The Skincarma® Pod

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

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Carly Guerra, founder of Savoir Beauty. Carly shares her inspiring journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur. After a breast cancer diagnosis in 2022, she recognized a gap in the beauty market for products specifically designed for delicate breast area skin, leading her to create the industry’s first-ever dedicated breast serum. Their conversation delves into the true importance of selfcare, fervent community support, and the mission behind Savoir Beauty, which aims to educate women about daily breast health. Carly also discusses her commitment to giving back – and paying it forward – with a portion of sales of the Savoir Beauty Breast Serum benefitting the work of Cancer and Careers. This October, $5 of every product sold will be donated to Cancer and Careers. In wrapping up, Carly expresses her hopes for the future of beauty as she pioneers a category that addresses every woman’s unique skincare needs.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 Carly on her Instagram profile here and the Savoir Beauty page here. Learn more about the Savoir Beauty brand ethos and trailblazing product innovation at savoirbeauty.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: SAVOIR Beauty Breast SerumDr. Ariel Ostad Skincare Neck Refining 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® 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 Arjan Singh, co-founder of Jolie, a wellness brand that focuses on the importance of water quality in skincare. They discuss Arjan's background, the inspiration behind Jolie, and the challenges of educating consumers about the impact of water on their skin health. The conversation delves into the technology behind the brand’s trailblazing filtered shower head, the burgeoning beauty wellness trend, and future plans for the Jolie brand. Arjan shares insights on the importance of clean water and how Jolie aims to redefine beauty through better water quality.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 Arjan on Instagram at @arjansingh and on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Jolie and the groundbreaking science behind the brand on their IG page here and at jolie.comFollow 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: Jolie The Filtered Showerhead—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 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 Gerard Camme, founder and CEO of Element Eight – the brand redefining luxury clinical skincare. They explore the innovative oxygen-based technology behind Element Eight’s products and Gerard shares about his exciting journey through the beauty industry, leading to the founding of Element Eight. Intriguingly, their conversation focuses on the importance of oxygen to skin health and cellular function and how the brand’s proprietary OATH technology allows for better oxygen delivery to the skin – and vastly better results. The conversation delves into the challenges of merging luxury skincare with scientific advancements, the clinically proven efficacy of the Element Eight products, and what the future may look like for your skincare routine.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 Element Eight on IG here. Learn more about Element Eight products and the innovative technology behind their efficacy at elementeight.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: Element Eight O2 Niacinamide Eight Active SerumElement Eight O2 Growth Factor Eight Active CreamElement Eight O2 Caffeine Eight Active Eye CreamPaula’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 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 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 Keith O'Briant, founder and CEO of Hydrinity, the breakout brand elevating the daily skincare routine with regenerative technologies rooted in wound healing. They discuss Hydrinity’s innovative approach to skin health and the brand’s proprietary Hyaluronic Acid molecule. Keith shares insights from his background in biotech and aesthetics, explaining how Hydrinity's products are designed to treat and heal the skin more effectively. The conversation touches on the future of regenerative skincare, the importance of the total formula over individual ingredients, and the significance of consistency in skincare routines.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 Hydrinity on IG here. Learn more about Hydrinity products and the innovative technology behind their efficacy at hydrinity.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: Hydrinity Restorative HA SerumHydrinity PRELUDE Facial Treatment CleanserHydrinity Renewing HA SerumHydrinity VIVID Brightening SerumHydrinity ENCORE Body Hydrator—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 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® 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 discusses the five finalists for the most innovative moisturizer of the year in the 2025 BeautyMatter Awards. The awards honor the thinkers, makers, and doers in the beauty community and Carmine was honored to be a judge in the product innovation category for the third in a row. This year, he evaluated more than 200 products across multiple categories: treatments, moisturizers, scrubs, cleansers, acne care, men’s and sun care (his favorite!). Each product was evaluated by a panel of judges for its unique formulation, technology, benefits and texture – five radically different takes on what a moisturizer can be and do today. The five finalists for a 2025 BeautyMatter Award in the Best Breakthrough Skincare (Moisturizer) category are:* Beekman 1802 Milk RX Advanced Better Aging Cream* Bonjout Beauty Le Balm Unscented* DEINDE Barrier-Building Moisture Cream* Mother Science Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer * Verdoie La Crème HydratanteFrom mushrooms to malassezin, microbiome care to barrier resilience, this year’s finalists aren’t just keeping up with skincare evolution – they’re driving it. 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: Explore the 2025 BeautyMatter Award Finalists here.Beekman 1802 - Milk RX Advanced Better Aging CreamBonjout Beauty - Le Balm UnscentedDEINDE - Barrier-Building Moisture CreamMother Science - Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair MoisturizerVerdoie - La Crème Hydratante—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 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 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 Laura Schmoisman, a global beauty strategist and founder of The Darl. They discuss the intricacies of brand building in the beauty industry, emphasizing the importance of authentic storytelling, understanding consumer needs, and the essential role of founders in shaping brand identity. Laura shares insights on why many brands fail and what it takes for a brand to succeed in the oversaturated beauty market.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 Lara on Instagram at @laraschmoisman and LinkedIn here. Explore her agency work on The Darl website here. And, catch her podcast Coffee No. 5 on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.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: MAËLYS clinically proven body solutionsDrunk Elephant Kiehl’s Since 1851—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 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 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. Rohan Shah, a dermatology resident, to discuss his journey into dermatology, the skin concerns he encounters with his patients most, and the importance of education and authenticity in skincare. The conversation goes on to explore the balance between dermatology and social media – where Dr. Shah promotes education on skin, skincare and products through his @healthyskindoc account. The pair delve into innovations in the field of dermatology and the need for better representation of skin of color in the practice of dermatology. Dr. Shah shares insights on various skin conditions, treatments, and the impact of misinformation in the skincare community.If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.Be sure to follow Dr. Rohan Shah on his IG page @healthyskindoc here. His reels and posts are really cool and educational – full of insights about skin health.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: Skinfix Exo + Ectoin Intensive Repair Baume—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 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 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. Mark Menning, a pharmaceutical scientist and visionary founder of MARK Los Angeles. They discuss Dr. Menning's unique approach to skincare, which combines pharmaceutical science with a patented and innovative ingredient delivery system. The conversation covers the evolution of antiviral drugs, the under-appreciated power of flavonoids in skincare, and the importance of understanding ingredient penetration for optimizing product efficacy and, ultimately, skin health. Carmine and Mark wonk out on the efficacy of various Vitamin C molecules, the innovative approach of precision-engineered plant-based skincare, and the importance of clinical trials in proving product effectiveness. The dialogue also touches on the crossover between the beauty and pharmaceutical industries, ingredient sourcing and regulatory standards, culminating in Mark's aspirations for the future of the MARK Los Angeles brand.If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.Follow Dr. Mark Menning on LinkedIn here and his IG page here. Learn more about the MARK Los Angeles brand ethos and product innovation on IG here and at marklosangeles.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: MARK Los Angeles E.Q. Gentle CleanserMARK Los Angeles E.Q. Rescue SerumMARK Los Angeles E.Q. Daily MoisturizerMARK Los Angeles Lip Rescue 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 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 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 Ian Michael Crumm, a prominent aesthetician, skincare influencer and consummate sun safety advocate. The conversation delves into the nature of skincare, the essentials of a pro-skin health routine, and the vital importance that sunscreen plays in skin health. Ian shares about his role as spokesperson of the Melanoma Research Foundation’s 2025 #GetNaked campaign as well as his journey into the world of skincare and how the importance of suncare was ingrained in him from childhood. Throughout, Ian emphasizes the need for a more empowering approach to suncare and the value in making sun safety fun and engaging. As annual judges in the Beauty Matter Awards, the pair discuss the dynamics of evaluating skincare products and where they believe product innovation is heading.If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.Follow Ian on Instagram at @ianmcrumm and catch his Beauty Curious podcast with Dr. Elyse Love on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Learn more about the Melanoma Research Foundation’s #GetNaked campaign on their website at melanoma.org and on IG at @curemelanoma. Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.Product links: Ultra Violette Future Screen SPF 50 EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Sunscreen SPF 50Oak Essentials Firming Plant Peptide SerumAllies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum—Product reviews on the Skincarma blog:Explore Carmine’s EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Sunscreen SPF 50 review here.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 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 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 Frank Freeman, Vice President of Digital Disruption at Dermalogica. The conversation begins with Frank's journey from music to Harvard to skincare and culminates in the transformative impact of AI – and particularly chatbots like ChatGPT – on the beauty industry. Frank shares insights into how AI is being optimized at Dermalogica to enhance productivity and, ultimately, the customer experience. They highlight the importance of innovation in skincare, the role of AI in personalizing the experience – and the disruption coming next. If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.Follow Frank on LinkedIn here. Learn more about the Dermalogica brand ethos and product innovation at dermalogica.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: Dermalogica daily microfoliant exfoliatorDermalogica dynamic skin recovery SPF 50 moisturizerDermalogica biolumin-c vitamin c 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 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 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 Divya Gugnani, a prominent figure in the beauty industry known for her entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas. They discuss Divya’s journey from investment banking to founding multiple beauty brands, including Wander Beauty, and her latest venture, the clean fragrance brand 5SENS. The conversation delves into the inherent challenges of the beauty industry, the importance of peer mentorship, and the personal experiences that have shaped Divya’s career. The episode highlights evolving beauty standards and the need for products that cater to busy women. To that end, Divya shares her journey as co-founder of Wander Beauty, emphasizing the brand's focus on time-starved women and the white space for multitasking products that cater to women on-the-go. Divya shares insights about her newest venture, 5SENS, and her investment vehicle, Concept to Co., which supports diverse founders.If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.Follow Divya on Instagram at @dgugnani and her fragrance brand 5SENS at @5sensco. Catch the 5SENS vibes and learn more about the cool concept behind the brand at 5sens.co. You can find Divya’s book Pitch Perfect, Founder’s Guide to Fundraising for Startups on Amazon here.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.Product links: 5 SENS - Lit 5 SENS - Catch Feelings5 SENS - Life of the PartyWander Beauty On-the-Glow Blush and Illuminator—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 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 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 clean beauty pioneer Indie Lee, who shares her inspiring journey as both brain tumor survivor and brand founder. Indie espouses the importance of clean, toxin-free products and how her personal health challenges shaped her advocacy for wellness and longevity. The conversation explores the evolution of the clean beauty movement, the significance of living with purpose, and the need for consumer education in the beauty marketplace. Indie explains the impact of phthalates and other hormone disruptors on health, particularly in relation to autoimmune diseases. She emphasizes the importance of embracing a clean lifestyle and the need for community connection in the beauty industry.If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.Follow Indie Lee on Instagram at @indie_lee. Learn more about the brand ethos and product innovation at indielee.com.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.Product links: Indie Lee Discovery KitIndie Lee CoQ10 TonerIndie Lee Stem Cell SerumIndie Lee Daily Vitamin InfusionIndie Lee Retinol Alternative 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 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 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 back Dr. Jen Haley, a board-certified dermatologist and his OG guest, to discuss essential skincare practices from the perspective of a dermatologist and debunk common myths about skincare and the basic needs of your skin. They explore the importance of sunscreen, must-have skincare ingredients, and budget-friendly product options. Dr. Jen shares her insights on trends to avoid, such as derma rollers, and trends that may be worth the effort – like LED light therapy and skin cycling. The conversation also touches on the role of cellular senescence on skin aging and the relationship between skin health and overall well-being. Carmine and Dr. Jen delve into the complexities of skincare, discussing the impact of trends, the importance of understanding your individual skin needs, and the significance of a consistent skincare routine. If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.Follow Dr. Jen Haley on Instagram at @drjenhaley. And be sure to catch her podcast Radiance Revealed in your favorite podcast app.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.Product links: EltaMD UV Restore Tinted Broad-Spectrum Mineral Facial Sunscreen SPF 40EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Face Sunscreen SPF 50Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid SunscreenUltra Violette Future Screen SPF 50 Mineral SunscreenGood Weather Skin The One Daily Sun Cream SPF 30 Mineral 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 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 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 Theresa Plavoukis, a seasoned beauty expert and founder of Fat Mermaid, the breakthrough beauty supplement brand that has reimagined your morning collagen. They delve into Theresa's extensive background in the beauty industry, her innovative approach to collagen supplements, and the science behind her inaugural product – bioavailable liquid marine collagen. The conversation highlights the evolution of beauty trends, the intricacies of product formulation, and the fun and creativity involved in developing effective beauty solutions. Theresa shares the innovative approach of her beauty supplement brand, Fat Mermaid, focusing on the science behind beauty supplements, consumer readiness, and the integration of these products into daily routines. She shares insights on the challenge of innovation, the importance of consumer feedback, and her transition from a behind-the-scenes role to being the face of her own brand.If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.Follow Fat Mermaid on Instagram at @fatmermaidco. Learn more about the science behind the brand and product innovation at fatmermaid.com. Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.Product links: Fat Mermaid Bio-Available Liquid Marine Collagen —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 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 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 Roger Ignon, co-founder of Hydrafacial, the skincare technology that revolutionized aesthetics. They explore Roger’s journey from a childhood interest in invention to becoming a key player in the beauty industry and beyond. The conversation explores the importance of collaboration in innovation, the lessons learned from early entrepreneurial experiences, and the significance of recognizing pivotal moments in one’s career. Roger shares insights into the nuances of invention, the importance of timing and luck, and the complexities of navigating the patent process. He shares personal anecdotes about past inventions, highlighting both successes and failures, and underscores the long road to market success that inventors often face.If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts 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.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 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 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 Deanna Kangas, a beauty industry trailblazer with a rich history of brand management and mentorship. The conversation explores Deanna's journey from her small-town roots in South Dakota to the fashion capital of New York City and ultimately her influential roles in major beauty brands, including Mattel and Ouai haircare. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the evolution of iconic brands like Barbie, and the significance of teamwork in achieving success. Deanna shares insights on navigating the beauty industry, the impact of global experiences, and the vital role of women supporting women in professional growth. In this engaging conversation, Carmine and Deanna explore the intricacies of branding, particularly in the beauty industry. They discuss the evolution of haircare, the importance of teamwork and timing in brand success, and the challenges new brands face in their first year. The dialogue highlights the dynamic nature of the beauty industry and the significance of collaboration and mentorship in fostering growth and innovation.If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.Follow Deanna on Instagram at @dkla123.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.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 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 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 Alec Batis, a cosmetic chemist and founder of Sweet Chemistry. They discuss Alec’s extensive background in the beauty industry, the innovative technology behind Sweet Chemistry’s products, and the intersection of medical science and skincare. The conversation delves into the science of matrikine peptides and the original approach Alec has taken in formulating Sweet Chemistry’s products. In the conversation, Carmine and Alec discuss the innovative advancements in peptide technology and their enduring applications in skincare. Alec shares his journey of taking risks to invest in novel solutions and the secrets behind effective formulation that goes beyond mere marketing levels to truly benefit skin health. They emphasize the long-term commitment required for effective skincare and reflect on personal health experiences, highlighting the connection between skincare and overall wellness.If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.Follow Sweet Chemistry on Instagram at @sweetchemistrylabs. Learn more about the science behind the brand and product innovation at sweetchemistry.com.Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.Product links: Elasticity Reinforcing Hydra-CreamBarrier Repairing Hydra-SerumElasticity Reinforcing Lipid-CreamReparative Oil-Serum Infusion—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 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 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