Podcast Summary: The blondEST – "The Lipid Serum Glow-Up with Eduardo Perez"
Episode Information:
- Title: The Lipid Serum Glow-Up with Eduardo Perez
- Host: Savanna Boda
- Guest: Eduardo Perez, Chief Scientific Officer of Signal Biosciences, creators of Epicurus skincare line
- Release Date: April 7, 2025
1. Introduction of Guest
In the opening segment, Savanna Boda warmly welcomes Eduardo Perez to the podcast. Eduardo introduces himself as the Chief Scientific Officer at Signal Biosciences and the creator of Epicurus, a clean, non-toxic, luxury medical-grade skincare line.
Eduardo Perez [00:25]: "Hi everyone. My name is Eduardo Perez and I am the chief scientific officer of Signal Biosciences... we're the creators of Epicurus, the skincare brand."
Savanna commends Eduardo's longevity and dedication in the skincare industry, highlighting his commitment over nearly two decades.
Savanna [00:59]: "Most people that have been with a company for 20 years, you can tell they're tired and run down... But when you work 20 years with a skincare company, I guess you just look like this. You look amazing."
2. Discussion on Favorite Products
The conversation shifts to discussing favorite products. Eduardo names the Lipid Serum as his top choice, though he mentions he also frequently uses the Oil Cleanser daily.
Eduardo Perez [02:21]: "My favorite is the lipid serum, which is probably the most popular answer... But the one I think I use most is the oil cleanser."
Savanna shares her affection for the Lipid Serum and Lipid Mask, emphasizing their indispensability in her skincare routine. She also proudly mentions helping her mother transition from La Mer to Hyvia, one of Epicurus's products.
Savanna [02:26]: "Me too. Lipid serum and lipid mask, they're tied for me... I was like, please just use something that actually does something for you and feel."
3. Deep Dive into Hyvia and Chia Seed Extract
Eduardo elaborates on the development of Hyvia, a cream infused with chia seed extract. He explains the inspiration behind using chia seeds, referencing the Tarahumara tribe's endurance capabilities attributed to their chia-rich diet.
Eduardo Perez [03:20]: "We were just kind of interested in the fact that... if there’s anything good if we apply it to skin. And kind of like five years later, you know, Hyvia in, in, in the cream."
Savanna praises the product's effectiveness, noting its ability to curb her mother's desire for heavier, less effective moisturizers.
4. Innovation and Proprietary Ingredients in Skincare
The discussion highlights Epicurus's commitment to innovation and proprietary ingredient development. Eduardo contrasts their approach with other brands that often repurpose existing formulations without significant innovation.
Eduardo Perez [10:03]: "Arctogen is revolutionary. I've never heard of that ingredient in my entire life until you guys."
Savanna echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of developing unique, high-quality ingredients over following fleeting skincare trends.
Savanna [12:54]: "They don't need to do, like, this, kind of a private label, and they just put, like, it's all basically the same ingredients."
5. Clinical Study: Lipid Serum and Retinoids
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing a new clinical study on Lipid Serum, specifically focusing on its main ingredient, tetramethyl hexadecinal sex and cysteine (TSC). Eduardo explains how Lipid Serum can mitigate the common side effects of retinoids, such as redness and dryness, enhancing the overall efficacy of retinoid treatments.
Eduardo Perez [14:07]: "TSC is our hero ingredient, or the main ingredient in the lipid serum and how it functions... it helps strengthen your barrier, make, promote skin health."
Savanna highlights the study's relevance for her clients using retinoids, positioning Lipid Serum as a "liquid ibuprofen" for the skin.
Savanna [19:36]: "Because when you really think about inflammation, that's the root of so many skin concerns... Lipid serum is helping lower that inflammation."
Notable Study Outcomes:
- Reduction in Erythema: Approximately 60% decrease in redness over five days when Lipid Serum is paired with tretinoin.
- Improved Hydration and Barrier Function: Enhanced skin hydration and barrier repair, reducing dryness and flakiness.
- Collagen Protection: TSC helps protect collagen by inhibiting MMP enzymes that degrade collagen.
6. Importance of Consistency in Skincare
The hosts delve into the significance of maintaining a consistent skincare regimen. Savanna draws an analogy between skincare and fitness, emphasizing that regular, sustained efforts yield the best results.
Savanna [24:04]: "Consistency is key, especially when it comes to pigmentation, aging, and acne. You really gotta be consistent with stuff."
Eduardo concurs, noting that Lipid Serum complements other treatments, allowing users to maintain regular use without the hindrance of irritation.
7. Upcoming Product Launches
Eduardo teases upcoming product releases, including a new product launch at AMSPA in approximately ten days. While details are kept under wraps, he hints at an activated grapeseed extract as a key ingredient.
Eduardo Perez [28:35]: "We will be launching a new product... the hero ingredient in this is called activated grapeseed extract."
Savanna expresses excitement for the new releases and anticipates future collaborations.
8. Quality of Ingredients and Industry Practices
The conversation shifts to the importance of ingredient quality and the pitfalls of the skincare industry, such as dilution and lack of innovation. Savanna shares her experiences and the misconceptions clients have about product efficacy based solely on branding.
Savanna [39:08]: "You can go eat at Taco Bell and they're gonna have the beans and... let’s say the hole in the wall authentic Mexican restaurant... They both have rice and beans, but their quality is completely different."
Eduardo criticizes the industry's tendency to use low-dose ingredients while marketing them heavily, emphasizing Epicurus's dedication to high-quality, effective formulations.
Eduardo Perez [39:24]: "People are using our ingredients, but they're not going to see the benefit because we're telling them, you got to put it at half a percent, and they're putting it like 0.005%."
9. Conclusion and Future Developments
In the concluding segment, Eduardo reiterates Epicurus's commitment to scientific research and product innovation. He mentions a potential lip product inspired by industry feedback and Savanna’s suggestions.
Eduardo Perez [43:21]: "A lip product. Okay. Okay. I'll jot that down here."
Savanna and Eduardo express mutual admiration and excitement for future endeavors, reinforcing the strong partnership between them.
Savanna [44:07]: "It's such a big thing for me, too. Gotta love the products, and they gotta be good people."
Eduardo assures listeners of ongoing product launches and emphasizes the brand’s dedication to ethical practices and scientific excellence.
Eduardo Perez [42:18]: "Epicutus is a scientific-based company. We are launching new products, not just... we'll continue to change the game in the skincare space to bring new revolutionary and innovative products."
Key Takeaways:
- Lipid Serum’s Multifaceted Benefits: Addresses inflammation, strengthens barrier function, protects collagen, and enhances hydration.
- Scientific Rigor: Epicurus prioritizes proprietary, patented ingredients backed by clinical studies, setting them apart from many competitors.
- Consistency in Skincare: Regular use of high-quality products like Lipid Serum is crucial for achieving and maintaining skin health.
- Upcoming Innovations: Anticipate new product launches incorporating novel ingredients such as activated grapeseed extract.
- Commitment to Quality and Ethics: Epicurus focuses on delivering effective, non-toxic skincare solutions, challenging industry norms of dilution and lack of innovation.
Notable Quotes:
- Savanna Boda [19:36]: "Lipid serum is helping lower that inflammation. And of course... it's gonna yield better results and long-term benefits."
- Eduardo Perez [10:03]: "Arctogen is revolutionary. I've never heard of that ingredient in my entire life until you guys."
- Savanna Boda [24:04]: "Consistency is key... You really gotta be consistent with stuff."
- Eduardo Perez [39:24]: "People are using our ingredients, but they're not going to see the benefit because... they're putting it like 0.005%."
This episode offers valuable insights into the science behind Epicurus's skincare products, particularly the Lipid Serum, and underscores the importance of quality, consistency, and innovation in achieving healthy, radiant skin. Listeners, especially skincare professionals and enthusiasts, will find the detailed discussion on product formulation and clinical evidence both informative and inspiring.