If you’ve listened to the Environmental Working Group, you’d know that parabens are toxic. But then you should wonder why you’re listening to the Environmental Working Group, a group infamous for making alarmist and outlandish claims.

Cosmetic chemist Jen Novakovich joins Derek to discuss what parabens are and why they’re one of the most tested ingredients in cosmetics. They also discuss how EWG manipulates public understanding by cherrypicking studies, natural versus synthetic cosmetic ingredients, sunscreen myths, and how cosmetics are formulated.

Jen Novakovich is the host of The Eco Well podcast. She worked for a decade helping brands develop formulations, acting as a R&D liaison, guiding claim ...