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The Beauty Brains

Discover the beauty and cosmetic products you should use and avoid
282 episodes   Last Updated: Jun 26, 25
Real scientists answer your beauty questions

Episodes

Send us a textOn today’s show we cover lots of questions including…How does different water affect the performance of hair products?Do you really need to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours?Can rinse out conditioner and a deep conditioner or mask be used interchangeably?Does Avene makeup removing micellar water really work?Are '20 free; or '12 free' nail polishes safer?Beauty NewsPeptides in moisturizers.  Do you really need them?Troubling world of dupe fragrances Stop falling for these sunscreen myths.sunscreen ingredient checker. Approximate timestamps0:00 - Intro1:00 - Italy and babies10:55 - Beauty News - Peptides17:10 - Duping products22:20 - Sunscreen myths27:20 - Beauty Questions - Hard & Soft water33:55 - Do you need to reapply sunscreen indoors42:30 - Rinse out and deep conditioners46:35 - Micellar water for makeup50:25 - Safer nail polishes?57:45 - EndingFive Ways to Ask a question -1. Send us a message through Patreon!2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to thebeautybrains@gmail.com3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856Social media accountson Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrainsOn Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrainsAnd we have a Facebook pageValerie's ingredient company - Simply IngredientsPerry's other website - Chemists CornerFollow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram accountSupport the show
Send us a textOn today’s show we cover lots of questions including…How do you know if a product has gone bad? Are the results from Retinol comparable to Retin A?Is Pantene bad for hair?Can you use skin products on your scalp?Is it ok to use a metal spoon to mix vitamin C?Are salt sprays safe to use? Beauty NewsFat Mascara taking a break?The best shampoos for men?Sydney Sweeny bath soap sparks controversyApproximate timestamps0:00 Intro1:00 Chit Chat8:20 Beauty News - Best shampoo for men13:20 - Fat Mascara suspends their show15:30 - Sydney Sweeny soap18:00 - Beauty Questions - Product expiration22:05 - Retinol vs Retin A28:05 - Is Pantene bad for hair?34:20 - Skin products on scalp39:00 - Mixing vitamin C with stainless steel43:05 - Salt sprays for hair47:10 - EndingFive Ways to Ask a question -1. Send us a message through Patreon!2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to thebeautybrains@gmail.com3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856Social media accountson Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrainsOn Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrainsAnd we have a Facebook pageValerie's ingredient company - Simply IngredientsPerry's other website - Chemists CornerFollow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram accountSupport the show
Send us a textIn this episode of "The Beauty Brains," host Valerie George and guest Sarah discuss the latest beauty industry trends, including Pros’ new customizable scalp serum and the growing focus on scalp care. They share honest opinions on mass market versus premium shampoos, debunking common myths and highlighting their personal favorites. The conversation covers product effectiveness, ingredient misconceptions, and the importance of tailoring hair care to individual needs. They also touch on medicated shampoos, SPF products, and makeup preferences, offering practical advice and industry insights for listeners navigating the world of beauty products.Five Ways to Ask a question -1. Send us a message through Patreon!2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to thebeautybrains@gmail.com3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856Social media accountson Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrainsOn Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrainsAnd we have a Facebook pageValerie's ingredient company - Simply IngredientsPerry's other website - Chemists CornerFollow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram accountSupport the show
Send us a textOn today’s show we cover lots of questions including…Can you re-emulsify a broken product?How do you treat sunburned skin?Do you have to use the matching conditioner with a shampoo?How effective are heat protectantsDo regular hydrolyzed proteins build up on hair?Beauty NewsProtein to restart hair growthHair color litigationSocial media influencing ingredient choiceHuda drops claims after saying it was the “strongest setting spray ever”Valerie on another podcast?Beauty QuestionsHeat protectant articleApproximate timestamps0:00 Intro1:00 Chit Chat4:25 Beauty News - Hair growth protein7:15 Hair color lawsuits11:50 Social media influence on ingredients17:15 Huda beauty claims20:25 Valerie on a podcast22:05 Beauty Questions - Separated product28:45 - Treating sunburned skin35:05 - Matching shampoo and conditioner39:35 - Heat protectants47:30 - Hydrolyzed protein on hair54:15 - EndingFive Ways to Ask a question -1. Send us a message through Patreon!2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to thebeautybrains@gmail.com3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856Social media accountson Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrainsOn Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrainsAnd we have a Facebook pageValerie's ingredient company - Simply IngredientsPerry's other website - Chemists CornerFollow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram accountSupport the show
Send us a textOn this show we answer questions like...What do you think about the hair loss product Calecim? What is the deal with Banana Boat's Light As Air sunscreen?Are personal care products filled with harmful toxins?What are your thoughts on the DECIEM company? Are they sketchy?And finally we’ll end with a series of patron hair questions.Beauty NewsNPR chemical storyHuffpost toxic ingredientsBest wrinkle creams according to Good HousekeepingQuestion links:Calecim productsToxicologist interviewApproximate timestamps0:00 Intro1:30 Chit Chat6:20 Beauty News12:00 Good Housekeeping product rankings16:05 Listener feedback19:00 - Beauty Questions - Hair loss product25:15 - Light As Air sunscreen28:20 Harmful toxins in personal care products?34:15 - DECIEM company39:40 - Hair questions50:00 - EndingFive Ways to Ask a question -1. Send us a message through Patreon!2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to thebeautybrains@gmail.com3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856Social media accountson Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrainsOn Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrainsAnd we have a Facebook pageValerie's ingredient company - Simply IngredientsPerry's other website - Chemists CornerFollow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram accountSupport the show
Send us a textOn today’s show we cover lots of questions including…What is a good leave-in conditioner that has only a little bit of protein?What is special fraction petrolatum?Is wet hair more resistant to chlorine than dry?How does Violet #2 work in hair & what’s a hair toner?Can you layer an Ascorbyl Glucoside product over an L-Ascorbic Acid product?Beauty ScienceBest new skincare ingredients1. Retinol Alternatives (e.g., Bakuchiol)2. Malassezin3. Growth Factors4. Sturgeon DNA (Caviar Extract)5. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)Peptides in skincare - Valerie quoted!Valerie the dog is rescued!Listener FeedbackLab Muffin's video on spray-on sunscreensTheraplex’s formulations?Unveiling haircare chemistry with ValerieApproximate timestamps0:00 Intro - Chit chat1:00 AI voice blowback2:30 Valerie in Reno6:45 Pretty Kitty kitties8:15 Beauty News19:30 Listener feedback22:55 - Beauty Questions - Leave in conditioner25:35 - Special fraction petrolatum30:15 Chlorine on hair35:10 - Violet 2 and hair toner42:15 - Layering LAA products46:25 - EndingFive Ways to Ask a question -1. Send us a message through Patreon!2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to thebeautybrains@gmail.com3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856Social media accountson Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrainsOn Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrainsAnd we have a Facebook pageValerie's ingredient company - Simply IngredientsPerry's other website - Chemists CornerFollow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram accountSupport the show
Send us a textIt's a solo episode for Perry today as the Beauty Brains travel schedule made it too difficult to record together. But we'll be back together next show. In the meantime, enjoy these answers to a variety of questions sent in including...1. Is Ethylhexylglycerin a suitable preservative?2. What are your thoughts about coenzyme Q10?3. Do hair thinning shampoos really help?4. What are the best ingredients for skin and hair?5. What do you make of this research article about paraben and phthalate exposure?6. Is it ok to make DIY natural deodorant?7. How do we learn the clinical data used to support the brand Germ Star One?8. Do home microcurrent devices work?9. Why do DHA products stink?10. What do you think of the brand Altruist?11. What is the difference between the baby version and normal Aquaphor?LinksThe only 4 ingredients proven to workAltruist skin careReduction of daily use of parabens and phthalatesPura d'or thinning shampooApproximate timestamps0:00 Intro01:45 Beauty questions - ethylhexylglycerin09:00 Thoughts on Coenzyme Q1016:25 - Hair thinning shampoos21:33 - Best ingredients for skin31:30 - Paraben and phthalate research38:40 - Making DIY natural deodorant44:50 - Germ Star one48:42 - Do microcurrent at home devices work51:57 - What do you think of Altruist53:35 - Why does DHA smell55:10 - Aquaphor57:40 - endingFive Ways to Ask a question -1. Send us a message through Patreon!2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to thebeautybrains@gmail.com3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856Social media accountson Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrainsOn Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrainsAnd we have a Facebook pageValerie's ingredient company - Simply IngredientsPerry's other website - Chemists CornerFollow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram accountSupport the show
Send us a textOn today’s show we cover lots of questions including…Are cosmetic products filled with microplastics? What do you do about facial hair?Is jojoba oil good to use with retinol?How can a formula with hypochlorous acid and azeleic acid be stable?How do you handle acne at the hair line?Beauty NewsWill printed skin replace animal testing?Is Gelatin the same as a Collagen supplement?Is California going to ban anti-aging products for people under 18?J&J Talc case update - another rejection for a $10 billion settlementRecall newsHenkel recallAcne product recallTime Stamps0:00 - Intro and chit chat 4:45 - Beauty News8:50 - Collagen and Gelatin11:45 - California and kids cosmetics14:15 - Talc lawsuit update16:40 - Recall news21:45 - Listener feedback25:05 - Microplastics and cosmetics31:55 - Facial hair advice37:00 - Jojoba oil and Retinol45:20 - Mixing acids48:45 - Acne and hair lines52:45 - EndingFive Ways to Ask a question -1. Send us a message through Patreon!2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to thebeautybrains@gmail.com3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856Social media accountson Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrainsOn Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrainsAnd we have a Facebook pageValerie's ingredient company - Simply IngredientsPerry's other website - Chemists CornerFollow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram accountSupport the show
Send us a textOn this show we cover questions including…Can you highlight hair after getting kenalog injections?Is protein overload a real thing?Can Witch hazel can prevent or get rid of acne?Is Alastin Skin Nectar beneficial?How can you deal with the razor burnBeauty NewsAre consumers really getting more educated?Time Stamps0:00 - Intro and chit chat 5:10 - Beauty News12:30 - Highlighting hair14:45 - Protein overload21:00 - Witch Hazel and acne29:20 - Alastin skin nectar35:50 - Razor burn40:30 - endingFive Ways to Ask a question -1. Send us a message through Patreon!2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to thebeautybrains@gmail.com3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856Social media accountson Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrainsOn Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrainsAnd we have a Facebook pageValerie's ingredient company - Simply IngredientsPerry's other website - Chemists CornerFollow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram accountSupport the show
Send us a textOn today’s show we cover the following questions:Does beef tallow do anything for skin?What can you do to address the effects of second hand smoke on skin and hair? What should you consider when picking humectants?Why are cheap conditioners so thin?What does it mean for a fatty acid to swell?Beauty NewsArticles like this have been showing up in my feeds.68 year olds spring skin routine made sagging skin 43% firmer?47 year old skin became 42% firmer?Time Stamps0:00 - Intro and chit chat 3:05 - Beauty News10:00 - Beef tallow and skin15:28 - Second hand smoke20:18 - Humectants27:29 - VO5 conditioner34:00 - Fatty acid swelling37:57 - endingFive Ways to Ask a question -1. Send us a message through Patreon!2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to thebeautybrains@gmail.com3. Send it to us via social media (see links below)4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question5. Leave a voice mail message: 872-216-1856Social media accountson Instagram we’re at thebeautybrains2018on Twitter, we’re thebeautybrainsOn Bluesky we’re at thebeautybrainsAnd we have a Facebook pageValerie's ingredient company - Simply IngredientsPerry's other website - Chemists CornerFollow the  Porch Kitty Krew instagram accountSupport the show