Podcast Title: The Beauty Brains
Episode: 395 - The Klutziest Beauty Podcast?
Release Date: May 8, 2025
Hosts: Valerie George and Perry Romanowski

Introduction

In Episode 395 of The Beauty Brains, hosts Valerie George and Perry Romanowski dive into a plethora of beauty-related topics, blending scientific insights with lighthearted banter. This episode, aptly titled "The Klutziest Beauty Podcast?", not only addresses listeners' pressing questions but also shares personal anecdotes that add a relatable flair to the scientific discussions.

Behind the Scenes: Solo Episode and AI Voices

Perry begins by recounting his recent solo episode, which Valerie encourages in her absence. Their conversation humorously touches upon the use of AI voices in podcasting.

• Valerie George [00:29]: "On today's show, we're going to cover a lot of questions, Perry..."

• Perry Romanowski [01:22]: "Instead of reading all the questions, I would make AI voices."

Valerie reassures Perry about the reception of his voice, highlighting that listeners appreciate his authentic tone despite his own reservations.

• Valerie George [02:12]: "People will say, I love your voice on the podcast."

Upcoming Events: Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild Conference

Valerie shares her excitement about the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild annual show in Reno, detailing her experiences from previous conferences in Canada. They discuss the growth of DIY beauty product crafting and the community's enthusiasm for hands-on demonstrations.

• Valerie George [03:25]: "It's a few hundred people... it's moved around city to city."

Valerie also touches upon the specialized nature of soap making within the cosmetic chemistry field, emphasizing the distinct skill sets involved.

Personal Stories: Feline Friends and Adventures

The hosts share amusing and heartfelt stories about their feline companions. Valerie narrates the survival saga of her cat, Valerie, who lived on Kangaroo Island for over a year, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of pets.

• Perry Romanowski [18:57]: "Can you believe it? That the little miniature dachshund lived on the island with kangaroos for over a year and a half."

Valerie humorously connects her own clumsiness to the episode's theme, as shared anecdotes about injuries add a personal touch to the conversation.

Beauty News: Evaluating New Skincare Ingredients

Valerie and Perry dissect a Hollywood Reporter article spotlighting the "best new skincare ingredients." They critically analyze the efficacy and scientific backing of these ingredients, expressing skepticism where warranted.

1. Bakuchiol as a Retinol Alternative

   • Valerie George [08:56]: "There's only one supplier... they show a lot of efficacy compared to retinol."
   • Perry Romanowski [10:05]: "Maybe it's more difficult for them to produce it because it's got to be a limited supply."

2. Malassezia (Yeast)

   • Valerie George [10:25]: "Malassezia is a predominant yeast flora on your scalp."

3. Growth Factors

   • Perry Romanowski [11:36]: "Growth factors have been around for a long time... mostly studied in pharmaceutical applications."

4. Sturgeon DNA Extract

   • Valerie George [12:13]: "People don't want animal extracts until it promises something, right?"

5. Coenzyme Q10

   • Valerie George [13:43]: "My mentor... took oral COQ10 and felt it helped him cognitively."

The hosts express caution regarding the marketing claims of these ingredients, stressing the importance of scientific validation and transparency from manufacturers.

Listener Feedback and Community Stories

Valerie and Perry engage with listener feedback, sharing stories and addressing concerns.

• Zach's Feedback [19:51]: Discusses the effectiveness of spray-on sunscreens, referencing Lab Muffin's video on SPF application.

  • Perry Romanowski [20:05]: "Spray-ons are the worst kind of sunscreen... not necessarily the greatest protection."

• Darling's Story [21:34]: Relates Valerie's clumsiness through incidents like falling down steps and off a ladder.

  • Valerie George [22:15]: "Did I ever tell you what someone wrote to me on Instagram because I just put I got the black eye?"

These interactions highlight the podcast's community-driven approach, blending humor with informative discussions.

Beauty Questions: Expert Advice from the Brains

1. Leave-In Conditioners with Minimal Protein

Question from Carrie [22:59]:
“Can you recommend a really good leave-in moisturizer conditioner with a little bit of protein for fine, curly, colored blonde hair?”

• Valerie George [23:25]:
  "Most leave-in conditioners have just a bit of protein... I would steer clear of hydrolyzed keratin and wheat protein."

• Perry Romanowski [25:17]:
  "It's not really strengthening your hair, it's just making it less prone to breaking."

Conclusion:
Opt for leave-in conditioners with flexible proteins like hydrolyzed soy or pea protein, or consider protein-free formulas to reduce breakage without adding stiffness.

2. Special Fraction Petrolatum in Theraplex Barrier Balm

Question from Katie [25:34]:
“What is special fraction petrolatum and why does it feel so amazing?”

• Perry Romanowski [26:02]:
  "Special fraction petrolatum is just a more refined version of standard petrolatum... it's safe for use."

• Valerie George [26:30]:
  "All products in cosmetics use USP grade petrolatum to ensure purity."

Addressing Regulatory Concerns:

• Valerie George [27:03]:
  "Cyclomethicone is being regulated in California and not permitted in Europe... Theraplex may need to reformulate."

Conclusion:
Special fraction petrolatum is a highly refined, safe form of petrolatum commonly used in cosmetics. However, consumers should be aware of upcoming regulations regarding certain silicones like cyclomethicone.

3. Protecting Hair and Nails While Swimming

Question from Listener [30:09]:
“How do I protect my hair and nails while swimming daily?”

• Valerie George [32:37]:
  "Using a leave-in conditioner with oils and silicones can coat the hair fiber and reduce chlorine penetration."

• Perry Romanowski [34:20]:
  "Garnier Fructis's amodimethicone helps reduce frizz and protect hair from chlorine."

Conclusion:
Pre-soaking hair in water and applying a silicone-based leave-in conditioner can offer protection against chlorine. Wearing a swim cap further minimizes water and chlorine exposure.

4. Understanding Purple Shampoo and Hair Toners

Question from Jessica [35:13]:
“How does Violet Number 2 work in hair toners, and why do some shampoos cause staining?”

• Valerie George [37:14]:
  "Violet 2 is negatively charged but can still bind to positively charged sites on damaged hair."

• Perry Romanowski [39:20]:
  "Some of the dye penetrates the hair and can also stain the skin due to its interaction with lipids."

Conclusion:
Purple shampoos use acid dyes like Violet Number 2 to neutralize brassiness. While they can stain the skin due to their chemical properties, consistent use ensures effective toning without significant hair color change.

5. Layering Ascorbic Glucoside Over L-Ascorbic Acid

Question from Electra [42:15]:
“Is it okay to layer an ascorbyl glucoside product over a product with L-ascorbic acid without compromising the integrity of the vitamin C?”

• Valerie George [43:08]:
  "If using stable L-ascorbic acid like CE Ferulic, layering it with ascorbyl glucoside is acceptable."

• Perry Romanowski [44:04]:
  "Allow some time between applications to let the ascorbic acid penetrate."

Conclusion:
Layering stable L-ascorbic acid with ascorbyl glucoside can be done effectively by allowing each product to absorb properly, ensuring maximal antioxidant benefits without pH conflicts.

Conclusion and Support

Valerie and Perry wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage through reviews, social media, and Patreon support. They emphasize their commitment to providing unbiased, scientifically-backed beauty advice without the influence of advertising.

• Valerie George [48:27]:
  "Remember, be brainy about your beauty."

• Perry Romanowski [48:17]:
  "Support us on Patreon to keep the show ad-free and continuing."

Notable Quotes:

• Valerie George [08:56]:
  "There's only one supplier... they show a lot of efficacy compared to retinol."

• Perry Romanowski [25:17]:
  "It doesn't actually make your hair stronger by the fiber anyway."

• Valerie George [37:14]:
  "Just because hair is negatively charged when it's damaged doesn't mean it's totally negatively charged."

This episode of The Beauty Brains seamlessly blends scientific analysis with personal stories, offering listeners both informative content and relatable moments. Whether you're navigating the complexities of hair care or seeking clarity on the latest skincare trends, Valerie and Perry provide expert guidance grounded in chemistry and real-world experience.