science education – Colin’s Beauty Pages

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Mole Day, Hooray!

By Colin Sanders • October 23, 2026

Recent Posts

Mole Day, Hooray!October 23, 2026
Why is Avogadro the most popular chemist? Because everyone knows his number! To celebrate Mole Day on 23 October, we explore the astonishing scale of Avogadro’s number, how atoms travel around the world, and what this tells us about pollution, our shared environment and the chemicals we encounter every day.
Phthalates, Fragrances and PregnancyOctober 19, 2026
Are fragrances something pregnant women should avoid because they contain phthalates? A reader asked whether the warnings surrounding phthalates and pregnancy were justified, prompting a look at the science behind the headlines. From laboratory studies on dibutyl phthalate and reproductive development to the uncertainties of applying animal research to real-world exposure, we explore what the evidence actually tells us - and whether avoiding fragranced products is really necessary.
Trotula di Ruggiero – The First Beauty BloggerOctober 12, 2026
Long before beauty bloggers, skincare trends and modern cosmetic science, there was Trotula of Salerno. Writing in eleventh-century Italy, Trotula documented an intriguing collection of beauty treatments, from camphor and frankincense to rosewater and hair remedies. Some of her recommendations have surprising parallels with modern cosmetics, while others are rather harder to explain. We take a look at Trotula’s approach to beauty and discover just how much - and how little - has changed in 1,000 years.
“Placing on the Market”- I don’t think it means what you think it meansOctober 5, 2026
What does “placing on the market” actually mean when a cosmetic regulation changes? The 2022 revision of the EU Blue Guide brings some important clarity, particularly around transition periods and existing stock. A product being an established formulation does not mean newly manufactured units are automatically covered by the old rules. We look at what the Blue Guide says about placing on the market versus making available, why the distinction matters for cosmetic compliance, and what it means for businesses managing reformulations and regulatory deadlines.
What are the benefits of PDRN in skincare, serums and creams?September 28, 2026
PDRN, the salmon-derived DNA ingredient behind a wave of K-Beauty serums, is being promoted for skin repair, soothing and collagen support. How does a collection of DNA fragments work on the skin, can it penetrate from a topical product, and does it offer anything that your existing hydrating actives do not? This post explores the mechanism, the delivery challenges facing formulators, and the emerging vegan, microalgae-derived alternatives to help you decide whether PDRN deserves a place in your routine or next formulation.

Mole Day, Hooray!