LÉ Blog
Azelaic Acid: a targeted solution for hyperpigmentation better than hydroquinone?
When it comes to fading hyperpigmentationa nd melasma, hydroquinone has long been the gold standard active. Unfortunately, hydroquinone comes with a host of problems from irritation to the dreaded “halo effect”. This is why today it’s a firmly “prescription only” ingredient that cannot be used without dermatologist guidance under limited time. Given hydroquinone’s limitations, people have been researching for alternatives. In a sea of skincare actives claiming to give you brighter and more ev...
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Adapalene vs Retinol: Which Is Better For Your Skin?
Adapalene and retinol are two of the most talked-about ingredients in modern skincare, and for good reason. Both retinoids claim smoother texture, fewer breakouts, and a visible boost in skin clarity. Yet for many, figuring out which one belongs in their routine feels more like decoding a chemistry exam than building a skincare lineup. At Chemist Confessions, we offer a scientist’s perspective to the confusion, cutting through marketing myths to explain what these actives actually do. Adapale...
Read moreCan You Use Niacinamide And Vitamin C? A Chemist's Opinion
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...
Read moreCan You Use Niacinamide With Retinol? What Scientists Say
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...
Read moreGel vs. Cream Moisturizer: Breaking Down The Science Of Skin Hydration
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...
Read moreEverything you need to know about silymarin in skincare
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...
Read moreSkincare Routine For Men: What Experts Recommend
Skincare isn’t gendered; skin is skin. But let’s be honest: walk down any beauty aisle or scroll through your feed, and a skincare routine for men is still treated like an afterthought. What exists is either overly stripped down (“just soap, bro”) or drenched in heavy cologne that always smells like a tree and generally vague promises. Hence this guide. We’re not here to make sweeping claims or sell you a miracle in a bottle. Instead, we’re here to break down what a men’s skincare routine act...
Read moreWhat Are Ceramides? Their Role In Strengthening And Protecting Your Skin
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...
Read moreCeramide NP, AP, EOP: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Ceramides for Skin Barrier Repair
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...
Read moreWe’re Like a Translator For your Skin
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