What Actually Matters in Skincare? Separating Science From Marketing

Does a $200 moisturizer actually work better than a $20 one? And when a skincare product says “clean,” “natural,” or “non-toxic”…what does that actually mean?

In this episode of Wellness Explained, I’m joined by Shelly Hokanson, certified cosmetic formulator and founder of Geek Out of Water, to separate skincare science from marketing.

We talk about what ingredient lists can, and can't, tell us, whether expensive skincare is really better, how too many active ingredients can backfire, and what actually deserves a place in a simple skincare routine.

We also get into retinoids, vitamin C, eye creams, sunscreen, skin barrier health, and some of the marketing language that can make skincare much more confusing than it needs to be.

And to finish? I put Shelly through a rapid-fire SAVE or SPLURGE to find out where your skincare dollars may actually be worth spending.

The takeaway: Good skincare doesn't necessarily have to be expensive, or complicated. Understanding what you're buying may matter more than simply adding another product to your routine.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Wellness Explained here.

About Shelly

Shelly Hokanson is a certified cosmetic formulator, professor in the School of Media Arts & Design at James Madison University, and founder of Geek Out of Water. She combines her background in media literacy and cosmetic formulation to help consumers better understand skincare ingredients, science, and marketing.