Science of Skin Awards 2025 - Explained & Winners

Ever wondered what it takes for a skincare brand to win a prestigious award? In this episode, we spotlight the Science of Skin awards, where innovation and science-backed formulations reign supreme. The Science of Skin Awards, hosted by Skincare Anarchy LLC, represent the gold standard in skincare innovation. With only ten brands receiving this prestigious recognition each year, the awards celebrate the intersection of cutting-edge technology and pioneering advancements in skin science.

Science of Skin Awards 2024 - Explained & Winners

Ever wondered what it takes for a skincare product to win a prestigious award? In this episode, we spotlight the Science of Skin awards, where innovation and science-backed formulations reign supreme. The Science of Skin Awards, hosted by Skincare Anarchy LLC, represent the gold standard in skincare innovation. With only ten brands receiving this prestigious recognition each year, the awards celebrate the intersection of cutting-edge technology and pioneering advancements in skin science.

Integrative Dermatology and the Power of Adaptogens with Dr. MBK, Founder of Stamina Cosmetics

Ever thought how your skincare routine can be an integral part of your overall well-being? Well, this puzzling question intrigued us too! Join us as we unearth the mystifying domain of integrative dermatology with Dr. MBK, founder of Stamina Cosmetics. Marianna shares insightful tales from her career journey into medicine and dermatology, and her unique approach to skincare that marries traditional and complementary medicine based on science.

From Bleach Baths to Breakthrough Cleansers with Dr. Azam Anwar of CLn SkinCare

In this episode of Skin Anarchy, host Dr. Ekta sits down with Dr. Azam Anwar, an interventional cardiologist turned skincare innovator, to discuss the groundbreaking origins of CLn SkinCare. What started as a personal battle with a stubborn skin infection transformed into a science-backed skincare line redefining how we approach skin health. Dr. Anwar shares how his background in cardiology and wound healing research led to the development of CLn’s sodium hypochlorite-based formulas, designed to target inflammation, microbial overgrowth, and sensitive skin conditions.

RE: Clinical Research/ Trials and Skincare Products

The weight of performing clinical trials cannot fall on the shoulders of brands that are not receiving millions of dollars of funding from sources such as the NIH or other research regulating agencies. There is a huge disconnect between consumer understanding of the details that go into running a true clinical trial vs what we consider to be “clinically significant “ data backing a brand’s claims.

E.318: The Necessity Of Vitamin D In Skin Care ft. Celeste Hilling of Skin Authority Skincare

In this episode we sat down with the brilliant Celeste Hilling , Founder of Skin Authority Skincare, and discussed how her remarkable realization of the central and fundamental role of vitamin D led to the development of an industry standard range of skincare products. Celeste explains how this ingredient has been heavily overlooked in the industry and how she filled the white space with her science forward and cutting edge, and technologically driven products.

E.396: Age Positivity Pioneer StriVectin Celebrates 20th Anniversary w/Generation Skincare Campaign

Join us for a conversation with June Risser, the new GM of StriVectin that has big plans for the company and has already started leading her team to make the brand an even more prominent leader in the skincare space than ever before. StriVectin Operating Company is the #1 independent prestige skin care company in the U.S., empowers people to outsmart aging with their disruptive science and targeted solutions for aging and changing skin.

Revolutionizing Haircare: A Conversation with K18 Founder Suveen Sahib

In the latest episode of Skincare Anarchy, our host Dr. Ekta delves into the world of haircare with the founder of K18, Suveen Sahib. K18 has been disrupting the haircare industry, causing a true revolution with its innovative, science-based products.

Staying Motivated To Follow Your Skincare Routine With MOTIF Founder, Devanshi Garg

Join us for an interview with the founder of the breakthrough new Skincare brand aimed at making a full skincare routine manageable , MOTIF by Devanshi Garg. Devanshi is a skincare enthusiast, a 3x founder, and a mother. Hailing from New York City by way of Iran, India, the UK, New Zealand and Germany, she learned early on to look at people through the lens of shared human experiences. In 2020, her innovation experience with Big Beauty, her pain points with her own skincare journey, and her desire to demand more from the modern brands we use, led her to launch Motif—a forward-thinking beauty brand that merges science with sensorial formulas and a customer-first approach—grounded in the desire to connect people through daily progress and growth.

E.313: Luxury Skincare Inspired By Nature & Fortified By Science Ft. Irene Forte

As the Wellness Consultant of Rocco Forte Hotels, an Advisory Board Member of the Global Wellness Summit and businesswoman Irene embodies her family’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to ethical business practices. She sees her skincare company as part of a much wider system of people and organizations, nature and the environment; and she is personally committed to doing the ‘right things’ to ensure that her products and processes are as sustainable as possible. Frustrated by the absence of spa formulations with the right characteristics, Irene felt existing brands seemed to be either naively natural or too coldly scientific.

Discover How Arey is Changing the Way We Approach Graying Hair

In this episode of Skincare Anarchy, Ekta Yadav dives into the topic of graying hair with Allison Conrad, co-founder and CEO of Arey Grey. Together, they discuss how Arey Grey is revolutionizing the approach to graying hair by offering innovative, science-backed solutions that go beyond traditional hair dyes. Arey Grey’s products aim to prevent and slow the graying process, giving consumers more control over how they manage their hair as they age.

Inside Indeed Labs and Their Innovative Solutions for Skin Health

In this episode of Skin Anarchy, host Dr. Ekta engages with Dimitra Davidson, founder of Indeed Labs, to explore the brand's journey and its commitment to science-backed skincare solutions. Dimitra shares her transition from finance and luxury retail to skincare, driven by personal struggles with melasma and a desire for safe, effective treatments. This led to the creation of Indeed Labs in 2008, emphasizing ingredient integrity, accessibility, and consumer-centric innovation.

Revolutionizing Skincare for Gen Xers and Zenials with A.P. Chem's Science-Driven Formulas and Adaptogenic Innovation

Imagine the alchemy that occurs when a seasoned skincare expert and a renowned dermatologist decide to reshape the beauty landscape. That's precisely what unfolded in our latest episode featuring Sandra, with her wealth of experience from Clinique to La Mer, and Dr. Parikh, whose medical insights in dermatology are nothing short of revolutionary. These pioneering spirits have joined forces to create A.P. Chem Skincare, a brand that's making waves for its scientific approach to beauty and its dedication to the oft-overlooked Gen Xers and Zenials. As we chat, it's clear that this dynamic duo is onto something big, tying skin health seamlessly with overall well-being and crafting a skincare line that's as effective as it is endearing to those who proudly wear the 'cool nerd' badge.

Linda Thompson, Founder of BIOGRAPHY

Linda Thompson, Founder of BIOGRAPHY, Harvard Alumna, and former editor-in-chief of Cartier International Paris, shares her vision of bringing true luxury into skincare without limiting the merger of art, story telling and science.

The Secret To Gorgeous Lashes with NULASTIN

Join us for an episode with the founder of the brand known for their miracle lash growth serum, NULASTIN CEO Leah Garcia. This episode dives into the science of why NULASTIN is at the forefront of scientific innovation when it comes to their products.

The Science of Hair Supplements Featuring Nutrafol

In this episode of Skin Anarchy, we dive into the science of hair health with Dr. Isabelle Raymond, Senior VP of Clinical and Medical Affairs at Nutrafol. With a PhD in biomedical science and expertise in dermatology and pharmaceutical research, Dr. Raymond breaks down the science-backed approach Nutrafol takes to hair growth, scalp health, and supplementation.

E.305: skincare products for the science savvy and intelligent consumer Ft. Fig.1

In this episode we sat down with the co-founder of Fig.1 Skincare, Kimmy Scotti, to discuss how her brand is bringing the luxury of the most coveted skin health products into the science driven approach of creating efficacious yet accessible products for everyone who wants the best that the skincare industry can offer.

Epicutis Introduces: Arctigenin, The New Standard For Brightening Skincare Ft. Maxwell Stock

In this episode of Skin Anarchy, host Dr. Ekta welcomes Maxwell Stock, founder and CEO of Epicutis, to explore the brand’s science-first approach to skin health and its latest innovation, the Arctigenin Brightening Treatment (ABT). Known for its minimalist, results-driven formulations, Epicutis is redefining professional skincare.

E.406: Meet Skincare’s Newest Star Chemist and Her Line, EDUCATED MESS Skincare

“I'm a cosmetic formulation chemist who, after years of product development for tons of other brands, quit my job to start a skincare line called Educated Mess. While working in formulation, I was always fascinated to learn about new ingredient technologies and delivery systems, but found it frustrating that the brands I was working with seemed to care more about marketing buzzwords than product efficacy- there was such a disconnect between the chemist and the consumer. Together with my business partner Catherine, we started Educated Mess and hope to provide top notch products while bridging the marketing gap that seems to exist throughout the beauty industry. No BS, no marketing fluff and greenwashing- just real, science-backed ingredients and formulas."

Discover How Obagi Sets the Standard for Science-Backed Skincare

In this episode, Ekta talks with Justin Giouzepis, Chief Marketing Officer of Obagi, about the brand’s long-standing impact on the skincare industry. Obagi, known for its clinically proven and science-backed skincare solutions, has earned the trust of dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and consumers worldwide. Justin shares how Obagi's commitment to efficacy and real results has set the brand apart for decades.

Exploring the Innovation Behind Topical Skin’s Clean and Multitasking Products with Ewelina Aiossa

In this episode of Skincare Anarchy, host Dr. Ekta Yadav welcomes Ewelina Aiossa, founder of Topical Skin, to explore the science and innovation behind her clean cosmeceutical brand. With over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry, Ewelina has created a line that merges science-backed formulations with clean, safe ingredients. Topical Skin stands out for its multitasking products that simplify skincare routines without compromising on results.

Skincare Over 40: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What’s Next

In this episode of Skin Anarchy, host Dr. Ekta sits down with Sylwia Wiesenberg, founder of Bawdy Beauty, to discuss how skincare, sexual wellness, and self-care intersect. Sylwia shares her journey from Poland to New York, how her diverse experiences shaped her entrepreneurial mindset, and why she created Bawdy Beauty to challenge beauty norms and break taboos around sexual wellness.

Maxwell Stock, Founder and CEO of EPICUTIS

Epicutis offers science-based skincare that treats skin health (not just “age”) with small-batch formulations and complete transparency. The brand was created by the team of scientists at Signum Biosciences, a well-respected biopharmaceutical company led by Dr. Jeffry Stock at Princeton University. The company has been developing and supplying innovative ingredients to the skincare industry for several decades, and with the launch of their own skincare brand, they are looking to change the cosmetic industry for the better.

Learning The Secret To Cultivating Successful Beauty Brands With True Beauty Venture's Cristina Nuñez

In this Wednesday special we sat down with the brilliant Co-Founder and General Partner of True Beauty Ventures, Cristina Nuñez to learn about what it takes to truly build brands that are hallmarks of the beauty industry and her role in the process as an investor and mentor. Cristina has over 16 years of investing, operating, and advising experience in the CPG industry, with the last 9 years specifically focused on beauty and wellness.

The Vision Behind YŪGEN, Science of Skin Awards & More - EXCLUSIVE EPISODE ft. Dr. Ekta - E.442

Join Mackenzie as she interviews our very own Dr Ekta, the mastermind behind your favorite podcast (yours truly), and our expansion into a new era of editorial via the launch of our latest magazine and visual arm of SA: YŪGEN. Ekta does a deep dive into her vision for disrupting the narrative of editorial as we know it today in its digital landscape and explains how the approach she has crafted with the launch of YŪGEN is the true future of focused and curated media.

Exploring Epigenetics W/Hannah Went, Founder of Everything Epigenetics

Join us for an episode with the founder of Everything Epigenetics as we explore this complex topic and its emergence into the realm of the cosmetic industry with the founder of the brand, Hannah Went. Hannah Went has a lifelong passion for longevity and breakthrough, disruptive technologies that drive radical improvement to the human condition. She attended the University of Kentucky and graduated with a degree in Biology. During that time, she had multiple research internships studying cell signaling and cell biology. After graduation, she worked for the International Peptide Society as their Director of Research and Content. Through work in the integrative medicine industry, Hannah saw an opportunity for methylation based age diagnostics and started TruDiagnostics in 2020.

E.398: Beauty VC & Thought Leader, Rich Gersten of True Beauty Capital Explains Beauty Brand Funding

Co-Founder + Managing Partner True Beauty Capital, Rich has spent the last 30 years investing and building great consumer brands at top private equity firms including Tengram Capital Partners, L Catterton, and North Castle Partners. Rich spent the last 9 years dedicated specifically to investing in the beauty industry, where he developed an extensive network of relationships that sourced many emerging growth brands with very limited access to institutional capital.

Redefining Skincare Trust: The Journey to the S.A.F.E. Seal of Approval and Its Impact on Industry Standards

Embark on a transformative expedition with me, Dr. Ekta, as we explore the unveiling of the S.A.F.E Seal—a symbol set to redefine trust and quality in the skincare industry. Imagine a world where every product on the shelf is backed by a badge confirming its rigorous scientific evaluation; that's the future the S.A.F.E Seal promises. In this episode, I delve into its origins and the foundational principles that ensure every sealed product is a testament to safety, efficacy, and scientific validation. This isn't just a discussion; it's a movement inviting brand founders to hold their creations to the highest possible standards and encouraging consumers to demand nothing less than the best for their skin health.

E.296: The Science Behind Healthy Hair Ft. OLAPLEX

Join Ekta as she sits down with the national trainer for the industry standard hair care line, OLAPLEX, Danielle Frank. Danielle walks us through all of the products Olaplex offers and explains the logic behind the science of good hair days every day!

E.287: Everything we need to know about sunscreen and SPF Ft. EltaMD

In this episode we interview the brand ambassador for the cult favorite sunscreen brand, EltaMD-Echo Sandburg. Tune is to learn about what sets EltaMD apart in the world of sunscreen options and how we can all prepare for the summer months to come by buying proper sunscreen products rather than cutting corners with other brands that are “science washing” this niche of skin health.

E.347: CODEX Is Redefining & Decoding The Skincare Space One Product At A Time

In this episode we sat down with Dr Barbara Paldus, PhD of CODEX Beauty Labs to discuss her beautiful line and science first philosophy. CODEX prides itself on crafting science backed skin health options that span not only the realm of beauty but transcend it and move into the world of science and medicine both on a research and allopathic level.