Why Skincare Needs a Reality Check (And Why I’m Speaking Up Now)

By Paul Teasdale — The Unfiltered Formulator

Science vs Marketing — the clash of truth and trends

Let’s not waste time.

This isn’t a personal brand launch.

This isn’t another “clean beauty” love letter.

This is a reality check. Long overdue. Coming in hot.

“This is a reality check. Long overdue. Coming in hot.”

I’ve spent years behind the scenes in this industry. I’ve sat in boardrooms where claims are crafted based on click-through rates, not chemistry. I’ve worked with brands that genuinely care about science. I’ve also worked with ones that care more about shelf appeal than skin health.

And I’ve stayed quiet for too long.

But the noise is deafening now.

Skincare “gurus” with no scientific literacy.

“Formulators” selling jars of fat as if they’ve cracked the code.

Brands exploiting fear and slapping “toxin-free” on the label like it means something.

Enough !

I’m here to say what many are thinking but too few are willing to voice.

The cosmetic industry has a credibility problem and it’s getting worse.

“Skincare 'gurus' with no scientific literacy. 'Formulators' selling jars of fat…”

I’m Not Here to Be Popular. I’m Here to Be Useful.

This blog isn’t for consumers.

It’s for formulators, marketers, founders, and insiders. The ones who should know better. The ones who want to do better. The ones who are just as frustrated watching this circus from the lab bench or the boardroom.

I’m not here to talk down. I’m here to call things up.

I believe you can be innovative and honest.

You can embrace natural ingredients without abandoning logic.

You can build a skincare brand without misleading your audience.

But that means telling the truth even when it’s not trending.

No More Playing Nice With Misinformation

We’ve tolerated too much nonsense in the name of wellness and clean beauty.

“Chemical-free” products? Please.

“Preservative-free” creams sitting in warm bathrooms? Good luck with that.

Demonising ingredients that saved your barrier in the first place? Yeah, let’s unpack that.

The problem isn’t that these trends exist. The problem is that no one in the industry is pushing back hard enough. The silence is complicity.

And no, I don’t expect everyone to agree with me. But if we don’t raise the bar now, we’re going to drown in our own diluted messaging and take consumer trust down with us.

“The problem is that no one in the industry is pushing back hard enough. The silence is complicity.”

What You Can Expect From The Unfiltered Formulator

Brutal honesty.

Science-backed takes.

No fluff. No fear-mongering. No apologies.

I’ll break down ingredient myths.

I’ll dissect misleading trends.

I’ll highlight the difference between smart marketing and straight-up bullshit.

This series won’t just expose the cracks in the system. It will help build something stronger.

Because I’m not just a critic. I’m a chemist. A strategist. And someone who still believes in the potential of this industry to lead with integrity.

So Why Now?

Because I’ve had enough of the whispering.

Enough of the double-speak.

Enough of watching brilliant scientists get steamrolled by marketing teams chasing TikTok trends.

The industry needs a mirror. Not a microscope.

And I’m more than happy to hold it up.

Skincare needs a reality check !

Welcome to The Unfiltered Formulator.

We’re just getting started.

Paul Teasdale

Cosmetic Chemist. Strategic Partner. Unfiltered Voice of Formulation.