“My background is in biotech, where we share all our data, equipment, and results. And when I tried to get the same info from beauty companies, I was met with silence,” says Barb Paldus, Ph.D., founder of Codex Labs. “It’s common in other industries, too. If you go to buy a microwave, it will tell you the wattage. If you buy a box of cereal, it will have a nutrition panel. The beauty industry doesn't operate like that, and I think that’s a problem.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen beauty director Alexandra Engler chats with Paldus about how she moved from biotech into the beauty industry, the changes she wants to see in the space, why we must consider the skin microbiome health when using beauty products, and how to optimize skin health through diet. Plus, she explains the testing protocols for personal care products (or lack thereof).

Show notes:

-Learn more about Barb Paldus, Ph.D.

-Follow Codex Labs

-Research about about epidermal function in health & compromised skin

-Understanding your skin barrier function

-Current research on the skin microbiome

-The gut-skin connection

-Learn more about FDA regulations for the cosmetic industry

-FDA’s role in product testing

-More about MyMicrobiome test

-All about thalassotherapy

-Read more about topics discussed in this episode: Skin microbiome 101, skin barrier, moisture barrier, acid mantle.

-Shop products mentioned in this episode: Codex Labs Bia Exfoliating Face Wash, Bia Hydrating Skin Superfood, Antü Skin Barrier Moisturizer, Antü Skin Barrier Night Cream, Shaant Balancing Clay Mask, Balancing Refining Toner, Balancing Oil Control Cream

Take 25% off postbiotic body lotion with code BODYLOTIONPOD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout.

Follow the host: @alex_blair_

Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.com

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77: Optimizing skin health, biotech & testing | Skin health expert Barb Paldus, Ph.D.