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PODCAST

Beauty by the Beaker

Beauty by the Beaker

Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, a podcast where Science Gets a HOT New Makeover. We"re two cosmetic chemists who want to reveal what really goes into your favorite products - and we aren"t afraid to bust some myths while doing it. Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a curious consumer, or just tired of being told coconut oil cures everything, you’re in the right place. Let"s gossip about all things beauty together! Pull up a chair babe, your appointment"s about to start.

science chemistry

All Episodes

00:28:22

Itchy, Flaky, and Irritated Scalp? Don't Make It...

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/09/30

This week is all about scalp health. Your itchy, flaky scalp might not be dandruff, and using the wrong treatment could make it worse. In this episode of Beauty by the Beaker, cosmetic chemists Sadie and Natalie explain the difference between dry scalp, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis, plus how to choose a smarter next step.Learn how scalp oil, aka sebum, and the yeast Malassezia are connected to dandruff and why itching can start before flakes appear. Not all scalp issues are

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00:50:04

How Important is pH in Cosmetics? A Simple...

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/09/23

Every once in a while we see pH marketed on labels, but most people have no idea what it actually means - and that confusion is exactly why it has the opportunity to become such a powerful buzzword. If you’ve ever wondered whether “pH balanced” skincare or hair care is worth paying more for, this episode breaks down the science in a way that finally makes sense.This week we are discussing the power of Hydrogen, and we are doing it in some very conceptual and possibly less than scientific ways. We

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00:31:44

3 Misconceptions You Still Have About Curly Hair - EP 51

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/09/16

When it comes to curls there is a lot of misinformation, and this week we are setting the record straight. Natalie and Sadie, cosmetic formulation chemists are covering the 3 main misconceptions when it comes to curly hair, and explaining why you might not be treating your hair right. We break down why curl type is a weak predictor of what your hair actually needs, why “wash less” is not universal, and why products do not magically change your curl pattern.Starting with the origins of curl typing,

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00:28:31

Controversial Beauty Rumors Usually Need More Context...

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/09/09

It’s the first official episode of season 2, and we are going to be trying something a little bit different. Mostly because we want to talk about beauty science you are actually interested in, but also because our lives have been a bit crazy, and we needed another week of chatting to give us more time for research. Since we want to give you the most accurate and easy to understand information we possibly can, we typically have to spend a LOT of time researching for each episode, but we only want to

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00:31:27

The Unexpected World of Beauty Science Podcasting -...

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/09/02

Happy Birthday BXB!!! This week we are celebrating 1 year of the podcast by reflecting on some of the epic highs and lows of the past, and setting some new expectations for the future. We discuss the unexpected struggles of co-hosting a beauty science podcast, and the desire to stop the spread of misinformation while still appealing to a large audience… which we unfortunately haven’t done yet after a year… but we aren’t ready to stop trying! And although small, we talk about how positive the

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00:26:46

Is Your Hair Safe From The Sun? UV Might Not Be The...

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/08/26

Summer isn’t over yet! We have stressed the importance of sunscreen, but how does the sun affect your hair? In this episode we are breaking down the science of UV damage, visible light, melanin, and why some hair fades or weakens faster in the sun. Have you ever wondered if your hair needs sunscreen? Tune in, this episode is for you.Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where Sciences Gets a Hot New Makeover! We're two cosmetic chemists who want to reveal what really goes into your

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00:46:50

Top 10 Cosmetics Under $30, Nothing Sponsored! - EP 47

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/08/19

t’s about time we give you another peak into our vanity shelves! This week we are telling you our favorite skin and hair care products under $30 (well almost, we need to make one exception for Sadie). As cosmetic formulation chemists we have tried a lot of different products, and are very familiar with all types of ingredients. Join us in the Science Salon for 10 products we are currently obsessed with. And we know how hard it can be to trust ‘influencers’ but don’t worry, we are scientists. We have

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00:46:55

Fear Is Keeping You From Perfect Hair! - EP46

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/08/12

Are you ready for perfect hair? Well this episode is your scientifically proven guide to perfect hair! .. well… sort of. As it turns out, hair isn’t super vital, and for that reason, there hasn’t been a very strong push for rigorous scientific evaluation. But today we have the closest thing we are going to get to a hair expert, Sadie! Sadie performs microscopic hair analysis, and writes up a customized report, detailing everything you could need to know about your hair. She has looked at thousands

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00:18:24

Eyelash Serum or Glaucoma Treatment? The Risk and...

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/08/05

What ingredients are in your lash serum? And is it really worth the risk? Long, luscious lashes are a beauty goal for many, but do you really know what's happening when you use those popular eyelash serums? This week we are diving into an unlikely lash lengthener that was discovered while treating glaucoma. We are telling you everything you need to know about prostaglandin analogs. These ingredients not only stimulate lash growth but can also cause side effects like eye color darkening and

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00:41:08

Exosomes Work! What About In Skincare? The Truth...

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/07/29

Exosomes are rapidly becoming the hottest buzzword in skincare, but what do we really know about their power? Are they the regenerative breakthrough they're made out to be, or simply a clever marketing tactic? If you're curious about whether products claiming to harness these tiny cellular messengers are worth your hard-earned money, this episode is for you!As cosmetic chemists, we cut through the hype to explain what exosomes are, and more importantly, what they aren’t. We are breaking down

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00:45:21

K-Beauty Takeover! The History, Hype, and the...

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/07/22

Welcome back to the Science Salon! You might claim to be a K-beauty fan, but did you know that it’s a result of Korea’s strategic comeback after the 1997 Asian financial crisis? And was Missha the first Ordinary when it comes to simple and effective, no-frills skincare? This week is part 2 of our K Beauty series, and this week we are discussing all things Hallyu, or the Korean Wave.We break down how Korean beauty became a worldwide phenomenon, why the 10-step Korean skincare routine took off, and

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00:55:08

K-Beauty is Ancient History | Korean Skincare Before...

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/07/15

You can’t be a skincare fan and not know about K-Beauty. Today we are talking about the history behind Korea’s astonishing rise to global beauty powerhouse. It’s more than just cosmetic, it’s a story of resilience, strategy, and innovation.Most Americans overlook Korea’s deep history, but a centuries-old story of oppression, evolution, and social shifts laid the groundwork for today’s K-beauty craze. We are going all the way back to the beginning, and looking at how ancient legends and the strict

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00:32:49

Can Skincare Products Cure Weight Loss Side Effects?...

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/07/01

I bet you have heard of Ozempic, but did you know it was first discovered in Gila Monster venom? This week we are talking about weight loss drugs, and the shocking side effects they can cause. If you're curious about the science, the beauty industry's profit-driven response, and why these weight-loss drugs might be doing more harm than good, this episode is your essential guide. We talk about the mechanism of action, and how it's used for managing blood sugar and suppressing appetite

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00:40:43

Why Does Isotretinoin Work SO WELL? History and...

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/06/24

This week we are diving deep into Accutane, also known as isotretinoin. This is one of the most talked about acne treatments in dermatology. If you’ve ever wondered how Accutane works, why skin can get worse before it gets better, what the purge phase feels like, or whether Accutane is actually safe, this episode breaks it all down in a science-backed, easy-to-understand way.We cover the accidental discovery of Accutane, the history behind isotretinoin, how it targets sebaceous glands and oil

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00:33:43

EVERYTHING You Need To Know Before Using Bemotrizinol...

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/06/18

EMERGENCY SUNSCREEN UPDATE! The FDA just approved the first UV filter in over 20 years! Join us for breaking news in US sunscreens. This ingredient promises to be the safest and most effective filter the United States Market has ever seen, but what does that actually mean as a consumer? This week we are telling you EVERYTHING you need to know about Bemotrizinol, BEMT, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (Which is actually still an INCI name, not IUPAC) Tinosorb S, or Parsol SHIELD

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00:31:34

Is Looksmaxxing The Answer To A Bigger Problem? - EP 38

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/06/11

0:00 - Introduction to Looksmaxxing Discussion on the concept and its societal implications.15:18 - A Never Ending Pursuit For PerfectionHow looksmaxxing has roots in historical beauty practices.19:06 - Modern Trends and Influences The role of social media and influencers in popularizing looksmaxxing.21:35 - Gender Perspectives Differences in beauty standards and expectations for men and women.25:14 - Psychological and Social ImpactsHow looksmaxxing affects self-esteem and social interactions.28:31

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00:53:29

Can Makeup Be Good For Your Skin? BB Creams, K-Beauty...

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/06/03

Is there a line between makeup and skincare? If there is, it's extremely blurry, and understanding the science behind it can change the way you approach your beauty routine. In this eye-opening episode, cosmetic chemists Sadie and Natalie peel back the layers of what truly goes into your favorite complexion products. from BB creams with origins in 1960s Germany to the skin tints that are still very popular today. Discover the surprising history of BB and CC creams and why they’re more than just

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00:41:06

The Complex World of Color Cosmetics: Outsourcing...

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/05/27

We are unlocking the secret differences between makeup and skincare formulations and discover why most companies excel in one, but not both. Cosmetic chemists Sadie and Natalie pull back the curtain on how the beauty industry structures its product development, from the complex web of outsourcing to the specialized labs that craft your favorite products. They explore the vast “umbrella” of cosmetics, breaking down why makeup (color cosmetics) require such painstaking precision, and how formulating a

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00:54:13

Chemists Answer YOUR Beauty Questions! EP35

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/05/20

We are cosmetic chemists, and today we are uncovering secrets behind hair care myths, product hype, and what science actually says about styling and cleansing routines in this lively Q&A. From horse shampoos to curl conditioners, discover whether your favorite products are worth the hype, and learn how to optimize your routine, even in hard water or with stubborn color fades.Ever wondered if rinsing with cold water truly seals the cuticle or if hot water strips your hair? Want to know why curly

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00:25:43

Avoid This Cosmetic Ingredient If You Are Going to...

Beauty by the Beaker ·

2026/05/13

Are you brushing your teeth with explosives? No, not really, but your cosmetics could still set off alarms going through TSA, and not just because they are bigger than 3.4oz. In this episode we are diving into a cosmetic ingredient that might help with tooth sensitivity, but it might also get you stuck at the airport security checkpoint having your luggage swabbed. Potassium Nitrate, KNO3. In this episode we are diving into some of the primary uses of Potassium Nitrate. We are covering fertilizers,

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57 results

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