Skincare I Wouldn’t Repurchase (No Matter the Hype)
🚫 The Unpopular Opinions We Need to Talk About
Let’s be real—not every trending product is a winner.
And sometimes, the hype machine drowns out what your skin is actually telling you.
In this post, I’m pulling back the curtain on the popular skincare products I’ve personally tried and wouldn’t repurchase, even if TikTok, beauty editors, or your best friend swears by them.
Because at the end of the day, skincare is personal. What works for one person might not work for you.
1. The Overhyped Celebrity Cleanser
Product type: Celebrity-branded foaming cleanser
Why it didn’t work:
- Left my skin feeling stripped
- Fragrance was overpowering
- Gorgeous packaging, but the formula? Meh.
✨ Verdict: Not worth the price tag or the tight, dry feeling afterward.
2. The Viral Face Mist That Did Nothing
Product type: “Cooling” face mist all over IG
Why it didn’t work:
- Promised hydration, delivered… water.
- Made my sunscreen pill.
- Zero skin benefits beyond the “ahh” moment.
✨ Verdict: Fun to spray. But I’d rather use a hydrating toner that actually nourishes my skin.
3. That Cult-Favorite Exfoliator That Burned
Product type: Super strong AHA/BHA solution
Why it didn’t work:
- Way too harsh for my skin barrier
- Caused peeling and redness
- The “tingling” wasn’t a sign of effectiveness—it was a cry for help
✨ Verdict: For resilient, oily skin types only. Sensitive skin? Hard pass.
4. The Serum That Promised Glowy Skin… and Clogged My Pores
Product type: Vitamin C + Oil hybrid
Why it didn’t work:
- Felt heavy and greasy
- Caused breakouts within days
- No visible brightening even after a month
✨ Verdict: Some oils are amazing. This one wasn’t it—for me.
5. The “Glass Skin” Moisturizer That Was Mostly Hype
Product type: Dewy-finish gel cream
Why it didn’t work:
- Didn’t hydrate enough
- Made me look shiny, not glowy
- Sat on top of my skin without real absorption
✨ Verdict: Gorgeous look for 10 minutes. Long-term? No, thank you.
Reminder: Skincare Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
If any of these are your holy grail products, that’s amazing! 💖
But here’s why I share these no-go’s:
- To normalize not loving what everyone else seems to love
- To help you trust your skin’s feedback more than online hype
- To encourage smarter, more intentional skincare shopping
Tips to Avoid Overhyped Disappointments
✅ Patch test everything—especially acids and actives
✅ Don’t buy for the packaging (even if it’s pretty)
✅ Read real reviews, not just influencer content
✅ Give it time—1–2 weeks minimum before judging results
✅ Honor your skin type and concerns, not someone else’s
FAQ
Q: How do I know if a product just needs time or really isn’t working?
If you’re seeing breakouts, irritation, or worsening skin after 1–2 weeks, it’s likely not for you. Don’t force it.
Q: Is it okay to return skincare?
Yes—many retailers accept returns on lightly used skincare. If a product isn’t working, don’t feel guilty.
Q: Should I avoid trends altogether?
No! Try what excites you—but with research, intention, and your skin’s needs in mind.
