Behind the Beaker: Victoria Fu on Science, Skincare & Speaking Truth
On this episode of Demystifying Cosmetics, we’re going deep with Victoria Fu—former L'Oréal chemist and one half of the dynamic duo behind Chemist Confessions. Known for blending scientific rigor with internet-savvy wit, Victoria shares how she and co-founder Gloria Lu built a platform that busts skincare myths, translates chemistry into everyday language, and formulates products that actually deliver.From navigating the hype cycles of “clean beauty” to defending misunderstood ingredients and simplifying tough concepts for TikTok, we explore what it takes to be both a science educator and a brand founder in today’s beauty landscape. Plus, we unpack their approach to product development, testing on a startup budget, and what they wish the industry would finally get right.Key Takeaways:• Science & Education Go Hand-in-Hand: Chemist Confessions began as an educational platform before it became a brand, prioritizing consumer knowledge over hype.• DIY Sunscreen Is Dangerous: Victoria warns against this persistent skincare myth—some risks aren’t worth the experiment.• The Myth of “Oil-Free”: This label causes more confusion than clarity; not all oils are bad, especially for oily skin types.• Real Testing Matters: The brand invests in meaningful clinical testing, even simulating real-life retinol onboarding to reflect how consumers use products.• Innovation ≠ More SKUs: With only nine full products, they demonstrate how thoughtful formulation and consumer testing can reduce bloat.• Education That Evolves: From hand-drawn posts to TikTok strategy, Victoria reflects on how the brand’s voice matured while remaining rooted in integrity.• Formulators Are Consumers Too: Victoria and her co-founder Gloria approach product creation from three angles: chemist, user, and brand owner—balancing innovation, practicality, and joy.
If you’ve ever wondered how real chemists think about skincare, this episode is for you. Tune in for smart takes, honest reflections, and a few laughs along the way.