10 Year Anniversary Q&A

[@SamMKKK]

Congrats, Michelle. If not for you, I would still be out here spending all my money on mineral sunscreens and looking crazy while at it. Thanks for your service. 💀

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Hahaha but you would have a ready supply of not-very-good white paint? Are you sure that's a good swap? 🤔😂

[@classicallydiana8255]

Happy 10th Anniversary, Michelle! I 100% agree with your statement that people have a better understanding of the basics because of you. I’m so happy to see so many accounts either debunking myths, or correcting misinformation, and seeing that always makes me think “we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for LabMuffin”. Thank you for all of your hard work. Cheers to another 10! 🥂 Happy New Year, as well!

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you so much Diana! Happy new year to you too 🥳

[@jacknalnacs]

I recently graduated from my Medical Science degree, and sometimes had doubt about whether science communication is something that I am interested in. Your literature-focussed analyses of traditionally overlooked, often dangerous misconceptions kept me going. I am now certain that this is the direction I want to head. I am so proud that other Australian creators like you are gaining support (and well-deserved remuneration) for such important work. Thank you for your inspiration, and congratulations Dr Michelle 🎂❤️

[@TriciaMary]

Congratulations young lady, Aussie mum watching you from New Zealand, wonderful that you are doing your dream job.

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you! NZ is beautiful 🥰

[@drjuliansass]

This was a treat and a half 😍 definitely agree about teaching experience making content creation easier. We both know plenty of smart people with buckets of degrees who are TERRIBLE at getting complex ideas across, so this was great to hear from you. Congrats on 10 years and can't wait for 10 more!

[@thehonestvet7633]

Congratulations on 10 years!! I relate to your origin story a bit. I’m a veterinarian and people assume I was good at math and science naturally and that is not the case. Math is hard! Science is hard! But it’s soooo interesting and my early challenges taught me how to study well and learn for the long run, which was essential in vet school.

[@capricorneum7745]

Happy anniversary and I can't thank you enough for paving the way! You deserve all the accolades. I remember the first time I talked to you, I pretty much geeked out for like a week. You are the lighthouse on the skincare shore, guiding the ships through the storm 😅 ❤❤❤

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you for your support Tony! 🥰

[@HypatiaMuse]

Happy 10th! Interesting to hear you share the honest details about sponsored content. I'm glad you have an ethical compass regarding these things.

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I really feel for creators who aren't in a financial position to be as selective when it comes to sponsorships, and also those who signed without reading the fine print properly and are stuck in an awkward position! Hopefully talking about this stuff openly will help...

[@thembimogala9704]

Telling the World about your journey through school, academia, creating KZbin content, giving a transparent review on various brands, your teachings and advice on skincare has been inspirational. Great work on your part.

[@sherryg1838]

Because it’s been considered fluff science, it sounds like the needed in depth research wasn’t done until you started doing it. That you are able to do this as a full time job is a benefit for all of us!

[@Rea13434O]

Congrats on ten years!! I’ve been watching your videos for 2 years now since my junior year AP chem class. I learned cosmetic chemistry was a career option, and I was so excited to combine two subjects I loved. I never knew how impactful this would be. At first it was learning the science behind skincare, but that sort of science first critical thinking/skepticism has helped me when considering things like “natural” food claims, bpa-free plastic, covid headlines & guidelines, random fear mongery videos that get sent to my mom on WhatsApp that I now have the tools & knowledge explain to her she doesn’t need to throw out her toothpaste cause that ingredient isn’t toxic at the percentage they formulated with lol. I have so much respect and admiration for what you have done for the science community! To many more years of nerding 🤓 👏🏾

[@krie6336]

Wow 10 years already?! Michelle you have been such a blessing to the skincare community by always providing clear, scientific information. I remember following the blog loosely waaay before you had a KZbin channel, and I am so happy you have found success enough to be doing this full time. Congrats, and here is to another decade of success!

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@SaucerJess]

This was so cool kind of getting to know you! I held your opinion with great regard before, but even more now. Thank you for all you do! 💙

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it even though it's pretty lengthy 😅

[@SaucerJess]

@@LabMuffinBeautyScience I guess I'm a weirdo, but I like the longer ones 💙

[@anitamiko9975]

Congratulations. There’s so much in this video that I would not have guessed. We love hearing about you, so don’t ever be shy to go on about your past or education. You’re likely one of the smartest and most qualified commentators on KZbin’s skincare world. And I appreciate that so much. Aside from brains, I love hearing your wise perspective on things and overall attitude.

[@lavendargooms2056]

I haven't been following you that long (probably six months) but I can say for sure that I have a much better understanding of the basics now and it's definitely because of you! It's so helpful to understand the underlying concepts of things instead of just hearing about specific topics all the time. Like how I'd always heard you should replace your mascara every three months and sunscreen every year (I am 100% an indoor kid, so I've had to throw away old sunscreen a lot), but hearing from you about breakdown of the actual product vs bacterial build up and how different products and their containers affect their shelf life made a way bigger difference for me than those general rules I had heard previously. Now I buy sunscreen in a small tube that's probably really just meant for my face but I can actually get through it and I got revitalift from loreal (with the amazing press top) to replace another night cream that kept pooling liquid in it and really grossed me out. Understanding all those basics like ph balance, and how important formulation is (not just ingredients) has made me so less confused and my skin happier than ever! Now if only I could someone to explain food/cooking in the same way you do beauty!

[@gnparticle]

the part about your education was absolutely inspirational! we have no choice but to stan

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you! I wish I had a cool origin story, like my dad bought me a chemistry kit when I was 10 and I loved it (I did actually have one but I couldn't work out the instructions) but I think my path is probably a more realistic one for most people!

[@debSGSS]

@@LabMuffinBeautyScience You don't think Chemistry Olympics iin high school s a cool origin story? 🤣 (This is from a fellow scientist and cosmetic chemist...via the same (general) route as you. MSc biochemist...then BigPharma career...started but never finished a phD in NIR spectroscopy due to illness...ran a large skincare forum before you even started your blog...THEN got a cosmetic science graduate diploma after the fact for no other reason that to be "official". I was formulating my own skincare (I don't sell it) 10 years before I got the diploma. Like you....I didn't need to specifically be a cosmetic chemist to know what I was talking about, but the label helps.)

[@Waitingdaysandweeks]

Thank you for all you do. Over a decade ago, I read Paula begouns books which led me to beautypedia, which led me to KZbin reviews. At first, KZbin actually became a bad influence because I actually abandoned a lot of what I learned to quick reviews. But eventually finding you and other creators like Dr. Dray, and podcast the beauty brains brought back my critical thinking skills. Thank you for all your work and I'm grateful for your positive influence on the community.

[@DavidCruickshank]

I've said it before and i'll say it again, The best skincare channel on KZbin. As someone with an interest in science and kinda obsessively researches things, when i got into skincare because of my acne/dry skin combo the amount of contradictory 'facts', straight up lies and fear mongering had me nearly pulling all my hair out. Your channel is such a gold mine of well researched content that helps debunk and make sense of things that i know aren't right but aren't knowledgeable enough to figure out. Thank you for all your incredible work, here's to another 10 years 🥂

[@SarahHempton]

This was sooo interesting, thank you for sharing! Had no idea you were a mod on skincareaddiction - SA definitely shaped my attitudes and ideas around skincare and I'm sure you impacted me far before I ever found your channel! Thank you for all the work you do debunking myths and sharing the truth online. It's a big job but I'm thankful someone so capable has taken up the job!!

[@TheEagleslover]

Happy New Year and Happy Anniversary! I so wish I was one of the first to find you but I’m just glad I did. Thank you for your service to the greater good of all in skincare. Wishing you continued success.

[@amnoirgg8563]

More people need to talk about their college education so dummies like me can understand better 😂 Congratulations on the ten years! I always enjoy your videos and knowledge.

[@fjp9]

this was really interesting. i especially liked the parts about you talking about the process of deciding on your classes and career path. i’ve been rethinking my life and possible career, and this was insightful. thank you. congrats on ten years!

[@pagexx]

Happy anniversary, Michelle! 🎈 Can’t believe you’ve been around for 10 years and I only found you early 2020. To be fair though, I only started caring about skincare around that time too. Happy to find the best skincare channel! More power! 🥳🍾

[@plumperday]

Happy 10th Anniversary and Happy New Year, Dr. Michelle! So grateful for the work you put out and I hope you can continue for many many years to come🤍🤍🤍

[@lunaquintana9754]

Thanks so much for all the effort you put on your videos, I'm loving all your content and get eager to your next video. Happy 10th anniversary! Hope we will have you for 10 more at least!

[@calmdreamtv]

Loved hearing ur insight and process. Congrats on 10 years!

[@Bonafidevixen10032]

Wow, congrats! I love all the content you've done. I recommend you to anyone who is even remotely interested in UNDERSTANDING skincare. I also love that you're from down under. The info is even more relevant! :) Keep up the great work.

[@liiishilin]

Just saw this video now. you are so inspiring and the world needs more people like you, so passionate, informative and defending this good cause!

[@boysenberry8540]

Happy 10 year anniversary Michelle and congratulations on so many hard earned achievements ! It’s wonderful to be able to recommend you to patients for evidence based , impartial and the facts without the fiction regards many aspects of skin care. Trends may come and go, but the truth is always in style !

[@ginestrian]

Happy Anniversary, Michelle! I discovered your channel just a year (or so) ago, it's very uplifting to know there are people actually educating others, not only selling products or their own charms as products. You do a very important job debulking myths and explaining how to understand the claims of cosmetic industry, what do they really mean for a customer.

[@KeenyKeenz]

I discovered your channel, and you, within the last year or so - thanks to the algorithm I guess. I'm so grateful. I love the simplicity and calm passion of your content. Thank you!

[@girloftheo.r.1096]

Happy 10 years Michelle! Thank you so much for putting out such reliable, understandable and enjoyable content and I’m so pleased we’ve been able to let LabMuffin be your full time job! 💗💗💗

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you so much!

[@BriseisMusic]

Congrats, Michelle! I love your viewpoint on skincare. Very rare to find content that is so educational AND entertaining. Love your sense of humor!

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you so much!

[@viv4815]

Looove your content. Wishing everybody loads of strength in the New Year 💕🎆

[@rachdoesmagic]

Honestly you’re such a genuine, open book person it’s impossible not to like you!! And I learned a lot from you! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@Alex.i]

Congrats on the 10 years anniversary! And for making the big change to make this a full time job! You help the world to become a better place! I have a question: Carolina Reis Oliveira, PhD Co-Founder and CEO at OneSkin mentioned in a podcast that she doesn't recommend retinol because in recent studies that they did was discovered that retinol is creating more damage, due to the flaking, than the benefits it provides. Is this true? Do you recommend usage of retinol? I can understand why beauty companies wouldn't want the public to know that retinol is not so good for the skin after all. I am in my 30s and I would rather have wrinkles than to destroy my skin on long term

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I'll have to take a look in more detail about their claims, but given the long history of safe use of tretinoin, I doubt it's a big issue in practice.

[@kzvegansuperstar]

@@LabMuffinBeautyScience I wonder if the person OP is referring to ascribes to corneotherapy, which kinda prioritizes the health/intactness/preservation of the stratum corneum over everything else (this school of thought is also anti-emulsifier, as I understand it). Kinda impractical and extremist

[@inkasaraswati7625]

I did a quick look at their website, they sure have a lot of words to say about how they're "science backed" without saying anything at all. Not saying their claims are bogus, btw, as far as I could see their products are based on peptides, but after reading a lot of words I still didn't know how their products works, or what makes them different than other peptides because they made strong claims about being revolutionary. I also have a lot of questions on their claim about retinol, because we've known for a long time that it causes drying and flaking if not properly used/introduced, so is that what they studied, or are the negative effects are something that will appear in the long run after persistent good results. That said, I would love to see Michelle covering peptides in general because that is an ingredient that I'm considering, I don't think she ever made a video about it? Anyway, that's my two cents that nobody asks, I got really into it for some reason.

[@carriespackman762]

Congratulations on 10 years and a big thank you for all the wonderful education 🥰

[@kagitsune]

Happy Birthday, Project Lab Muffin!

[@seanvalentinus]

You didn't quit within a month! Congrats on 10 years :) Big fan. Found your channel when I was curious about skincare and sunscreen and was looking around for sources of info. I'd tried a few content creators before you but bounced off their presentation style. Was won over right away after finding your channel. Since then I now wear sunscreen regularly. Recently met someone who mentioned "Hey it sucks that the chemicals in sunscreen are damaging us too), and was able to tell her why that was a myth because of your vids, and about your channel. A month ago got some skincare products from Bondi Sands after seeing you do a promo vid for them because I knew you wouldn't have done that ad if they made crappy stuff. I don't want to make skincare my hobby, just want to keep it in good nick, so getting a bunch of stuff from one spot was nice, & I've now got a regimen that's going well. Still planning to buy your eBook when I've got the spare cash for it. Hope to comment on the next 10 year video!

[@HelzOfOz]

Oh how nice to hear my fellow Aussie accent from the other side of the world 🌎

[@bhumika_t]

Congratulations Michelle! I have learned so much from you, really grateful for you and this channel, I would have definitely fallen for the no fragrance no alcohol thing if not for you. Even though I try and avoid fragrance, if I really like the product I don't care much about it now.

[@Cliodhna-z1i]

At the end of the day, we all go to sleep and technically die. Life isn't too serious in general. Do what you feel like doing always, it won't matter anyway when you leave this place. What matters is how you feel and if you are feeling passionate and inspired and joyful in the making of what you're doing as that seed emotion will be transferred into the action which will be perceived by the people integrating the information. I am appreciative and thankful for all the informative videos and for the emotional impact of security they have given to me while inspiring me to be more in tune with cosmetic chemistry. Wishing you the best in life, the best of mental stability and always following what you feel. Emotions are the most accurate biochemical indicators we have [imo ofc]

[@candyryu3371]

Congrats! You are one of the ones who really understand science. And tbh when I started skincare, I was so perplexed and scared by all the toxic chemicals lol. Thank you so much for giving logical answers to many of my questions!

[@lisahayes3648]

Really enjoyed listening to your journey Michelle. I just wanted to bring up a point that I particularly value in you and your skill set is your ability to read and analyse scientific studies that are completely beyond those of us not trained in that area. I rely on ppl like you for that because I am fully cognisant of my limitations and the complexities in evaluating a scientific study's quality and reliability.

[@pjschmid2251]

Congratulations on 10 years. I’ve really enjoyed your content. As a lifelong skeptic it’s wonderful to come to your channel to find out whether my skepticism is warranted or if there’s really something to a topic that’s going around.

[@hellEna1]

Happy 10th Michelle!! Happy new year! I feel that you are an absolute gift in the community of the skincare world AND one of a kind as there is noone else doing what you do! Please continue to educate us. I appreciate you so much!!💟

[@janetrodriguez5445]

I love your channel for the high quality science backed information you present. I appreciate that you take your time coming up with high quality videos. I don’t like how some influencers come up with non sense sponsored videos 3 4 times a week or even daily.

[@joemelcruz6556]

CONGRATULATIONS MICHELLE!! 💖 Sending lots of love from the Philippines. Your videos has been an important resource for my skincare choices over the years. Your videos on skincare chemistry kept me sane with my undergrad chem subjects.

[@saraholivares4747]

“Ignore it, go out and touch some grass.” Mantra for 2022

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I need to do that more 😅

[@imfinereally]

Congratulations!! I love your videos. I have taken a few attempts at my skincare over the years and end up defeated. Then came you and Cassandra. I love science and I hated how I couldn't understand why and how xyz worked or what abc treats. I feel well guided in my studying and learning about skincare as a whole with your channel available to refer to. Thank you and please keep it going 💜

[@howtopoe]

Thank you so much! I really love your channel, even though I just found it. I love learning everything I can about skincare and cosmetics. It’s a special interest of mine and has been for years and years, though I always tended to research things in isolation rather than looking for something like your channel, which I’m trying to do better about. Anyway. I love your content and how you deep dive into stuff yet make it digestible. Keep up the awesome work!

[@nirmalaanissa9439]

Thank you for all your work Michelle !! I wish you a lot more success in the future !

[@kooltom4]

Congratulations Michelle, you've been a brilliant educator and teacher, I'm sure I'm one of 10000s of subscribers who has been able to choose wisely and save lots of money and disappointment. Great that you're here in Australia (even if you are on the other side of it to me) and can recommend products easily available here. You make physics rock! A real example of applied science in life.

[@leslieh646]

Thank you for all your videos. I came to your channel because Marie at Humblebee&Me mentioned you a few times for more in-depth info into the science part of making stuff, and I’ve been a subscriber since.

[@caralum]

Happy 10th Michelle! What an achievement: be proud! 👏

[@amberatartimec2564]

You were the first creator I followed. Never regretted it! Congratulations on 10 years.

[@lindsay4111]

Good for you! 🥳 congrats 🎉 Also I’m still waiting for your vitamin c part 2

[@paulinechiu5000]

Happy anniversary, Michelle! This site and your KZbin channel is an amazing achievement- congratulations!

[@rebeccachard5854]

Your mother / teachers / lecturers are proud of you. Go go gal. Thank you for the information. ☺️ you are inspirational 👍💪

[@Blue666LV]

Congrats, Michelle!! Thank you so much for all of the content you create and for making the science of beauty accessible to the rest of us. Much love and best wishes from Las Vegas :)

[@annika343]

Happy anniversary! Thank you for the content and for supporting the community.

[@rubysresource]

Congratulations on 10 years! Lab Muffin has been such an invaluable resource these past few years in shaping how I approach skincare & in teaching me to always be sceptical of the other experts who's content I've been learning from. Thanks for making such awesome content, and thanks for sharing a little bit about Michelle behind-the-scenes. It can be easy to think of my favourite science educators as invincible superheroes, being reminded that y'all are human too is really encouraging. Hey, question. I wanna brush up on my chemistry. Other than Khan Academy, are there any online resources you'd recommend?

[@floridaoceaner123]

Congratulations! Happy Anniversary! I love your channel and really appreciate the educational content. As a fellow chem PhD I love nerding out about all the chemistry info you share.

[@gailjohnson1205]

I loved this so much! Thanks for being so open with us. Thanks to your myth busting, I’m a much better informed consumer!

[@KarensTinyCarCamper]

I love all your content, and this one was no exception. Congratulations on your anniversary. I'm really glad you are here!

[@farahdibasonda6708]

Lots of love and respect for what you are doing. Please continue doing it for our sake.

[@stephcastersugar]

I followed you when you did amazing nail art (Instagram and your blog). I couldn’t believe it when my love for skincare brought me to your KZbin channel, so happy to have found you again

[@karensmith1037]

Congratulations. You do an amazing job. Love your authenticity honesty and just plain good info. Thanks so much

[@SandiTink]

Congratulations! You make it look easy. You do a great job of making the info accessible and understandable. And I appreciate the look into your filming setup. I hope to start my own channel soon, and your equipment is a great clue about what I’ll need. Again, congrats and please keep going. We need what you offer.

[@janehiggins9769]

Congratulations on 10 years!! Thanks for all the information you share and the science behind it. Looking forward to many more videos. 😊

[@rebeccapinto9926]

Congrats on 10 year anniversary. Thanks for sharing so much. Nice to know more about you. Here’s to another 10 years. X

[@atomic.rabbit]

Wanted to say thank you for your channel and also thank you for mentioning trichotillomania in one of your videos, it helped me to realize my own condition

[@xxEmmeline.Laurier]

Happy 10th anniversary Michelle! I have been watching your channel for quite a while 😅 No joke, you are one of my favourite youtubers. You helped to convince both me and my sister to stop falling for clean beauty marketing and the ridiculous claims they make. Thank you for putting out such brilliant content :D

[@Nanethiel13]

I usually never comment, but I love your videos and I feel enlightened and entertained every time I watch one 😃 you're doing a great job and I'm glad you're happy and motivated to keep up the good work 😊 Happy 10 year anniversary!

[@giochacon8354]

your channel is my favorite skincare source, CONGRATS‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️❣️🎉

[@PhoenixForce9]

Happy 10 years!! Thanks so much for all the wonderful content you make - it's really life-changing and impactful. I learned a great deal from you: I don't skip sunscreen anymore and I have embraced organic sunscreens yay!

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Hurray! 🥳🥳🥳 Organic sunscreen squad

[@a0a0--0ao0]

I just found your channel a week ago and been enjoying every contents even though they are a few months or years old! I really appreciate that all of your product recommendations and reviews are for products that are readily available for me hehe Sending u lots of love from fellow aussie 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@charliez4837]

Thanks for all your hard work and dedication, it shows in the information you give out. Here is to a great 2022!

[@davidsotir4318]

Thank you for contributing so much valuable information. It's greatly appreciated! Love you!

[@lisanutini5183]

I thoroughly enjoy your videos and learn so much. You’ve also got a great sense of humor. Keep up the great work!

[@infinitigirl29]

Congratulations Michelle, I love this video. We need more behind the scenes.

[@amandasjoberg463]

I really love your channel and what you do here on this platform❤ your voice is also really soothing btw, so nice to listen to!

[@kd6439]

Can't believe it's been a whole decade!! I love you :)

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I can't either! Feeling very old 😅

[@yuyefly]

great! And you had been so patient before sponsored. That’s so impressive.

[@magshenri7279]

Happy 10th Anniversary Michelle! Love your content, you helped me understand so much, made me “obsessed” with sunscreen and build a good routine! Thank you ❤️ your fan from Portugal!

[@claudialevesque6993]

Congratulations on 10 successful years, Michelle, and wishing you many more to come! 🍾🥂😊

[@evieabercrombie3280]

Congrats! Thanks for sharing your plethora of knowledge and looking fantastic doing it!

[@nadianusratkolygazi5084]

So proud of you. I've learned sooooo much from you and hope to continue to do so.

[@ohheyyola5416]

Thanks for all your hard work Michelle!!

[@HWme]

Thank you for enlightening me, the knowledge you provide is much appreciated. I hope you make more videos they are awesome. Good wishes to you and to those who you love. Congratulations and happy New year, Michelle FACTS Muffin.

[@viviany8124]

I watched with subtitles and it changed "notification" bell to "nerdification" bell and I feel like you would appreciate it did that Michelle 🤣 - also you have the best skincare channel and I've learned so much watching you!!

[@Just_Reading_Comments]

She does say “nerdification” instead of “notification”. I caught it in the first few videos I saw from her and thought it was cute

[@viviany8124]

@@Just_Reading_Comments that's even better haha!

[@Just_Reading_Comments]

@@viviany8124 she's definitely witty

[@psychodelicyoda]

Congratulations, Michelle! I enjoy your blog and channel 😊

[@ColourfulSteph]

Congratulations on 10 years. Have only been watching for about 9 months but I appreciate your content so much. Any chance vitamin C part 2 (derivatives) is coming out soon?

[@dropsofKarma]

You're so awesome! My skin has never been better since I subscribed to your channel.

[@cherylrenkl9768]

Happy Anniversary!! So glad I found your channel 🥰

[@LennyKJ1]

Happy anniversary 🎆🥂 I love your channel so much and have really appreciated the common sense approach to content and sent some to my mum to calm her on fear she has with cosmetics and science 💜

[@SuperNathalies]

You deserve a bigger audience in my opinion, thanks for all the hard work and congrats on your aaniversary!

[@probablylasly7278]

Congratulations! Please keep it up as I enjoy every video after learning about you from James Welsh

[@instantkarmalr]

Ooh, I would be really interested in a video on topical collagen in skincare after that comment about collagen literature! And happy 10th! ❤️

[@shelbyanumandla7499]

Happy 10 years! Love this channel