10 Internet Beauty Hacks You Should Absolutely Avoid
Not all beauty hacks are safe or effective—discover which viral skincare trends can do more harm than good.
DIY beauty tricks can be fun and sometimes effective, but not every beauty hack spreading across the internet is safe—especially for your face. Some trending hacks might save time or money in theory, but in practice, they can cause real harm, irritation, or lasting damage. We break down the viral beauty hacks experts strongly urge you to avoid, explaining why they are risky and offering safer alternatives for beautiful, healthy skin.
Why Are DIY and Viral Beauty Hacks So Popular?
There’s no denying the appeal: the idea of achieving fast results using ingredients found at home or unexpected shortcuts makes “hacks” tempting. But unlike professional skincare and cosmetics, these tricks often lack scientific backing or doctor approval. Applying untested ingredients to your face isn’t just wasteful—it can jeopardize your skin’s health, cause irritation, or even make existing issues worse.
1. Using Coconut Oil as a Face Moisturizer
Coconut oil has enjoyed a major surge in popularity for its supposed beauty benefits. Many people swear by it for cooking and as a body moisturizer. However, applying coconut oil directly to your face is a bad idea for most skin types.
- Why it seems tempting: Coconut oil is rich, nourishing, and natural.
- Risks: It is comedogenic—meaning it clogs pores—making it a fast track to breakouts for anyone but those with extremely dry, non-acne-prone skin.
- Expert alternative: Use non-comedogenic facial moisturizers formulated for your skin type. Save coconut oil for body moisture or tame hair frizz instead.
2. Eliminating Dead Cells with Lemon or Lime Juice
Lemon and lime juice’s high acidity may sound like a quick path to glowing, exfoliated skin, but in reality, these juices are far too harsh for direct facial use.
- Why it seems tempting: Citric acid is a staple in many store-bought exfoliants, so why not go straight to the source?
- Risks: These juices can cause severe skin irritation, burns, or phytophotodermatitis: a rash triggered by sun exposure following application. The result can be blistering or dark, irregular patches of pigmentation.
- Expert alternative: Use a gentle, dermatologist-approved chemical exfoliant with mild AHAs or BHAs designed for facial skin—never lemon or lime straight from the kitchen.
3. Exfoliating with Sugar, Salt, or Baking Soda
DIY scrubs using sugar, salt, or baking soda are a mainstay in many households. Despite their popularity, these granular substances are too abrasive for your facial skin, which is both thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your body.
- Why it seems tempting: An easy, cheap way to polish skin for immediate smoothness.
- Risks: The jagged edges and large grains can create micro-tears, leading to redness, rawness, irritation, and long-term sensitivity.
- Expert alternative: For safe exfoliation, gently cleanse with a soft washcloth in a circular motion or select a chemical exfoliant formulated especially for faces.
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4. Putting Toothpaste on Pimples
This age-old trick promises rapid pimple drying, but it’s far from harmless. Toothpaste contains harsh ingredients, such as baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, that are intended for enamel, not skin.
- Why it seems tempting: Immediate drying of blemishes using a product found in every bathroom.
- Risks: Toothpaste may irritate, burn, and redden the skin, sometimes causing bumps and rashy areas. It can also make the affected area more noticeable and slower to heal.
- Expert alternative: Apply a topical spot treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid—both proven to combat breakouts safely.
5. Applying Raw Egg Whites to Tighten Your Face
The “instant facelift” effect of egg whites has persisted for decades, but any temporary tightening isn’t worth the potential risks.
- Why it seems tempting: Tighter, firmer feeling skin after application.
- Risks: Raw eggs can carry salmonella bacteria, putting you at risk of infection, especially if there are open pores or small cuts. The short-term results are minor and not worth the hygiene risk.
- Expert alternative: Use a firming mask safely formulated for facial use or try peptide-rich serums to gradually improve elasticity.
6. Spot Treating with Diaper Rash Cream
Diaper rash creams contain zinc oxide and can be soothing for redness; however, their thick, occlusive formulas are developed for very different skin needs than your face.
- Why it seems tempting: Instant relief for redness on even the most sensitive areas.
- Risks: Many diaper creams contain mineral oils, paraffin, and synthetic waxes that can clog pores and trigger breakouts, especially on acne-prone skin.
- Expert alternative: Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic creams with niacinamide or zinc created specifically for sensitive facial skin.
7. Mattifying with Deodorant
Using solid antiperspirant deodorant on the face to control shine or sweat can prompt disastrous outcomes.
- Why it seems tempting: If it works for armpits, why not use it for facial sweat control, too?
- Risks: Deodorants combat sweat (not oil) with aluminum compounds and other ingredients that can cause irritation, clogged pores, and even allergic reactions on delicate facial skin.
- Expert alternative: To banish excess oil, blot with toilet seat covers (they’re surprisingly effective and gentle) or use oil-control blotting sheets or a proper mattifying primer.
8. Dotting Glue on Blackheads
Some claim that applying (non-toxic) white school glue can yank away blackheads but, while not overtly toxic, this hack is neither safe nor effective counter to actual skincare treatment.
- Why it seems tempting: Peel-off nose strips are expensive, so why not DIY?
- Risks: School glue can cause irritation and allergic reactions. It doesn’t effectively address enlarged pores or blackheads and may even worsen the problem by trapping bacteria or residue.
- Expert alternative: Consult your dermatologist for a prescription retinoid or use over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid or nose strips designed for skin use.
9. Toning with Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is sometimes proposed as a quick solution to greasy skin. Unfortunately, this hack brings far more harm than benefit.
- Why it seems tempting: Strips skin of oil instantly, leaving it feeling squeaky “clean.”
- Risks: Alcohol completely depletes your skin’s protective barrier, leading to dryness, tightness, flaking, and a rebound effect where your skin produces even more oil.
- Expert alternative: Seek out toners containing witch hazel, rose water, or skin-soothing niacinamide for balancing oil production safely.
10. Setting Your Makeup with Hairspray
Hairspray is formulated for holding hairstyles in place—not for use on the delicate skin of your face. While some suggest spritzing it as a cheap setting spray, this hack is strongly discouraged by experts.
- Why it seems tempting: Provides strong hold and is easily accessible.
- Risks: Alcohol and fragrance in hairspray can lead to dryness, irritation, and long-term sensitivity. Inhaling the mist can also irritate airways and eyes.
- Expert alternative: Use a translucent makeup setting powder or a spray specifically formulated for facial use.
Safer Alternatives for Radiant Skin
- Choose products labeled non-comedogenic and fragrance-free to minimize irritation.
- Always patch-test new ingredients—DIY or otherwise—before using them on your entire face.
- If in doubt, consult a dermatologist for recommendations tailored to your skin type and concerns.
FAQs: Internet Beauty Hacks
Is it okay to use kitchen ingredients like honey or yogurt on my face?
Some natural ingredients are gentle enough for DIY beauty (like honey or plain yogurt), but others (like the hacks above) are not safe for facial skin. Always research and patch-test ingredients.
Why do dangerous hacks keep spreading online?
Social media encourages sharing of eye-catching, unconventional tricks, even if they’re not proven or safe. Lack of regulation in online beauty advice makes misinformation common.
What should I do if I have a reaction to a DIY hack?
Discontinue use immediately, rinse with lukewarm water, and apply a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer. If you experience severe burning, blistering, or swelling, consult a dermatologist right away.
Table: Dangerous Beauty Hacks vs. Safer Alternatives
| Dangerous Hack | What Can Go Wrong | Safer Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut oil for face moisture | Clogs pores, causes breakouts | Non-comedogenic moisturizers |
| Lemon/lime juice exfoliation | Irritation, burns, pigmentation | Gentle chemical exfoliants |
| Sugar/salt/baking soda scrubs | Micro-tears, redness, inflammation | Soft washcloth or facial scrub |
| Toothpaste on pimples | Burning, redness, irritation | Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid |
| Raw egg whites for tightening | Risk of salmonella infection | Peptide-rich serums or clay masks |
| Diaper rash cream spot treatments | Breakouts from heavy occlusives | Niacinamide-based skin creams |
| Deodorant for facial oil | Irritation, clogged pores, reactions | Oil blotting papers or mattifying primer |
| Glue on blackheads | Allergic reaction, ineffective | Salicylic acid nose strips |
| Rubbing alcohol as toner | Extreme dryness, irritation | Witch hazel or niacinamide toner |
| Hairspray as setting spray | Dryness, sensitivity, respiratory irritation | Makeup setting sprays or powders |
Key Takeaways: Protecting Your Skin Health
- Patch-test and research every new treatment, even popular online hacks.
- Avoid using harsh, abrasive, or food-grade ingredients on your face unless they are recommended by skincare professionals.
- Your facial skin is delicate; treat it with care and always opt for evidence-based products and regimens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are any DIY beauty hacks safe for facial skin?
A: Some gentle, non-irritating ingredients like honey or oatmeal may benefit some skin types, but always patch-test and consult your dermatologist for personalized advice.
Q: What should I keep in mind before trying a viral beauty hack?
A: Consider the sources, possible allergic reactions, and long-term effects. Stick to dermatologist-tested routines.
Q: How do I recover from a beauty hack gone wrong?
A: Stop the offending product, use gentle cleansers, apply calming creams, and see a professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g19776639/beauty-hacks-to-avoid/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/makeup/a33424/make-your-makeup-last-all-day/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/352-22-life-saving-beauty-hacks-to-use-when-youre-already-late
- https://www.sazan.me/blog/7-genius-hair-hacks-with-cosmopolitan-mag
- https://www.aol.com/exclusive-paige-desorbo-chats-cosmo-120000579.html
- https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3382&context=thesesdissertations
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmopolitan_(magazine)
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