Hey, I’m Alex Chen – but most people just call me “The Lab Rat.”
By day, I’m a formulation chemist at a mid-sized skincare brand where I spend my time arguing with marketing about why we can’t claim a moisturizer will “reverse aging.” (Spoiler: nothing reverses aging. We just make it look better temporarily.)
By night, I’m the slightly-caffeinated, often-frustrated writer behind this blog. I started this because I got tired of seeing good science twisted into bad marketing.
My Credentials (The Real Ones)
- BSc in Chemistry from University of Toronto (graduated with honors and a permanent coffee stain on my lab coat)
- 5 years in cosmetic R&D (specializing in actives delivery systems)
- Certified skeptic (self-awarded, after one too many “miracle cream” launches)
- Currently studying for my MSc part-time (topic: bioavailability of topical antioxidants)
My Skin Story
I have what I lovingly call “rebellious combination skin” – oily T-zone that could lubricate a small engine, dry cheeks that flake if I look at them wrong, and a sensitivity to fragrance that makes department store visits a minefield.
I’ve tried everything from $300 serums to DIY kitchen concoctions (don’t ask about the turmeric incident). What I’ve learned: price tag ≠ effectiveness, and sometimes the simplest formulas work best.
Why I Write Like This
I believe science should be accessible, not intimidating. If you need a PhD to understand an ingredient explanation, we’ve failed as communicators.
Remember: I’m not your dermatologist. I’m just a chemist who cares about what goes on your skin. Always consult a professional for medical concerns.