The Eco Well podcast
The Eco Well podcast features weekly discussions with scientists, diving deep into the science behind beauty and cosmetics. Hosted by cosmetic scientist and science communicator Jen Novakovich, the show explores the weeds of beauty science, offering insights for those curious about what really goes into their products. If you want to understand the science behind cosmetics, this is the place.
Episodes
Expert Misinformation Online/Experts Correcting Experts? ROUNDTABLE
If you're not aware, you probably should be - expert led misinformation is a really big problem that is supercharging some of the misinformation that's out there. So, this is a problem, but… should other experts be correcting them? Is that more damaging because it sows more doubt in science? Inspired by some feedback I've gotten over the years, I figured it was high time to flesh it out in a round
Animal Testing in Beauty, a 2026 update. W/ Jonathan Reynolds and Barae Jomaa PhD ERT
This episode is a 2026 update on where things are at with animal testing in beauty. A roundtable discussion featuring the POV of regulatory expert from the brand side of things, Jonathan Reynolds & regulatory toxicologist from the ingredient supply side, Barae Jomaa PhD ERT. What has happened, is happening and is on the way, and why? Where are we at with non-animal safety testing methods, what is
Women in Science Communication Roundtable. w/ Jen Gunter MD, Emily Graslie and Michelle Wong PhD
A roundtable on women in science communication - and some of the often unspoken barriers in this space. Featuring Dr Jen Gunter, Dr Michelle Wong and Emily Graslie. There's a lot here, I think the points raised in the discussion are really important for everyone to be aware of. Interested in supporting the podcast? Please share, subscribe and write a review if you haven't already! If it's accessib
Influencer/brand relationships: what everyone needs to know. With Jennifer Santos and Meredith Petillo
This week's episode is all about influencer marketing, and what everyone needs to know. There are rules, and very real potential repercussions, for brands AND influencers for not getting them right. This podcast features a roundtable discussion with Jennifer Santos from BBB National Programs, now program director of the Center for Industry Self-Regulation, C-I-S-R, and Meredith Petillo, VP of tech
"Skin Longevity" as a trend in beauty. Roundtable w/ Rania Ibrahim PhD, Omer Ibrahim MD and Kailey Bradt
This week's episode covers skin aging and skin longevity as a trend in beauty. How much can cosmetic regulated products really do, how do skin longevity claims fit within what cosmetics are allowed to say, from testing to ingredients to formulas - what innovation is happening in this space and more. Coming at the topic from the product development perspective with Kailey Bradt, the clinical testin
Talc in Beauty: An Update/WTF is Happening? w/ Lyle Burgoon PhD ATS
There has been A LOT happening with talc - from class action lawsuits, regulatory action, a testing proposed rule and its subsequent withdrawal, and so on. There's also been a huge amount of incorrect or misleading reporting on what's been happening, making everything extra confusing... This episode will serve as a 101 update on talc in beauty + a breakdown on WTF is happening. There's a lot! To h
Exosomes in Beauty are Bunk Science. Change our minds. With Ryan Kudla PhD and Lanesa Mahon
Last year, in our deep dive into the research available, Lanesa Mahon (PhD candidate/cosmetic scientist) came to the conclusion that exosomes are quack science. In this episode, Ryan Kudla PhD will try to change our minds. We covered a lot of ground in this episode - from what exosomes are, the different types in beauty, how they're made, and the research to support them. Why is so much of that re
Dodgy Hair Growth Claims VS Science with Dr Leona Yip MD PhD
This episode digs deep into hair growth and scalp care - specifically, the dodgy advice online VS the science. What actually works, what doesn't, why so much dodgy advice, and what's the greater issue with it. This episode features Dr Leona Yip MD PhD, dermatologist and alopecia specialist. If you are someone struggling with hair thinning or loss, this episode is a must listen. Big thanks to my Pa
Is microplastic misinformation harming environmental outcomes and science literacy? Roundtable with Oli Jones PhD and Rick Stafford PhD
Is microplastic misinformation harming environmental outcomes and science literacy? This episode features a roundtable in response to the responses the Guardian got for their recent article highlighting the uncertain science of microplastics. Turns out a lot of the headlines that went viral didn't actually represent reality. I was happy to see the Guardian making a correction, but then I saw the r
A hair research deep dive: hair bond repair. Roundtable with Jennifer Marsh PhD and Ernesta Malinauskyte PhD
This episode is a deep dive into hair research - how it works, where it's done and why, its interdisciplinary nature and how the moving pieces all come together. The first part of the episode focuses on the wider picture, with the second half digging in on the specifics of hair bond related research. Do hair bond repair products work? What is the evidence that supports these products, where are th
BENZENE IN BEAUTY!? w/ Michelle Wong PhD and Lyle Burgoon PhD ATS
Kicking our new season off with a conversation about BENZENE IN BEAUTY!??? This convo features the POVs of chemist, Michelle Wong, PhD (AKA Labmuffinbeautyscience), and toxicologist, Lyle Burgoon, PhD, ATS. Is benzene in cosmetic products actually something people should be worried about? Long story short, probably not. IMO the real concern is around the bad science, sensationalism and unscrupulou
When Beauty Testing Goes Wrong, Who's Responsible? ROUNDTABLE with Avril Love and Rania Ibrahim PhD
A roundtable discussion follow up on the CHOICE SPF testing scandal - a response to some bad takes I've seen circulating on social media about how the brands involved aren't responsible, and that the responsibility lies entirely with the testing lab that was committing fraud. Unfortunate and unpopular truth: that's not how that works. This discussion featured Dr Rania Ibrahim PhD, coming at it fro
Where Beauty Trends Are Really Going, with Jonathan Reynolds
This week's episode features Jonathan Reynolds, Director of Scientific Development at Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, on product development to meet future beauty trends. We get into what actually goes into forecasting claims, where claims and ingredient trends are headed as consumer expectations and regulations shift, and which trends have real staying power versus those that won't survive the developm
The Hidden Crisis of Bad Science, featuring James Heathers PhD
How does bad science get published, and why does it matter? This week's conversation with Dr. James Heathers PhD dives into the cracks in our scientific publishing system, the rise of research fraud, and the ripple effects of flawed evidence. If you've ever wondered how misinformation travels through "peer-reviewed" channels, this episode offers a candid look behind the scenes. Interested in suppo
Inside Cosmetic Manufacturing, with Richie Rubin
In this episode, we're continuing our "need-to-know" series for indie beauty founders with a deep dive into one of the most crucial parts of building a beauty brand: manufacturing. Featuring Richie Rubin from the contract manufacturer Garcoa for a "Contract Manufacturing 101", unpacking how brands and manufacturers work together, what the current landscape looks like of CMs, red flags to watch out
Quality Control in Beauty Explained: Safety, Testing, and Responsibility, with Geoff Waby
Quality control might not be the flashiest topic in beauty, but it is one of the most important. In this episode, I'm joined by industry expert Geoff Waby for a deep dive into what really goes on behind the scenes to make sure products are safe, stable, and consistent. We unpack what happens when things go wrong, where brand responsibility begins and ends, the unique challenges of refillable produ
Cosmetics Regulations 101 with Meredith Petillo
A rapid fire cosmetics regulatory 101 with Meredith Petillo, VP of Technical Regulatory Affairs at Independent Beauty Association. We covered as much as we could - if you're have a indie brand, this episode will be super helpful to you. It will also be helpful for anyone else wanting to get a good lay of the land. Interested in supporting the podcast? Please share, subscribe and write a review! I
IS MAKEUP DISRUPTING YOUR HORMONES!? (no) with Chris Borgert PhD
In this episode, we dive deep into the complex and often misunderstood world of endocrine disruption with toxicologist, pharmacologist and endocrine disruption researcher, Chris Borgert PhD. We unpack how the science has evolved, what we actually know about real-world risks, and how public fear has outpaced scientific consensus. From moral panics around masculinity and fertility to the rise of sci
Sunscreen Gate 2025 Roundtable, with Michelle Wong PhD, Hannah English and Brian Ecclefield
By now you have probably heard about the sunscreen testing scandal. Earlier this year in June, CHOICE tested a bunch of sunscreen products in the Australian market, and many came back well under their marketed SPF. The one that really caught everyone's attention was from Ultraviolet, with a claimed SPF of 50+, results came back at 4. What came next was some of the most bizarre behaviour I think I'
Trending Ingredients VS Science with Lanesa Mahon
There are so many new trendy ingredients - from exosomes to PDMR, peptides to tranexamic acid… But do they actually work? In my first episode of the season, I thought it would be fun to kick things off with an ingredient trends vs science conversation, featuring PhD candidate and cosmetic scientist, Lanesa Mahon. What works, what's over hyped, and what even is "science based"? We explored all that
Beauty's Issue with Snowballing Misinformation with Michelle Niedziela PhD
Beauty has a misinformation problem. In my latest podcast, we take a look at the issue from a behavioural science POV with behavioural neuroscientist and consumer researcher, Michelle Niedziela, PhD. How is misinformation influencing consumer AND brand behaviour, why has misinfomation snowballing been such an issue, how is misinformation impacting beauty innovation and business bottom lines, and m
Truth in Beauty - Surfactants Edition! World Surfactants Conference Panel Replay
Last week I moderated the Truth in Beauty Panel, Surfactants Edition, at the 15th ICIS World Surfactants Conference, brought to you by the Independent Beauty Association. This episode features that conversation! How has misinformation impacted the surfactants sector? Disclaimer - surfactants are chemicals that are fundamental for much of what we have become accustomed to societally, from transport
Copy Cats, Counterfeit and Culture; the Ethics of Perfume. Roundtable with Christophe Laudamiel & Pia Long
This conversation featured perfumers Christophe Laudamiel & Pia Long. We talked about some of the structural challenges that the fragrance sector currently faces; from intellectual protection, perfumery education, issues of plagiarism, duping culture and more. Interested in supporting the podcast? Please share, subscribe and write a review! If it's accessible, we also have a Patreon which you can
A 101 on greenwashing with Wren Montgomery PhD
This episode features a deep dive into the topic of greenwashing, featuring greenwashing researcher, Dr Wren Montgomery PhD. We get into the different forms of greenwashing, greenwashing specific to cosmetics, its impacts, how brands can avoid making greenwashed claims, how consumers can navigate green claims, and more. Interested in supporting the podcast? Please share, subscribe and write a revi
A deep dive into the problem of research fraud, with Mu Yang PhD
This episode features behavioural neuroscientist and academic sleuth with a seriously impressive resume spotting research fraud, Dr Mu Yang, PhD. The topic - research fraud and it's many flavors. What's the problem, why does it appear to be on the rise, what are the science factors driving it, can we trust peer review and… can science be trusted to self correct? And for that to happen, what else h
Multiplying Beauty Myths, featuring Michelle Wong PhD AKA @labmuffinbeautyscience
Beauty myths multiply! My latest podcast episode features OG beauty myth buster, Michelle Wong PhD, aka @labmuffinbeautyscience. What's the latest trending beauty misinformation, where is it coming from, how is it growing and how does it impact both consumers and the beauty sector writ large. Probably not great - probably important for the industry to get behind addressing. We also dive into the i
Cosmetics safety misconceptions with Mo Kanadil PharmD AKA @Moskinlab
This episode features safety assessor Mo Kanadil PharmD, otherwise known as @Moskinlab, in a conversation about safety misconceptions. What are common safety misconceptions amongst consumers, where is the misinformation coming from, what are the challenges in addressing it, and more. Interested in supporting the podcast? Please share, subscribe and write a review! If it's accessible, we also have
The War on Science, a roundtable with Jessica Knurick RD PhD, Melody Schreiber and Elisabeth Anderson
There is currently a war on science. What's happening, what are the impacts, and what can we do about it? This week I was joined by 3 POVs to try to do the topic justice, coming at it from the public health and independent scicomm POV, with registered dietitian Dr Jessica Knurick, the science journalist POV, with Melody Schreiber, and the academia and academic scicomm POV, with Elisabeth Anderson.
A 101 on skincare efficacy claims with Omer Ibrahim MD and Rania Ibrahim PhD
This episode is a 101 on skincare efficacy claims, brother and sister duo, dermatologist Dr Omer Ibrahim MD, and skin scientist, Dr Rania Ibrahim PhD. What's the landscape of claims, what makes a claim stronger or weaker, what are common deceptive practices, what should brands know and also, what should consumers know? This episode had a special focus on clinical claims but still gave a good overv
A 101 on PFAS and Microplastics, with Oliver Jones PhD
This conversation dove into the topic of environmental contaminants related to cosmetics, in conversation with Prof Oliver Jones PhD. We focused on microplastic and PFAS, with an emphasis on the misinformation that surrounds these two groups of chemicals. What is the impact of misinformation about PFAS and microplastics? Interested in supporting the podcast? Please share, subscribe and write a rev
Nutrition Misinformation: The Problem. With Danielle Shine RD
This episode dives into the topic of nutrition misinformation - what is the problem and how did we get here? From the algorithm forces online to our human biases that make misinformation so attractive, the impacts nutrition misinformation has on individuals, to its greater impacts on society. Featuring with dietitian and nutrition misinformation researcher, Danielle Shine. Interested in supporting
A deep dive into cosmetics preservatives with Dr Sabrina Behnke
This episode features a deep dive into the world of preservatives, featuring microbiologist Dr Sabrina Behnke. What are they, how and why are they used, how are they made, what are their supply chains like, what are formulation considerations we need to think about? And while a product may now be paraben free, how do those extra challenges impact product safety… and sustainability? We covered all
The "Sephora Kids" Phenomenon - what parents AND brands need to know. Roundtable with Aegean Chan MD and Claire Bing.
This episode digs into the new trend of tweens and teens reaching for anti-aging skincare, and the "Sephora Kids" phenomenon. Coming at the topic from the derm POV with Dr. Aegean Chan - what are some of the skin concerns with this trend, and what should skincare regimes look like for this age group. And from the regulatory and legal standpoint, with Claire Bing of Confiance Cosmetics Group - wh
WTF is up with dermfluencers? Roundtable feat. Ade Ade Adamson MD & Avril Love
A roundtable conversation covering: the rise of dermfluencers, misinformation, undisclosed ads, exploitation and the impact on dermatology as a field. Featuring the POVs of dermatologist and researcher, Dr Ade Adamson and lawyer specializing in cosmetics regulations, Avril Love. Interested in supporting the podcast? Please share, subscribe and write a review! If it's accessible, we also have a Pat
How EWG actively harms public health & the environment, with Andrea Love PhD
This episode features Immunologist & Microbiologist, and fellow science communicator, Dr. Andrea Love, in a deep dive into the EWG. Views expressed in this episode are in our honestly held opinions. Interested in supporting the podcast? Please share, subscribe and write a review! If it's accessible, we also have a Patreon which you can find at patreon.com/theecowell
Huberman x Shanna Swan Toxicologist Reacts Episode, feat Lyle Burgoon PhD
There was a lot wrong in the recent Huberman podcast featuring Shanna Swan - the misinformation was rapid fire. This episode features Lyle Burgoon PhD in a toxicologist reacts episode to break down some of the things that came up. From phthalates = endocrine disruptors? to feminization and the threat of human extinction?? There was a lot there, but we tried our best to cover their main points. Int
Conspiracy Theories with Derek Beres
This episode is about conspiracy thinking, featuring Derek Beres from Conspirituality. What are the dangers of conspiracy theories, how does fear and uncertainty play into them, how are conspiracy theories and thinking being capitalized on, from a company and individual POV, and more. Interested in supporting the podcast? Please share, subscribe and write a review! If it's accessible, we also hav
A Deep Dive on Surfactants Production & Supply with Neil Burns
This episode features Neil Burns in a deep dive into surfactants. Previously on the show we've covered the topic in the context of formulation, this time I thought it would be interesting to take a different angle - what is the history of surfactants, how are they made, what are their supply chains, how do they contribute to society, from cosmetics to air travel, what are some of the big sustainab
A Contract Manufacturing in Beauty 101 with Erica Douglas
This episode features Erica Douglas, otherwise known as @sisterscientist, cofounder of the contract manufacturing business mSEED, in a deep dive on contract manufacturing. We covered the contract manufacturing landscape - who works with them and why? what's up with minimum quantity orders? What do brands need to know to successfully work with a CM? And lots more! Interested in supporting the podca
What's wrong with corporate sustainability? With Mark Trexler PhD
This week's episode goes on a deep dive into corporate sustainability - specifically, why isn't it working? Over the last few decades, we've seen lots of new reporting requirements for companies. On the flip side, during that same time frame where sustainability has become fashionable, things have gotten, for the most part, worse. This episode features Dr. Mark Trexler from Climatographers on wher
The Science News Media Cycle with Gideon M-K PhD
Why is the media so rife with inaccurate reporting on epidemiological studies? To help guide us through this topic, I was joined with Gideon M-K PhD, epidemiologist, fact checker and content creator. We go through what epidemiology research looks like and some of the inherent challenges, research bias, the sensationalism pipeline that benefits everyone… except the public, a few examples of recent
The Science News Media Cycle with Gideon M-K PhD
Why is the media so rife with inaccurate reporting on epidemiological studies? To help guide us through this topic, I was joined with Dr Gidion MK, epidemiologist, fact checker and content creator. We go through what epidemiology research looks like and some of the inherent challenges, research bias, the sensationalism pipeline that benefits everyone… except the public, a few examples of recent he
Biodegradation and Persistence with Chris Hughes
With the press around "forever chemicals" and the moving regulations related to biodegradation, the topics of biodegradation and persistence are increasingly important to understand. This episode is a deep dive into the topic, featuring Chris Hughes from Embark Chemical Consulting. Disclaimer, this one is a little more into the weeds, but a good 101 if you want to get a handle on the topic! Intere
The Skin Microbiome, featuring Kirstin Neumann PhD
The skin microbiome and products geared to supporting it have been a hot topic in beauty for the last decade.Where are we at with the science? What is the skin microbiome, how do cosmetics interact with it, what are common misconceptions, and what does a healthy skin microbiome look like… or do we even know that yet? This podcast featured microbiologist Dr Kristin Neumann from MyMicrobiome Interes
Endocrine disruption in beauty? Feat Lyle Burgoon PhD
What is up with endocrine disruption in beauty? There is so much about this topic in the media, seemingly disproportionately focused on cosmetics. What does it all mean, where is the science and are the concerns actually relevant? This week, Dr Lyle Burgoon is back for a deep dive into the topic. Interested in supporting the podcast? Please share, subscribe and write a review! If it's accessible,
Science integrity with Lyle Burgoon PhD
What do we mean when we say science integrity? What is good evidence, and how is evidence incorporated at a policy level? This was the topic of this podcast, which featured toxicologist Lyle Burgoon PhD. Interested in supporting the podcast? Please share, subscribe and write a review! If it's accessible, we also have a Patreon which you can find at patreon.com/theecowell
Experts Behaving Badly Roundtable
This episode focused on the issue of misinformation and bad behaviour in the science and medical influencer space. Disclaimer, special attention was given to the rise of dermfluencers. This episode featured a roundtable discussion between dermatologist Anjali Mahto MD, cardiologist Rohin Francis MD, immunologist Andrea Love PhD and cosmetic chemist Michelle Wong PhD. Interested in supporting the p
Truth in Beauty panel from Suppliers Day
This episode features the pre-recorded conversation of the scicommer panel I moderated at NYSCC Suppliers Day earlier this month, brought to you by the Independent Beauty Association, and in conversation with Kenton Hipsher, who is on the ingredient supply side of things, Erica Douglas, aka sisterscientist, from the contract manufacturer POV, and Dr Andrea Love from the consumer misinformation imp
The Issue of Research Fraud, featuring Reese Richardson
This episode features a deep dive conversation into the world of research fraud, featuring research fraud researcher Reese Richardson. What is the issue, why is it happening, and how should we think about all of this when we're thinking about the quality of scientific research and science itself. We also explored turmeric research as a case example of research fraud in action and the impacts that'
Sustainability in Cosmetics - Panel Replay from SCC Suppliers Day
This weeks' episode features the pre-recorded pre-show run of the Sustainability in Cosmetics panel I moderated at NYSCC Suppliers Day in new york a few weeks ago! In conversation with Amol Kirtikar, Senior Manager of Sustainability & Innovation Americas at Clariant, Kurt Reynertson PhD, Global Lead for Ingredient Policy at Kenvue and Akemi Ooka PhD, Head of Global Supply Chain and Sustainability
A product development timeline 101 with Lorna Radford
This podcast featured a 101 about the timeline of product development; from brief to formulation to testing to scale up. To help us cover the topic, this episode featured Lorna Radford from ENKOS. Hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did!
An Oral Care 101 with Natalie Hendrix
Somehow I still haven't covered oral care on the podcast, so to help fix that, this week's episode features oral care formulation chemist Natalie Hendrix! This episode was a 101 on the topic - hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Interested in supporting the podcast? Please share, write a review and subscribe! If it's accessible, we also have a Patreon page that you can find at www.patreon.com/th
Cosmetic Formulation Myth Busting with Gabriella Baki PhD
This episode is an extension of the cosmetic formulation myth busting fireside chat with Gabriella Baki PhD that happened at the Skincare E-Summit in December! 20 minutes just wasn't enough! Interested in supporting the podcast? Please share, subscribe and write us a review! If it's accessible, we also have a Patreon page that you can find at www.patreon.com/theecowell
Diversity and Inclusion, feat Milan Scott @thecosmescientist
This podcast features Milan Scott, otherwise known as @thecosmescientist in a conversation about diversity and inclusion. From the POV of what's happening in the wider industry, formulations and what's currently available on the market, to current gaps that should be addressed. Interested in supporting the podcast? Please share, write a review and subscribe! If it's accessible, we also have a patr
Future of indie Beauty Panel
This podcast features a conversation about the current state, and future, of indie beauty, in conversation with Kelly Kovack from BeautyMatter, Rob Akridge PhD from OPULUS Beauty Labs, and Akemi Ooka PhD from Independent Beauty Association. This was the closing panel for our So, You Want to Start a Beauty Brand? E-Summit - find the full replay on our blog! Interested in supporting the podcast? Pl
Silicone sustainability with Mike Fevola PhD
This episodes features a deep dive conversation into silicones in cosmetics; what are they, why are they so useful, and what are some of the environmental draw backs we're currently contending with. To help me tackle the topic, this week I was joined by Mike Fevola PhD. Hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did! Interested in supporting the podcast? Please share, write a review and subscrib
The current state of animal testing in beauty with Barae Jomaa PhD
This pocast features a 101 on the current state of animal testing in cosmetics featuring toxicologist Barae Jomaa PhD. We cover why animal testing testing started in the first place and what prompted all the animal testing bans we see today, the history of animal testing bans globally, alternative test methods, misconceptions, the REACH vs EC conflict we're seeing today, and lots more! Intereste
A Cosmetics Formulation 101 with Ava Perkins
This week's episode is a 101 on cosmetics formulations; what are the ingredient types that make your products work and why? What's up with surfactant and preservative systems? What's the difference between skin and hair care, what's an emulsion, and what do you need to know about pH? o help me cover the topic, this week featured Ava Perkins, PhD student at the University of Cincinnati in their cos
An acne 101 with Dr Mara Evangelista-Huber, AKA @dermomtology
This podcast features an acne 101 conversation with dermatologist Dr Mara Evanglista-Huber MD, otherwise known as @dermomtology. Interested in supporting the podcast? Please subscribe, review and share! If it's accessible, we also have a Patreon page which you can find www.patreon.com/theecowell
Is "Both-Sidism" Really Killing Us? Featuring Tim Caufield
This podcast was about false balance; what it is, how to spot it and what the greater issue with it is. What's wrong with public form debates on science? Particularly on topics that have a lot of evidence to support one POV vs a fringe viewpoint. For example, sunscreens aren't the cause of coral bleaching, widely supported by the evidence, vs it is, supported by outlier data. This episode features
Cosmetic Chemists Reacts: Beauty Trends. Feat. Lanesa Mahon
This week's episode is a cosmetic chemists reaction episode, featuring the POV of cosmetic science PhD student Lanesa Mahon @raya.faces and myself. Topic: beauty trends. Trends we reacted to include: microbiome skincare, biotech beauty, menopausal skincare, dermatologist brands, green beauty and more! Interested in supporting the podcast? Find us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/theecowell
Truth in Beauty Panel Replay
This is a replay of a panel I moderated at the SCC California Suppliers Day, presented by Independent Beauty Association. The conversation was broadly about the impacts of misinformation in beauty, and opportunities for course correction. Panelists included some of my favorite LA based sci-commers; Allison Kent-Gunn @allisonturquoise, Javon Ford @javonford16, Jane Tsui @janethechemist and Valerie
An update on animal testing in cosmetics, featuring Carol Treasure PhD
What is the current state of animal testing in cosmetics? Why has it happened, does it still happen - if so, where and why? And where are we at with alternatives? New podcast alert! Our latest episode featured Dr. Carol Treasure from XCellR8, an animal-free in-vitro safety testing lab. There's so much complexity to this topic, and I think there have been some seriously missed opportunities from th
A claims 101 with Craig Weiss of Consumer Product Testing
A deep dive into claims with claims expert, Craig Weiss of Consumer Product Testing. What do the claims you see on labels actually mean? What's a strong claim and what's just puffery? And how can you as a consumer more effectively read labels? This podcast explored all this and more! Interested in supporting the podcast? Find us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/theecowell
A Toxicology 101 with Pushpa Rao PhD
This podcast features a 101 episode on toxicology, featuring toxicologist Dr Pushpa Rao. With all the noise and confusion about product safety out in the zeitgeist, I thought this was an important topic to cover. We covered the basics of what toxicology is, how it's applied to cosmetics, fundamental toxicology themes like hazard and risk, safety substantiation, misconceptions, and more! Interested
The Rise of Class Action Lawsuits in Beauty with Avril Love
There have been so many class action lawsuits in beauty over the last few years. What does it all mean? Are products on the market unsafe? Have these lawsuits become a cost of business in the USA? Are they making products safer? To help me unpack the topic, this weeks episode featured Avril Love, counsel at K&L Gates. Enjoy! Interested in supporting the podcast? Find us at Patreon at www.patreon.c
A Deep Dive into Curly Hair with Dr Crystal Porter
This episode featured hair scientist, Dr Crystal Porter from Mane Insights, in a deep dive into curly hair. We dove into the nitty gritty of the structure of curly hair, and the science behind keeping it in good shape. Hope you enjoy the episode as much as I did! Quick edit - in this episode, Crystal mentioned "consumer scientist." She meant "citizen scientist" :). Interested in supporting the po
State Law - The Good, the Bad, the Ugly. With Dr. Simone Swafford
This episode features a deep dive into state law, featuring Dr. Simone Swafford, regulatory consultant at Vogue Regulatory. What's happening at the state level in terms of cosmetic regulations, and how does that impact both industry as well as consumers? We specifically dive into how misinformation is driving some of the recent legislative developments. Big thanks to Essential Labs for sponsoring
Diversity & Inclusion through the Lens of Disability with Bart Maxon
This week's episode featured Bart Maxon - cosmetic scientist, creator of 20 patents, and recent recipient of the SCC Merit Award. Important to this conversation, he's achieved all of this as a 4'6" achondroplasia dwarf who's had several spinal surgeries, operating in an industry where accessibility has been an ongoing improvement for those with disabilities. I'm really inspired by Bart's story. Fr
Challenges and Opportunities for the Suncare Sector, Panel
This episode featured the closing panel from Michelle @labmuffinbeautyscience and my Sunscreen E-Summit, which happened a few weeks ago. On the topic of Challenges and Opportunities for the Suncare Sector. In conversation with Meredith Petillo, Senior Director of Technical & Regulatory Services at IBA, Stan Krus, Senior Technology Manager Sun Care at BASF, Carl D'Ruiz, Head of Personal Care and
Beauty Sci-Comm with Michelle Wong, Ph.D. of @labmuffinbeautyscience
This episode was about beauty science communication, from the perspectives of Michelle @labmuffinbeautyscience and me. What is sci-comm, why is it important, what are some of the challenges, and importantly, why are there so few sci-commers able to make sci-com a full-time, long-lasting endeavor? In this episode, Michelle and I announce the social enterprise we've been working on together: Beauty
Toxicologist Reacts to Headlines, featuring Tony Simion, Ph.D.
New podcast! This week, we tried something a little different with a Toxicologist Reacts episode, featuring Tony Simion, Ph.D. Industry veteran and adjunct professor. You guys sent in media headlines and posts, and we responded. Disclaimer, before I go on here; all the views expressed in this post and podcast are all in our honestly held opinions. I hope by the end of this episode, it's clear who
MoCRA - What does it all mean? With Kerry Tassopoulos
This week's episode took a look at MoCRA - What's happening? What do we know? How is going to impact industry, and also consumers? There has been a lot of noise about MoCRA, what does it all mean? To help me do this topic justice, for this podcast I was joined by Kerry Tassopoulos, Of Counsel and a corporate, regulatory and compliance attorney with Platt Cheema Richmond PLLC. Interested in support
Sustainability Challenges & Opportunities for the Cosmetics Sector, Roundtable.
This episode featured the closing panel for our Sustainable Beauty E-Summit that happened back in January on Sustainability Challenges and Opportunities for the Cosmetics Sector. We came at the topic of sustainability challenges and opportunities from a wide scope of expertise. Featuring Akemi Ooka, Ph.D., Head of Global Supply Chain and Sustainability Resources at the Independent Beauty Associat
Corporate Sustainability - is it actually helping? Feat Dr. Mark Trexler
This week, we covered the topic of corporate sustainability management and reporting through the lens of… is this actually going to help combat climate change? From measuring greenhouse gases to carbon offsetting, is current corporate sustainability and policy pointing us in the right direction? Or is there potential for it to do more harm than good? Joining me for this conversation is Dr. Mark Tr
The Industry of Misinformation with Tim Caulfield
This episode featured a conversation with Tim Caulfield, Canadian sci-comm treasure, prof at the University of Alberta, and author of books like Is Gwenyth Paltrow Wrong about everything? A few months ago Tim participated in a "clean" beauty debate - he was anti-clean, against someone else who was pro-clean… In this episode, Tim and I talked about his experience in the debate, his thoughts on why
AMA with cosmetic chemists, featuring Javon Ford
Our latest episode featured Javon Ford - fellow cosmetic chemist and beauty scicommer - in an AMA style interview. You guys sent in questions, we tried our best to answer! From bunk marketing claims to how to become a cosmetic chemist, we covered a lot! Hope you enjoy the convo as much as I did. Interested in supporting the podcast? Please subscribe and write a review. If it's accessible, we also
LIVE Beauty Sci-Commer Panel, Brought to you by the IBA
This was a live panel discussion in LA, hosted by the Independent Beauty Association and moderated by yours truly, about science communication in the cosmetics space. In conversation with Esther Olu (@themelaninchemist), Gloria Lu and Victoria Fu (@chemist.confessions), and Valerie George (Co-host of The Beauty Brains Podcast, @cosmetic_chemist). Extra shout out to the Gold sponsor for this event,
An Intimate Hygiene 101 w/ Dr Tanaya, AKA Dr. Cuterus
Kicking off our first episode back for 2023 with a deep dive into intimate care and hygiene - a space gaining a lot of traction in the beauty industry. There are so many products launching of late to purportedly address all of your sexual wellness needs - from vulvar washes to enlargening breast creams. To give us a lay of the land, I was joined by Dr. Tanaya, aka Dr. Cuterus. Enjoy! Interested in
INCI: What it all means, with Mindy Goldstein Ph.D.
This week, we dive into the nitty gritty of INCI. Perhaps one of those topics that don't seem like there's anything to it, but scratch the surface just a little? There absolutely is. From how the INCI standard got started, the process of getting an INCI name to common misconceptions. How much can an ingredient list really tell you? Does getting an INCI designation mean that an ingredient has been
