In this episode of Demystifying Cosmetics, host Jennifer Cookson speaks with retired chemistry professor and visionary educator Dr. Colleen Kelley, creator of Kids Chemical Solutions. Colleen shares how her comic books and playful curriculum are transforming how children—and adults—learn chemistry by treating it as a language. From teaching molecular literacy…
In this episode of Demystifying Cosmetics, host Jennifer Cookson sits down with Mercedes Amans, Head of Product at ClearSTEM, to explore the evolving science and strategy behind formulating products that are both acne-safe and anti-aging. Mercedes shares how ClearSTEM challenges outdated definitions of comedogenicity, leverages data from real consumers, and…
In this episode of Demystifying Cosmetics, host Jennifer Cookson sits down with beauty trend strategist Marta Ponzone, founder of Terra Innovation Studio. Marta unpacks the power of micro trends and how they differ from fleeting fads. She shares how brands—big and small—can detect, validate, and act on emerging signals to…
In this episode of Demystifying Cosmetics, host Jennifer Cookson brings together a panel of experts in cosmetic science to explore the fine line between truth and fluff in beauty product claims. From “deep nourishment” to “gene activation,” the group dissects real marketing statements, evaluating whether they’re scientifically supported or simply…
In this episode of Demystifying Cosmetics, host Jennifer Cookson brings together a panel of experts in cosmetic science to explore the fine line between truth and fluff in beauty product claims. From “deep nourishment” to “gene activation,” the group dissects real marketing statements, evaluating whether they’re scientifically supported or simply…
In this episode of Demystifying Cosmetics, host Jennifer sits down with Eva Sandnes, a seasoned natural product development consultant with over 20 years of experience in cosmetic formulation. They dive deep into the complex journey of transforming a beauty concept into a market-ready product, exploring the challenges of scale-up, regulatory…
In this episode of Demystifying Cosmetics, host Jennifer sits down with Nurit Koniak who shares her extensive experience in beauty and wellness branding, discussing how design, storytelling, and cultural context intersect to create compelling brand identities. She explores the evolution of branding in the digital age, the impact of geopolitical…
In this episode, green chemistry pioneer Dr. John Warner challenges our perception of what makes chemistry exciting. While traditional demonstrations rely on flashy explosions that can't compete with modern video games, Warner reveals a more profound purpose: creating safer formulations that protect thousands of people from harmful chemicals. With passion…
Is "natural" always better? Dr. John Warner, a pioneer in green chemistry, reveals why the biggest myths in the beauty industry might be misleading consumers. In this clip from Demystifying Cosmetics, host Jennifer and Dr. Warner dive into how sustainable chemistry is changing formulations for the better—reducing toxicity without sacrificing…
In this episode of Demystifying Cosmetics, host Jennifer sits down with Dr. John Warner, a pioneer of green chemistry, to explore how sustainable chemistry is shaping the beauty industry. They discuss the misconceptions around “natural” and “synthetic” ingredients, the urgent need for safer formulations, and the role of green chemistry…
What do brands like Chanel, MAC, and Rhode Skin have in common? Instantly recognizable packaging! Alexander Kwapis shares how great design captures a brand’s essence in physical form, making it stand out on the shelf. Watch to learn what makes beauty packaging truly iconic!
In this episode of Demystifying Cosmetics, host Jennifer sits down with Alexander Kwapis, VP of Innovation, Design, and Engineering at Fusion Packaging, to explore the fascinating world of cosmetic packaging. They discuss the critical relationship between formula and packaging, how sustainability is shaping the industry, and the innovative techniques used…
Innovation in beauty needs more than just big ideas—it needs real results. Dr. Barak Dror shares why the key to success is balancing speed to market with solid science. In the beauty industry, if an ingredient doesn’t deliver, it won’t last. Watch to see how biotech is shaping the next…
Less water. Less energy. More sustainability! Solid-state fermentation isn’t just innovative—it’s a greener way to create high-performance beauty ingredients. Dr. Barak Dror explains how this method reduces reliance on synthetic media and maximizes renewable resources. The future of cosmetics is here!
