Beauty Trends on Social Media: What’s Legit and What’s Just Hype?

Social media, especially TikTok, has become the modern-day beauty oracle, where skincare trends rise and fall faster than you can say, “Double cleanse.” Every day, there’s a new must-try product or technique that promises glass skin, eternal youth, or the ability to glow like a K-pop star. (Note: Pay attention to who’s promoting these products or techniques: girls who are no older than 18—just sayin’.)

But how much of this advice is backed by science, and how much is just another viral gimmick? Let me help you break down some of the most talked-about beauty trends to see what’s worth your time and what’s best to just scroll past. 

Beef Tallow as a Moisturizer: Farm to Face or Just Greasy?

Beef tallow, once relegated to cooking and candle-making, is now being hailed as the ultimate natural moisturizer. The argument? It’s packed with fatty acids similar to our skin’s natural oils. But while it can be an effective emollient for very dry skin, it’s also comedogenic (meaning it can clog pores and cause breakouts, especially for acne-prone folks). So unless you’re living on an 18th-century homestead or have severely compromised skin, maybe stick to non-greasy alternatives like squalane, ceramides, or just plant derived face oils (my favorite), even if you have oily skin.

Verdict: Borderline bogus; proceed with caution.

Micro-Current Devices: The At-Home Face Lift?

Micro-current technology is nothing new. It has been used in professional treatments for years to tone and tighten facial or even body muscles. TikTok’s love affair with at-home devices is actually one of the more legit trends. Regular use can provide mild lifting and contouring effects, but don’t expect results comparable to in-office treatments or actual cosmetic procedures. And, yes, consistency is key.

Verdict: Science-backed, but not a miracle cure.

Gua Sha: Ancient Wisdom or Just a Fancy Massage?

Gua sha—the centuries-old Chinese practice of scraping the skin with a smooth stone—has been rebranded as the ultimate facial sculpting tool. It can absolutely help with lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness, and enhance circulation. However, those instant jawline results are usually temporary once the fluids redistribute, so your face will go back to its normal shape. That said, incorporating gua-sha into your skincare routine can be a great way to de-stress and promote better skin health by stimulating blood circulation and lymph movement.

Verdict: Totally legit, but don’t expect permanent contouring.

Korean Overnight Masks: The Secret to Glass Skin?

K-beauty’s obsession with hydration has given us overnight sleeping masks designed to lock in moisture and deliver skin-loving ingredients while you sleep. These actually work, provided you pick the right one for your skin type. Formulas with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides can leave your skin looking fresh and bouncy by morning. However, if you’re acne-prone, avoid heavy, occlusive masks that can trap bacteria. Cleanse your skin more than thoroughly before applying and don’t expect the results to last. 

Verdict: A yes, but choose wisely.

Snail Mucin: Slime or Skincare Gold?

Snail mucin has gone from garden nuisance to skincare MVP—and for good reason. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and peptides, which are all great for hydrating, soothing, and gently exfoliating your skin. It won’t erase wrinkles overnight (no product will!), but it’s a fantastic addition to any routine if you’re looking for a moisture boost and some light skin-barrier repair.

Verdict: Slimy and weird, but it has my yes.

DIY Sunscreen: A Recipe for Disaster

Some TikTokers have tried convincing the internet that homemade sunscreens made from oils, zinc oxide, and sheer audacity are just as effective as store-bought SPF. This is a hard NO from me. I will admit that I am a subscriber to the idea of not spending too much time in the sun but for the necessity of unfiltered sun exposure for vitamin D absorption. Dr. Gundry actually says that sun spots do not appear on your skin solely due to UV exposure; they are a result of the process within the body, and so we should eat our sunscreen in the form of beta carotene-rich foods like sweet potatoes, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, etc.

Sunscreen formulation is a science, requiring precise testing to ensure proper UV protection. Your DIY concoction might smell nice, but it won’t protect your skin from sun damage.

Verdict: Dangerously bad idea. Cover your face with a fashionably big hat and cool glasses instead (it’ll add to your mystery too).

Slugging: Hydration or Face Grease?

Slugging—the act of coating your face in petroleum jelly overnight—is another K-beauty trend that has taken over social media. It’s fantastic for dry and compromised skin, as it helps lock in moisture and repair the skin barrier. However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, be careful. Trapping all that oil under a thick layer of Vaseline can lead to breakouts. 

Verdict: Great for dry skin, risky for acne-prone skin. Personally, not something I want absorbed in my body (if you don’t know, research the origin of petroleum jelly).

Final Thoughts

Social media is a goldmine for beauty inspiration, but not every viral hack is dermatologist-approved. While some wild trends have legitimate benefits (hello, snail mucin and micro-current devices), others are best left to history (looking at you, DIY sunscreen). As always, when in doubt, consult a professional about your skin. It will thank you.

What’s the wildest skincare trend you’ve seen on TikTok? Let’s discuss!

Cover image generated by Drew Green with Midjourney