LÉ Blog

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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When your skin is begging for hydration, the last thing you want is decision fatigue at the moisturizer aisle. Gel, cream, lotion, balm; every jar and tube promises plump, glowing skin, but what really separates a gel vs. a cream moisturizer? Is it just a texture thing, or does the difference actually matter for your skin? We see your SOS for hydration and raise you the chemist-approved receipts. The truth is, gels and creams rely on unique ingredient strategies that determine how they hydrat...

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If you’ve spotted silymarin or milk thistle extract on a skincare label and found yourself wondering what it actually does, you’re in the right place. This plant-derived compound is gaining attention in modern formulas for its ability to calm, protect, and support the skin without adding complexity to your routine. There’s real interest right now in milk thistle benefits for skin, especially among people who want a more thoughtful, ingredient-aware approach to skincare. From its antioxidant b...

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You’re standing in the skincare aisle, scanning labels, and there it is again: ceramides. They show up in moisturizers, serums, and creams of every kind, usually with big promises about being the must-have ingredient for barrier care. But what are ceramides, exactly? In short, ceramides are a group of lipid molecules that are naturally found in the skin’s lipid matrix. Acting as part of your skin’s frontline defense system: In contributing to the health of your lipid matrix, they help lock in...

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You might have heard that ceramides are essential to a healthy, strong skin barrier. But when you start skimming ingredient lists, you’ll soon encounter an alphabet soup of ingredients with similar-looking names like ceramide NP, ceramide AP, cramide EOP, etc. It can be pretty confusing! So in this blog, the chemists dive into what these letters all mean and if there’s a best one that you have to have in your skincare. Listen to the Ceramides Chat on the Chemist Confessions Podcast What are C...

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Ceramides are quietly doing some of the most important work within your skin barrier. These lipid molecules act as part of the “brick and mortar” structure that holds skin cells together, helping to lock in moisture and maintain a strong, healthy barrier against environmental stress. So when you see terms like moisturizer with ceramides, ceramides moisturizer, or face moisturizer with ceramides, they’re not just buzzwords. They’re backed by decades of skin biology research. That said, not all...

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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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“Barrier repair” has become one of those phrases that gets tossed around a lot in skincare marketing, but not every skin barrier cream that slaps it on the label has the formula to back it up. If your skin’s been feeling more reactive, tight, or just off its game, chances are your barrier is calling for help. That’s where a skin barrier cream comes in—one designed with ingredients that do more than just sit on the surface. Every formula the chemists create starts with understanding the scienc...

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When it comes to trending skincare ingredients, ectoin isn’t exactly a household name. But recently, this ingredient has caught the attention of many clinical skincare brands. It has many interesting properties, particularly for skin barrier support and hydration. In fact, the early data has some people touting that this may just be the “new age niacinamide”. So let’s dive into what ectoin is, what it actually does for the skin, whether or not it can be thought of as a niacinamide replacement...

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New skincare science is as alluring as it is mysterious. It can often be hard to distinguish between hype and science. But worry not! Let the chemists dissect everything for you. Today, we’re tackling PDRNv—van ingredient that’s been making waves in the beauty world. But what exactly is PDRN, and does it deserve a spot in your routine? Let’s break it down. What is PDRN? PDRN, or polydeoxyribonucleotide, are simply DNA fragments ranging from 50 to 1500 kDa. The concept of using PDRN for therap...

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