

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

Jun 21, 2016 • 29min
Are boar bristle brushes better for your hair? Episode 138
Send us a textAre boar bristle brushes better for your hair? Georgina asks…Are boar bristle brushes better for your hair? I’m looking at a Mason Pearson brush that’s about $100 and I want to know if it’s worth it. It’s tough to give a definitive answer because as you might imagine there aren’t many double blind, peer reviewed […]Support the show

Jun 14, 2016 • 32min
Are super foods good for your skin? Episode 137
Send us a textAre super foods effective beauty ingredients? Jana asks…What are your thoughts on super foods in skin care? Ingredients like acacia, coconut, grapeseed oil, berries, green tea, avocado, turmeric and resveratrol. What the heck IS a super food? There is no scientific or medical definition. Typically you’ll see them described like this: “superfoods are nutrient powerhouses […]Support the show

Jun 7, 2016 • 34min
Can I use clay to shampoo my hair? Episode 136
Send us a textCan I use clay to shampoo my hair? Joneen says…I have a question about rhassoul clay. I’ve heard great things about using it as a shampoo. My concern, though, is mineral buildup. This is one of the results of hard water that has a negative impact on hair, and something I am currently experiencing and […]Support the show

May 31, 2016 • 32min
Do anti-aging patches really work? Episode 135
Send us a textDo anti-aging patches really work? Julia asks…Can micro needle patches really work to deliver anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid? Coincidentally I just read a study about a new technology for lightening age spots that involves, get this, Dissolving Micro Needles. This research was published by a Korean team in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology and here’s […]Support the show

May 24, 2016 • 34min
Should you be worried about aluminum in deodorants? Episode 134
Send us a textShould we be worried about aluminum in deodorants? Erin asks…Should we be worried about aluminum in deodorants? First of all don’t get confused between anti-perspirant and deodorants. Anti-perspirants contain aluminum salts that help plug your pores so you don’t sweat as much. Deodorants do not contain aluminum and they don’t stop you from sweating. They […]Support the show

May 17, 2016 • 32min
Will silicone ruin a coconut oil hair treatment? Episode 133
Send us a textIs the “Remedy” hair treatment by Rita Hazan really magic? Lizzy asks…Does the Rita Hazan Remedy have any magic in it? My hair feels soft and shiny after I use it, but it didn’t do anything for my sister. I must say I’ve never seen a product quite like this before. It’s a two part […]Support the show

May 10, 2016 • 34min
Can I mix my own sunscreen? Episode 132
Send us a textHow do I find a sunscreen that doesn’t cause acne? Allison asks…What’s the difference between a sunscreen and a sunblock? Also, what ingredients should I look for in a product that will not contribute to acne? And, when’s the best time to apply sunscreen in my morning skin care routine? Sunscreens use UV absorbers to protect your […]Support the show

May 3, 2016 • 35min
Do silicones really melt on your hair? Episode 131
Send us a textCosmetic Questions Do silicones melt on your hair? Kylie asks…I am attempting to remove years of black hair dye and came across Scott Cornwall and his product Decolour. He makes a claim that if it doesn’t work likely cause is hair plasticised due to using heat over 220 deg cel. Quote “If you use heated […]Support the show

Apr 26, 2016 • 31min
Do anti-aging hair care products really work? Episode 130
Send us a textHair and skin have some things in common but there’s one big difference: skin is alive and responds to so called “anti-aging” ingredients while hair is DEAD. Check out this encore episode where we give you the straight scoop on hair care products that claim to make your hair younger. Click here for the our […]Support the show

Apr 19, 2016 • 20min
Are you sick of greenwashed cosmetics? Episode 129
Send us a textIn this encore episode we discuss why cosmetic companies STILL make so many fake natural products. There are a few main reasons: True natural consumers are still a small market segment All-natural cosmetics do not work as well Consumers don’t know the difference Greenwashing keeps costs down There are no required standards Formulating natural cosmetics […]Support the show


