The Skincarma® Pod

What if one of the most beneficial skincare molecules was already living on your skin? In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine sits down with Ann Marie Simpson-Einziger and Mike Einziger, the husband-and-wife founders of Mother Science – and self-described citizen scientists whose curiosity-led research reshaped how we think about skin biology, antioxidants, and aging. Their journey began not in a traditional lab, but on tour, when Ann Marie noticed a strange, brightened pattern on her skin. That question sparked six years of rigorous scientific investigation into the skin microbiome, oxidative stress, and a naturally occurring, microbiome-derived molecule called Malassezin. In this conversation, Ann Marie and Mike explain: what it means to be citizen scientists – scientifically literate, deeply curious, and guided by data rather than dogma; how Malassezin functions as a next-generation antioxidant and interacts with the skin’s own defense systems; why oxidative stress is a major driver of visible skin aging, and how they use the term “oxidaging” to reframe the conversation; what it means to be “a science company that expresses itself through skincare”; and, how regulatory boundaries shape the way skincare science is communicated responsibly. They also break down Mother Science’s three core products – the Molecular Hero Serum, Retinol Synergist, and Molecular Genesis Moisturizer – and discuss how backgrounds in music, pattern recognition, and systems thinking influence their scientific approach. This is a thoughtful, science-forward conversation about skin biology, antioxidants, education-first brand building, and the power of approaching beauty through curiosity, rigor, and respect for the scientific process. Connect with Ann Marie on Instagram at @annmariesimpsoneinziger and on LinkedIn here; and connect with Michael on Instagram at @michaeleinziger and his LinkedIn page here. Explore Mother Science on Instagram at @motherscience and learn more about the products and brand ethos at motherscience.com. Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on LinkedIn here and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Substack, or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners. Product links: Mother Science has graciously extended an offer of 20% off their products for the Skincarma community. Simply enter code SKINCARMA at motherscience.com. N.B. Excludes sets and subscriptions. Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum Mother Science Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer Mother Science Retinol Synergist — Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog: Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here. Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here. Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here. Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here. Explore the Best Acne Treatments here. Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here. Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here. Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here. The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter. The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com. With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™ Get full access to Skincarma® at skincarma.substack.com/subscribe