The Skincarma® Pod

On today’s episode of The Skincarma Pod, host Carmine Montalto is joined by Shelley Hancock – a licensed esthetician, educator of educators, mentor, and author of Esthetic Success: A Seasoned Esthetician’s JourneyShelley’s career didn’t follow a straight line – and it wasn’t polished in hindsight. Before finding her calling in esthetics, she moved through multiple jobs, industries, and identities, searching for work that truly fit. Along the way, she faced doubt, generational expectations, and a defining moment when her father expressed a fear that she might never find her passion.That moment – and the many “leaps” that followed – shaped Shelley’s confidence-first philosophy. As she puts it in their conversation, “Leap even though you’re fearful.”In this deeply human conversation, Carmine and Shelley explore:Why confidence often comes before competenceThe career detours that quietly prepare us for successHow connection, not credentials, builds lasting client relationshipsThe difference between knowing everything and trusting yourselfWhat today’s estheticians need to both learn and unlearn to build long, fulfilling careersShelley shares stories from her early days as a cosmetic counter associate, medical-office assistant, spa owner, and eventually an “esthetician’s esthetician,” revealing how curiosity, courage, and self-confidence shaped a decades-long career in skin health and education.This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating a nonlinear career path, questioning their next step, or learning how to move forward even when fear is present.🎧 Listen now – and discover why leaping before you feel ready might be the most powerful career move of all.—Follow Shelley on Instagram here and on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Shelley and her work in aesthetics, and even schedule a consultation with her, at shelleyhancock.com.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on LinkedIn here and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Substack, or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.Product links: Esthetic Success: A Seasoned Esthetician’s JourneyCan You Relate?: Personal Stories with Universal MessagesHow to Become a Skincare Expert—Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™ Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe

In this special mic-flip episode of The Skincarma Pod, roles are reversed. After a standout conversation on skin microbiome health, Dahlia Devkota – former Allure beauty editor and founder of Editrix – returns to the podcast to interview Carmine, the creator of The Skincarma Pod and Skincarma Blog.What follows is a free-flowing, unfiltered conversation that traces Carmine’s more than 25-year career in beauty – from department store counters and legacy brands to his time as the first-ever in-house copywriter at Kiehl’s, and ultimately to creating Skincarma.With no script and no guardrails, Dahlia asks the questions editors always want to ask – and Carmine answers them with honesty and his trademark wry wit.Together, they dig into how the beauty industry has changed (and where it hasn’t), why marketing often outruns science, and what actually matters when it comes to skin health today. From niacinamide, ectoin, growth factors, and the exosome hype cycle to sunscreen skepticism, personalization myths, and the difference between beauty culture in New York and Los Angeles, this episode is equal parts industry history, cultural commentary, and skincare truth-telling.Catch Carmine and Dahlia in their first episode together: Ep. 54: “Healthy Skin Is Left Alone” – Editing the Microbiome with Dahlia Devkota, Founder of Editrix—Connect with Dahlia on Instagram at @dahlia.devkota and on LinkedIn here. Discover Editrix on Instagram here and learn more about the products and brand ethos at editrixwellness.com.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on LinkedIn here and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Substack, or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.Product links: Editrix I. Demigod Ayurvedic Cleansing OilEditrix II. Deuxième Postbiotic Fermented CleanserEditrix III. Superare Microflora Barrier FilmEditrix IV. Bakterium Delirium Skin Education SerumPaula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster—Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™ Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine sits down with Alisa Lask, CEO of Rion Aesthetics and the medical-grade skincare line Plated Skin Science. Together, they unpack what’s real – and what’s hype – in the fast-emerging world of exosomes in skincare.Alisa shares her path from Midwest beginnings and a career across Eli Lilly, Allergan, and Galderma, to leading a regenerative aesthetics company built on platelet-derived exosome technology – a category Plated helped bring into the skincare conversation.Carmine and Alisa dive into:What exosomes are (Alisa’s simple “text messaging system” explanation);Why platelet-derived exosomes are fundamentally different from plant-based “exosome” claims;Plated’s origin story rooted in the Mayo Clinic’s Van Cleve Cardiac Regenerative Medicine Program;How Plated sources material from FDA-compliant platelet banks (and why transparency matters);Why Plated is provider-dispensed, not built for big-box beauty retail;Plus: murder-mystery comfort TV, safari travel, dog rescue, and the lightning-round line you won’t forget: “I feel most like myself when…I’m in the barn.”Curious about exosomes? Explore Carmine’s article 2025 Ingredient Trends: Exosomes Are One Part Science, One Part Story on Substack here.Connect with Alisa on Instagram at @alisa.lask_rion and on LinkedIn here. Explore Plated Skin Science on Instagram at @platedskinscience and learn more about the products, exosome science and brand ethos at platedskinscience.com.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on LinkedIn here and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Substack, or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.Product links: Plated Intense SerumPlated Daily SerumPlated Hair Serum—Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™ Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, celebrity facialist and master aesthetician Angela Caglia joins Carmine to break down the truth behind stem cell skincare, growth factors, and what “regenerative skincare” really means. Angela begins by sharing her origin story – from Visalia, California to Paris and New York, and a pivotal moment with Barbra Streisand that sparked the launch of her namesake brand. She goes on to share how her cult-favorite Cell Forté Serum helped propel Angela Caglia Skincare into the luxury biotech spotlight.Together, they demystify human-derived stem cell conditioned media, explain how it differs from plant extracts and synthetic exosomes, and why biocompatible, barrier-first formulas matter for real anti-aging results. They also discuss common skincare myths, the problem with overusing exfoliating acids, why many “toners” are actually at-home peels, and Angela’s approach to product integrity as a founder who still works hands-on with clients.Plus: a lightning round on overhyped trends (OTC retinol), skincare rules Angela breaks, and her definition of healthy skin. (Psst…it’s rooted in consistency and self-care!)Connect with Angela Caglia on Instagram at @angelacagliaskincare and on LinkedIn here. Explore Angela Caglia Skincare products and brand ethos at angelacaglia.com.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on LinkedIn here and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.Product links: Angela Caglia Cell Forté SerumAngela Caglia Soufflé MoisturizerAngela Caglia Cell Forté Eye Crème—Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™ Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine is joined once again by Mark Broussard, an industry expert who sits at the exact intersection of cosmetic chemistry and regulatory compliance – two distinct disciplines at the heart of brand building.Mark is the founder and managing director of Bloom Cosmetic Test Lab, where he guides brands through MoCRA compliance. And, if you caught their last episode together (episode 45), you know that he’s also the founder and master chemist of Desert In Bloom Cosmetics Lab, where he’s developed more than 600 products over his career.With his extensive background spanning a number of disciplines, Mark is one of the beauty industry’s most trusted voices on the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act — better known as MoCRA. MoCRA represents the first major update to U.S. cosmetics law in over 80 years, leaving brands to navigate an entirely new regulatory landscape.Mark and Carmine break down what every beauty executive, founder, copywriter and product developer needs to know right now — from facility and product registration to labeling, safety substantiation, adverse event reporting, and what MoCRA actually means for innovation moving forward.If you’ve been confused, overwhelmed, or just looking to keep up with the new federal requirements, this episode should be your blueprint.Follow Mark and Desert in Bloom Cosmetics Lab on Instagram here. Are you a brand founder wading through the complexity of MoCRA compliance? Learn more about Mark’s regulatory expertise at desertinbloomcosmeticslab.com/#MoCRA.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on LinkedIn here and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.—Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™ Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Clara Cárdenas, co-founder of Pipa Skin Care, a breakout brand committed to providing age-appropriate skincare for pre-teens.Clara shares her journey from her early career in Venezuela to her experience at Facebook, and how her passion for skincare led her to create Pipa with two childhood friends – Kristina Kubler, an esthetician with two decades of hands-on experience, and Corina Pfeffer, a mathematician turned designer turned logistics savant.Pipa was born of a simple but universally relatable moment: Kristi’s daughter, Pipa, hit that age where she wanted real skincare – but everything on the market was either too childish, too harsh, or just too grown-up.The conversation delves into the challenges of building a brand targeting two distinct audiences – moms and their young daughters – as well as the importance of clean ingredients and the unique needs of young skin. Clara emphasizes the responsibility she and her co-founders feel in creating products that not only appeal to kids but also meet the trust of parents. The episode also highlights the brand’s marketing strategies, retail launch plans, and aspirations for the future.Connect with Clara on Instagram at @claricardenas and on LinkedIn here. Explore Pipa Skincare on Instagram at @pipa_skincare and learn more about the products and brand ethos at pipastics.com.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on LinkedIn here and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.Product links: Pipa Skin Care Squeaky CleanPipa Skin Care Smooth OperatorPipa Skin Care Sun-SationalPipa Skin Care Skin Saver—Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™ Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine is joined by Dahlia Devkota, founder of Editrix, a trailblazing skincare brand that emphasizes the importance of the skin’s microbiome to overall skin health. Dahlia shares her journey from beauty editor to entrepreneur, highlighting the innovative scientific research behind her products, which utilize post-biotics to promote healthy skin. The conversation delves into the Editrix brand’s unique four-step system and the significance of maintaining a balanced surface microbiome. In their engaging conversation, Dahlia and Carmine explore the evolving landscape of beauty standards, the science behind truly effective skincare, and the importance of understanding the fundamentals of the skin barrier. Dahlia shares her insights on product development and the significance of treating skin as a living ecosystem, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to beauty and wellness.Follow Dahlia on Instagram at @dahlia.devkota and on LinkedIn here. Discover Editrix on Instagram here and learn more about the products and brand ethos at editrixwellness.com.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on LinkedIn here and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.—Product links: Editrix I. Demigod Ayurvedic Cleansing OilEditrix II. Deuxième Postbiotic Fermented CleanserEditrix III. Superare Microflora Barrier FilmEditrix IV. Bakterium Delirium Skin Education Serum—Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™ Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine is joined by Brian Ecclefield, Founder and Managing Director of Validated Claim Support, the clinical testing lab setting new standards for ethics, accuracy, and transparency in cosmetic claims.Few topics have shaken the beauty world this year quite like SunscreenGate – the scandalous revelation that the SPF validation tests behind many popular sunscreens may have been manipulated, falsified or simply fallen short, leading to careless, even dangerous mislabeling – and haphazard sunscreen product recalls.There’s nobody more uniquely qualified to explain how we got here and where we’re headed than Brian Ecclefield. For more than 16 years, Brian has designed and overseen clinical studies for skincare, haircare, personal care, and OTC products like sunscreens. He specializes in the rigorous evaluation of claims, including the complex world of SPF validation.Before launching VCS, Brian spent time inside two of the industry’s most relied upon (and infamous!) labs – AMA and Princeton Consumer Research – giving him rare, insider insights into how testing can go wrong, how numbers can be massaged, and what red flags brands should never ignore. Find out how the scandal happened – and how Brian believes it doesn’t ever have to happen again.Follow Brian on Instagram at @​​eccleburgers and on LinkedIn here. Learn more about the independent and unbiased work of Validated Claim Support on the company’s website here.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on LinkedIn here and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.—Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™ Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Blair Lancer, CMO of the groundbreaking clinical brand Lancer Skincare.For nearly four decades, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer has defined what healthy, glowing skin means – powered by his iconic Lancer Method. What began as a spark in Dr. Lancer’s Beverly Hills practice – where the world’s most recognizable faces have lined up for The Lancer Glow – has become a global skincare brand rooted in the science of simplicity.Today, his legacy continues through his daughter Blair, who serves as Chief Marketing Officer and the bridge between heritage and innovation at Lancer Skincare.Their conversation explores the influence of social media on beauty standards, particularly how individuals often emulate the skincare routines of influencers without understanding their unique skin types or needs.Carmine and blair talk legacy, leadership, and what’s next for The Method that started it all. Follow Blair on Instagram at @blairlancer and on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Dr. Lancer’s products, brand ethos, and The Lancer Method   at lancerskincare.com.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on LinkedIn here and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.Product links:Lancer Skincare The Method: CleanseLancer Skincare The Method: PolishLancer Skincare The Method: NourishLancer Skincare Caviar Lime Acid Peel—Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™The Skincarma® Blog is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Maya Myers and Tzvi Ginzburg, husband-and-wife dynamic duo and co-founders of All Moringa. From farm to family, Ghana’s rich soil to your morning smoothie, Maya and Tzvi are spreading the power of the Miracle Tree. They’ve turned a shared passion for wellness, sustainability, and family into a thriving wellness brand built around one extraordinary plant: the Moringa oleifera. Indeed, they’re growing wellness from the ground up.Listen in as Carmine digs into their story, delves into the science, and draws out the soul of the Miracle Tree – and this miraculous brand.Follow Maya on Instagram at @mayamyersphoto and on LinkedIn here. Explore All Moringa’s range of holistic wellness products and brand ethos at @allmoringa and on the brand’s website here.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on LinkedIn here and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.Product links:All Moringa Leaf + Seed Whole-Plant Synergy OilAll Moringa Moisturizing Face CreamAll Moringa Premium Organic Moringa Oleifera Leaf PowderAll Moringa Organic Moringa and Ginger Herbal TeaAll Moringa Organic Moringa, Mint & Chamomile Herbal Tea—Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™The Skincarma® Blog is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Allison Taylor, co-founder of Le Prunier, the California-born organic beauty brand redefining what luxury skincare can – and maybe should – be. From a fourth-generation plum orchard in Northern California to the curated collections of Credo, Neiman Marcus and Goop, Le Prunier is proof that beauty can grow from the ground up. Carmine and Allison explore the magnificent journey of transforming their family farm into a range of luxury skincare, the exceptional benefits of the brand’s proprietary plum oil, and the reimagining of sustainability rooted in the farm’s decades-long practices. Their conversation also delves into the dynamics of working with family, the brand’s future product launches, and the ethos of clean beauty.Follow Allison on Instagram at @allisontay and on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Le Prunier’s products and brand ethos at @leprunier and on the brand’s website here.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on LinkedIn here and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.Product links:Le Prunier PLUMSCREEN®Le Prunier PLUM BEAUTY OILLe Prunier PLUMTOX™ Clarifying Enzyme MaskLe Prunier PLUMBODY™ Body Cream—Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™The Skincarma® Blog is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Alicia Lindner, co-CEO of Annemarie Börlind, the pioneering natural skincare brand founded by her grandmother in Germany’s Black Forest in 1959. Representing the third generation of a visionary family business, Alicia is carrying forward her grandmother’s mission to merge nature and science to create high-performing, natural skincare that’s both ethical and effective. Under her leadership, Annemarie Börlind is positioned as a global benchmark for natural beauty — rooted in sustainability, powered by cutting-edge botanical research, and guided by her grandmother’s timeless philosophy: “If I can’t eat it, I won’t put it on my skin.”Follow Alicia on Instagram at @aliciaboerlindner and on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Annemarie Börlind products and brand ethos at @annemarieborlind_usa and on the brand’s website here.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on LinkedIn here and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.Product links:Annemarie Börlind NATUROYALE Eye and Lip CareAnnemarie Börlind 2-PHASE ALOE VERA SHAKEAnnemarie Börlind NATUROYALE Firming Day CreamAnnemarie Börlind NATUROYALE Lifting Serum—Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™The Skincarma® Blog is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Arielle Moody, CEO and co-founder of Mama Sol, the California-born suncare brand that’s reimagining how sunscreen can and should feel. They discuss Arielle’s journey in the beauty industry, the challenges of formulating effective and enjoyable sunscreens, and the importance of transparency in beauty products. Arielle goes on to share insights (and news!) on the future of Mama Sol, including upcoming innovations and the significance of passion in entrepreneurship.Follow Arielle on her Instagram page here and on LinkedIn here. Learn more about the Mama Sol brand at @shopmamasol and explore their amazingly pleasurable sunscreens for face, lips and body at shopmamasol.com. Use code skincarma15 to save 15%. (Thank you, Arielle!!)Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on LinkedIn here and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.Product links:FACEBRELLA™ 100% Mineral Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30BODYBRELLA™ 100% Mineral Hydrating Milk SPF 40LIPBRELLA™ 100% Mineral Tinted Lip Oil SPF 20Enter code skincarma15 to save 15%.—Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™The Skincarma® Blog is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Dr. Lamees Hamdan, an integrative medical doctor, naturopathic practitioner, longevity expert – and the visionary founder of Timebeam skincare. They explore the concept of skin longevity, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to skin health and wellness that includes both topical and ingestible solutions. Dr. Lamees discusses the role of NAD+ in skin health, the significance of sleep and stress management, and the future of beauty products that prioritize longevity. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of body and mind in achieving optimal skin health and the need for a shift in the skincare industry towards more integrative practices.If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.Follow Dr. Lamees on her Instagram at @drlameeshamdan and on LinkedIn here. Learn more about the Timebeam brand at @timebeambeauty and shop for Timebeam’s innovative longevity care at timebeam.com.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog. And explore Carmine’s extensive work in beauty on his website here.Product links:Timebeam Skinbeam Milky SerumTimebeam Moisture Melt Serum BalmTimebeam Bounce Mode Healthy PixieTimebeam Reset Mode Healthy Pixie—Product reviews on the Skincarma blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™The Skincarma® Blog is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine reconnects with Julie Lindh, a licensed medical aesthetician and founder of her namesake brand. They explore Julie’s unique approach to skincare, which integrates advanced aesthetics with holistic wellness practices. Julie shares her journey into holistic wellness, the four pillars of her Ageless Skin Method, and the importance of emotional well-being in achieving truly ageless beauty. The conversation also delves into advanced technologies (like exosomes!) and the significance of maintaining a connection between mind, body and spirit for your skin health.If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.Follow Julie on Instagram at @julielindhskinexpert and on LinkedIn here. Learn more about the Julie Lindh Skin Expert products and services at julielindh.com.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog. And explore Carmine’s extensive work in beauty on his website here.Product links:Julie Lindh 24H Dewy Face CremeJulie Lindh GLOW Skin PotionLearn More about the JL Method here.Book an Appointment with JulieVibrant Health Green Vibrance Powder—Product reviews on the Skincarma blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™The Skincarma® Blog is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes cosmetic chemist and MoCRA compliance expert Mark Broussard, who has developed over 600 products across every beauty category. They discuss the 1% rule in skincare formulation and its implications for transparency and product efficacy. Intriguingly, this overlooked regulatory loophole is helping to drive dupe culture. Mark also shares insights about his work leading Desert in Bloom Cosmetics Lab and his new role with Skin Angels – a dermatologist-driven angel network dedicated to the future of skin health innovation. The conversation concludes with the Skincarma signature lightning round, revealing Mark’s thoughts on overhyped ingredients and his passion for formulation.If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.Follow Mark and Desert in Bloom Cosmetics Lab on Instagram here. Are you a brand founder wading through the complexity of MoCRA compliance? Learn more about Mark’s regulatory expertise at desertinbloomcosmeticslab.com/#MoCRA.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog. And explore Carmine’s extensive work in beauty on his website here.—Product reviews on the Skincarma blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™The Skincarma® Blog is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Karen Ballou, founder of Immunocologie Skincare, to explore the powerful connection between skin health and overall wellbeing. An oncology-trained esthetician with more than 30 years in the beauty industry, Karen shares the deeply personal journey that inspired her to create a skincare line rooted in immune support and natural resilience.Together, they unpack the science behind Immunocologie’s bioavailable mineral formulations, the importance of ingredient transparency, and why hydration and plant-based actives are essential for healthy, radiant skin. Karen also highlights the urgent need for consumer awareness around harmful ingredients, the value of a consistent skincare regimen, and how Immunocologie’s philosophy has earned recognition from the Blue Zones for its alignment with holistic living.It’s an inspiring conversation that reframes beauty as a reflection of balance, healing, and vitality.If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.Follow @immunocologie on Instagram here and learn more about the brand and product innovation at immunocologie.com.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog. And explore Carmine’s extensive work in beauty on his website here.Product links:Immunocologie Vital Ionic MistImmunocologie Vital Clay MaskImmunocologie Super 7 Elixir SerumLearn more about the Blue Zones and the Immunocologie Blue Zones Retreat here.—Product reviews on the Skincarma blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™The Skincarma® Blog is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine presents the product innovation winners across seven categories in the 2025 BeautyMatter Awards. As a judge in the BeautyMatter Awards for the third year running, Carmine evaluated more than 200 products over the course of two months. In today’s episode, he shares the finalists in each category: treatments, moisturizers, scrubs and cleansers, acne, men’s and sun care – his favorite of all. As he presents the winners, he breaks each product down, sharing why he finds it exceptional and worthy of this year’s award as the most innovative skincare product in its class. Find product links to each of the winners below.If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog. And explore Carmine’s extensive work in beauty on his website here.Product links: EltaMD - UV Skin Recovery SPF 50 Red Color Correcting SunscreenRAAIE - The Golden Nectar Mānuka Honey Enzyme CleanserBeekman 1802 - Milk RX Advanced Better Aging CreamAllies of Skin - The Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair SerumKat Burki - VitaBiome Active Skin OptimizerENHANSE - Mattifying Milk Anti-Shine SprayBeauty of Joseon - Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen—Product reviews on the Skincarma blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you're obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™The Skincarma® Blog is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes John Kressaty, co-founder of the Skin Bar – and one of the industry’s leading experts in sunscreens – to explore the history, nuances and complexities of sunscreen formulation. Carmine and John discuss the importance of sunscreen in skin health, the evolution of sunscreen technologies, and the differences between mineral and chemical UV filters. They shares insights on FDA regulations affecting sunscreen products and the impact of social media trends on consumer behavior. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of sunscreen for longterm skin health and offers practical advice for effective usage. After all, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation, up to 90% of the visible signs of aging is due to the photoaging that results from unprotected sun exposure. Please wear sunscreen daily – even on cloudy, seemingly sunless days.If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.Connect with John on his LinkedIn page here.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog. And explore Carmine’s extensive work in beauty on his website here.Product links: EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Spectrum SPF 50EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46TiZO Tinted Moisturizing Serum SPF 30 Sunscreen—Product reviews on the Skincarma blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you're obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™The Skincarma® Blog is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Annie Graham and Diego Lapetina from Atomic Pom Labs about the evolving landscape of indie beauty branding. They discuss the importance of blending scientific rigor with creative branding, the challenges faced by indie brands in a dynamic and oversaturated beauty marketplace, and the significance of a cohesive product development process. The conversation also touches on market trends, the role of influencers, and the necessity for indie brands to carve out their niche in a competitive industry. With insights on formulation, design, and marketing strategies, this episode, in particular, serves as a valuable resource for aspiring beauty entrepreneurs.If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.Follow Annie and Diego at the Atomic Pom Labs Instagram page here. Learn more about the trailblazing work they’re doing at Atomic Pom Labs at atomicpomlabs.ca.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog. And explore Carmine’s extensive work in beauty on his website here.Product links: Create the next breakthrough product with Atomic Pom Labs.—Product reviews on the Skincarma blog:Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you're obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™The Skincarma® Blog is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe