Hey skincare sleuths! Ever been stuck in the skincare aisle thinking,

“If I can’t pronounce it… should I even put it on my face?” 😬

You’re not alone—and this episode is for you.

This week on Skin Deep MDs, we’re going all in on the buzzwords that flood your feed:

Clean. Non-toxic. Fragrance-free. Natural. Medical-grade.

We’re demystifying what these labels mean (spoiler: some mean nothing)—and helping you focus on what actually matters when choosing products for your skin.

So before you toss your favorite moisturizer because someone on TikTok called it “toxic,” hit play and hear what board-certified derms really think.

[01:45] – “Clean” is a made-up word: No regulation. No standard. Lots of marketing fluff.

[04:20] – Fragrance-free ≠ safer: We unpack when fragrance is helpful vs. harmful (and why it’s not always a villain).

[06:18] – If you can’t pronounce it… use it anyway? Why the “natural = safe” mindset might be hurting your skin more than helping it.

[08:50] – Essential oils + DIY skincare: When natural goes wrong—and why mixing your own isn’t always a flex.

[10:32] – Skin minimalism isn’t lazy—it’s smart. Thoughtful routines can do more with less (and save your barrier + your bank account).

[13:44] – Parabens, sulfates, and silicones—oh my! Which controversial ingredients are actually fine—and which ones to skip if you're sensitive.

[17:29] – Luxury vs. budget skincare: Price doesn’t always equal potency. Here’s how to choose smart at every price point.

[21:14] – Why “clinical” and “medical-grade” don’t mean what you think: Yep, those aren’t regulated either.

[24:56] – Patch testing 101: How to avoid a disaster before your big event—because no one wants a red, flaky face on their wedding day.

[27:10] – Our fave “clean” ingredients that actually deliver: Bakuchiol, squalane, niacinamide—plant power, with real perks.

[30:11] – Sustainability matters too: Why eco-packaging and cruelty-free products are the real clean beauty trend we can get behind.

🧴 TL;DR:

 🎧 Listen Now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

📲 Follow us on Instagram @theskindeepmds for daily derm tips and myth-busting skincare truths.

📝 Love this ep? Share and leave a review—it helps more people find us (and avoid bad facials before big events).

See you next week, beauties 💖

—The Skin Deep MDs