Beauty by the Beaker – Details, episodes & analysis

We are two cosmetic chemists, and in this mini episode we are chatting all about one particular TikTok it-girl, and her highly anticipated new skincare line. Of course we are going to be addressing all the controversy. There is at least one thing that Sadie, Natalie, and Alix all have in common, and thats a history with Isotretinoin (Accutaine), and we are diving into the ethics of creating and marketing cosmetics aimed at acne prone skin while not being transparent about your how you achieved your own results. 

But beyond perfect skin, we are talking about how brands use selective marketing terms to avoid conflict with the FDA. We are 'clearing up' some of the clever ways that heavy marketing implications keep brands "Free-from"OTC claims. Like what does Breaking Out Free actually mean? 

And while we dont think an 8% Mandelic Acid serum is the silver bullet to clearing cystic acne, we discuss the tricky situation that brands are put into when it comes to balancing innovation and medical claims.

And while the packaging is super cute, you can't trick us into paying $36 for 2oz of product. Do we think this is just a cash grab? Or should women be allowed to start businesses that align with their personal brand without being questioned? Find out Now!  

Products Mentioned: 

GoDeep Serum ($39): Marketing ingredients - 8% Mandelic Acid

Pore Power Cleanser ($28): Marketing ingredients - LHA & BHA

Barrier Boosting Moisturizer ($36): Marketing ingredients - Shea Butter & Ceramides

Makeup Melting Balm ($30): Marketing ingredients - Lipid-rich emollients

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 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, your appointment's about to start.

Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with sources.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube!

@beautyxbeaker

@natbxb

@sadiebxb

Contact us at info@beautyxbeaker.com

Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and Hailey Romero for our branding.

This week we are jumping into a highly requested topic - synthetic food dyes. But in order to really answer the question - Do we need to fear Red 40 - we first need to go over some of the history of Dyes. It turns out humans love colors, and we have for as long as we have been around. We talk about the first synthetic dye, mauvine, which was made on accident when an 18 year old chemist was trying to make medicine out of coal tar. We also talk about the first synthetic pigment, which was a much earlier - Egyptian Blue. We are discussing the history of synthetic dyes in food. And talking about the specific reasons why Red gets so much hate. We are talking about some of the big color events that shook the food industry and led to the banning of Orange 1, Red 2. And the more recent controversy surrounding red 3. Plus we are addressing some of the common claims around synthetic dyes and reminding you that natural doesn't always equal better. 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 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, your appointment's about to start.Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with sources.Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube!@beautyxbeaker@natbxb@sadiebxbContact us at info@beautyxbeaker.comSpecial thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and Hailey Romero for our branding.

Forget everything you thought you knew about surfactants, this week we are talking about the most common cleansing myths. We answer - if my cleanser is burning, does that mean it's working? Does your shampoo open and close your hair cuticle? Do rinse off products even matter? Spoiler, they do. They are actually designed to be rinsed off, and we are talking about why. We are talking about the science behind double shampooing, and why you get so much foam the second time. We’re ending the episode with a conversation about Natural vs Synthetic, and how natural doesn’t always mean better, or anything at all. Most importantly, we are reminding you of the complexities of surfactant systems, and why you can’t really judge a cleanser based on its ingredient list.

Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the 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, your appointment's about to start.

Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with sources.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube!

@beautyxbeaker

@natbxb

@sadiebxb

Contact us at info@beautyxbeaker.com

Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and Hailey Romero for our branding.

We are back in the Science Salon, and we are ready to chat more about our favorite unifiers. This week we debrief from the chemistry lesson we had on the 4 types of surfactants. We are talking about color safe shampoo, and how sulfates got such a bad reputation. Then we are talking about a familiar grapefruit acne facewash, and different types of makeup removing methods. This one is all over the place, so try to follow along!

Additional notes from todays episode: We mention Anionic Surfactants are petroleum derived (crude oil), but they can also be coconut/palm derived. This is a whole different ethics question. The Microbead-free waters act of 2015 - prohibited the use of plastic microbeads in the use of rinse off products. The deadline for the change was 2017.

Products Mentioned in the Episode:

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser ($8)

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towlettes ($8)

Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the 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, your appointment's about to start.

Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with sources.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube!

@beautyxbeaker

@natbxb

@sadiebxb

Contact us at info@beautyxbeaker.com

Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and Hailey Romero for our branding.

Its Wednesday again! Welcome back to the Science Salon for another episode of Beauty by the Beaker. This week hosts Natalie and Sadie are breaking down what it means to be a surfactant, or rather, a Surface Active Agent. They review surface tension, and the difference between water and oil, and talk charged molecules - Cations and Anions. They discuss the four types of surfactants, and how different they all are. But like always, they remind you that nothing is black and white, and what matters the most is that you use products that make you happy!

Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the 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, your appointment's about to start.

Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with sources.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube!

@beautyxbeaker

@natbxb

@sadiebxb

Contact us at info@beautyxbeaker.com

Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and Hailey Romero for our branding.

In this week's episode, hosts Natalie and Sadie are catching up after a long break. They are reflecting on the past couple months of podcasting, and discussing what the next year holds for BXB and their personal ventures.

Sadie talks more in depth about her company Strandprint, and the value of microscopic hair analysis. If you struggle with your hair, or just want to learn more, visit:

https://www.strandprint.com/

Natalie introduces her new cosmetic consulting company Atomic Beauty Science, which focuses on education and transparency at any stage of product development. See more at:

https://www.atomicbeautyscience.com/

Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the 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, your appointment's about to start.

Visit our website to read more about this episode.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube!

@beautyxbeaker

@natbxb

@sadiebxb

Contact us at info@beautyxbeaker.com

Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and Hailey Romero for our branding.

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! Today hosts Sadie and Natalie are finally talking in depth about some specific products. First, we’re discussing products we already love, purchase, and would consider gifting to someone this holiday. After that we talking about cosmetics we’ve had our eye on, that we might try to pick up in the new year. We’re covering some viral beauty sensations, as well as some boring routine items. So come along to deep dive into ingredient lists, and get to know us more. 

Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the 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, your appointment's about to start.

Sadie’s Favorites

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer ($14)

Dove Body Wash - Spiced Chai Latte ($8)

Alastin HA Immerse Serum ($134)

K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask ($75)

Nat's Favorites 

Colgate Optic White Toothpaste ($6)

Supergoop Tinted  Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 ($40)

Colourpop Pretty Fresh Tinted Foundation Balm ($14)

First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub 10% AHA ($30)

Sadie’s Wishlist 

Educated Mess Golden Hour Gold- Stabilized Vitamin C Serum ($85)

Regimen Lab Azelaic Advanced Treatment ($58)

Prequel Lip Visor Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ ($14)

Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash ($17)

Nat’s Wishlist 

Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam ($38)

Medicube Collagen Niacinamide Jelly Cream ($39)

Rare Soft Pinch Liquid Contour ($30)

Gloves in a Bottle Shielding Lotion for Dry Hands ($28)

*None of these products are sponsored

Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with sources.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube!

@beautyxbeaker

@natbxb

@sadiebxb

Contact us at info@beautyxbeaker.com

Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and Hailey Romero for our branding.

Have you ever wondered why your skin and hair feel so much worse in the winter? Well then this episode is for you. This week, hosts Sadie and Natalie are talking all about winter self care routines. Learn about the different types of humidity, and how heating your house in the winter might be drying you out even more. Our skin and hair encounter multiple new challenges in the winter, and this week, the hosts are helping you be prepared. Winter isn’t personally out to get you, even if it might feel like it.

Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where science meets your bathroom shelf. 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, your appointment's about to start.

Hair Hydration Video:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=khNaXP11zc8

Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with sources.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube!

@beautyxbeaker

@natbxb

@sadiebxb

Contact us at info@beautyxbeaker.com

Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and Hailey Romero for our branding.

Hosts Natalie and Sadie are giving you and introduction to Emulsions. This week they are defining polarity, and explaining why oil and water don't mix. They tell you all about how emulsifiers work, the formation of micelles, and how spheres are the laziest shape. If you have ever been curious about the nerdy scientific details behind cosmetic formulation, this episode is for you.

Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where science meets your bathroom shelf. 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, your appointment's about to start.Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with sources.Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube!@beautyxbeaker@natbxb@sadiebxbContact us at info@beautyxbeaker.comSpecial thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and Hailey Romero for our branding.

In this episode of Beauty by the Beaker, hosts Sadie and Natalie are diving into the science of haircare. They discuss identifying your hair type, and the importance that plays on an ideal haircare routine. This week they answer questions about the effectiveness of heat protectants for styling, and rosemary oil for hair growth. Stick around for a discussion on salon ‘grade’ versus drugstore haircare products, and a reminder of the importance of personal preference in hair care routines.

Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where science meets your bathroom shelf. 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, your appointment's about to start.

Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with sources.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube!

@beautyxbeaker

@natbxb

@sadiebxb

Contact us at info@beautyxbeaker.com

Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and Hailey Romero for our branding.