Chemist Confessions Skincare Review

Anyone who is interested in skincare knows that a huge part of it is chemistry: knowing what formulations work best for your skin and with each other. Chemist Confessions is an Asian-American and woman-owned and founded company that makes breaking down the science of skincare easy and accessible!

*Disclaimer: These products were sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.

Chemist Confessions was founded by Gloria Lu and Victoria Fu, two friends who met while they were working as skincare formulation chemists for an international beauty conglomerate. After leaving their corporate roles, they created the skincare science blog, Chemist Confessions, where they posted their chemist perspectives about the beauty industry.

They have since expanded the blog to a brand of skincare solutions, with the mission to empower consumers with approachable science education by making skin science fun and approachable to all, and providing user-friendly skincare solutions to help everyone with their daily routines.

Chemist Confessions uses the most effective and safe ingredients in fine-tuned, optimized percentages to create meaningful formulas. They have products that are appropriate for all skin types and needs.

I tried the Aquafix Hydrating Water Gel and Gold Standard Exfoliation Treatment. Pictured above is the Gold Standard treatment, which is the most potent chemical exfoliator in the Chemist Confessions line. It is made with 30 percent glycolic acid and five percent tranexamic acid and sloughs off dead skin for a smoother, brighter complexion.

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and tranexamic acid in skincare can be used to brighten and reduce hyperpigmentation. Both are strong ingredients, especially at a 30 percent formulation for the AHA, so this product is for people who have already worked AHAs/BHAs into their routines. I prefer chemical exfoliation (it's so much more effective than physical), and I use this gel twice a week on my T-zone, where my skin is the oiliest. I haven't had any negative effects after to weeks of use.

The Aquafix Hydrating Water Gel has madecassoside and panthenol for soothing stressed skin. Madecassoside is derviced from centella asiatica/cica, which many will likely recognize, as it's become a popular skincare ingredient as of late. It's wonderful for soothing redness and sensitive skin but is also great for all skin types. The Aquafix Hydrating Water Gel contains .5 percent madecassoside and two percent panthenol. Panthenol is a moisturizer and also works to soothe irritated skin.

The gel, as the name suggests, is a 100 percent oil-free water gel moisturizer. I love these types of moisturizers, especially during the hot, humid summer months. I expected the formula to feel light and airy, and although it was very soothing, it did feel a bit heavier on my skin than I expected. It wasn't so heavy that I would discontinue use, though.

The packaging is so cute! This little design was inside the top of the Aquafix Hydrating Water Gel box.

Here's a listing of the active ingredients in the Aquafix Hydrating Water Gel. It's also Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and essential oil-free.

• Visit Chemist Confessions to browse their full line and purchase

Bottom Line: Both of the products I tried from Chemist Confessions worked great for my oily skin. I appreciate that their formulas contain effective ingredients in optimized percentages from actual chemists. I'm eager to try more from their skincare line!