerie's ingredient company - Simply Ingredients
    Perry's other website - Chemists Corner
    Follow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram account


    Support the show

    1 June 2026, 1:00 am
  • 44 minutes 37 seconds
    The Truth About Glycerin, Amlactin, and Beauty Ingredient Hype - episode 425

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    On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…

    1. Is it a good idea to put pure glycerin on skin?
    2. Can a salon professional attend a cosmetic chemist course?
    3. Why don’t all Amlactin lotions smell bad?
    4. Is there a good two in one shampoo on the market?
    5. Are there differences in ingredient quality between brands?

    Beauty News

    Why would dangerous chemicals be allowed in the us but banned in the EU?

    Register for Valerie's Hair Science course

    Extras:

    Perry's Kitten microneedling - 

    https://www.tiktok.com/@porchkitties6/video/7636173742468615455

    Approximate timestamps

    0:00 - Intro
    1:00 - Chit chat
    5:20 - Beauty News - EU bans chemicals 
    10:50 - Pure glycerin on skin
    20:30 - Salon professionals at cosmetic chemist courses
    24:10 - AmLactin doesn't smell?
    28:20 - Pantene shampoo
    36:00 - Ingredient quality differences
    43:10 - Ending

    Five Ways to Ask a question -
    1. Send us a message through Patreon!
    2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to [email protected]
    3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)
    4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question
    5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856

    Social media accounts
    on Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018
    on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrains
    On Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrains
    On Youtube we are at thebeautybrains2018
    And we have a Facebook page

    Valerie's ingredient company - Simply Ingredients
    Perry's other website - Chemists Corner
    Follow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram account

    Support the show

    15 May 2026, 1:00 pm
  • 47 minutes 48 seconds
    Are Copper Peptides Better Than Retinol? Episode 424

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    On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…

    1. What’s the difference between Cetaphil and AmLactin? 
    2. How do you know if a sunscreen is delivering the SPF they claim?
    3. Are copper peptides better than retinol?
    4. How do you to stay smoother longer after shaving?
    5. Can extreme heat or cold affect the performance of a beauty product?

    Beauty News

    Is this really new technology?

    In cosmetics hot ingredient PDRN

    Best podcasts

    Animal products in cosmetics

    Approximate timestamps

    0:00 - Intro
    1:00 - Chit chat
    6:30 - New hair color technology
    10:00 - PDRN technology
    14:05 - Animal products in cosmetics
    17:40 - Cetaphil vs AmLactin
    24:50 - SPF cream delivery
    30:30 - Copper peptides and retinol
    37:15 - Staying smooth after shaving
    42:25 - Temperature effects on products
    46:25 - Ending

    Five Ways to Ask a question -
    1. Send us a message through Patreon!
    2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to [email protected]
    3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)
    4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question
    5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856

    Social media accounts
    on Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018
    on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrains
    On Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrains
    On Youtube we are at thebeautybrains2018
    And we have a Facebook page

    Valerie's ingredient company - Simply Ingredients
    Perry's other website - Chemists Corner
    Follow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram account


    Support the show

    1 May 2026, 3:00 am
  • 43 minutes 48 seconds
    NAD Hype, Dry Hair, and Color Fade - episode 423

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    On today’s show we cover questions including…

    1. Does NAD skincare actually have real efficacy data?
    2. Do hair masks give better results if they are left on longer?
    3. Does shampooing after depositing the color weaken or degrade it?
    4. Is glycerin drying skin at high altitudes?

    Beauty News

    Refillable beauty products. Innovation or a gimmick?

    Approximate timestamps

    0:00 - Intro
    1:00 - Chit chat
    8:45 - Refillable beauty products
    13:20 - Listener feedback - estrogen skincare
    16:10 - NAD skincare
    23:10 - Hair masks
    32:00 - Shampoo removing color
    37:25 - Glycerin at high altitudes
    42:00 - Ending

    Five Ways to Ask a question -
    1. Send us a message through Patreon!
    2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to [email protected]
    3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)
    4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question
    5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856

    Social media accounts
    on Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018
    on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrains
    On Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrains
    On Youtube we are at thebeautybrains2018
    And we have a Facebook page

    Valerie's ingredient company - Simply Ingredients
    Perry's other website - Chemists Corner
    Follow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram account

    Support the show

    10 April 2026, 12:00 pm
  • 52 minutes 22 seconds
    Leaked Labs Lipstick Lesbians and Beauty Hype - episode 422

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    On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…

    1. What are our thoughts on The Hair Multiplier from Le Jardin?
    2. We’ll look at Paula’s Choice new longevity serum
    3. What’s going on with Leaked Labs?
    4. Are various hair products bad for curls?

    Beauty News

    Taking beauty advice from scientists. 

    Valerie's quoted article.

    Henkel buys olaplex

    Panthenol talk

    Supplier's day mentioned in the show

    Approximate timestamps

    0:00 - Intro
    1:00 - Chit chat
    5:45 - Silicones and hair
    9:00 - Taking beauty product advice from scientists
    13:50 - Henkel buys Olaplex
    15:05 - Panthenol study - does it do anything?
    23:30 - Hair multiplier product
    30:15 - Paula's chice longevity serum
    37:45 - Leaked Labs launch
    45:30 - Are products bad for curly hair
    50:50 - Ending

    Five Ways to Ask a question -
    1. Send us a message through Patreon!
    2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to [email protected]
    3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)
    4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question
    5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856

    Social media accounts
    on Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018
    on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrains
    On Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrains
    On Youtube we are at thebeautybrains2018
    And we have a Facebook page

    Valerie's ingredient company - Simply Ingredients
    Perry's other website - Chemists Corner
    Follow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram account

    Support the show

    31 March 2026, 11:00 pm
  • 53 minutes 32 seconds
    Can Rice Protein Really Grow Hair? - Episode 421

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    On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…

    1. What’s the scoop on rice protein for hair?
    2. Can one improve the texture of synthetic hair?
    3. Are azelaic acid and copper peptides compatible?
    4. Will Alpharet improve 60 year old hands?
    5. What are alternatives to Crown Affair’s air dry mousse?

    Beauty News

    Does rosemary oil help with hair growth?

    Rosemary oil vs minoxidyl

    What happened to Vegan brands?

    Cosmetic ingredient safety checker app.

    Approximate timestamps

    0:00 - Intro
    1:00 - Chit chat
    3:50 - Rosemary oil help with hair growth
    12:25 - Vegan brands
    17:20 - Cosmetic safety checkers
    20:20 - Listener feedback
    28:00 - Rice protein and hair
    33:10 - Synthetic hair texture
    37:35 - Azelaic acid and peptides
    41:45 - Improving 60 year old hands
    48:35 - Air dry mousse
    51:50 - Ending

    Five Ways to Ask a question -
    1. Send us a message through Patreon!
    2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to [email protected]
    3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)
    4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question
    5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856

    Social media accounts
    on Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018
    on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrains
    On Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrains
    On Youtube we are at thebeautybrains2018
    And we have a Facebook page

    Valerie's ingredient company - Simply Ingredients
    Perry's other website - Chemists Corner
    Follow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram account

    Support the show

    19 March 2026, 7:00 pm
  • 53 minutes 43 seconds
    Beauty Dupes, Shampoo Truths, & becoming a Cosmetic Chemist - episode 420

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    On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…

    1. What is nonenal odor and how do you minimize it? 
    2. Does panthenol make a shampoo better?
    3. What’s an alternative to Matrix step one bleach amplifier?
    4. How expensive is it to test a product?
    5. How do you become a cosmetic chemist?

    Beauty News

    Wirecutter hired a chemist to tell if products were real or dupes.

    Approximate timestamps

    0:00 - Intro
    1:00 - Chit chat
    7:00 - Who are the Beauty Brains?
    19:00 - Real or Dupe products
    28:30 - Noneal odor
    34:25 - Panthenol in shampoo?
    36:45 - Alternative to Matrix step one
    42:05 - Testing products expense
    48:00 - On becoming a cosmetic chemist
    52:25 - Ending

    Five Ways to Ask a question -
    1. Send us a message through Patreon!
    2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to [email protected]
    3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)
    4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question
    5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856

    Social media accounts
    on Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018
    on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrains
    On Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrains
    On Youtube we are at thebeautybrains2018
    And we have a Facebook page

    Valerie's ingredient company - Simply Ingredients
    Perry's other website - Chemists Corner
    Follow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram account

    Support the show

    11 March 2026, 8:00 pm
  • 54 minutes 41 seconds
    Launching a line, hair hydration, and retinaldehyde - Episode 419

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    On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…

    1. Are there hydrogen peroxide free glosses for hair?
    2. Is retinaldehyde better than adapelene?
    3. What are our thoughts on cosmetics in terra cotta containers?
    4. Are oils or water better for locking in moisture to hair?
    5. How do you start your own skincare line?

    Beauty Questions

    Adapelene study - Clinical efficacy of adapalene (differin(®)) 0.3% gel in Chilean women with cutaneous photoaging

    Start a cosmetic line webinar

    Approximate timestamps

    0:00 - Intro
    1:00 - Chit chat
    9:00 - Listener feedback - Pantene
    16:30 - Hair gloss
    20:15 - Retinaldehyde and adapelene
    29:30 - Terra cotta cotainers
    34:50 - Oils lock in moisture
    44:35 - Starting your own line
    52:30 - Ending

    Five Ways to Ask a question -
    1. Send us a message through Patreon!
    2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to [email protected]
    3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)
    4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question
    5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856

    Social media accounts
    on Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018
    on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrains
    On Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrains
    On Youtube we are at thebeautybrains2018
    And we have a Facebook page

    Valerie's ingredient company - Simply Ingredients
    Perry's other website - Chemists Corner
    Follow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram account

    Support the show

    13 February 2026, 3:00 pm
  • 48 minutes 3 seconds
    That product cost how much to make!? Episode 418

    Send us Fan Mail

    On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…

    1. How much does it really cost to make products?
    2. Does goat milk have benefit on skin?
    3. Is the Paula’s Choice new serum amazing? 
    4. Is Glycerin bad for hair?
    5. What ingredients should you look for in a makeup primer?

    Beauty News

    FDA doesn’t determine safety of PFAS

    Men’s skin care line.

    Approximate timestamps

    0:00 - Intro
    1:00 - Chit chat
    4:00 - Beauty News
    14:00 - How much do products cost
    18:30 - Goat milk and Paula's Choics
    28:00 - Glycerin in hair
    38:00 - Ingredients in makeup primer
    44:00 - Ending
    45:30 - Teddy the Hungry Kitty Cat

    Five Ways to Ask a question -
    1. Send us a message through Patreon!
    2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to [email protected]
    3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)
    4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question
    5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856

    Social media accounts
    on Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018
    on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrains
    On Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrains
    On Youtube we are at thebeautybrains2018
    And we have a Facebook page

    Valerie's ingredient company - Simply Ingredients
    Perry's other website - Chemists Corner
    Follow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram account

    Support the show

    2 February 2026, 7:00 pm
  • 50 minutes 25 seconds
    Does Pantene’s "Abundant and Strong" Really Improve Your Hair Health? - Episode 417

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    On today’s show we cover lots of questions including…

    1. What are your thoughts on Pantene’s Abundant and Strong system?
    2. Is The Ordinary Lash Curl Finisher safe?
    3. Do we have recommendations on barrier repair moisturizers?
    4. Are ionic hair dryers better for your hair?
    5. Is there anything unique about the Renpure Coconut Whipped Creme Leave-in Conditioner?

    Beauty News

    Top 10 beauty brands

    Beauty Question

    Below are two videos talking about the science of the hair care system:

    https://youtu.be/9eO6AF7eFsA?si=cPQstICqh0DwN-mb

    https://youtu.be/sKWm5VQb5c4?si=jCNb4slNDvFlHcOU

    Lash Curl Finisher | The Ordinary https://share.google/tUUVW43sRX9sC8pnH

    Approximate timestamps

    0:00 - Intro
    1:00 - Chit chat - 
    4:15 - Top 10 beauty brands 
    10:45 - Pantene Abundant and Strong
    26:45 - Ordinary lash curl finisher
    33:10 - Barrier repair moisturizers
    38:45 - Ionic hair dryers
    43:55 - Renpure Coconut Whipped Creme Leave-in Conditioner
    48:15 - Ending

    Five Ways to Ask a question -
    1. Send us a message through Patreon!
    2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to [email protected]
    3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)
    4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question
    5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856

    Social media accounts
    on Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018
    on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrains
    On Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrains
    On Youtube we are at thebeautybrains2018
    And we have a Facebook page

    Valerie's ingredient company - Simply Ingredients
    Perry's other website - Chemists Corner
    Follow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram account

    Support the show

    24 January 2026, 11:00 pm
  • 51 minutes 52 seconds
    Menstral Mask Madness, When Skincare Trends Go a Little Too Far - Episode 416

    Send us Fan Mail

    On today’s show we cover questions including…

    1. When do you need heat protectors in products?
    2. What do you think of color locker products from Fanola?
    3. Should we be worried about chemicals in our laundry detergent?

    Plus!  our big start of the year prediction show!

    Predictions

    General trend

    Hot ingredient

    Celebrity launch

    Beauty News

    What’s the secret to good skin care?  Have a lot of money

    C&T most popular stories of the year

    Strange skin treatments

    Approximate timestamps

    0:00 - Intro
    1:00 - Chit chat - health, reading, goals
    6:30 - Podcast year in review
    11:10 - Review 2025 Predictions
    16:00 - New predictions for 2026
    20:10 - Beauty News - Secret to good skin
    22:05 - Top news articles of 2025
    30:00 - Weird stuff people put on their face
    35:24 - When do you need heat protectors
    39:25 - Fanola color protecting products
    43:35 - Is laundry detergent causing cancer?

    49:50 - Ending

    Five Ways to Ask a question -
    1. Send us a message through Patreon!
    2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to [email protected]
    3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)
    4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question
    5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856

    Social media accounts
    on Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018
    on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrains
    On Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrains
    On Youtube we are at thebeautybrains2018
    And we have a Facebook page

    Valerie's ingredient company - Simply Ingredients
    Perry's other website - Chemists Corner
    Follow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram account

    Support the show

    7 January 2026, 2:00 pm
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