If you have your finger on the pulse of the beauty industry, then you know cosmetic chemists are the next big wave of beauty influencer. If you're Michelle Wong, aka @labmuffinbeautyscience, you've already claimed that status with more than 500,000 Instagram followers subscribing to your daily advice. Others are rapidly gaining momentum for their candid takes on products, ingredients, unrealistic claims and marketing hype.
One of the biggest things cosmetic chemists love to do on social media is debunk myths, especially those that go viral on TikTok with no scientific basis whatsoever. They also help us dissect the latest key ingredient popping up in new product launches. And, we love watching their video reviews of buzzworthy products, like demonstrating the horrendous white cast of a popular sunscreen on darker skin. (I'm looking at you Julian Sass.)
Cosmetic Chemists We Love to Follow on Instagram
These are the top cosmetic chemists we love to follow on Instagram. If you're interested in the formulas that make up your favorite skin care, hair care or makeup products (and their performance), we suggest you give them a follow, too.
2 / 7
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
3 / 7
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
5 / 7
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
6 / 7
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
7 / 7
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."
