The Eco Well podcast

Last year, in our deep dive into the research available, Lanesa Mahon (PhD candidate/cosmetic scientist) came to the conclusion that exosomes are quack science. In this episode, Ryan Kudla PhD will try to change our minds. We covered a lot of ground in this episode - from what exosomes are, the different types in beauty, how they're made, and the research to support them. Why is so much of that...

This episode digs deep into hair growth and scalp care - specifically, the dodgy advice online VS the science. What actually works, what doesn't, why so much dodgy advice, and what's the greater issue with it. This episode features Dr Leona Yip MD PhD, dermatologist and alopecia specialist. If you are someone struggling with hair thinning or loss, this episode is a must listen. Big thanks to my...

Is microplastic misinformation harming environmental outcomes and science literacy? This episode features a roundtable in response to the responses the Guardian got for their recent article highlighting the uncertain science of microplastics. Turns out a lot of the headlines that went viral didn't actually represent reality. I was happy to see the Guardian making a correction, but then I saw the...

This episode is a deep dive into hair research - how it works, where it's done and why, its interdisciplinary nature and how the moving pieces all come together. The first part of the episode focuses on the wider picture, with the second half digging in on the specifics of hair bond related research. Do hair bond repair products work? What is the evidence that supports these products, where are...

Kicking our new season off with a conversation about BENZENE IN BEAUTY!??? This convo features the POVs of chemist, Michelle Wong, PhD (AKA Labmuffinbeautyscience), and toxicologist, Lyle Burgoon, PhD, ATS. Is benzene in cosmetic products actually something people should be worried about? Long story short, probably not. IMO the real concern is around the bad science, sensationalism and...

A roundtable discussion follow up on the CHOICE SPF testing scandal - a response to some bad takes I've seen circulating on social media about how the brands involved aren't responsible, and that the responsibility lies entirely with the testing lab that was committing fraud. Unfortunate and unpopular truth: that's not how that works. This discussion featured Dr Rania Ibrahim PhD, coming at it...

This week's episode features Jonathan Reynolds, Director of Scientific Development at Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, on product development to meet future beauty trends. We get into what actually goes into forecasting claims, where claims and ingredient trends are headed as consumer expectations and regulations shift, and which trends have real staying power versus those that won't survive the...

How does bad science get published, and why does it matter? This week's conversation with Dr. James Heathers PhD dives into the cracks in our scientific publishing system, the rise of research fraud, and the ripple effects of flawed evidence. If you've ever wondered how misinformation travels through "peer-reviewed" channels, this episode offers a candid look behind the scenes. Interested in...

In this episode, we're continuing our "need-to-know" series for indie beauty founders with a deep dive into one of the most crucial parts of building a beauty brand: manufacturing. Featuring Richie Rubin from the contract manufacturer Garcoa for a "Contract Manufacturing 101", unpacking how brands and manufacturers work together, what the current landscape looks like of CMs, red flags to watch...

Quality control might not be the flashiest topic in beauty, but it is one of the most important. In this episode, I'm joined by industry expert Geoff Waby for a deep dive into what really goes on behind the scenes to make sure products are safe, stable, and consistent. We unpack what happens when things go wrong, where brand responsibility begins and ends, the unique challenges of refillable...