Learn | Potionologie

The Alchemist's Guide to Comedogenicity: What Fifty Years of Science Actually Tells Us About Oils and Your Pores

Will this oil break you out? Understanding the comedogenic scale and how to choose non-clogging oils for your specific skin type.

February 24, 2026

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The Alchemist's Guide to Dandruff: What's Really Happening on Your Scalp

Struggling with itchy scalp or flakes? Learn the science behind dandruff and how to use natural ingredients like tea tree oil to balance your scalp microbiome.

February 24, 2026

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The Alchemist's Deep Dive: How to Choose the Right Oils for Your Shampoo Bar

Conditioning your hair without the weight. A complete guide to choosing the best conditioning oils for solid shampoo bars and hair syndets.

February 24, 2026

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Alchemist's Guide to Oils: Not all Elixirs Are Created Equal

The secret to stable formulations: A technical guide to fatty acid profiles, shelf-life chemistry, and choosing the right botanical oils for your products.

February 24, 2026

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The Alchemist's Guide to Cleansing: The Evolution from Soap to Syndets (Part 1)

Is your shampoo bar actually soap? Discover why pH matters for hair health and why traditional soap can damage your hair's natural structure.

February 24, 2026

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Elemental Beauty: The Alchemist's Guide to pH and Healthy Hair

Why pH is the most important number in skincare. Explore the chemistry of the acid mantle and how pH-balanced cleansers protect your skin's microbiome.

February 24, 2026

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Anatomy of a Syndet Bar: A Formulator's Deep Dive (Part 2)

What is a syndet bar anyway? A deep dive into the architecture of modern soap-free cleansers and the chemistry of mild surfactants.

February 24, 2026

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The Alchemist's Guide to Scalp Care: A Formulator's Approach to Dandruff

Advanced natural strategies for dandruff relief. Learn how to formulate with plant-based actives like tea tree oil and rosemary to stop flakes and soothe an itchy scalp.

February 24, 2026

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The Apothecary's Guide to Oils in Syndets: Part 1 - Skin Ecology

Rebuild your skin barrier while you cleanse. Discover how to use botanical oils and free emollients in syndet bars for healthy, glowing skin.

February 24, 2026

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Formulating for the Epidermal Barrier: The Science of Body Cleansing

Stop the itch of dry skin. Learn how pH-balanced body cleansers and gentle surfactants like sodium cocoyl isethionate prevent water loss and protect your skin.

February 24, 2026

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The Dual Challenge: Formulating Shampoo Bars for Hair and Scalp

Protect your hair's natural barrier. Learn how intelligent surfactant selection and 18-MEA can keep your hair strong and your scalp healthy.

February 24, 2026

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The Cleansing Engine: Understanding Surfactants in Syndets

Not all bubbles are created equal. Dive into the chemistry of surfactants and learn why sodium cocoyl isethionate is superior to sulfates like SLS for your skin.

February 24, 2026

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The Alchemist’s Guide to Oils: Not All Elixirs Are Created Equal

Why do we put Coconut Oil in our body soap but not our face bar? What does "comedogenic" actually mean? In this Potions Academy master class, we demystify the chemistry of oils, explain the difference between penetrating and sealing hydration, and help you find the right potion for your unique biology.

February 2, 2026

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The Library

Two Paths of Study

The Alchemist's Guide to Comedogenicity: What Fifty Years of Science Actually Tells Us About Oils and Your Pores

The Alchemist's Guide to Dandruff: What's Really Happening on Your Scalp

The Alchemist's Deep Dive: How to Choose the Right Oils for Your Shampoo Bar

Alchemist's Guide to Oils: Not all Elixirs Are Created Equal

The Alchemist's Guide to Cleansing: The Evolution from Soap to Syndets (Part 1)

Elemental Beauty: The Alchemist's Guide to pH and Healthy Hair

Anatomy of a Syndet Bar: A Formulator's Deep Dive (Part 2)

The Alchemist's Guide to Scalp Care: A Formulator's Approach to Dandruff

The Apothecary's Guide to Oils in Syndets: Part 1 - Skin Ecology

Formulating for the Epidermal Barrier: The Science of Body Cleansing

The Dual Challenge: Formulating Shampoo Bars for Hair and Scalp

The Cleansing Engine: Understanding Surfactants in Syndets

The Alchemist’s Guide to Oils: Not All Elixirs Are Created Equal