Allure: The Science of Beauty
Allure & Condé Nast 45 episodes Oct 6, 2026
Allure: The Science of Beauty explores the connection between science and beauty, with hosts Jenny Bailly and Dianna Mazzone asking experts for clear answers. They speak with dermatologists, cosmetic chemists, and other specialists about topics like wrinkles, retinol, curly hair, and hair-care ingredients. The show mixes practical beauty questions with accessible scientific explanations.
Episodes
From Wanting Implants to Proudly Going Flat With Stephanie Germino
Growing up, Stephanie Germino was aware that her family had a history of carrying the BRCA gene mutation, even though it wasn’t openly discussed in her household. Her mother and her aunt had preventative double mastectomies and opted for implants; her maternal grandmother had breast cancer twice. At the time, the potential consequences of testing positive for the BRCA mutation seemed pretty manage
Raven-Symoné on the Surgery She Got Twice–and Regrets
“I really wasn’t speaking a lot about my personal life in my younger years,” Raven-Symoné told Jessica Cruel, editor in chief of Allure and host of the Perspectives podcast. But that’s changing now. Raven details the different pressures she endured as a young woman in the entertainment industry, from close scrutiny of the food she ate to the explicit expectation that she’d conform to a hyper-femin
GLP-1’s Are Making Breast Lifts More Popular Than Ever, According to Dr. Lisa Cassileth
Dr. Lisa Cassileth is a breast surgeon in Beverly Hills, which, according to her, means encountering “so many bad boob jobs.” But repairing someone else’s questionable handiwork happens to be one of Dr. Cassileth’s specialties, along with innovative reconstructions and other thoughtful surgical developments that prioritize positive patient outcomes and well-being. Dr. Cassileth was the first femal
Kink Helped Ericka Hart Reclaim Her Body After Cancer
Ericka Hart is in the next phase of her lifelong sex education. Starting as a curious and resourceful teenager, looking for answers to supplement her abstinence-only sex-ed class, Hart built on her knowledge when she was diagnosed, at 28, with breast cancer. Until her diagnosis, Hart had never really thought about her breasts. “They really felt like they were in service to other people,” she says.
Are Belly Bands and Weightlifting Belts Modern-Day Corsets? With Dr. Valerie Steele
You can’t talk about breasts without talking about bras. So Jessica Cruel, Allure’s editor in chief, went to the source: Dr. Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Dr. Steele is a pioneer in the field of fashion studies and that the clothes we wear–and what we wear underneath them–merit serious attention. She’s also the aut
Olivia Munn on the Test to Take Even If Your Mammogram Is Clear
Actor Olivia Munn is no stranger to the spotlight, but in recent years, after the birth of her first child and a breast cancer diagnosis, things have looked a little different for her—a reality Munn is bravely leaning into. “When I get asked about any part of my health journey,” Munn tells Allure’s editor in chief Jessica Cruel, “it feels like I have purpose now.”
Munn walks Cruel through t
S2 Ep. 6 | Hair Dye
It's our final episode of the year! After reviewing the colorful — pun very-much intended — history of hair dye, Jenny and Dianna team up with cosmetic chemist Dr. Anne Wagner to answer all your burning (well, hopefully not burning) questions about coloring your hair.
This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Head & Shoulders, available at Target.
Don’t miss out on new episo
S2 Ep. 5 | Scalp
This week, we're covering the topic holding this whole season together: our scalps. Join Jenny, Dianna, and guest Dr. Rolanda Wilkerson, principal scientist for Head & Shoulders, as they get to the root of dandruff, dryness, and every other scalp issue imaginable.
This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Head & Shoulders, available at Target.
Don’t miss out on new episodes o
S2 Ep. 4 | Hair Loss/Thinning
As we speak, there are about 30 million women in the United States who are experiencing hair loss and thinning as caused by genetics — yet the topic remains taboo. So this week, Jenny and Dianna called in dermatologist Nazanin Saedi to investigate the different causes of hair loss and review the many treatment options available — while getting real about the costs.
This episode of Allure: The Scie
S2 Ep. 3 | Frizz
This week, Jenny and Dianna are going to battle with a universal enemy: frizz. Join them — along with cosmetic chemist Erica Douglas — as they dive deep into what causes frizz and how to prevent it, plus share the frizz-fighters we should all add to our arsenal.
This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Pantene.
Don’t miss out on new episodes of Allure: The Science of Beauty
S2 Ep. 2 | Conditioner
Be honest — have you ever wondered what conditioner is actually... doing? This week, Jenny and Dianna are exploring the MVP of any in-shower routine with help from Dr. Jeni Thomas, global principal scientist for Pantene.
This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Pantene.
Don’t miss out on new episodes of Allure: The Science of Beauty on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever y
S2 Ep. 1 | Silicones
Our second season is off to a spooky start, as we investigate a vilified ingredient... that's probably on your skin right now. Eek! But don't worry — cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski is here to help Jenny and Dianna bust some myths about silicones.
This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Pantene.
Don’t miss out on new episodes of Allure: The Science of Beauty on Apple Pod
Introducing Allure: The Science of Beauty, Season 2
Did you miss us? The Science of Beauty, a podcast from Allure, is back for a second season. And this time, things are getting... hairy. Join Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director, and Dianna Mazzone, senior beauty editor, as they investigate all the hair tips, tricks and myths that you've always wondered about.
Season 2 launches Thursday, November 18th, with new episodes releasing weekly. Subscr
The Inside Story: Peptides
These tiny chains of amino acids are among the most powerful topical tools we have to help smooth wrinkles and restore skin firmness — here’s why. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Cindy Bae)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Inside Story: Niacinamide
This clinically-proven vitamin B3 derivative can help treat acne, brighten dark spots, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. No wonder it’s taken TikTok by storm. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Shari Marchbein)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Inside Story: Jojoba Oil
This natural oil has a funny-sounding name, but it’s got serious benefits for skin and hair—especially if yours feel parched. Best of all, you can easily snag a bottle on your next grocery-store run. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Rita V. Linker)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Inside Story: Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil is a triple-threat against breakouts, but if you want to reap the benefits, you’ve got to take it slow. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Alyx Rosen Aigen)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Inside Story: Kojic Acid
This skin brightener is one of few ingredients that can help reduce the dark spots and discoloration also known as hyperpigmentation—but there’s more to the story. Listen in, then read this investigative report on skin lightening products published by Allure last year: https://www.allure.com/story/end-of-skin-whitening-products (Special thanks to Dermatologist Evan Rieder)
Learn more abo
The Inside Story: Squalane
This moisturizing lipid has a complicated backstory, but it’s worth sifting through the facts to uncover the hydrating benefits, particularly if you have oily skin. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Inside Story: Cica
This soothing ingredient has a fascinating origin story—and compelling research on why it works so well to treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and help accelerate wound healing. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll definitely want to check out this list of our favorite cica-infused products: https://www.allure.com/gallery/cica-skin-care-products (Special thanks to cosmetic chemist Marisal
The Inside Story: Ceramides
Without our body’s natural ceramides, our skin cells would dry up and shrivel. Apply ceramides topically, and these lipids help your skin cells not just survive, but thrive. Here are some of our favorite ceramide-enriched products to get you started: https://www.allure.com/gallery/best-ceramide-skin-care-products (Special thanks to Dermatologist Elyse Love)
Learn more about your ad choic
The Inside Story: Biotin
Biotin has earned a reputation as the “it” supplement if you’re looking to grow out your hair or strengthen your nails — though surprisingly, there’s very little clinical research behind its supposed beauty benefits. But we do know about the B vitamin might very well surprise you... (Special thanks to Dermatologist Annie Chiu)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/ad
The Inside Story: Collagen
We have natural collagen to thank for our skin’s resilience and firmness… or lack thereof. Collagen depletes as we age, but can applying it topically — or even ingesting it — make a difference in the quality of your skin? Let’s find out! (Special thanks to Dermatologist Melanie Palm)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Inside Story: Sulfur
The skin benefits of sulfur are often overshadowed by its rather... stinky reputation. But we suspect you’ll quickly get over the smell when you learn what this ingredient can do to help fight acne. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Corey L. Hartman)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Inside Story: Turmeric
This week, we're exploring an ingredient with a storied past — and a promising future. Turmeric is spiked with curcumin, an antioxidant that helps protect skin from damaging free radicals. It can also treat inflammatory conditions like rosacea and eczema, which is why you'll often find turmeric in calming lotions and serums. Listen in, then shop our turmeric-infused favorites here: https://www.all
The Inside Story: CBD
For our debut episode, we're setting the record straight on one of the most polarizing ingredients out there: cannabidiol, also known as CBD. While there's a lot we still don't know about what it can do for your skin — because neither do scientists and researchers — there are some widely-agreed upon rules of thumb to keep in mind when buying a CBD-infused product. Here's a list of Allure editors'
Allure's The Science of Beauty Presents "The Inside Story: Ingredients
Ever pick up a jar of moisturizer, slather it over every inch of your face, then look at the ingredients list and realize...you have absolutely no idea what's actually inside that jar? Or, if it’s going to do anything at all for your skin? Allure’s senior beauty editor Dianna Mazzone hosts The Inside Story, a new miniseries from the producers of Allure’s The Science of Beauty podcast that cuts thr
Ep. 15 | Face Masks
There are the face masks you wear when you have to go outside in a pandemic. And then there are the face masks you wear when you're safely inside (preferably with an episode of Bridgerton queued up) and in the mood to give your skin a little TLC. Since this is a podcast by Allure, our episode is all about the latter kind. With the help of dermatologist David Kim, Michelle and Jenny break down the
Ep. 14 | Hydration
Do you hear a humming noise? You should, because running a humidifier is just one of the many ways you can help keep your skin happy and hydrated all winter long. Of course, there are tons of topical options too, but it's not as simple as slathering on the thickest cream you can find and saying a prayer. That's why Michelle and Jenny tapped Christine Lee, a senior research and development manager
Ep. 13 | Skin-Care Layering
Whether you’re assembling a rainbow cake or putting together a skin-care routine, proper layering is essential. And the multistep regimens that have become synonymous with K-beauty (we're talking 10, 12, and even 17 steps) have turned the way we apply serum, moisturizer, and oil into an art form. To master it, Michelle and Jenny called upon dermatologist Marie Jhin to share some hard-and-fast rule
Introducing Allure: The Science of Beauty - K-Beauty Edition
What's better than dedicating one episode of The Science of Beauty to all things K-beauty? Well, dedicating three of 'em, that's what! For the next several weeks, hosts Michelle Lee, editor in chief, and Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director, are taking a deep dive into some of the most important facets of Korean skin care, including layering, hydration, and masking. Along the way, you'll learn
Ep. 12 | Lasers
Cue the Star Wars-style sound effects, because this week's episode is all about lasers. The ones we're talking about can't defeat the dark side, but they can conquer dark spots. And unwanted hair and broken blood vessels and scars. With the help of dermatologist Tina Alster, Michelle and Jenny demystify some of the lasers you may have heard about (like Fraxel), nerd out about how they work, and sh
Ep. 11 | Body Hair
Now that we've given the hair on our head its due, we're traveling south to explore the hair we have everywhere else. And we mean everywhere: Our bodies are covered with about five million follicles from tip to toe, except for our lips, palms, and the soles of our feet. First, Michelle and Jenny travel back in time with anthropologist Nina Jablonski, who explains how our ancestors went from thorou
Ep. 10 | Scalp
Put down your lunch, because this episode begins with a very, uh, vivid description of every nook and cranny on Jenny's scalp, as seen through the microscopic lens of consulting trichologist David Adams. (Don't worry, we explain what a trichologist is within the first three minutes.) Then, Michelle and Jenny welcome dermatologist Michelle Henry, who explains the many ways you should care for your
Ep. 9 | Curls
If you have spirals, coils, or waves, you already know that having curly hair isn't just a trait; it's a lifestyle. So we packed this episode with tips, tricks, and techniques, beginning with an easy at-home test that can make a big difference in determining how to care for your hair. After that, Michelle and Jenny call in cosmetic chemist Erica Douglas to explain what curls actually are, debunk s
Ep. 8 | Stress
You can't always control a stressful situation, but you can control the way you — and in some ways, even your skin and hair — react to one. During this episode, Belisa Vranich, psychologist and founder of The Breathing Class, walks Michelle and Jenny through simple exercises that use breath to bring peace of mind. Next up is Amy Wechsler, one of very few humans to be board-certified in dermatology
Ep. 7 | Shampoo
Imagine a world where instead of using shampoo, you relied on the powders and liquids in your pantry to keep your hair looking (and smelling) fresh. That was reality just a little more than 100 years ago; Today, the shampoo aisle has a dizzying number of options. In this episode — our first to focus on hair — Michelle and Jenny try an old-school hair-washing method before cosmetic chemist and long
Ep. 6 | Acids
As the old saying goes: An acid a day (or, uh, every few days if you're sensitive) keeps breakouts, fine lines, and dullness away. And no, we don't mean that kind of acid. In this episode, we're talking about AHAs and BHAs — the acids commonly used in skin care to help slough off dead cells and keep complexions bright. First, Michelle and Jenny try a product that proves how powerful acids can be —
Ep. 5 | Vitamins in Skin Care
You know vitamins as the micronutrients our body needs in order to function, but when applied topically, vitamins can have a profound effect on the health and appearance of our skin. In this episode, Michelle and Jenny learn about the man who first gave these micronutrients a name (he just so happens to have a very cool one himself) and tell the forgotten tale of the lost vitamins. Then, with the
Ep. 4 | Wrinkles
Let's get one thing straight: It's a privilege to have wrinkles. But if you want your skin to look as youthful as you feel, modern medicine has a few tricks up its sleeve, and injectables like Botox are chief among them. Ophthalmologist Jean Carruthers sits down with Michelle and Jenny to tell the truly unbelievable tale of how she "accidentally" discovered that botulinum toxin could smooth brows
Ep. 3 | Pores
There are millions of tiny openings all over your skin — and if you didn't have them, you'd be dead. If that makes you feel squeamish, then cover your ears, because we've got dermatologist Sandra Lee, also known as Dr. Pimple Popper, in the house. The social media sensation and reality star walks Michelle and Jenny through how she extracted one gigantic blackhead from a single pore. After that, de
Ep. 2 | Hyperpigmentation
Our skin is home to many tiny factories called melanocytes. They're responsible for producing the pigment that gives skin its color. But certain triggers like UV light can send those factories into overdrive, resulting in dark spots and discoloration known as hyperpigmentation. In this episode, Michelle shares a cautionary tale of some splotchy, unwanted mementos from one magical island vacation i
Ep. 1 | Sunscreen
Without protection from UV rays, every one of the greatest beauty innovations of the modern age — retinoids, AHAs, hyaluronic acid, lasers — is a big, old waste of time and money. It's fitting then that our debut episode is all about SPF. First, Michelle and Jenny have a frank talk with Shyla Raghav, vice president of climate at Conservation International, about how the state of our environment ma
Teaser: Allure: The Science of Beauty
During an upcoming episode all about pores, Michelle and Jenny get nerdy with dermatologist Sandra Lee — also known as Dr. Pimple Popper — as she walks them through how she extracted one gigantic blackhead from a single pore.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Introducing Allure: The Science of Beauty
Do you start group chats about the best scalp treatments? Google AHA vs BHA exfoliants until the wee hours? Take progress photos of your dark spots after trying a new vitamin C serum? You’re our people. And we know you’re going to love The Science of Beauty, a new podcast produced by the editors of Allure. Michelle Lee, editor in chief, and Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director, are deep-diving
Recommended
Back to the 80s Radio
Heaven’s Gate Academy
Deadline: White House
The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas
TED Business
Ranger Bill | Old Time Radio Adventure & Family Drama
زن بودن
Christmas Old Time Radio
The Adventures of Superman | Old Time Radio
Booked, Blonde & Busy w/ Olivia Ponton
The Human-Animal Connection - Pet Life Radio Original
Medicine with Meaning
