
Clean Beauty School
A beauty podcast from mindbodygreen, the leading brand in health and well-being. Hosted by mbg’s beauty director, Alexandra Engler, Clean Beauty School explores the intimate and intricate relationship between beauty and wellness, including physical, mental, environmental, and spiritual health. Through this series, we’ll dive into the science and soul of beauty’s most pressing topics.
Latest episodes

Jun 7, 2022 • 57min
61: A NYT beauty reporter’s best recs | Bee Shapiro, beauty writer & brand founder
“I think a lot about what role scent plays for us, and it really always comes back to the idea that scent should be a pleasure. Essentially it’s a product that should bring you joy, it should bring you escape, or should bring you those little moments of levity—because it's not a necessity,” says beauty reporter Bee Shapiro, writer for the New York Times and founder of the fragrance brand Ellis Brooklyn. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, host and mindbodygreen beauty director Alexandra Engler chats with Shapiro on her beauty philosophy, favorite products, and why the fragrance industry has a reputation for being secretive. Show notes:-Follow Bee Shapiro -Read Shapro’s writing-Learn more about Ellis Brooklyn -How our brains interpret scent-Research on scent and our mood-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: natural versus synthetic fragrance, scent and mood, clean fragrances, phytoceramides, hyaluronic acid, collagen supplements-Shop products mentioned in this episode: Ellis Brooklyn Myth Eau De Parfum, Ellis Brooklyn Sun Fruit Eau De Parfum, Ellis Brooklyn Salt Soothing Scented Body Oil, mindbodygreen chocolate beauty & gut collagen+, Thorne ResveraCel 60, Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager, U Beauty The Barrier Bioactive Treatment, Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Hyaluronic Clay-Pore Tightening Facial, Omorovicza Ultramoor Mud Mask, Omorovicza Cushioning Day Cream, Omorovicza Mineral UV Shield SPFTake 25% off vitamin C potency+ with code VITAMINCPOD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout.Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

May 31, 2022 • 40min
60: The easiest way to decode your ingredient label | Sabrina Noorani, founder of ClearForMe
“The biggest surprise to me was the fact that at the core, there is no standard for how ingredients are labeled. So something as simple as vitamin C, which is a great ingredient that helps with so many things, there's 35 different synonyms for vitamin C. Fragrance has 32 different synonyms, formaldehyde has 12, gluten 27, and even water has over 60 different ways that it could be labeled—and it's water. How can a consumer be expected to find the right products for her and tailored to what she needs?” says Sabrina Noorani, founder of ClearForMe, a platform to increase ingredient transparency for brands and retailers. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Noorani about her experience as a beauty consumer, what people search for in formulas, and what ingredients she personally uses. Show notes: -Follow Sabrina and ClearForMe-ClearForMe’s trend report-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: cracks on lips, sensitive skin, retinol, retinol application tips, best retinols, skin longevity, eczema, mindfulness, sleep for skin, tips to help you fall asleep, waterless beauty.-Shop products mentioned in this episode: Silk Sleep Mask.Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

May 24, 2022 • 49min
59: The major hormone mistakes that are messing with your skin | Skin care expert Trevor Cates, N.D.
“When balancing your hormones, focus on the day-to-day. This is what I tell people: Don’t worry too much about an occasional exposure to an [endocrine disruptor] that you can’t control,” says skin care expert and naturopathic doctor Trevor Cates, N.D. But what you can do is think about the things you do on a daily basis, from the products and practices. Those are the things that add up.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, host and mindbodygreen beauty director Alexandra Engler chats with Cates about the skin microbiome, how to balance your hormones, and what products are doing more harm than good.Show notes:-Learn more about Trevor Cates, N.D. and The Spa Doctor-Read her book, Clean Skin From Within-Watch her docuseries Hormones, Health & Harmony-Research on the season’s effect on hormones-Research on sex hormones and skin-How stress impacts skin-Research on the skin microbiome -Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: Skin microbiome, pH of the skin, acid mantle, moisture barrier, skin barrier function, menstrual cycle and skin care, menopause and skin care, sleep and skin, stress and skin, gut microbiome, gut-skin connection, pre- pro- and postbiotics for skin, skin longevity, soil and our sleep, how to take a microbiome-friendly shower, toner, meditation, journaling.-Shop products mentioned in this episode: The Spa Doctor Cleanser Daily Essentials 4-Step Skin Care SystemTake 25% off vitamin C potency+ with code VITAMINCPOD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout.Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

May 17, 2022 • 49min
58: Connecting with nature & skin longevity | Hillary Peterson, skin care founder
“There is a very powerful industry voice that has taught us that if it hurts, if it tingles a ton, if it makes our skin red, then it must be working,” says Hillary Peterson, founder of True Botanicals, when talking about “anti-aging” products. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen’s beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Peterson chat about “the gift that is aging,” the skin barrier function, and why ingredient sourcing is so important for the health of the environment. Show notes:-About Hillary Peterson & True Botanicals-Learn about Farmer’s Footprint-Check out Made Safe-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: Skin barrier function, moisture barrier, exfoliation, antioxidants for skin, how to naturally boost collagen production, collagen-boosting routines, what to eat for collagen, skin longevity, wild harvesting, face oils.-Shop products mentioned in this episode: True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm, Clear Nourishing Cleanser, Chebula Active Serum, Vitamin C Booster Powder, Clear Pure Radiance Oil, Renew Pure Radiance OilTake 25% off vitamin C potency+ with code VITAMINCPOD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout.Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

May 10, 2022 • 41min
57: Hair removal mistakes, ingrowns & crepey skin | Board-certified dermatologist Tiffany Clay, M.D.
“You can have healthy, clear, beautiful skin and it's not by using a ton of products,” says board-certified dermatologist Tiffany Clay, M.D. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, host & mindbodygreens beauty director Alexandra Engler chats with Clay about all things body care—just in time for the warmer weather. A few of the hot topics discussed: hair removal (if you choose to do so), at-home lasers, ingrowns, and chest wrinkles. Show notes:-Follow Tiffany Clay, M.D.-Research on how sun damage effects the skin -Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: Backne, exfoliation on the body, how often you should exfoliate, crepey skin, chest wrinkles, neck wrinkles, orange peel skin, sugaring, waxing, shaving, ingrowns, razor bumps, strawberry legs, gentle cleansers, AHAs & BHAs, retinol body lotion, itchy skin, glycolic acid, KP, how to moisturize skin, essential oils, tea tree oil, mineral sunscreens, retinol, beauty sleep. -Shop products mentioned this episode: Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash, Keys Soulcare Mind Clearing Body Polish, Bush Balm Bermuda Body Scrub, Bush Balm Nourishing Body Wash, Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, Bush Balm Bermuda Dark Spot Treatment Oil, Glytone Age-Defying C+ Advanced Antioixdant Serum, SkinFix Barrier + Triple Lipid Peptide Cream, Olay Regenerist Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

May 2, 2022 • 41min
56: Heat styling mistakes & fixes | Sandra Lup, engineering manager of hair care at Dyson
“Hair styling is such a personal experience—we’ve talked with users around the world and they express the confidence they get from styling their hair,” says Sandra Lup, the engineering manager of hair care at Dyson. “Some say they don’t even step outside the house without styling.” In this episode of mindbodygreen’s beauty podcast Clean Beauty School, host and beauty director Alexandra Engler chats with Lup about global styling trends, how to better protect your hair from damage, and why styling hair is important for overall self-esteem. They also get into the Dyson hair tool collection, and how to use specific products—including the new straightener. Show notes:-Follow Dyson-Learn more about hair fiber structure-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: Hair damage, hair growth, frizz-control, hair types, type 4 hair, type 3 hair, type 2 hair. -Shop products mentioned in this episode: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, Dyson Airwrap Styler, Dyson Corrale Straightener -Enjoy this episode sponsored by Dyson! Whether it's an article or podcast, we want to know what we can do to help here at mindbodygreen. Let us know at: podcast@mindbodygreen.com.Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Sponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Apr 25, 2022 • 30min
55: Making clean beauty more accessible | Brook Harvey Taylor, founder of Pacifica Beauty
“Beauty is about taking care of you,” says Brook Harvey Taylor, founder of Pacifica Beauty. In This episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen’s beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Harvey Taylor about the difference between cruelty-free and vegan, sustainable packaging, why the younger generation will lead us in the right direction, and why it’s vital to make sure clean beauty is available to anyone who wants to use it. Show notes:-Follow Brook Harvey Taylor & Pacifica Beauty-Check out Pacifica Beauty products-Learn more about Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty™-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: vegan vs. cruelty free, slugging -Shop products mentioned in this episode: Vegan Collagen Fluffy Lash Thickening & Lengthening Mascara-Beauty starts with making choices that align with your values, and Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty™ is here to guide the way. Visit ulta.com/conscious-beauty to re-inspire your beauty routine with products that benefit you and our world.Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Apr 18, 2022 • 33min
54: Debunking sustainability myths | sk*p founder Mark Veeder
“It’s about passion, not perfection. If you you hold too high of a standard, people get turned off and think, Well I’m just one person,” says Mark Veeder, avid gardener, brand founder of sk*p beauty, and member of the Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty Advisory council. In this special episode about sustainability, we talk about packaging innovations, how ingredients play a role in the overall sustainability of a product, and why it’s so important to focus on small steps to reach the bigger goal.Show notes:-About Mark Veeder & sk*p beauty -Learn more about Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty -Read more about topics discussed in this episode: Skin microbiome, skin barrier function, honey benefits for skin, echinacea. -Products mentioned in this episode: sk*p Hydrating Conditioner, sk*p Hydrating Shampoo, sk*p Face + Body Moisturizer, sk*p Face + Body Cleanser-Beauty starts with making choices that align with your values, and Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty™ is here to guide the way. Visit ulta.com/conscious-beauty to re-inspire your beauty routine with products that benefit you and our world.Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Apr 11, 2022 • 50min
53: How to treat rosacea naturally | board-certified dermatologist Estee Williams, M.D.
“To care for the skin, you need to treat a person’s entire spectrum of needs,” says board-certified dermatologist Estee Williams, M.D. And nowhere is that more evident than when treating skin conditions and diseases, like rosacea. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Williams about the inflammatory skin disease, how to manage symptoms, and all the surprising foods that can cause flare-ups. Show notes:-Follow Estee Williams, M.D.-National Rosacea Society -General information on rosacea from the AAD-The new research on rosacea-Rosacea, mites, and the microbiome -Surveys on rosacea triggers-Rosacea and self esteem -Read more about topics discussed in this episode: Rosacea vs acne, mental health and skin, skin microbiome, skin barrier function, moisture barrier, sensitive skin, how to reduce redness, niacinamide, retinol, mineral sunscreens, zinc oxide, azelaic acid, hand creams, Manuka honey for skin -Products mentioned in this episode: La Roche Posay Rosaliac AR Intense For Visible Redness, La Roche Posay Toleraine Double Repair Face Moisturizer, Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster, Aveeno Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Bar, SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3, Vanicream Liquid Face Wash For Dry Sensitive SkinTake 25% off postbiotic body lotion with code BODYLOTIONPOD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout.Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Apr 4, 2022 • 58min
52: Why do we love French beauty? | Alex Chantecaille, VP at Chantecaille Beauté
“For me, beauty has always been the feeling of being cared for. Those early memories of beauty were like a warm hug from grandma after a long, luxurious bath. As I got older, it was about playing with these beautiful things and makeup," says Alex Chantecaille, VP at Chantecaille Beauté. “It’s that balance between cared and health, but also this joy.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen’s beauty director Alexandra Engler chats with Alex Chantecaille about growing up surrounded by the French beauty ethos, developing effective skin care formulas, and why the beauty industry must prioritize conservation. Show notes:-Shop Chantecaille & follow along -The brand’s conservation efforts-Learn about plant stem cells -Research on hexapeptides-Learn more about palm oil & conservation efforts-Learn more about responsibly sourced mica from the Responsible Mica Initiative-About Extremophile Endurance Technology -Research on “stressed out” plants-Topics mentioned in this episode: Minimalist beauty, sensitive skin, rose water for skin, skin barrier function, stressed out beauty, extremophile endurance technology, palm oil, benefits of walking, building collagen in the skin. -Products mentioned in this episode: Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation, Gold Recovery Mask, Gold Recovery Intense Concentrate P.M. Serum, Bio Lifting Mask+, Pure Rosewater, Rose de Mai Cleansing Balm, Bio Lifting Serum+, Lip Potion, Bébé Collection, Bébé Camellia and Lavender BalmCall in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com