The Top Cosmetic Chemists to Follow on Instagram

Michelle Wong

Who she is: A chemistry PhD, cosmetic chemist and author of The Science of Beauty. (You may know her as Lab Muffin.)

What to expect if you follow her: “I like to debunk common myths about beauty products,” Dr. Wong says. “There’s so much conflicting information out there, and I try to cut through the noise. I mostly talk about skin care and hair care.”

Three all-time favorite beauty products: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics, Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid and Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm

Ramón

Who he is: A cosmetic chemist, product developer and aesthetician

What to expect if you follow him: “Obviously, formulation and ingredient information to give a background on commonly used products that maybe people never thought about how they’re made, or how they work,” he says. “Also, dispelling misinformation and giving easy-to-understand explanations on cosmetic science so that people can trust the products they use. There’s way too many unqualified people trying to speak on cosmetics and ingredients, and the info is wrong and fear mongering for the sake of views and engagement.”

Three all-time favorite beauty products: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in Hot Chocolit, Sun Bum SPF 50 Face Gel and Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief

Ron Robinson

Who he is: A cosmetic chemist, CEO of BeautyStat and the chemist for Hailey Bieber’s Rhode

What to expect if you follow him: “I love to share my expertise and scientific knowledge to help my followers make informed decisions about the products they use,” says Robinson. “My favorite things to talk about are science-based explanations. I use scientific evidence and research to debunk myths and misconceptions about ingredients, products and skin-care techniques. I also analyze product ingredient lists and claims, highlighting any misleading or exaggerated information. I have a series of posts dedicated to debunking specific myths, such as the idea that all natural ingredients are good or that all synthetic ingredients are toxic.”

Three all-time favorite beauty products: BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner vitamin C serum, BeautyStat Wrinkle Relaxing Moisturizer and Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

Gloria Lu and Victoria Fu 

Who they are: The cosmetic chemist cofounders behind Chemist Confessions, and authors of Skincare Decoded

What to expect if you follow them: “Cop out answer, but all skin-care science arenas are our favorites!” says the duo. “If you’re really making us choose, we like to focus on any ingredient with decent testing behind it and how to layer these ingredients in your skin-care routine. Think retinoids, niacinamide, glycolic acid, etc. We also debunk controversial topics like sunscreens, and we essentially teach our followers how to shop for skin care like a chemist!”

Three all-time favorite beauty products:
Victoria: Timeless 20% Vitamin C Serum, Bioré Aqua Rich SPF 50 Sunscreen and Chemist Confessions Mr. Reliable Moisturizer

Gloria: Neogen Dermalogy Airy Sunscreen SPF 50, Chemist Confessions Aquafix Hydrating Gel and Heroine Make by KISSME Long & Curl Mascara

Esther Olu

Who she is: A cosmetic chemist and licensed aesthetician. You may know her as The Melanin Chemist.

What to expect if you follow her: “On Instagram, followers can anticipate a deep exploration of the intricate science behind beauty products, presented in a way anyone can follow,” Olu says. “With a meticulous approach, I aim to dismantle prevalent misinformation and myths that are pervasive within an industry often characterized by smoke and mirrors. By joining the @themelaninchemist community, individuals can expect to gain profound insights into the genuine scientific principles governing cosmetics. Through meticulous analysis, I aim to show the rationale behind including specific ingredients in formulations, empowering consumers to make more informed choices.” 

Three all-time favorite beauty products: Yves Saint Laurent NU BARE LOOK TINT Hydrating Skin Tint Foundation, Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner and Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal Micro Exfoliating Shampoo

Julian Sass

Who he is: A PhD, cosmetic scientist and product formulator

What to expect if you follow him: “My favorite things to talk about are debunking things about skin and hair products, with a focus on sunscreen,” says Dr. Sass. “I also formulate products to show my audience how their favorite products are made. I also test out many sunscreens to help people find what sunscreens may be the best for them, and which ones don’t live up to their marketing.”

Three all-time favorite beauty products: Banana Boat Light As Air Lotion SPF 50, Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser and Naturium Skin Soothing Recovery Lotion

Ava Perkins

Who she is: A cosmetic chemist and PhD student

What to expect if you follow her: “My favorite things to talk about on Instagram are formulation design, debunking makeup and skin-care hacks, and how products interact with the skin,” says Perkins. “When people come across my profile, they should expect to learn how and why products are made, and they may also learn why a viral skin-care ‘hack’ may have no scientific relevance.”

Three all-time favorite beauty products: “This is a hard one, but here are three I am really enjoying right now: Prequel Skin Gleanser, Differin Restorative Night Moisturizer and Summer Fridays Shadedrops.”