How-to Think (And Shop!) Like a Cosmetic Chemist with Glow by Ramón

Feb 18, 2026

Ramón Pagán, NYC cosmetic chemist, product developer and aesthetician behind Glow by Ramón, breaks down how chemists read ingredient lists and what really makes products pricey. He debunks alcohol myths, explains actives versus functionals, and dives into sunscreen science, biotech ingredients, and formulation tradeoffs. Expect quick takes on upcycling, pigment challenges, and his save-or-splurge product picks.

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ADVICE

Alcohol Isn't Always Bad In Formulas

Don't fear alcohol in products unless you are specifically sensitive to it.
Ramón notes alcohol can improve texture and evaporates quickly, so its harm is minimal for most people.

ADVICE

Distinguish Actives From Functional Ingredients

Ramón defines actives as ingredients that biologically affect skin beyond making the product functional.
He warns brands to watch wording to avoid turning cosmetics into regulated drug claims.

INSIGHT

Ingredient Price Depends On Sourcing And Complexes

Ingredient cost depends heavily on sourcing, scarcity, and whether it's part of a complex or delivery system.
Ramón notes bioengineered actives, Swiss suppliers, and complex blends raise costs substantially.

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@GlowByRamon is in the house! This week, we’re getting nerdy with NYC-based cosmetic chemist, product developer and aesthetician, Ramón Pagán. Nearly 350,000 social media fans tune in to Ramón’s all-revealing videos, whether he’s pulling back the curtain on mystery ingredients, sharing the secrets to viral skincare formulations or personally whipping up something to achieve glass skin. Today, Ramón delivers his beauty cheat sheet to think (and shop!) just like a cosmetic chemist.

But first, tune in for a rapid fire round of The Traitors – *skincare edition* – in partnership with our friends at Sephora, where Carlene is on the hot seat to prove which skincare habits are trustworthy, or traitorous lol.

In our conversation with Ramón, you’ll learn about:

What makes an ingredient “expensive”? Are any $300 creams worth the coin?
Behind the sunscreen headlines: Why Ramón believes that the recent avobenzone data needs to get more news.
“Alcohol-free”: Does your makeup or skincare actually need to be alcohol-free to be safe and/or effective?
What makes an ingredient “active” or not?: The real difference between glycerin and vitamin C.
What Ramon makes of the “friction” online between cosmetic chemists, creators, founders and more. Is there a “right” side?
Stay tuned to the end for a “Save or Splurge” cosmetic chemist edition – Ramon shares the products you *actually* need to invest in vs save on.
The exact products that Ramón has emptied - time and time again.

🚨BIG NEWS: Breaking Beauty Podcast is going LIVE this March! We’re heading to Brooklyn on March 2 and Toronto on March 5th for live podcast events, hosted by Jill and Carlene. Keep an eye on our Instagram for the full scoop on how to get tickets before they’re gone! Gift bags, gab sessions and much more. We can’t wait to see you.

A Message from today’s show sponsor:

Sephora has quality skincare for every skin type, and knowledgeable Beauty Advisors who you can trust for recommendations. You’ll find top brands like Summer Fridays, Rhode, Laneige and Caudalie. Shop Skincare at Sephora!

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*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

Hosts: Carlene Higgins and Jill Dunn

Theme song, used with permission: Cherry Bomb by Saya 

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