Viral Skincare: Worth the Hype ?
Last year, TikTok exploded with skincare content, sending the popularity of certain products skyrocketing. Because of TikTok’s emphasis on discoverability, a large following is no longer necessary to hit a large number of users’ feeds. A variety of content (like how-to’s and mini-reviews), endless comments, and (let’s face it) a significant amount of FOMO fuel the hype, until you finally have a viral product.
Some recent viral skincare products you might have heard of include the BioDance Bio-Collagen Mask, the Aestura Atobarrier Cream, and TirTir’s Milk Skin Toner. But before you press “add to cart”, here are some things you may want to consider.
Things to Check
Even if it feels like everyone is using a specific product, because everyone’s skin is unique, it stands to reason that even a viral product won’t work for every single person. We’ve put together some things you should look up before buying into the hype.
What skin type is the product for? This is one of the easiest ways to eliminate products that probably aren’t going to work for you. Most product descriptions will come with a recommendation for which skin type it suits so you won’t need to do a ton of research to find out if it’s going to benefit you.
What skin concern does it address? Be wary of claims that promise “overnight transformation” or miracle fixes. Big claims draw attention on TikTok, but most products only have one or two main focuses. If those don’t align with your concerns, move on.
What’s in the product? A quick clip or reel isn’t likely to list all the ingredients in a product. Avoid getting something you can’t use by checking for potential irritants and allergens. Likewise, if you know which ingredients are effective for particular concerns, you’re more likely to get something that works the way you want it to.
Is this a real product? Unfortunately, viral products are often counterfeited. Make sure what you see on social media matches what a trusted seller or the product’s brand says.
Things to Ask Yourself
Social media can give us a false sense of how many people are actually using a product by feeding us the same types of posts. Being intentional about what products you bring into your home and what you use on your skin will save your time, effort, and money. Here are some questions to ask yourself when you’re tempted to try a viral product.
Do I need this product? This is an obvious question, but viral marketing is surprisingly hard to resist. Waiting a period of time before actually making a purchase is a good way to prevent impulse buys you don’t need and avoid overconsumption.
Does it help with your skin goal? Having skin goals helps in exactly this type of situation. By setting goals, you also set boundaries for what you’re willing to invest your time and money in.
What do consumers say outside of social media? The desire to stay relevant, participate in trends, and gain views is so important on social media that it’s smart to be skeptical. Many creators receive products in exchange for exposure, creating the illusion that “everyone” is using it, or that many people have “discovered” it because of its effectiveness. Social media content also tends to focus on a narrow range of the population, which doesn’t reflect the experience of diverse people. Lastly, social media posts are incredibly short term. It’s unlikely reviewers are coming back months later to update their impressions.
Does the brand align with your values? Is it ethical? If a brand is well-established and transparent, it will have an official presence online and usually appear on other unbiased platforms. Certifications that show that a product is cruelty-free or vegan are good indicators, though be careful of marketing labels that have little meaning. A more established brand is also more likely to be able to verify their claims with science-backed evidence.
Checking out skincare on social media can be fun, but remember that a post with a lot of views doesn’t equate to a product that will work for you. Look up the descriptions for trending products and use filters to see whether viral skincare matches your skin type and concern. A little research and knowledge means less waste, less damage, and better results for both your skin and wallet!