

The Beauty Brains
Discover the beauty and cosmetic products you should use and avoid
Real scientists answer your beauty questions
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 20, 2017 • 34min
Can you use diaper rash cream as sunscreen? Episode 162
Send us Fan MailCan you use diaper rash cream as sunscreen? Mari asks…Today a customer came into the retail pharmacy where I work and demanded that we sell him zinc oxide diaper rash paste so he could use it as sunscreen. I tried to steer him in the direction of actual sunscreens with listed SPFs, but he was […]Support the show

Jun 13, 2017 • 37min
How can you find a cheaper natural lip balm? Episode 161
Send us Fan MailHow can you find a cheaper natural lip balm? Abby says…I have a question about Bite Beauty’s Agave Lip Mask. It claims its natural formula smoothes, nourishes and moisturizes lips with a bio active combination of organic agave nectar, jojoba oil, vanilla co2 extract, and triple the amount of the antioxidant trans-resveratrol found in red […]Support the show

Apr 18, 2017 • 35min
Can hair straighteners stop your hair from being naturally curly? Episode 160
Send us Fan MailCan hair straighteners stop your hair from being naturally curly? Sarah asks…Can straightening your hair for a long time change it from being very curly to being naturally straight? That’s like saying bleaching your brown hair for a long time will make you naturally blonde. It doesn’t work that way because you’re only treating the hair that’s […]Support the show

Mar 21, 2017 • 34min
Why isn’t everyone exfoliating with AHAs? Episode 159
Send us Fan MailWhy isn’t everyone exfoliating with AHAs? Melissa says…I’ve been using an night cream with glycolic acid and I noticed that my skin is actually brighter, clearer, and softer. I’ve been using this product for years and I still love it but I worry that it may be too good to be true. Are there any […]Support the show

Feb 20, 2017 • 32min
How does color changing makeup work? Episode 158
Send us Fan MailHow does color changing makeup work? Julia asks…I’m a make up artist and my question is how does color adjusting makeup work? I’ve tried a few and they didn’t adjust very well. Also, what are both of your favorite ingredients to use on your own skin? Thanks for bringing this up Julia! Color changing makeup […]Support the show

Jan 24, 2017 • 32min
Are lotions with water bad for your skin? Episode 157
Send us Fan MailAre lotions with water actually bad for your skin? Veronica asks…I heard that using lotions with water is actually bad for your skin because as the water evaporates it removes the skin’s natural moisture and oil. Is this true? Veronica’s question is an interesting twist on a theme that we have discussed a couple of […]Support the show

Oct 25, 2016 • 33min
Is aloe vera lotion really good for skin? Episode 156
Send us Fan MailIs aloe lotion good for skin? Gemma asks…I am a huge fan of Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Fresh lotion. However, I have found another aloe lotion that is even cheaper: Perfect Purity. So I’m wondering can you tell me if the Perfect Purity will perform as well as my beloved Vaseline? Or should I just […]Support the show

Oct 18, 2016 • 25min
How can I tell if a product will cause acne? Episode 155
Send us Fan MailCan a patch test predict acne? Janelly asks…I would like to know if patch testing a product for acne can really work. I see this concept mentioned a lot on Reditt as a way to test if a new skincare product will cause acne. That’s a great question but patch testing for acne does NOT work. […]Support the show

Oct 11, 2016 • 35min
Are cosmetics poisoning our water supply? Episode 154
Send us Fan MailShould your cosmetics be biodegradable? Fabi asks about biodegradable products… I have an outdoor shower and it drains into the ground and everyone tells me I have to have biodegradable shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for the ground. Can you explain biodegradable products? It’s really hard to find them. What they’re all about and why […]Support the show

Oct 4, 2016 • 38min
Is store brand mouthwash as good as name brands? Episode 153
Send us Fan MailHow can I tell if a store brand mouthwash is the same as the expensive name brand? Victoria says…My husband insists that all name brand products are stronger and better than store brands. He feels strongest about Listerine and his dentist agrees with him. Does it matter in areas other than cosmetics? When discussing store brands, […]Support the show


