Chemist Confessions

Vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is famously known as the only rigorously tested antioxidant for age prevention. Yet this active is also notoriously known for its quirky characteristics in the classic CE Ferulic serum format. This unstable hot dog water has often generated concerns for using it long term. In this episode, the chemists discuss ascorbic acid’s stability and compare vitamin C in water-based formulas vs. anhydrous formulas to see if there’s a better format for this finicky active.  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: Aquafix Hydrating Water Gel https://chemistconfessions.com/products/aquafix-hydrating-water-gel Enrichment Content: Podcast Ep - Which Vitamin C Derivative is Better? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b96PX4L6hsQ&t=82s Results of our CE Ferulic Dupe Test - Pt. 1 https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/5-skinceuticals-vitamin-c-dupes-put-to-the-test 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 #skincarehacks  Resources Mentioned: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34986505/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1226086X17304422  https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/9/4/74  https://www.martiderm.com/int-en/product/vitamin-c-antiox  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.14837  https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-taught-pet-parrots-to-video-call-each-other-and-the-birds-loved-it-180982041/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2008.00473.x

It’s finally getting warmer and this means that we’ve already started testing our 2025 #30for30SunscreenChallenge tests! So this feels like a great time to do a special sunscreen news roundup episode. In this episode, we discuss why you can’t buy Asian sunscreen formulas as easily anymore, what tariffs might mean for the sunscreen landscape, and interesting studies on sunscreen application. Oh! And in case you’re curious, we also cover all the factors the UV index considers to help you make an informed decision on your sun protection of the day.

In 2025, the chemists want to tackle both the science and practical application of skincare. Following our cleanser science episode, we tested 5 of the topselling Kbeauty cleansing oils so you don’t have to, which include: Skin1004, Beauty of Joseon, Anua, Ma:Nyo, and Haru Haru. We discuss our thoughts on the texture and use experience from both the oily skin and dry skin perspective.

On the topic of cleansers, a lot of the questions the chemists get are about the cleansing routine. One of the common questions is, “Can you just use water to cleanser your face?” The great thing is, this scenario has actually been tested (which is very rare). The chemists discuss the findings and what things to consider if you happen to be using just water to rinse your face. An unusual deep dive, but hopefully interesting and satisfying for those who’ve ever wondered.

In 2025, the chemists want to tackle both the science and practical application of skincare. Following the ceramide deep dive, the chemists review 4 of the most popular drugstore moisturizers so you don’t have to, which include: Vanicream, CeraVe, Cetaphil, and La Roche Posay Lipikar. We discuss our thoughts on the texture and use experience from both the oily skin and dry skin perspective.