
The Eco Well podcast
In this show, Jen Novakovich, Canadian cosmetic chemist from The Eco Well, interviews international cosmetic scientists and industry leaders to bring you a fresh new conversation a week about all things beauty!
Latest episodes

Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 1min
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 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

Feb 25, 2025 • 53min
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 this 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 find at patreon.com/theecowell

Feb 18, 2025 • 49min
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 - who’s responsible for all of this and what do brands need to know (whether they’re intentionally marketing to kids/teens or not). 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

Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 4min
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 Patreon which you can find at patreon.com/theecowell

Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 9min
How EWG actively harms public health & the environment, with Andrea Love PhD
Dr. Andrea Love, an accomplished immunologist and microbiologist, tackles the contradictions of the Environmental Working Group (EWG). She highlights how the EWG’s fear-based messaging about food safety can negatively impact public health, especially for low-income families. Love critiques the misleading 'Dirty Dozen' list, revealing the financial motives behind it and advocating for a balanced understanding of pesticide safety. Her insights emphasize the need for credible information and responsible science communication in combating public misinformation.

Dec 10, 2024 • 1h 42min
Huberman x Shanna Swan Toxicologist Reacts Episode, feat Lyle Burgoon PhD
In this discussion, toxicologist Lyle Burgoon tackles the misinformation presented by Shanna Swan regarding phthalates and their alleged role as endocrine disruptors. He critiques the claims about feminization and the potential extinction of humans, emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific evaluation. The conversation dives into the pitfalls of confirmation bias in research, challenges in measuring biological effects in studies, and the importance of clear communication in addressing complex health issues. Burgoon advocates for improved public understanding of toxicology.

Dec 3, 2024 • 54min
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 have a Patreon which you can find at patreon.com/theecowell

Nov 27, 2024 • 52min
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 sustainability challenges faces the space, misconceptions, and lots more. Interested in supporting the podcast on Patreon? Find me at www.patreon.com/theecowell

Nov 19, 2024 • 1h 6min
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 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

Nov 12, 2024 • 38min
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 where have we gone wrong? And what can we do about it? 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