Products I refuse to use (as a chemist)

Products from websites like Temu, AliExpress, Shein00:08:00

Products from international marketplaces may lack regulatory oversight, leading to inaccurate ingredient lists or contaminants. She cites examples of toxic substances found in products from these sites.

Dip nail kits00:02:55

She advises against dip nail kits because cyanoacrylate monomers are volatile and evaporate into the air, potentially causing respiratory reactions like 'dip flu.' She recommends gel kits from reputable brands or visiting a professional nail tech instead.

Lash serums with prostaglandin analogues00:00:42

Michelle avoids lash serums containing prostaglandin analogues because they work like Latisse. While effective, they can cause side effects such as changing eye color, reducing fat around the eyes, and skin irritation. She suggests using peptide-based serums instead, which are milder.

Burst gel removers00:06:23

These removers often contain dichloromethane (methylene chloride), a toxic solvent stronger than acetone that is likely carcinogenic. She recommends sticking to acetone soaks, possibly sped up by filing or heat.

Soap based cleansers00:10:24

Traditional soap-based cleansers have a high pH that disrupts the skin's natural acidic barrier, which can cause irritation and dehydration. She suggests using lower pH, gentler cleansers.

Tinted sunscreens from European brands00:12:22

Michelle finds European tinted sunscreens often have shades that are too dark, pink, or orange for her skin tone. She prefers Australian brands or layering foundation over sunscreen to block blue light.

Mascara00:14:07

Due to trichotillomania (lash pulling), being shortsighted with ortho-K lenses, and the irritation of improper removal, she avoids mascara. She also discusses the societal pressure on female science communicators regarding appearance.

Products with bad packaging00:17:52

She dislikes packaging that leaks, squirts product, or is too thick for pumps, often resulting from poor product development or supply chain changes. She suggests transferring products to different containers if necessary, with caution.