Chemist Confessions

WE HEARD YOU! We explore the science behind one of the most requested and hyped ingredients skincare sector: glutathione. We break down what this "master antioxidant" actually is.

01:25 | What is Glutathione? Breaking down the tri-peptide 
01:54 | Why is it called the "Master Antioxidant"? 
02:43 | Mechanisms: Tyrosinase inhibition and skin whitening 
03:16 | The Stability Struggle: Why pH and temperature matter 
06:18 | Half-life study: How quickly does it degrade in your products? 
08:12 | Gold Standard Age Booster: Tactical hyperpigmentation tool 
08:40 | Does it actually work? Reviewing topical clinical studies 
12:35 | Study Deep Dive: 0.5% GSH vs. placebo on Indonesian women 
17:36 | Oxidized Glutathione (GSSG): Is a more stable version better?

Product Shoutout: Double Play Retinol Face and Eye Treatment:
https://chemistconfessions.com/products/double-play-retinol-face-eye-treatment

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 explore the science of skincare as we review five affordable, drugstore-priced arbutin products. In this episode, we break down everything from texture and clinical claims and ingredient lists of popular brands to help you find the right formula for your skin.

TIMESTAMPS: 
01:27 | Texture Analysis: Why is Arbutin so Sticky?
03:01 | Texture Face-Off: Oily vs. Dry Skin Reactions
04:48 | Is the Beauty of Joseon Serum a Moisturizer?
06:01 | Chemist Notes: Breaking Down the Cosrx Formula
06:57 | Analyzing Clinical Claims: Inner and Outer Melanin?
09:57 | Instrumental Measurements: Reducing Dark Spots
13:01 | Deep Dive: Beauty of Joseon Ingredients
14:56 | The Truth About "Pregnancy Safe" Marketing
16:25 | The Ordinary & Naturium: Simple Serum Breakdown

Product Shoutout: Double Play Retinol Face and Eye Treatment:
https://chemistconfessions.com/products/double-play-retinol-face-eye-treatment

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 are diving deep into the science of skincare to explore the role of Arbutin in treating hyperpigmentation. In this human conversation, we break down what exactly Arbutin is, analyze the existing data on its efficacy, and provide a comprehensive guide on what you should consider when shopping for these products.

 

 

Product Shoutout: Double Play Retinol Face and Eye Treatment:
https://chemistconfessions.com/products/double-play-retinol-face-eye-treatment

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 episode, we take a deep dive into the world of K-beauty azelaic acid products. We explore the science behind three popular contenders—Anua, Purito, and medicube—while decoding their ingredient lists, analyzing clinical testing data, and discussing the tricky chemistry of azelaic acid solubility.  We provide a chemist’s perspective on how to choose the right formula for your skincare routine.

00:00 | Introducing K-Beauty Azelaic Acid Contenders  
00:02 | The "Ouch" Factor: Testing medicube’s Needle Technology 
00:04 | Sensation vs. Science: Do Spicules Improve Penetration?  
00:05 | Texture Breakdown: Puridose Oil Droplets vs. Anua Watery Serum  
00:08 | Decoding Ingredient Lists: Tea Tree Oil vs. Leaf Water 
 00:13 | Analyzing Anua’s Clinical Studies for Redness Reduction  
00:18 | Is 4-Week Acne Testing Actually Meaningful?  
00:23 | Bacterial Exosomes and the Future of Skincare Sourcing 
 00:29 | Chemist Corner: The Difficulty of Azelaic Acid Solubility  
00:32 | Final Verdict: Choosing Suspensions vs. Soluble Formulas

This week, we're starting our series on hyperpigmentation answering one of the most common questions many of us will encounter which is, "Is azelaic acid better than hydroquinone for my hyperpigmentation

00:00 | Introduction: 2026 Skincare Kickoff
03:45 | Investigating the PNAS Combination Study
08:12 | Deep Dive: Azelaic Acid vs. Hydroquinone
12:50 | The Challenge of Finding Full Research Papers
18:30 | Patient Compliance: The 16-Week Milestone
22:15 | Why Visual Improvements Take Time
27:00 | Analyzing Study Abstracts vs. Full Data
31:10 | Dual Therapy Overkill: 5% Concentration Discussion
31:50 | Motivation and Routine Consistency for Results

Product Shoutout:
Double Play Retinol
https://chemistconfessions.com/products/double-play-retinol-face-eye-treatment

Enrichment Content:
Chemists’ Guide to Choosing an Exfoliating Toner
https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/how-to-choose-the-right-exfoliating-toner-for-your-skin

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