The Beauty Brains – Episode 405

Ozempic Skin Care, Serums, and More

Date: August 29, 2025
Hosts: Perry Romanoski & Valerie George

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Beauty Brains, cosmetic chemists Perry and Valerie answer listener questions about sun protection, the “Ozempic face” skincare trend, mechanical exfoliation, baby care products, and whether serums really work. They also discuss recent privacy concerns involving beauty apps and highlight the ongoing trend of medical-inspired skincare branding. Their trademark honest, approachable, and science-driven perspectives shine as they separate marketing from fact.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Ozempic Face and Skincare Industry Response

[07:36–10:18]

• Background: Media have noticed celebrities developing what’s now termed “Ozempic face”—a hollow, narrow facial look due to rapid fat loss from GLP-1 drugs (e.g., Ozempic).
• Valerie explains the phenomenon:

  “Once you see it, you can’t unsee it… their face becomes very narrow—almost like the skeletal structure has changed.” (Valerie, [08:03])

• Skincare brands are cashing in by launching “Ozempic face” or GLP-1-themed products.
• Truth about these products: They use standard actives (e.g., plumping agents), not new physiological solutions.

  “What do these products have that ordinary skincare products don’t? … Nothing.” (Valerie, [09:18])

• Some brands are boldly using GLP-1 in their product names, despite limited understanding of the physiological changes involved.

Beauty App Data Privacy Scandal

[10:18–15:27]

• News: J&J’s Neutrogena app was sued for collecting biometric data (facial scans) without informed consent, violating Illinois law. Settled with a fine; required to halt the practice.
• Valerie’s personal experience: Privacy and anonymization are crucial—even hair or skin analysis data should not be linked to identities.

  “That information had to be all desegregated and be non personally identifiable.” (Valerie, [11:47])

• Wider trend: Consumers rarely read fine print and unwittingly share a lot with apps.

  “If you read the privacy policy of any app on your phone, you’d be shocked…” (Valerie, [12:54])

• Perry notes that often the only real choice is to accept terms or not use the app.

Listener Questions & In-Depth Answers

Do Non-UV Wavelengths of Light Damage Skin? (Siv from India)

[15:40–22:53]

• Genetics play a significant role in tanning/burning tendencies; SPF ratings are averages across many subjects.
• Visible light can also cause skin hyperpigmentation (not just UV). Best protection: tinted sunscreen or foundation with iron oxides.

  “…visible light… can cause hyperpigmentation in skin, which is why tinted SPF or even foundations are really great…” (Valerie, [18:54])

• Blue/red light devices: Small, specific benefits—not all visible light is harmful.
• Clothing as alternative protection: All clothing offers some protection; “UPF” ratings denote fabrics' UV shielding capacity, but these numbers are influenced by weave, fabric type, stretch, and washing.
• Valerie’s tip for evaluating clothing:

  “If you hold it up to your eyes and you can see through it, then it’s probably not as protective…” (Perry, [22:40])

• Conclusion: Hat, long sleeves, and common sense are practical, cost-effective solutions.

Are Dr. Imi Arpa Products Truly Innovative? (Mara, Germany)

[23:13–27:20]

• Dr. Imi Arpa’s products sport “clean, medical” branding, but ingredient lists are familiar and not truly novel.

  “There’s not really been anything new in skincare… new peptides and stuff. But for a lot of products, there’s not much new that they can do.” (Perry, [24:31])

• Key ingredients: hexanediol, azelaic acid, ceramides — all widely used elsewhere.
• Products are expensive (€196/100ml), but efficacy may be due to consistent routine, not innovation.
• If a product works for you, keep using it—but similar formulations are likely available for less.

  “I think you can get similar technologies in other products for less… You just won’t get the free summer hat.” (Valerie, [26:22])

Does Mechanical Exfoliation from Makeup Cloths Work? (Hilary)

[28:24–32:23]

• For time-pressed users, gently rubbing with a cloth does exfoliate—just not as thoroughly as chemical exfoliants.

  “…washing your face every day and then using that towel to rub the skin is going to get a lot of dead skin off.” (Valerie, [31:07])

• Recommended over harsh scrubs (e.g., St. Ives) or abrasive brushes.
• Suitable for minimal routines, especially for new moms or those who prefer simplicity.

Baby Care Products: What to Use and Avoid? (Sheila)

[32:23–38:22]

• Valerie planned to formulate for her own newborn, but finds it more practical to buy from established brands (e.g., Aveeno, Dove) due to their rigorous safety testing.

  “…I’m just gonna buy from the big brands like Aveeno, which is a Johnson & Johnson brand, because they’ve done all the safety testing.” (Valerie, [35:38])

• For diaper rash: USP petrolatum is a safe, standard solution.
• Avoid products with unsubstantiated essential oils or fragrances, especially from small/indie brands that may lack robust safety oversight.
• General advice: Minimize overall product use; don’t apply more than needed; fragrance-free and fewer chemicals are better for newborns.

Do Facial Serums Work? What Should Sensitive Skin Avoid? (Linda)

[38:58–42:23]

• Effectiveness depends on ingredients and claims. Most serums contain moisturizers (humectants, emollients).
• If you expect hydration, look for hydrating actives (e.g., glycerin, hyaluronic acid).
• For sensitive skin: use minimal, simple formulations; avoid potential irritants like fragrance, essential oils, strong acids, and complex botanical extracts.

  “The more ingredients in a formula, the more opportunity there is for interactions… try to look for formulations that… have fewer ingredients.” (Valerie, [40:26])

• Sensitive skin triggers vary: experiment cautiously, avoid known aggravators.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the “Ozempic Face” beauty trend:

  “Of course it wouldn’t be the beauty industry if they didn’t capitalize on something.” (Valerie, [09:19])

• On privacy in beauty apps:

  “I think it’s up to the consumer to be smart, read those things. And a lawyer could argue, well, people don’t read those things. And that’s kind of fact. So it’s not the role of the user who signed up to do that. But honestly, it is.” (Valerie, [12:54])

• On the effectiveness of branded UPF clothing:

  “This whole notion of rating a shirt or clothes for a certain level of effectiveness… I find it a little dubious.” (Perry, [20:27])

• On ‘hot girl’ skincare branding:

  “If the product is working for you… keep using it. That doesn’t mean it is the product that is doing it. But until you have evidence otherwise, it’s fine to stick with it.” (Perry, [27:00])

• On evaluating minimal baby care:

  “You just don’t want to use something if you don’t have to… at the end of the day, I’ll tell you what. Yes, I could make some really beautiful formulas for him, but you don’t want to really put a lot of occlusives on baby’s skin outside of the… nappy area.” (Valerie, [35:37])

• On sensitive skin and less-is-more:

  “A less is more strategy would really benefit you… as a sensitive skin type person myself, I think you’re going to find that does a world of wonders…” (Valerie, [40:26])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – Friendly chit chat, conference plans, Valerie’s new-mom life
• 07:36 – Ozempic face, GLP-1 skincare trend ([Notable: 08:03–09:19])
• 10:18 – J&J privacy lawsuit and AI beauty apps ([Notable: 11:47–12:54])
• 15:40 – Sunscreen and non-UV skin damage ([Notable: 18:54])
• 23:13 – Dr. Imi Arpa product innovation analysis ([Notable: 24:31, 26:22])
• 28:24 – Mechanical exfoliation with cloths ([Notable: 31:07])
• 32:23 – Baby skincare tips—what to use and avoid ([Notable: 35:38])
• 38:58 – Do serums work, and advice for sensitive skin ([Notable: 40:26])

Tone & Style

• Friendly, slightly cheeky, supportive, and highly informative.
• Hosts balance casual rapport with in-depth science explanations.
• Marketing skepticism, pro-consumer advice, and practical product guidance throughout.

In Summary

Episode 405 delivers sharp, evidence-based answers for beauty consumers wanting the truth behind trends, marketing, and everyday skincare choices. Valerie and Perry pull back the curtain on industry hype, emphasize practical safety and efficacy, and remind listeners that the simplest solutions—even a towel or basic petrolatum—often work best. Their empowering advice: read the fine print, question trendy buzzwords, and don’t overcomplicate your routine—whether for yourself or your baby.