🔬 Science Resources for Skincare Nerds
Welcome to my digital lab notebook! Here are the tools, databases, and references I use daily to separate skincare fact from fiction.
📚 Scientific Databases
- PubMed – The gold standard for biomedical literature. Free access to millions of peer-reviewed studies.
- Google Scholar – Broad academic search. Great for finding related research across disciplines.
- ClinicalTrials.gov – Database of publicly and privately supported clinical studies. See what’s actually being tested.
🧪 Cosmetic Science Tools
- CosIng – European Commission’s database of cosmetic ingredients. Official INCI names, functions, and restrictions.
- INCIDecoder – User-friendly ingredient explanations. Great for translating chem-speak to human-speak.
- Paula’s Choice Ingredient Dictionary – Well-researched, evidence-based ingredient profiles.
📊 Research Analysis
- Study Design 101 – How to Read a Clinical Trial (coming soon)
- Statistics for Skincare – Understanding P-values and Confidence Intervals (coming soon)
- Bias Detection – Spotting Conflicts of Interest in Beauty Research (coming soon)
👩🔬 Follow These Experts
Cosmetic chemists and dermatologists who communicate science well:
- Michelle Wong (Lab Muffin Beauty Science) – PhD cosmetic chemist making science accessible
- Dr. Dray – Board-certified dermatologist with evidence-based advice
- Stephen Alain Ko – Cosmetic chemist and formulation expert
- Dr. Shereene Idriss – Dermatologist focusing on ingredient science
📖 Recommended Reading
- “The Beauty of Dirty Skin” by Dr. Whitney Bowe
- “The Skincare Bible” by Dr. Anjali Mahto
- “Beyond Soap” by Dr. Sandy Skotnicki
- Journal of Cosmetic Science (for the truly nerdy)
This page is a living document. Last updated: March 2026. Have a resource to suggest? Let me know!