LÉ Blog

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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Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) for skin is the latest "miracle ingredient" buzzing in the skincare world. Fans tout its transformative HOCl benefits from scar healing to acne. But what is this molecule, how does it work, and is it actually deserving of all the hype? Let’s break down everything the chemists think you should know before adding a Hypochlorous acid spray to your routine. What is Hypochlorous Acid? HOCl is a weak acid and potent pro-oxidant that our body naturally produces as a defense ...

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3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, or “ethylated ascorbic acid” is a vitamin C derivative that’s risen quickly in the popularity ranks in recent years. But just because it’s a structural cousin of hte famed ascorbic acid doesn’t automatically mean that it’s going to delivery all those vitamin C skin benefits you’re looking for. So let’s break down the science - chemist style - and get the the bottom of just whether or not ethyl ascorbic acid is the stable, gentle, age-prevention superstar worthy of rep...

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The hotter days are here and that means you’re probably getting bombarded with sunscreen content. Sadly, more often than not, you’ll see more scary misinformation, conflicting recommendations than actual helpful guidelines on just what to do to protect yourself from the sun. Fear not! We’re here to help tackle all of your sunscreen application questions with evidence-based suggestions. In this guide, we’ll cover the correct sunscreen application amount, just how should you layer foundation wi...

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Spicules. You might have heard this term or the trendy VT Reedle Shot products that tout spicule technology on social media recently. But what exactly are they? Don’t worry! We gotchu. The chemists are taking a deep dive into what spicules are, how they function in topical applications in theory, any clinical testing evidence, whether you should be considering adding spicules to your skincare routine, and just how to properly use VT Reedle Shots. What Are Spicules? Spicules are structural ske...

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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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