LÉ Blog

If you’ve ever stood in front of your skincare shelf, asking yourself, 'Can you use niacinamide with vitamin C?' you’re in good company. The mix-or-don’t-mix debate has been floating around for years, often leaving people more confused than confident. Some say these ingredients cancel each other out. Others claim they work beautifully together. Here’s what we know: both niacinamide and vitamin C are backed by solid research and show up in some of the most effective skincare formulas today. So...

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Mixing active ingredients in your skincare routine can feel like a chemistry class no one prepared you for. Niacinamide and retinol are both popular skincare ingredients, but using them together in the same routine raises several questions. Is it too harsh? Will they cancel each other out? Should you be worried about irritation? It’s completely normal to feel unsure. The good news is, you don’t have to pick sides. When used thoughtfully, niacinamide and retinol can actually complement each ot...

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Understanding the order of skincare isn’t about chasing perfection; it’s about helping your products work smarter, not harder. The right skincare order supports absorption, minimizes irritation, and makes even a simple routine more effective. And yes, it applies whether you're using two steps or ten. We understand that with a growing lineup of skincare treatments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed between cleansers, serums, and moisturizers. But with a little science and a lot of compassion, you ...

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When your skin starts feeling a little off, it might be trying to tell you something: It’s time to exfoliate. Exfoliation plays a crucial role in keeping your skin barrier functioning properly, especially when dead skin cells start piling up and clogging the system. But before you reach for the nearest scrub or acid, it’s worth taking a step back and learning what your skin is actually asking for. In this article, you’ll gain insights straight from the chemists behind Chemist Confessions. We’...

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Exfoliating skin, sloughing off dead skin cells, buffing out skin roughness, etc. are all concepts that are probably deemed incredibly “old school” and the least glamorous rituals in a skin routine. But experts like us will always give this arena the dedicated spotlight it deserves because it is just that important to skin health. What is Exfoliation? Exfoliation is the act of removing overdue dead skin cells (keratinocytes). Factors like age, climate, and skin diseases can all impact the lev...

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Blackheads is a persistent skincare for many. It doesn’t matter your skin type, people from the driest of dry skin to the most oily can all be frustrated by pesky blackheads at any time. The skincare market is not short of miracle blackhead treatments - from pore strips, serums, to fancy devices. So in this blog post, let’s dive into just what causes blackheads, key skincare ingredients that can effectively clear blackheads fast, routines to prevent them from popping back up again. What are B...

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When you first foray into the world of chemical exfoliation, two ingredients are bound to come up almost immediately: salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) often associated with acne, clearing skin congestion. On the other hand, glycolic acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that’s associated with smoother, brighter skin texture. So how do you know which one is right for your skin? Is one better than the other? Should you use one more both in your routine...

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The skincare world is never short of the newest, glitziest active ingredient vying for your attention. But while trendy ingredients can come and go, retinol and glycolic acid are two workhorse active ingredients that consistently top the chart. Both of these come with a rich history of clinical data on treating uneven pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. However, given that these are both heavy hitting actives that come with a risk for skin irritation, you might be wondering: can you actual...

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Glycolic acid and lactic acid have long been the gold standard chemical exfoliants with strong proven track records in anti-aging and hyperpigmentation skincare routines. But a newer option, mandelic acid, can be worth considering. As cosmetic chemists, we cut through the hype to analyze the clinical evidence on this lesser known AHA. In this comprehensive guide, we decode the specific benefits of mandelic acid, compare its efficacy against classics like salicylic and glycolic acid, and expla...

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Back in the day, St. Ives Apricot scrub was probably the poster child for exfoliation. Even today, most people probably associate exfoliation with those amber scrubby beads. But! Since then, the entire exfoliation category has gotten a glow-up. Now you can choose from a wide range of exfoliating cleansers, serums, masks, sticks, pads, etc all with different strengths and efficacy levels to boot. So let’s take a closer look at why you should exfoliate, how to shop for the right exfoliant, what...

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