Science vs Anecdotal Evidence and Reviews | Lab Muffin Beauty Science

Why do we care about science when it comes to beauty products? Why isn't first-hand experience enough? Here's why we can't just rely on anecdotal evidence (reviews/testimonials etc.).
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In this video:
🗣️ What is anecdotal evidence?
🤔 Why do we trust anecdotal evidence so much?
🧠 What's wrong with anecdotal evidence? (human psychology, logical fallacies, biases, heuristics etc.)
🔬 How science tries to get around these
😔 Why can't we only rely on science?
💯 What's wrong with reviews?
💡 When to use anecdotal evidence
This is a bit different from my usual videos, so I'd love your feedback! 😊
Blog post with more info here: labmuffin.com/science-vs-anec...
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Lab Muffin Beauty Science is a channel by me, Michelle - I'm a chemistry PhD and beauty lover, here to explain how beauty products work, debunk myths, and help you make smarter decisions about your skincare, hair and makeup!
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[@ms_hannah_e]

“this product broke me out” *also using 20 other too-harsh products that created a perfect storm*

[@daniela9488]

That's one pet peeve of mine, drives me crazy. Or "I'm sensitive to x ingredient" while they're using many things all which probably have complex formulations.

[@boxcars10]

And just not considering that something that works for one person might not work for you and that's okay! Move on, gosh darn it!

[@JamesWelsh]

Loved this so much.i think I need to mention more mediocre products 😅

[@ChHi-zj6kq]

Please do! Knowing which products are just meh 🤷🏻 really helps to show which ones stand out ✨

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I really should too - it's so hard to motivate myself to do it! Maybe we need a "mediocre products" tag 😂

[@UchihaChikiru]

👀👀👀

[@antigonicharatsidou3344]

Ll

[@antigonicharatsidou3344]

/

[@MaddyMaddyChan]

This reminds me of a situation that happened almost decade ago now but its always stuck with me mainly because of how annoying it was! After highschool me and a friend would both get the same bus together and we both had really bad acne probably moderate to severe, while waiting for the bus were chatting with this girl who was in the yr above, she had perfect skin and never saw her with any pimples. So all three of us were talking and don't know how it came up but me and the friend said we were so over having ance, the older girl's response was "Well have you guys tried washing your face?? 😂 I do that and don't get any pimples" I think me and the friend just looked at each other and rolled our eyes, at that point we'd tried heaps of stuff, different products, routines, creams, gone to a dermatologist.. You name it and we still had acne. But what gets me is this older girl honestly thought that we'd never tried washing our faces before and that's why we had acne, because hey that's what she did and her skin was perfect... So anyone who has acne must not be doing that! Ugh bad case of anecdotal evidence right there.

[@skael1258]

Or she just thought you didn't have a proper cleansing routine. A lot of people surprisingly don't. This isn't an example of anecdotal evidence. A bit annoying though, I'm sure.

[@cp_honey]

another 'wash your face' story - an actual _biology teacher_ in middle school told our whole class plainly that acne.. comes from not washing yourself. I kid you not.

[@wonniek.3536]

cp honey Good lord.

[@adorabell4253]

S Kael it 100% is. Evidence backed up by anecdote.

[@lovedoggo5202]

@@cp_honey where did they pick your teacher from? The English department ?

[@Sigurjon543]

I'm a molecular geneticist. I'm not sure how it goes in Australia, but in so many states in the US and perhaps the country in general scientific education is lacking. Folks don't understand how science works and how it works for them. So I really applaud this content because I think it is so important to understand why science is the best way humanity has conceived of to understand the universe and and this biosphere we call planet earth.

[@skippy8696]

I would say that scientific education is definitely lacking in Australia. Education here is managed by the state governments, not the federal government, so I can only speak about Victoria but I imagine it's roughly the same elsewhere. Basically, everyone takes a broad 'science' class from year 7 to year 10, then once you get to year 11 & 12, you can choose physics, chemistry, biology and psychology as electives. The only compulsory subject is English and to a lesser extent, maths (not technically compulsory but they make it hard to get around). This basically means that in a person's final year of highschool, they can graduate without doing math or a single science subject. It's way too lenient imo... My 5 subjects in year 12 were English, literature, further mathematics, biology and psychology...if anyone's curious :P

[@Cara-39]

Science and facts in general are under attack here in the US. It starts at the top and works its way down

[@rose34555]

I think one problem is that people don’t generalize what they learn in a classroom to situations in their actual experiences. They’re also taught about science in a way that never mentions the fact that the scientific method applies to practically everything we do. In my education before college, we also spent a lot of time going over the scientific method in every science class but not why it is important or why it is the best way to make informed decisions. And I went to a good school in a wealthy county. The first time I learned about the problem with anecdotal evidence was when I took a research design class in college and I first learned about cognitive biases in a social psych class. It’s a problem. Science is taught as a series of facts removed from everyday life.

[@RockeyToes]

@@Cara-39 Yup.

[@RockeyToes]

In the U.S., STEM education, particularly our science curriculum, has fallen by the wayside. As another poster below commented, it comes from the top. And to some extent, it's also a cultural phenomenon as well.

[@plentynothing]

this video is SO IMPORTANT! i’ve been terrified because of all these ‘skincare community’ groups on reddit and facebook that post and circulate products and advice purely based on anecdotal evidence without realizing their own logical fallacies. hopefully some of them will start watching you soon... the skincare community really really needs to place more emphasis on science and research (this is medical after all, not just make-up or a random fun hobby)

[@ajamesu]

Love this take on anecdotal evidence, these types of logical fallacies are so prevalent not just in the beauty community but life in general, and anything that promotes a greater attention to critical thinking is very much welcome and needed 👍

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you! 😊

[@skael1258]

Yes! Why, oh why don't they teach logic and critical thinking in elementary schools? For us, I didn't learn about it until I took an elective in college., and got a minor in a science-based discipline. It's crazy.

[@kagitsune]

@@skael1258 Right??? It would literally help everyone in every field!

[@MaeV808]

Tots agree. It doesn't help people who rather believe in anecdotal evidence (e.g. anti-vaxer convinced vaccines lead to autism or do more harm than good) have echo chambers and communities to fortify their views. Science and logic is not applied well in day to day life, imo.

[@angelab5349]

I knew post purchase rationalisation had to be a thing! I have always noticed people are incredibly defensive of some products (almost as if the product is a person they’re defending!). I have wondered if this is strongest with MLM products, and whether some of the people involved have found a way to fill a void - friendships, feeling of belonging - and then associating it with the product.

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I think that's definitely one of the things that keep people in MLMs! There's a lot of manipulative psychology going on in those...

[@hermenegildakociubinska6665]

I think people just don't want to think that they're suckers who got duped into spending a lot of money on something useless.

[@IreneKaali]

How don’t you have like 12 million subs. I’m so confused 😅 I adore you 👏🏾

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you so much! I'm very flattered 🥰

[@lisabaughn]

Totally

[@Nubianette]

These are basics that people need to be reminded of, or introduced to. This obviously applies to all types of information and how evaluate what’s presented. 👏🏾

[@skincareaddict7135]

This is so true, I learnt more about cognitive biases in college and this helped me become more critical about my sources. Thanks for this ❣️

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I first learned about them in uni too! It was so eye opening 😊

[@elainechambers3146]

This is why when I get a new product I only trial it on *one side* of my face. That way I have a really clear side by side comparison, and by doing it for a week or more things have a chance to actually make a difference. I also try to only change 1 thing at a time, so keep variables low. Also because I can't afford to buy more than one new product at a time lol!

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I do split side comparisons and extended review periods too - I think that's the best we can do with our own n=1 tests!

[@princesslehaha]

@@LabMuffinBeautyScience but there's a difference in how often we touch our faces with our hands... you touch your face on the side more with your leading hand.

[@Julzableful]

A manager once said to me that every time she starts to take vitamin C tablets she ends up getting a cold so therefore vitamin C makes you sick. When I laughed explosively she looked at me with such confusion that I instantly became concerned for humanity. Great video 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Oh wow, that was not the conclusion I was expecting from her 🤦‍♀️

[@Julzableful]

@@LabMuffinBeautyScience it was a wild plot twist for sure 🙈

[@Sigurjon543]

Or the opposite, people who are like, "I'm feeling a cold coming on so I'm taking x amount of vitamin c (way over what the average human needs)" and I'm like all that is going to do is give you diarrhea 🤷‍♂️

[@TsubataLately]

This is the common explanation I hear from people who refuse to get the flu vaccine.

[@amypanddirtytoo1926]

@@TsubataLately OMG right!?!?!?! It pisses me off!! I have to explain that it is impossible to get the flu from the flu vaccine because they arent injecting you with living viruses!!! They are either dead/inactivated or just particles of the virus. You got sick cuz you went out in public and there are tens of thousands of bacteria and viruses that make you sick!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Cara-39]

Anecdotes are the reason why so many people swear castor oil makes eyelashes and brows grow. Studies have proven this not to be true and, if it was, nobody would deal with baldness, but people continue to push castor oil as the hair growth holy grail

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I'm super skeptical about castor oil - I guess it could potentially reduce breakage, but that's usually not the cause of sparse eyelashes/brows/head hair...

[@lipsticknlinguine7852]

Evidence suggests your hair is so long and lush!!

[@jenluv]

This information is so important and also why it's so difficult to review skincare. I always appreciate your perspective, Michelle!

[@angelab5349]

I also think it’s difficult to trust skincare reviews because often people will, and I do too, enjoy the ritualistic and self care aspect of the product. Whether or not it was a waste of $80 and a $20 product would have had the same feeling.

[@FloatingSpark]

I always appreciate in reviews when people actually bring this fact up and describe it as a seperate part of the review. Like, what was the sensual experience? Then I get a bit of info on that (or at least, what that person's experience of it was) and it shows that the reviewer has some understanding of the fact that the experience doesn't necessarily equal results.

[@nestrcon4084]

I think it's very interesting to understand the motives behind our purchases. Thank you very much for making this video!

[@lj8440]

paid positive reviews?

[@Dolce_Vita_Vitaioli]

This was a fun way of explaining the scientific method... my professional background is as a nurse dealing with wounds in the geriatric population, therefore I already had a basic knowledge of skin and the method of healing. I also knew of the topical agents utilized to aid in wound healing and what had worked and not worked over years. With that basis of knowledge, I used that to incorporate my own skincare regimen and research the active ingredients thru scientific studies. I enjoy you tube but as you say the clinical trials are the proper way and I agree completely 😀😀😀

[@HS-hi6wc]

That's great! Could you share which ingredients really helped your routine through your nursing experience?

[@kagitsune]

Oh hell yeah, you could write a book!

[@jenniferch3ck]

I would love a video about acne scarring and ways to diminish it, or if it's even possible to get rid of scars past a certain point. I know there are different types of scars, but I don't know how skincare ingredients actually work to heal the skin, or what to expect from them i.e. complete erasure, less pigmentation, smaller, lighter, etc. Love your videos, I hope this channel gets bigger because people are seriously being scammed out there!

[@skippy8696]

I don't think it's possible tbh. Exactly why I'm saving up some money to go to a dermatologist and get them treated properly. I only have a few really small ones here and there but they bug me so I'm going to get them fixed for good... I think topical retinoids can fade them somewhat over time but not completely and I can't be arsed waiting years for that to happen.

[@cindymancini6153]

I’m willing to bet she has mentioned that in at least one of her videos or posts on her website. She has so much good content online.

[@Tatertotrocks]

if you havent already, i would definitely recommend watching Dr Dray on here. shes a dermatologist and makes all kinds of skincare videos!

[@kagitsune]

@@Tatertotrocks Also Liah Yoo and Veronica Gorgeois's archives! She talked a lot about scarring in her well-tagged live streams 😊

[@solar979]

People like you and things like your channel are keeping me sane. Thank you for your education and your efforts. Anecdotal evidence is ruining my life and this is how. My daughter is severely ill. She has been bedbound for years and I had to quit my job to take care of her. She has ME/CFS, the most debilitating chronic illness. There is no treatment, no cure and no substantial research (75% of the patients are women). We donate for the research and do what we can based on science to alleviate her symptoms. People are very cruel when having to cope with someone having chronic illness and they often insult the patient of not wanting to get better. We have been suggested to try countless things that helped other people even though those people had entirely different problems. They came to the conclusion we were not trying enough and that was their excuse to avoid their emotional support which we need. We communicate with ME/CFS patients and people with other chronic illnesses around the world (we live in Croatia) and their stories are the same. People just can’t except that we can’t have control over everything in our lives even if those things are pimples.

[@TsubataLately]

I've been trying to remember to give reviews for more mediocre products recently. But I also find that a lot of low rated reviews really are for okay-ish products that were a letdown or very disappointing for the person. "I heard this was a miracle in a bottle and it's not. 😭 1 star 🌟"

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Ah, the "disappointment point reduction"... I've been tempted to do that before!

[@Just_Reading_Comments]

Or they complain about shipping (not the customer service part, the actually shipping part), or they rate the product low when the product is doing what it claims (ie a Tinted moisturizer that doesn’t have enough coverage, or a sparkly product and they complain it isn’t matte) , or just say either “Amazing” or “horrible” with no further descriptors. O or my favorite they rate the product then say they haven’t received it yet. Not helpful 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@Redh3adElizabeth]

Love this video, so interesting! When I read reviews, I tend to look more at what people said about its wearability, like if they say it looks really greasy or something like that, esp if they include their skin type. I have already carefully analyzed an ingredients list before I read reviews, so if I'm reading them it means I think it looks effective and am more interested in its texture, how it wears on the face, if it pills, or in cases of sunscreen, if it leaves a strong white cast. Sadly, I know a lot of people go straight to reviews and make their entire decision based on that. Which is why companies like Sunday Riley writing fake reviews make me so mad!

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I agree, that's what I read them for as well! But I think there is a bit area in the market where people tend to go for anecdotal evidence as absolute proof... *coughDIYsunscreencough*

[@Redh3adElizabeth]

Lab Muffin Beauty Science horrifying, medical stuff is the last thing people should be DIYing😵

[@PianoGirl091]

THANK YOU! Love this video, because everything you're saying is so true. I've got a story of my own that very much speaks to the unreliability of anecdotal evidence. I'm 29 years old and I have rosacea (it is seriously the bane of my existence) and about 3 years ago, it got bad. Really bad, worse than it had ever been in my entire life, and I was absolutely determined to find a solution. I tried everything, and I mean EVERYTHING. Rosacea creams, red light therapy, V-beam laser treatments...seriously, I spent so much money on this damn skin condition. Well, long story short, it did get better. In fact, it's probably better now than it's ever been (besides when I was a child and didn't have it, of course.) Here's the problem, though: I literally have no idea what it was that caused me to improve. At first I thought for sure it was the laser treatments, but over time I realized that that might've been wishful thinking at work, seeing as I spent over a thousand dollars on those treatments. So I considered other variables. Was it due to prolonged usage of my red light therapy device? (Which I still do every day, by the way.) Possibly. Was it the rosacea cream I used (and still use) faithfully every day and night? Also very possible. OR, did it just get better on its own over time? I'm less convinced that it's the last one, though honestly, this condition is so little understood that I'm not going to rule it out. Anyway, I've no idea what it was that ultimately made me get better, but I'm not about to make any assumptions, as I know how dangerous and misleading that can be.

[@AngelicSakuko]

My absolute favourite beauty KZbinr ❤️ I’m an Australian medical student and it’s so fantastic to hear someone clearly explain the limitations of anecdotes. I’m very wary whenever influencers recommend products, partially because leaving aside the questions of sponsorship, there are just way too many uncontrolled variables between a stranger’s skin and mine. At that point it basically becomes a crapshoot, which is fine if there’s no higher quality evidence and you have to make do, but it’s great to see this information being circulated to consumers. Keep up the amazing work! PS: I would love to see more hair care related content. I did 2nd year uni chemistry but even I feel overwhelmed by how heterogenous human hair is. It’d be great to have some introductory content about how to determine the porosity of your hair, maybe even with some examples of conditioning agents that are appropriate for different porosity levels. Xo

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you so much! I've been meaning to do more hair videos but I'm a little scared of the hair community, so I've been slowly trying to learn more before I go too deep into anything! But I've definitely been reading about hair science a lot in the background :)

[@sherryg1838]

This was really helpful in understanding the limitations of anecdotal evidence. What’s frustrating to me is how friends act like I’m the gullible one for trusting science over other people’s anecdotal evidence. But even when I pay attention to the science, I can still waste money on products reviewed by influencers. I’ve discovered it’s better to stick to more affordable products, to limit the damage to the wallet!

[@emmckenzie9782]

3 costume changes?!?! You’re officially the Beyoncé of skincare science. 😍😂🤩

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Hahahaha! To be honest, it was just a really tiring video to film so I did it over three sessions 😅

[@starletd6819]

Actually 4! Lol 😆

[@emmafeather74]

Thaaaaank youuuuu for creating this thorough and thoughtful explanation about anecdotal evidence and the value of scientific evidence. We need more people to understand this. Well done! Another step towards improving the Critical Thinking skills of viewers. Cleverly crafted!

[@LadyShiver]

I love this video and your content in general. I have known your blog for a very long time now. I love how deep you go into the science of it all. Really interesting!

[@khril]

I really loved this video and I think it was more than needed, totally relevant in our time. I whish it will be a second part to explain science limitations vs anecdotal evidence limitations, since people seem to shift from the first one to the other at the first sign of doubt.

[@alisa.maks26]

this is so awesome, as always, and definitely a type of video that i'd love to see more of. it's also super refreshing to be watching things that aren't an influencer shoving a tube at the screen saying "i feel like this like totally helped my skin, you should definitely invest in it!"

[@ChHi-zj6kq]

As always, you are wonderfully well spoken and well researched! I’m in my 2nd year of uni and I’m learning all about the scientific method and statistical biases/errors (I’m a microbio major). Thank you for the great work you do! 💖

[@MyPlantsAgainstTheWorld]

Great video, very well researched! This is the first video of yours that I am watching. So glad James Welsh mentioned and recommended your channel!

[@tsuntsunsweetie]

I really enjoy seeing these science clarifying videos. The cosmetics industry is a huge swamp I get lost in all the time. It's refreshing to hear a balanced, studied opinion.

[@valeriereyna1179]

Absolutely love seeing content like this. You explain everything with great examples and even the human nature. Love what you do to teach us (:

[@ThatJPGamer]

You’re videos are always so unique and helpful!

[@abc_cba]

Thank you for another awesome video. Can you please do a video on how to prevent greying of hair or methods to delay it ?

[@Ayesha_F]

Once again thank you so much for your top-notch content, Michelle. 🙌🏼

[@geea.9340]

I think you're the only KZbinr who talked about this. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. We need more real scientists on KZbin. Thank you Michelle! 💖

[@jmpascoe]

By far the smartest person I've seen talking about beauty products. This advice can be applied to so many things in life.

[@ChristopherEnoch]

One of the best videos I've seen on this topic. Smart young lady. Kudos!

[@Sofia-sy7jb]

I love these videos and the interesting discussions in the comments! It’s so interesting to see how we rationalize things because it’s truly within our nature to do so.

[@kylied5234]

Love your intelligent, yet easy to understand explanations! 💜

[@beeboopbapblap]

From an epidemiologist, love your videos. Especially this one.

[@totempolejoe1]

I LOVE THIS!!! I really respect it when people on KZbin can explain stuff like this clearly and in a straightforward manner. It gives me hope for humanity. :) Off-topic, but do you happen to know of any ingredients that are used in volumizing shampoos and conditioners that actually work? What are the benefits and drawbacks, and is there a way to do a DIY volumizing shampoo and conditioner that doesn't suck?

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you! I'm not too knowledgeable an it volumising shampoos and conditioners but AFAIK they often use film formers to try to thicken hair, but if those aren't working for you maybe try a volumising powder or hairspray?

[@humanbean8590]

Filloxane

[@steff.5580]

This content was so good and so much needed that I fully watched both ads.

[@user-uu1sg8ht1x]

I knew most of this already but I still watched the whole video bc I love how you explain stuff so well 👏

[@guineawheat]

Love this so much! Always such a good and important reminder that science > everything else.

[@mahaalzaim8029]

Hi Michelle, thanx for all the great info. Really appreciate ur honesty and scientific background, due respect.

[@mahaalzaim8029]

May I ask u about ur age? I'm 67. It's not curiosity, just to be able to assess for myself that if sth that works for u or u recommend could be applicable for me. You look great and have a glowing skin. Mine is mature but in good condition. Learning lots from u. Merci bien, even if u won't answer. Warm hello from Algeria.

[@stevendonohoe2150]

Spot on! Love your logical mind 😁 You are a rare gem x

[@OrlandresonVEVO]

miss you so much! great content as usual. have a wonderful week ^^

[@skael1258]

I have people who argue with me saying "it worked for someone they know", as some sort of reason not to care about the science behind something. I just...can't.

[@lauraferrazzo1080]

Exactly, this is so needed!! People think because it worked for them you should do it too!!

[@AmPPuZ]

This is a wonderful video! Well done!

[@GRIPANDSLIP]

I've been trying to explain this concept to some friends. And this video explains it the best and clearest.... And it's a beauty video? My biases in action!

[@MindyFosterlol]

I'm pretty new to skincare and I've gotta say that I really love your content! It can be frustrating to try to look for effective beauty products when a lot of evidence provided online is purely anecdotal. I appreciate that you provide scientific principles behind the key active ingredients in these products. I know that I sometimes struggle to discern what is purely marketing strategy and what products are genuinely effective, even though I have a background in science. I was wondering how you felt about the value of studies funded by the companies who came out with these products. I'm sure that a scientific study conducted with a conflict of interest is better than not having one at all, but to what extent can you trust the claims and findings made in them?

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

It's really difficult - having biased data is definitely better than not having any! I've found that it's usually reasonably easy to spot the biases (so far) - careful reading of the study usually lets you see when the write-up is a bit too generous for what the data actually shows. From that I'd say that the data is usually legit, even if the interpretation isn't... but obviously it takes a lot more time and brainpower to deal with! And I've definitely missed things before like in the bakuchiol study - I spotted a bunch of issues but I missed the part where the statistical analysis was suspect (I don't have much practical experience with stats). Sometimes the study will be a collaboration between a uni and a company, in which case the interpretation tends to be a little less generous.

[@Flaka91013]

Hi! As always your videos are really good. Please please can you make a video talking about how you use your diy vitamin c serum.

[@tareqelkhoury]

I love how you have put this information in a video in a way that I could never explain. I can’t wait to share it with literally every friend I have 😹

[@feelslikewater]

Very enlightening segment on conducting a fair test at home. Great video!

[@kribbelix6825]

Dear Michelle, informative ,smart helpful Like every time! Love it !

[@julialabbe4251]

Very accurate!! 👌👌👌 on another subject, i would be interested in a video explaning accutane / how it works and product to use while on a accutane treatment ! ☺️

[@eBellykinz]

This video is fantastic. THANK YOU MICHELLE

[@liviagap]

I really enjoyed this video! Thank you!!

[@tiffanyodacrem5969]

Thank you for another great video!

[@daniela9488]

Amazing! Thank you. That's why I never read reviews in brand's websites. They should stop that crap and use the money they would have wasted in fake reviews in citing meaningful scientific literature at least for their ingredients.

[@jcjccmz]

I don't think scientific literature about ingredients really mean much either, as I doubt most products replicate the conditions under which efficacy was demonstrated for each ingredient.

[@mightyaxolotl74]

This video is a perfect summary of this very important problem that goes far beyond cosmetics. It will be helpful and easy to share, thank you !! I had a commercial for homeopathic stuff in the middle of the video so we still have a long way to go x)

[@AnthonyJP91]

Fantastic video and justifies why some of us (myself included) always listen to the science behind skincare!

[@whatsup9470]

Great video! v clear, thought-out and detailed

[@v.hariachka]

That's super useful! Love your videos ♥

[@Tamsin3338]

Love this video! Such a fun way of summing up critical thinking in science.

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@MaxineV]

Really enjoyed this video, thank you.

[@jacemercado2566]

can you talk about fragrance in skincare? if it really affects our skin in long term? and etc. thank you!! love your videos!!

[@cosmetonerd5259]

Great video! Unfortunately, it's too difficult to develop efficacy studies for each type of product considering such a multitude of factors! So yes, to some extent, anecdotal evidence is a necessary "evil" - not that evil when collected and analyzed carefully. Actually, it's particularly good as many of the factors that play a role in a product's performance vary from individual to individual: microbiome, hormonal levels, and so on! I believe that's why the niche of personalized cosmetics - especially skin and haircare - has grown so much in the last few years! Keep up the good work!

[@lakelandruion3231]

The psychology of all this is so coooolllll!!!!!

[@seeyoucu]

Great video! Thank you!!

[@kevinjanghj]

I love the word, 'pseudo-science', that you used. It's like 'broscience' in health and fitness routines.

[@MrRafmelb]

Hello Michelle, luv this video! Thank you and Dr Anne says hi to you! She referred me your page ;-)

[@Alice_Walker]

Great video. Thanks for making us all a bit smarter 🧠 ✨

[@vixecris]

I love your videos 🥰 it seems that you read my mind! Haha thanks Michelle ❤️

[@Sebmar24]

Yes! More educational, science videos please 😊

[@NikitaHunt]

Thanks! You’ve just given me my topic for my essay :)

[@adrianahernandez6533]

Your video topics are so good!!!

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you! 😊

[@dontlookinyourcloset]

Your best video yet! :)

[@StefanoAmoretti]

This video is so precious!

[@LoveBeliefTruth]

This applies also to so many many other things in our living environment today.

[@MyRomanceHasNoLimits]

Loved it! Good reminder to us scientists as well ;) sometimes I forget when it comes to my face :P

[@GoricaNikolin]

Loved this video! I'm basically surrounded by people who are misinformed, prone to misbelief and not very interested in science, which led my friend to ask me yesterday: "Why wouldn't you want to get a good sunburn? You will look so tanned and healthy". I just gave up on those people, I swear.

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I know that feeling! Some of my family are like that - it's one of the things that motivated me to start my blog.

[@lisabaughn]

Awesome vid!!

[@marinelabrdar4611]

Thank you for this 👏

[@SaucerJess]

Another great video 💜

[@marty9999]

Reminds me of the lady who used corrosive black salve on her nose to supposedly remove a spot of skin cancer (self diagnosed) and lost her entire nose. She maintained that it was the right choice.

[@katrienbrijs1930]

Nice work, Michelle! "Buying fast & slow" ;)

[@samircerbah3785]

great video as always

[@milesgabriel5623]

Ascorbic acid 8% alpha arbutin 2% and glycolic acid, btw don't use them at the same time and don't use the glycolic acid everyday

[@No_name860]

Excellent video 👍

[@Lupescupe]

This is so cool!! Thanks so much. I realise I've been doing something like this, I suppose, with how I choose some of the products I've bought recently. For instance, I don't know if L'Oréal's hyaluronic acid serum is good, but I know the science behind that ingredient so I'm willing to give it a shot. :3 I'll try to follow your method more closely, though. And, like you said, we don't really review mediocre products! Interesting. :D

[@Cat-jj4cr]

This reminds me of the comment section of Cassandra Banks reaction video of Dr. Dray’s review on The Ordinary vit. A products.

[@gingertunstall7739]

Excellent! I love this.

[@marleta]

omg besty from dr sams facebook group

[@marleta]

čōm tö the tré

[@sonaku1]

Bless you. You are so precious 😍

[@rawcuriosity8731]

“My grandfather died yesterday. He had been drinking water every day, so don’t drink water guys or you will die”

[@sherlockhooked1175]

nice one Michelle.

[@wonniek.3536]

Thanks for doing this video! I didn’t learn how to think critically/scientifically til college classes and not everyone has the chance to go to college so these kinds of videos are super important!