The Science of Skin

Hosted by UK pharmacists Hannah Chapman and Olivia Falcon, The Science of Skin takes a research-first approach to skincare without losing sight of the fact that most listeners are regular people trying to make sense of their bathroom cabinet. Hannah runs a specialist skincare pharmacy and has years of hands-on experience formulating advice for patients, which gives the show an unusually practical edge. Episodes are built around specific concerns like rosacea, menopausal skin, post-acne scarring, or the best way to layer actives without wrecking your barrier. They also spend time on the science behind ingredients, explaining what the studies actually show and where brands are stretching the truth. Guests include cosmetic chemists, dermatologists, and aestheticians, and the hosts are not afraid to push them for specifics. What sets the show apart is the tone. Hannah and Olivia treat listeners like adults who can handle nuance, and they regularly admit when the evidence is not clear or when personal preference comes into play. There is no pressure to buy anything, no breathless hype about the next miracle ingredient. Just two knowledgeable women explaining what works, what does not, and what is probably fine either way. It has become a favourite among UK skincare obsessives and anyone tired of influencer-driven advice. Episodes drop regularly and sit at around forty minutes, which feels right for the amount of ground they tend to cover.