Research suggests that 71 per cent of beauty users say that TikTok content influences the products they use, while three in five Gen Z-ers – people aged 13 to 28 – use TikTok as their main source of beauty advice.
Which would be fine if they were getting the right information. Unfortunately, they’re (generally) not. Here are some of social media’s biggest trends to avoid.
Beef tallow moisturiser as sun cream
What it is
Rendered cow fat – rich in fatty acids and triglycerides similar to those found in human sebum – is being used as a moisturiser, and in some cases even for sun protection.
What the expert says
“Beef tallow can create an occlusive barrier and soften dry skin,” says Dr Sina Ghadiri, consultant dermatologist and founder of Sinaesthetics. “But it lacks the stability, preservatives and proven actives found in modern formulations.”
He points out that it might also block pores, and there’s a risk of bacterial contamination and infection. As for using it instead of SPF? Just don’t – you’ll quite literally be frying your skin.
Eating your retinol
What it is
Tretinoin, or retinoic acid, is a derivative of vitamin A and one of the most studied skincare ingredients. It has been shown to help with everything from acne to signs of ageing. While it’s available only on prescription, there are over-the-counter alternatives such as retinol and retinal, which the skin converts into retinoic acid. Beta carotene, nature’s form of vitamin A, is found in abundance in carrots — and according to users on the platform, eating lots of them can produce similar results.
What the expert says
“Although carrots have loads of beta carotene, only a small percentage would be converted to retinol,” says Dr Susannah Fraser, dermatologist and founder of skincare brand, Fuarain. “You’re more likely to end up with carotenaemia, where your skin goes orange.”
In short, carrots aren’t going to give you the same effect as a retinol applied to the skin, and you’ll probably end up looking like an Oompa Loompa.
Caveman skincare
What it is
While some TikTok users swear by multi-step routines, the caveman trend takes things to the opposite extreme, avoiding face washing altogether and skipping all products.
What the expert says
“Many people use skincare routines that are too complicated and may include products that could be irritating their skin,” says Dr Susannah Fraser.
“So the idea of a simplified routine makes sense, but not avoiding one entirely. Skin needs to be cleansed to remove dirt and impurities which, if left, can lead to damage of the skin barrier and blemishes developing. Avoiding a moisturiser will likely lead to dehydrated, dull skin and further problems with the skin barrier, while not using sun protection can lead to signs of premature ageing, sun damage and skin cancer.”
Natural acne treatments
What it is
Applying raw garlic or lemon juice to spots, because they’re seen as “natural acne killers.”
What the expert says: “In reality, garlic and lemon juice are highly acidic and irritating,” says Holly Mason, founder of The Skin Investment Clinic. “Garlic contains allicin, which can cause chemical burns when applied raw, and lemon juice can seriously disrupt your skin’s pH, leading to redness, inflammation and long-term pigmentation issues, especially in deeper skin tones.”
Glycolic acid in your armpits
What it is
Applying glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that is commonly used on the face to exfoliate skin, to the underarms because it’s considered a good deodorant and can also tackle hyperpigmentation, or dark patches, in this area.
What the expert says
“It’s true that glycolic acid exfoliates dead skin calls and can also reduce the bacterial load that causes body odour,” says Dr Sina Ghadiri.
“But although it can temporarily brighten skin, there are far better ingredients for tackling hyperpigmentation. More concerningly, it’s not formulated for use in sensitive and occluded [trapped in] areas so irritation risk can be higher. The risk is that the skin gets damaged, leading to irritant dermatitis and sensitivity.”
Eco whitening toothpaste
What it is
Mixing various natural ingredients, often lemon, salt and ginger, and using them in place of toothpaste.
What the expert says
Cosmetic dentist, Dr Krystyna Wilczynski (drkrystyna.com) says that this is a dangerous trend.
“While ginger is anti-inflammatory and can support gum health, lemon juice is highly acidic, which can erode the enamel, causing teeth sensitivity and decay. And this is likely to be exacerbated by abrasive salt. Once the enamel is worn it exposes the dentine beneath which is naturally yellow in colour, the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve.”
She points out that once enamel is lost, it’s difficult to restore, and besides affecting the health of your teeth, it can also impact your bite.
Coffee hair dye
What it is
Very simply, using coffee to dye your hair. Opinions vary on the best method, but broadly speaking, the darker the roast, the stronger the coffee, and the longer you leave it on, the darker and more effective the result.
What the expert says
Rebecca Rock is a senior colourist at London’s Nicola Clarke salon. While she hasn’t tried using coffee as a dye, she believes it could work. “Conventional dyes penetrate the hair cuticle, but coffee won’t, it’s just a stain that sits on the outside. It could potentially cover grey and darken hair, but only for two to three weeks at most, depending on how often you wash it.”
She adds that, while there are no dangers associated with this method, you’ll need to dye more frequently. Rebecca also points out there will be quite a bit of trial and error to get the colour right, and some hair types, such as very thick hair, might be more resistant to the colour.
