Podcast 210: Science Washing: Decoding Scientism in the Beauty Industry

In this episode of Green Beauty Conversations, we delve into the “scientific whitewashing” that is pervasive in the beauty industry. This term, similar to its close neighbor “greenwashing”, refers to the use of scientific terminology to disguise pseudoscientific ideas.

Last week, we explored the nuances of so-called “medical skincare” with Ana Green, our Education Director at Formula Botanica. We uncovered its role as a marketing term and how its hype often misleads consumers about the quality and true effectiveness of skin care products.

In this opinion episode, podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier, CEO of Formula Botanica, takes us through the wider implications of scientism or “scientific washing” in the beauty industry.

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Inspirational Quote:

“In the beauty industry, we often see a facade of scientism – using scientific jargon to make products sound credible. It’s making something sound scientific when it’s not.” – Lorraine Dahlmeier

Basic foods include:

• The essence of “scientific washing”: This term highlights the use of complex scientific language and concepts to lend undue credibility to beauty products. Lorraine elaborates on how this practice often covers up a lack of genuine scientific backing, misleading consumers into believing that products are more effective or safer because of their ‘scientific’ presentation.
• The 6 signs of scientism: Based on the framework of Susan Haack’s six signs of science, the episode sheds light on how these signs manifest in the world of cosmetics. Lorraine discusses how every sign, from unnecessary complexity to an overemphasis on scientific jargon, is commonly used by brands to create a false sense of confidence and authority, leading consumers to make uninformed choices.
• Marketing Strategies and Science: The role of marketing in scientific laundering is critical. Marketing teams in the beauty industry skillfully use scientific jargon and imagery to create a narrative that appeals to today’s science-minded audience. Lorraine delves into the psychology behind why such strategies are effective and how they shape consumer perceptions and buying behaviors.
• Dispelling misconceptions: Lorraine emphasizes the importance of questioning and critically evaluating scientific claims made by beauty brands. He urges listeners to recognize the difference between genuine scientific research and marketing tactics masquerading as science. This segment serves as an educational tool, empowering listeners to become more discerning and informed consumers.
• Empowerment through education: The final package focuses on consumer empowerment. Lorraine wants listeners to remember that the scientific method itself is a process of observing, asking questions and seeking answers through tests and experiments, and everyone can participate in this.

There is a wealth of information in our old episodes and we encourage you to go back and listen to them. If you want to learn more about some of the topics we covered in this episode, check out the podcast archives again. Go and listen:

Episode 205: Medical grade skin care – marketing hype vs scientific reality
Episode 8: Why 100% Natural Claims Could Get You In Trouble
Episode 160: The Beauty Industry’s Most Ridiculous Claims

Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Formula Botanica Green Beauty Conversations podcast. If you enjoyed listening, please share, subscribe and review this episode at iTunes, Spotify the Youtube so that more people can enjoy the show. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Lorraine Dallmeier is a biologist, certified environmentalist, and CEO of Formula Botanica, the award-winning online organic cosmetics school. Read more about Lorraine and the Formula Botanica team.