Beauty Products That Live Up to the Hype, as Recommended by Rhode's Cosmetic Chemist

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      Ron Robinson, the CEO of BeautyStat, never envisioned himself as a cosmetic chemist. "I aimed to become a medical doctor," he shared. "My parents encouraged me to attend medical school, and after majoring in biology and chemistry in college, I applied and was accepted into med school, only to realize it wasn't the path for me." Following his decision to pursue a different route, Robinson sent out resumes and secured an interview with Clinique for a cosmetic chemist position, where he was hired immediately. With over 35 years of experience, he established the innovative skincare brand BeautyStat in 2009 and recently took on the role of chemist-in-residence at Hailey Bieber's beauty line, Rhode.

      In the latest episode of The Who What Wear Podcast, Robinson spoke with Who What Wear beauty director Erin Jahns about how he entered the beauty industry, which products are genuinely worth the hype, and more.

      For those unfamiliar with the role of a cosmetic chemist and how you got started, could you explain it? A cosmetic chemist is tasked with researching, developing, and formulating beauty products. I’ve engaged in all those aspects over the past 35 years. I began my career as a cosmetic chemist in 1990, but interestingly, it wasn't my initial aspiration. I once wanted to be a medical doctor. Due to parental pressure, I pursued a degree in biology and chemistry, applied to med school, and realized it wasn’t for me. I left med school, disappointing my parents, and needed to find a job. In late ’89 or early ’90, Clinique, part of the Estée Lauder companies, interviewed me. They appreciated my passion, experience, and background in chemistry and biology, leading to my immediate hiring as a cosmetic chemist. That’s how I ended up in this field that I now love.

      Did you always have an interest in skincare? When did you start developing your own skincare routine and recognize its importance? I was unaware of the science and research surrounding cosmetics and skincare. My first personal experience with skincare was with Biore pore strips. These adhesive strips would go over your nose, dry, and then pull out clogged pores, offering a somewhat gross but visually impactful result. It provided instant gratification from cleansing my pores and marked my initial engagement with beauty before I became a cosmetic chemist.

      In your view, what are some trending ingredients and products that truly deserve the hype? Definitely vitamin C and peptides, which are proven gold-standard ingredients. It’s encouraging that people are now more attentive to expert advice about sunscreens, seeking effective options tailored to their skin type and tone. They are also exploring better mineral sunscreens. These ingredients have proven benefits and consumers should look for products containing them.

      Regarding peptides, what age group should start considering incorporating them into their routine, and what benefits do they offer that vitamin C does not? Peptides are short chains of amino acids with various types designed for different purposes—hydrating, repairing the skin barrier, providing anti-inflammatory benefits, and addressing firmness and wrinkles. For younger consumers, I recommend hydrating and barrier-repair peptides, and some plumping peptides can also be beneficial. As one ages and seeks solutions for wrinkles and expression lines, there are other specialized peptides to consider.

      In our BeautyStat line, we utilize different types of peptides. Our new peptide, Wrinkle Relaxing Moisturizer, targets Gen X consumers looking for wrinkle relaxation—an alternative to Botox in a jar, though not a replacement but rather an option for those hesitant about needles or derm treatments, offering impressive clinical results in smoothing skin.

      Our new C Lip Serum also contains peptides that help plump the lips and reduce expression wrinkles around them.

      This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.