Chemist Confessions

We put three 10% OTC sulfur products to the test! Kate Somerville, the Ordinary, Vichy, and De La Cruz Lab have four completely different takes on sulfur. The chemists discuss which product is the best to use as an acne spot treat!   Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season *a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514   Product Shoutout: The Specialist: https://chemistconfessions.com/products/the-specialist-exfoliating-treatment   Enrichment Content: EP153: OTC Sulfur for Acne is Kinda Weird! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cPB2eUtYpY&list=PLldQkxjc7bYnFkUtOw8Y07yCyBnaF4ddx&index=2   From the Blog: The Chemists’ Comprehensive Guide to Acne Pt. 1 https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/the-chemists-comprehensive-guide-to-acne-pt-1   00:00 | Sulfur Products Review: Which 10% Sulfur Acne Treatment is Best? 00:39 | What are the selection criteria for the 4 sulfur products? 01:22 | Price comparison of The Ordinary, Vichy, Kate Somerville, and De La Cruz sulfur products 02:48 | How does a dry-skin representative use a drying sulfur spot treatment? 03:38 | Which sulfur product has a classic drying, high absorption lotion texture? 04:00 | The problem with Kate Somerville's isopropyl alcohol-based drying lotion 06:30 | Ranking sulfur products by "rotten egg smell"—which one smells the most? 08:46 | Chemist Notes: Which oil-absorbing powders are in the sulfur formulas? 11:13 | Which sulfur products contain additional acne actives like Glycolic or Salicylic Acid? 14:11 | Is sulfur a long-term preventative acne ingredient or just a spot treat?   Follow us: IG:  https://www.instagram.com/chemist.con... 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

In paid partnership with VT! VT has given us insider access to the R&D behind their viral Reedle Skincare. In thanks to our community’s curiosity, they’ve decided to share the research behind their reedles, what makes them special, and all the testing they’ve done behind this product line. The chemists also share their experience and recommendation using this uniquely prickly but soothing? Kbeauty serum.   Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season *A small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. (Thank you!) https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/1280514   Enrichment Content: EP 128: Our Deep Dive into Spicules (Non-paid/non-gifted) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acn8V6-4_Uk&t=61s   EP 129: VT’s Reedle Shot 50 vs. 100 (Non-paid/non-gifted) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-BwdlFYFU0&t=1s   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 take a deep dive into the science behind Sulfur, a very old and historically prevalent ingredient for acne. We discuss its nonmetal clay origins and characteristic scent, often described as rotten eggs , or like "if a clay farted". The episode covers its classification as an OTC acne ingredient , its proposed catalytic and oil-absorbing mechanisms , and the challenges in its topical formulation, such as particle size. We also look at old-school research, including a study on 10% Sulfur + 4% Niacinamide drying lotion , and offer realistic expectations: Sulfur is best used as a spot treatment for quick fixes, not for long-term overall breakout reduction 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

Everyone at some point in their lives will experience skin irritation. From overeager retinoid use to skin deciding to do a complete 180° just because. When skin is angry, troubleshooting your routine can start to feel stressful and overwhelming . The chemists review why skin reacts the way it does and best practices on how to appease unhappy skin and recalibrate back to your original healthy skin.   Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season *A small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. (Thank you!) https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514 Product Shoutout: Aquafix Soothing Hydrating Serum https://chemistconfessions.com/products/aquafix-hydrating-water-gel Enrichment Content: Navigating Plant Extracts: A Guide https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/botanicals-a-skincare-ingredient-jungle EP136: Can You Just Use Water to Cleanse Your Face? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GDay3OeG7Q Follow us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/chemist.confessions/ INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfessions?lang=en Skincare questions for the podcast? Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack

We put popular hypochlorous acid sprays to the test! Tower 28, Prequel, and Magic Molecule. Do they live up to the hype for acne, redness, and barrier support? Here’s the chemists’ breakdown. 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](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](https://shopmy.us/collections/1766357) Product Shoutout: Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser [https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser](https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser) Enrichment Content: Sunscreen Layering Guide [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ0Dlb0WXvc](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](https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/controversy-corner-do-we-absorb-sunscreen-filters-into-our-bloodstreams) Follow us: IG:   / chemist.confessions INTERWEB: [https://chemistconfessions.com/](https://chemistconfessions.com/) TIKTOK: [https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfes](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

Hypochlorous acid is the trending skincare ingredient for acne, eczema, and irritated skin...... but does it really work?   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

From $20 drugstore finds to $185 luxury formulas, We break down Vitamin C skincare products, textures, and ingredient lists to help you choose what really works for hyperpigmentation, hydration, and beyond.   Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season *a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514 Product Shoutout: Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser Enrichment Content: EP144: Is 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid a worthy vitamin C derivative? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9wfbFIUIJg From the Blog: Which Vitamin C Derivative is Best for My Skin https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/which-vitamin-c-derivative-is-the-best-for-my-skin Follow us: IG:  https://www.instagram.com/chemist.confessions/?hl=en INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfessions?lang=en Skincare questions for the podcast? Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack

Is tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (aka. THD ascorbate) a more stable, more exciting form of vitamin C, or just another quirky chemical cousin? We unpack the science, separate facts from marketing fluff, and reveal what this ingredient really does for your 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 Product Shoutout: Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser Enrichment Content: EP144: Is 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid a worthy vitamin C derivative? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9wfbFIUIJg From the Blog: Which Vitamin C Derivative is Best for My Skin https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/which-vitamin-c-derivative-is-the-best-for-my-skin Follow us: IG:  https://www.instagram.com/chemist.confessions/?hl=en INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfessions?lang=en Skincare questions for the podcast? Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack

It’s the last sunscreen episode of 2025 (we promise!). The chemists have been mulling over all of the recent sunscreen drama. Ultimately, they’ve decided that the most constructive way to address everyone’s concerns is to walk everyone through how to properly shop for sunscreens in 2025. In this guided tour of sunscreens, they will also address concerns on SPF boosters and even how to process the concerning results published by Choice.  00:20 | Chemist Confessions Podcast: Addressing the Sunscreen Drama  01:00 | How to Shop for Sunscreen  01:49 | Method to Shop for Sunscreen: Addressing Concerns and Finding Confidence  02:29 | Starting Point: Chemical Fluid or Lotion Formulas  03:17 | Asian or EU Sunscreens (Chemical)  05:29 | Why are US Sunscreens Different? (Texture Discussion)  07:41 | When to Choose Mineral Sunscreens (Acne, Irritation, Sensitivity)  08:40 | Mineral Sunscreen Controversy: Are "Mineral" Sunscreens Truly Mineral?  09:58 | Understanding UV Boosters in Sunscreen Formulas  12:01 | Quirky Traits of Mineral Sunscreens: White Cast and Powdery Formulas  30 for 30 Sunscreen Challenge Compiled Summary  *a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. https://shopmy.us/collections/1766357 Other products discussed this 2025 Podcast Season https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514 Product Shoutout: Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser Enrichment Content: Can You Layer Foundation With Sunscreen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ0Dlb0WXvc&t=1356s Chemists’ Complete Sunscreen Review Guide https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/how-to-best-use-cleansers Follow us: IG:  https://www.instagram.com/chemist.confessions/ INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfes…

Victoria recently decided to commit to 100 days of double cleansing on her oily, acne-prone skin. In those 100 days, she tests 10 cleansing oils and 10 gel cleansers. They discuss their likes, dislikes, and surprise discoveries amongst these formulas. Ultimately, the chemists’ goal in this experiment is to answer the question, “Should you be double cleansing every day?” Additionally, they hope that in this experiment they can help pinpoint what traits to look for in a good oil cleanser and gel cleanser. Enjoy!   Products Enjoyed in the 100 Days of Double Cleansing Journey *a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. https://shopmy.us/collections/1942385   Other products discussed this 2025 Podcast Season https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514   Product Shoutout: Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser   Enrichment Content: Chemists’ Review 5 Kbeauty Cleansing Oils https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WiF-LYh1no&t=380s   Chemists’ Double Cleansing Guide https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/how-to-best-use-cleansers   Follow us: IG:   / chemist.confessions   INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfes…

In this episode, we put five popular vitamin C serums featuring 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid to the test: Beauty of Joseon Light on Serum, Elf C+E+Feruic Acid Serum, Olay Vitamin C Brightening Serum,  Innisfree Green Tean Enzyme Vitamin C, and Numbuz:n 5+. This is a wild category of products. Unlike the CE Ferulic dupes, the range is far and wide in between! From texture critiques (why so sticky, Elf?) to actives breakdown, we decode the labels and share which formulas we’d choose — and which ones barely count as a vitamin C serum at all.   Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season *a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514 Product Shoutout: Mr. Reliable Moisturizer with 3% Ceramide Complex https://chemistconfessions.com/products/mr-reliable-lightweight-moisturizer Enrichment Content: EP144: Is 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid a worthy vitamin C derivative? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9wfbFIUIJg From the Blog: Which Vitamin C Derivative is Best for My Skin https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/which-vitamin-c-derivative-is-the-best-for-my-skin  Follow us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/chemist.confessions/ INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfessions?lang=en Skincare questions for the podcast? Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack

Is 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid truly a gentler, more stable form of vitamin C, or just a shiny chemical cousin? We unpack the science, separate facts from marketing fluff, and reveal what this ingredient really does for your 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

In this extended 30 for 30 finale, we review 30 chemical sunscreens across drugstore, mid-tier, international, and luxury categories. breaking down textures, performance, pilling, greasy finishes, and even surprise standouts like Banana Boat Light as Air. Perfect for anyone struggling to find their next go-to SPF! Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season *a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514 Recommended 30 for 30 Sunscreens 2025 *a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. https://shopmy.us/collections/1766357 Product Shoutout: Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser Enrichment Content: Sunscreen Layering Guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ0Dlb0WXvc Do We Absorb Sunscreen Filters into Our Bloodstreams? https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/controversy-corner-do-we-absorb-sunscreen-filters-into-our-bloodstreams  Follow us: IG:   / chemist.confessions   INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfes... Skincare questions for the podcast? Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack

We’re back for our third year of the 30 for 30 sunscreen challenge where we test 30 sunscreens in 30 days. In part 1, we discuss the mineral sunscreens. This category is divided into mineral fluids and mineral lotions. We rate them from worst, meh, noteworthy, and best based on their texture and finish. Overall, we’ve found this category to be much improved! Let’s dive into our mineral sunscreen journey!   Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season *a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514   Recommended 30 for 30 Sunscreens 2025 *a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. https://shopmy.us/collections/1766357   Product Shoutout: Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser   Enrichment Content: Sunscreen Layering Guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ0Dlb0WXvc   Do We Absorb Sunscreen Filters into Our Bloodstreams? 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  

One of the top questions we get on sunscreen is - I want to layer foundation with my sunscreen is that okay? What does it mean for the level of sun protection I’m getting? That’s a pretty complex question and thankfully - we have some great studies and recommendations to share. *a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514 Product Shoutout: Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser Enrichment Content: Do we Absorb Sunscreen Filters into Our Bloodstreams? https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/controversy-corner-do-we-absorb-sunscreen-filters-into-our-bloodstreams  Chemists’ Ultimate Sunscreen Applicatin Guide https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/chemists-ultimate-sunscreen-application-guide  Don’t just take it from us - check out other sources like AAD, PCPC, and IBA https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/is-sunscreen-safe  Follow us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/chemist.confessions/ INTERWEB: https://chemistconfessions.com/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@chemistconfessions?lang=en Skincare questions for the podcast? Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack Resources Mentioned: Interactions between different solar UVB/UVA filters contained in commercial suncreams and consequent loss of UV protection https://sci-hub.ru/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1039/b606768a Only one quarter of sunscreens on store shelves are safe and effective, new report says  https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/20/health/2025-safest-sunscreens-wellness  A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/phpp.12439  Understanding the causes of skincare product pilling https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/srt.13828  Interactions between different solar UVB/UVA filters contained in commercial suncreams and consequent loss of UV protection https://sci-hub.ru/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1039/b606768a