Is TikTok Really Making Our Skin Worse? My Honest Beauty Editor Verdict
Two years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined diagnosing my own skin concerns by scrolling through short videos on my phone. Now it’s part of my daily beauty routine, and I suspect it’s part of yours too. TikTok has become the place where we learn how to layer serums, sniff out holy grails, and discover the latest active ingredient that’s supposed to transform everything from acne to wrinkles overnight.
Yet despite its charm and immediacy, there’s a question I keep coming back to: is TikTok genuinely helping our skin, or is it conditioning us to overlook basic skincare knowledge in favour of the next viral gimmick?
It’s tempting to treat TikTok like a beauty bible: quick bite-sized clips, dramatic before and afters, and personalities who feel like your best friend. I totally get it. But as someone who reads clinical skincare reports for fun (yes, really), I’m increasingly cautious about what this platform is doing to our routines and our expectations. And don’t even get me started on tween skincare – here are my thoughts…
Why TikTok has skincare on repeat
TikTok’s influence on beauty is undeniable, and not always in a bad way. It has introduced a broader audience to ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. It’s made skincare terminology a normal language and encouraged people to be more curious about what they’re putting on their skin, which is valuable.
But here’s the paradox: for every genuinely insightful clip explaining why SPF matters, there are ten that champion overly complicated routines with little context. TikTok doesn’t inherently provide skincare education; it provides entertaining skincare content. Those are two very different things.
TikTok doesn’t inherently provide skincare education; it provides entertaining skincare content. Those are two very different things.
Tamara, Contributing Beauty Editor
The trouble with trends
The crux of the issue isn’t the platform itself, but how trends quickly spread on it. Viral routines often emphasise performance over safety. For example, aggressive layering of strong actives, vitamin C, acids, retinoids, all in the name of maximising results, which destabilises the skin barrier, leading to irritation, sensitivity and even breakouts, the very problems people are hoping to solve.
There is a lot of misinformation or inappropriate advice, not because creators are intentionally harmful, but because beauty trends are so fast. Plus, TikTok rarely considers individual skin needs.
What works for a dry, resilient adult may be disastrous for a spotty teenager.
When TikTok gets it right
Let’s be fair, though; TikTok has its bright spots too. Some creators consistently offer balanced content that explains products and ingredients thoughtfully. It’s also become a space where people feel comfortable sharing real stories about skin struggles, something that mainstream media hasn’t always championed, which makes it very relatable content.
There are creators who remind followers to introduce new activities slowly, to patch test, and to prioritise protection over perfection.
Those are the voices worth following, the ones that translate science-lingo into accessible, responsible advice.
A balanced approach to scrolling
At this point, my relationship with TikTok skincare is a mix of appreciation and healthy scepticism. Here’s how I navigate it, and what I’d suggest for anyone who loves beauty content but wants to keep their skin happy.
• Keep to the basics. A gentle cleanser, effective moisturiser and daily sunscreen are non-negotiable. Trendy activities should never replace these non-negotiables.
• Ask “why” before “how.” If a routine calls for multiple strong ingredients, consider whether each one is necessary for your skin type.
• Be cautious with DIY hacks. Clever shortcuts may look alluring, but they can do more harm than good if they compromise your skin barrier.
• Context matters. A routine that looks flawless on someone else isn’t a prescription; it’s inspiration. Your skin’s needs are probably very different.
At this point, my relationship with TikTok skincare is a mix of appreciation and healthy scepticism.
The TikTok skincare creators worth following
For thoughtful guidance, not just entertainment, these creators are worth your time:
• @bambidoesbeauty – Elle McNamara is one of the most recognisable voices in skincare and beauty, known for breaking down products with clarity rather than hype.
• @aamnaadel – Dermatologist who offers insightful explanations and myth-busting content that respects the science.
• @skincare.ninja – Posts humorous yet educational content that goes beyond trends to explain how products work.
• @pamylasworld –Nano-influencer Pamyla Cummings is a professional aesthetician, acne, and hyperpigmentation specialist.
• @leanne_page – Probably reviewed every skincare product out there. If it’s worth knowing about, you can rely on Leanne to tell and show you why.
• @carolinehirons– Skincare guru and Skin Rocks founder, what Caroline doesn’t know about skincare isn’t worth knowing. She says it how it is, which is her main appeal.
