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Chemistry For Your Life


Chemistry For Your Life

How does Poo-Pourri prevent unpleasant smells?

Thu, 09 Oct 2025

Melissa and Jam discuss the chemistry behind Poopourri Toilet Spray. Melissa explains how the spray works by forming a non-polar oil layer on top of water, preventing smelly polar molecules like skatole and sulfur compounds from escaping into the air. They also touch upon the practical applications and personal experiences of using the product, making everyday bathroom visits more pleasant. Throughout the episode, the hosts delve into the chemistry of solubility and intermolecular forces, providing an engaging and informative lesson on an often-overlooked subject.


00:00 Introduction to Poopourri Toilet Spray

00:30 Personal Experiences with Bathroom Sprays

01:05 Chemistry Behind Poopourri

06:37 The Science of Smelly Molecules

11:10 How Poopourri Works

17:31 Exploring Gas Density and Surface Tension

18:44 Summarizing the Chemistry Lesson

18:49 Understanding Smelly Compounds

20:49 The Role of Polar and Non-Polar Molecules

22:54 Effectiveness of Odor-Blocking Sprays

24:26 Discussing Memorable Smells

31:26 Wrapping Up and Community Shoutouts


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How do odor absorbers work?

Thu, 02 Oct 2025

#072 Rebroadcast


You know what they say, everyone's experienced odors, and 99.99% of all odors smell. We have room sprays, candles, air fresheners, etc. But how can we absorb or eliminate bad smells? Can chemistry do it? How? Let's find out!


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References from this episode



  1.  https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/outreach/celebrating-chemistry/2016-cced-celebrating-chemistry-english.pdf

  2. Structure-Scavenging Abilities of Cyclodextrin-Based Polyurethanes by Sandra K. Young, Peter L. Vajda, Eugene Napadensky, Dawn M. Crawford, James M. Sloan, and Samuel F. Trevino

  3. ACS - reactions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNIIxzR-d_Q&feature=youtu.be

  4. https://helix.northwestern.edu/blog/2015/06/take-whiff-chemistry#:~:text=Febreze%2C%20along%20with%20many%20other,cyclodextrin%20(%CE%B2%2Dcyclodextrin).&text=The%20cyclodextrin%20molecule%20can%20be,oily%E2%80%9D%20and%20immiscible%20with%20water


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Are your lips being tricked by chapstick?

Thu, 25 Sep 2025

Melissa and Jam delve into the science behind lip balm, investigating whether products like Chapstick and Burt's Bees are beneficial or if they could be causing more harm. They explore the ingredients commonly found in these products, discuss what to avoid for chapped lips, and share dermatologist-recommended alternatives for effective lip care.


00:00 Introduction to the Lip Balm Scam

00:44 Meet the Hosts and Podcast Introduction

01:37 Community Shoutout and Announcements

04:07 The Chapstick Scam Inquiry

08:17 Understanding Chapped Lips

09:50 Ingredients in Lip Balms

16:42 Burt's Bees and Other Lip Balm Brands

23:31 The Irritation Dilemma

23:49 Ingredients to Look For

24:23 Chapstick vs. Burt's Bees

26:31 Petroleum Jelly Insights

29:36 Dermatologist Recommendations

32:01 Personal Lip Care Tips

38:14 Cosmetic Preferences and Hair Care

43:57 Supporting the Show


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References from this episode:



  1. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/allergens-cosmetics#common

  2. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/heal-dry-chapped-lips

  3. https://www.burtsbees.com/product/beeswax-lip-balm/ (in the stick form)


  4. https://www.burtsbees.com/product/moisturizing-retro-lip-balm-tin/#792850651531-Beeswax (in the tin form) 


  5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3120007/


  6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8060673/


  7. https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/sial/p5566?srsltid=AfmBOorfW5-Pot-l-yKCmfHp7Nco5xawnc8sXApICL2UfdR-Q6h9wQYb


  8. https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/aldrich/w266507?userType=undefined

  9. https://www.fishersci.com/store/msds?partNumber=AC119111000&countryCode=US&language=en

  10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34561893/

  11. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3120007/

  12. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15569527.2023.2275022

  13. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/521353_5?form=fpf

  14. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27090066/

  15. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ics.12583

  16. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cod.13131

  17. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15569527.2023.2275022

  18. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6064031/

  19. https://www.chapstick.com/products/chapstick-classic-lip-moisturizer


Thanks to our monthly supporters



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★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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Ask a Chemist: Why is glass clear? (and other questions)

Thu, 18 Sep 2025

Melissa and Jam tackle a range of fascinating chemistry questions from their audience in this episode of 'Chemistry For Your Life'. They discuss why glass is transparent, how some foods make our mouth feel hot or cold, and the science behind decaffeinating coffee. Along the way, they share insights about their popular 'ghost holding an Erlenmeyer Flask' merch and highlight the importance of ad placements and community support for the podcast. Tune in to learn all about the chemistry behind these everyday phenomena!


00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:11 Chemistry Questions and Topics

01:27 Merchandise and Halloween Special

03:05 Community Questions and Answers

03:42 Glass Transparency Explained

04:50 Chemistry in Everyday Life

06:56 Spicy and Cool Sensations

09:38 Moisturizers and Healing Ointments

16:19 Understanding Poisons

17:29 Understanding Defense Systems and Poison Dosage

18:32 The Fascinating Effects of Poisons

20:19 Decaffeination Methods Explained

22:43 Exploring Hot Tub Chemicals and pH Indicators

27:33 Addressing Ad Placement Feedback

32:59 Supporting the Podcast and Community


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References from this episode:



  1. https://courses.ems.psu.edu/matse81/node/2154


Thanks to our monthly supporters



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Does lotion really hydrate dry skin?

Thu, 11 Sep 2025

Melissa and Jam discuss the science behind moisturizers and how they help with dry skin. The conversation covers the role of occlusives like petroleum jelly, humectants such as glycerin, and emollients in skincare. They also explore the importance of staying hydrated and the effect of environmental factors on skin moisture. Listeners can learn about the distinct mechanisms that moisturizers use to keep skin hydrated and healthy.


00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences with Dry Skin

01:23 Understanding Moisturizers: What Do They Really Do?

01:56 Welcome to Chemistry for Your Life

02:07 Shoutout to Our Newest Community Member

03:37 Transitioning from Summer to Winter: The Importance of Moisturizers

04:27 The Science Behind Moisturizers: Intermolecular Forces

08:20 How Moisturizers Work: Trapping Moisture and Skin Oils

11:23 The Role of Water and Oils in Skin Hydration

21:22 Understanding Humectants

23:06 The Role of Occlusives in Skincare

24:03 Exploring Emollients

26:34 The Importance of Moisturizing

27:14 Chemistry Behind Moisturizers

28:50 Personal Experiences and Tips

44:41 Final Thoughts and Community Shoutouts


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References from this episode:



  1. https://www.compoundchem.com/2015/07/21/moisturisers/

  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29319217/

  3. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jocd.12490#accessDenialLayout

  4. https://illumin.usc.edu/the-chemistry-behind-moisturizers/

  5. https://research-ebsco-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/c/id67n2/viewer/pdf/2oe2i2o6qn?route=details

  6. https://www.acs.org/pressroom/reactions/library/moisturizer.html


Thanks to our monthly supporters



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  • Chris Skupien

  • Chelsea B

  • Avishai Barnoy

  • Hunter Reardon



★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com


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