I used to apply toothpaste to a pimple or two before bed and hoped it would magically disappear by morning. Most of the time, it did nothing except leave my face feeling sticky and smelling minty fresh. Looking back, I should have been using that toothpaste on my toothbrush and treating my skin with actual acne-fighting ingredients that are clinically proven and backed by decades of research.
From Vaseline to toothpaste and everything in between, there are several products you should not put on your face, according to experts—regardless of what you see in TikTok videos. Here are six products that are not meant for facial application.
Toothpaste as an Acne Treatment: A Myth
Using toothpaste as a spot treatment for pimples has been around for decades but has recently gone viral on social media. You might think, “What’s the logic behind using toothpaste for acne?”
The Ingredients in Toothpaste
According to New York dermatologist Snehal Amin, MD, toothpaste contains ingredients like baking soda, peroxide, and alcohol that can dry out pimples. Many formulations also have antibacterials that target bacteria in your mouth, and menthol—the ingredient that gives toothpaste its tingling sensation—can reduce swelling and pain. Sounds like a clever hack for acne, right? Not so fast.
Why is Toothpaste Bad?
The ingredients in toothpaste are for teeth, not skin, and many of them can be irritating and too harsh for facial use. For example, sodium lauryl sulfate can cause irritation and redness when applied to the skin, and overdrying can actually make acne worse. The pH of toothpaste is basic, which disrupts the skin barrier since the skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic.
The Risks of Using Toothpaste
Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a dermatologist in San Diego, finds it ironic that people turn to toothpaste for acne treatment when it can cause perioral dermatitis or fluoride dermatitis. Historically, toothpaste has been used for various skin issues, including burns and breakouts, primarily due to triclosan, an antibacterial ingredient that has since been removed by the FDA. Colgate Total was the last brand to remove triclosan from its formula, so it’s unnecessary to use.
Expert Advice Against Toothpaste
Candace Marino, a facialist in Los Angeles, says not to use toothpaste for acne. “The only way to speed up the healing of a pimple is to reduce inflammation,” she explains. “Once a pimple forms, the acne process is over, meaning topical spot treatments with acids and clays won’t be very effective. The best way to manage acne is to prevent breakouts by using ingredients that resurface the skin daily.”
Alternative Solutions for Acne
Marino says the only way to spot and treat a pimple is to either occlude or ice it—both promote healing by reducing inflammation. Instead of toothpaste, which can irritate the skin and cause perioral dermatitis, consider using a pimple patch like ZitSticka or Starface and ice to calm the breakout.
Preparation H: A Bizarre Solution for Under Eye Bags
Using hemorrhoid cream like Preparation H for under-eye bags might sound crazy, but some people swear by it. According to Dr. Snehal Amin, it’s not as crazy as it seems—some top makeup artists have even used it on their clients. But you have to understand the risks involved.
The Ingredients Behind the Claims
Preparation H contains hydrocortisone and phenylephrine. Hydrocortisone is known for its anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties, and phenylephrine is a vasoconstrictor that can help reduce swelling. That’s the theory behind why some people use it as an eye cream for dark circles and puffy eyes.
The Risks of Preparation H
Although it may have benefits, Dr. Amin doesn’t recommend using Preparation H for this purpose. Prolonged use of hydrocortisone on the delicate skin around the eyes can cause thinning and atrophy of the skin, which results in fragile skin that’s more prone to aging. Chronic use can also exacerbate conditions like acne and rosacea.
The claims that Preparation H can reduce wrinkles are based on a compound called LYCD, which has been banned and is no longer in hemorrhoid creams manufactured in the USA.
Concerns About Phenylephrine
Dr. Morgana Colombo, a dermatologist in Reston, VA, warns that phenylephrine is not for long-term use. Overusing this ingredient can cause side effects like white discoloration of the skin or rebound redness.
Alternative Solutions
Instead of using Preparation H, Dr. Sheila Farhang, a dermatologist in Tucson, AZ, recommends using an eye cream with caffeine, along with ingredients like green tea, which is a vasoconstrictor and can help reduce puffiness under the eyes.
Personal Lubricants: A Trendy but Risky Makeup Primer
Last fall, one of the biggest skincare trends on TikTok was using silicone-based personal lubricants as a face primer to help makeup “glide on” smoothly. But dermatologist Naana Boakye, MD, from Englewood Cliffs, NJ, warns against it.
Risks of Using Personal Lubricants
Dr. Boakye explains that personal lubricants contain several ingredients that can irritate the skin. One of these is chlorhexidine, an antimicrobial agent used in skin preparation procedures in dermatology and other medical fields. However, as Dr. Morgana Colombo notes, it should be avoided in certain areas of the face, especially around the eyes and ears.
Why is the Trend Popular?
Dr. Sheila Farhang thinks the trend is popular because glycerin in personal lubricants can create a smoother surface for applying makeup. Glycerin is known for its moisturizing properties and can improve the texture of the skin.
Alternative Solutions
Although the idea of using personal lubricants is tempting, Dr. Farhang recommends using actual face products with glycerin. Many products formulated for the face already have glycerin as an ingredient and are designed to give you the benefits of a primer without the risks. Make sure your skin is well moisturized before applying makeup, as that will make a massive difference in the application and finish of the makeup.
Aspirin: A Skincare Myth
Using crushed aspirin as a face mask or acne spot treatment has been a trend among some who think they are getting the benefits of a salicylic acid chemical peel. But dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, warns against it.
Aspirin vs Salicylic Acid
Dr. Shirazi explains that while aspirin has acetylsalicylic acid, it’s not the same as salicylic acid, which is an ingredient in many acne treatments. Salicylic acid is formulated to penetrate the pores and clear breakouts, while acetylsalicylic acid can irritate the skin.
No Scientific Basis
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that crushed aspirin will clear breakouts or brighten the skin. In fact, applying aspirin in this way may irritate the skin rather than give you the desired results. As someone who has tried many skincare remedies, I understand the temptation to try DIY solutions, but safety and efficacy should always come first.
Glue: A Risky Trend for Blackhead Removal
The trend of using glue to remove blackheads has been popularized, and many are wondering if traditional masks, peels, and strips are no longer enough. Celebrity aesthetician Natalie Aguilar warns against this popular “glue blackhead removal” method, which involves applying glue to the nose, letting it dry, and hoping to extract skin impurities like blackheads.
Risks of Using Glue on Skin
Aguilar points out several reasons why this is not a good idea. First and foremost, using glue on the skin can harm it by damaging the skin barrier. This can alter the skin’s pH and disrupt its natural balance. For those with sensitive skin, the risks are even higher; glue can peel off the skin itself and cause irritation or rash.
Use the Right Products
Remember, glue was not meant for the skin. Aguilar recommends sticking to blackhead strips and products specifically designed for skincare. Those products target blackheads without the risks of using adhesive meant for crafts.
Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly (for Slugging)
Some skincare enthusiasts swear by slugging – applying a thick layer of petroleum jelly to lock in moisture. But dermatologist Candace Marino isn’t a fan. She’s not totally against slugging but prefers to use something else instead of petroleum jelly. “I just can’t imagine putting Vaseline on my face – I hate the texture,” she says. “Plus, I like my products to work for me.”
Alternative
Instead of Vaseline, Marino recommends an ingredient-focused balm that does multiple things for the skin. She loves the Furtuna Replenishing Balm, a two-time NewBeauty Award winner. This balm is packed with antioxidants and medicinal botanicals that deeply nourish the skin while locking in moisture. “This is great for anyone with dry skin, redness, or inflamed acne,” she says. The ingredients in this balm calm, soothe, and heal the skin, whereas Vaseline just locks in moisture and is not suitable for acne-prone skin.
From my point of view, Marino’s preference for a more beneficial product makes sense. While slugging can work for some, I believe we should choose products that hydrate and improve skin health. The idea of a balm with antioxidants and botanicals resonates with me as that’s what I want to do to the skin, not just seal it off.
When Vaseline Can Be Useful?
But Dr. Snehal Amin says there are times when Vaseline can be beneficial. “If you’ve had ablative fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing, slather your skin with Vaseline or Aquaphor,” she advises. These occlusive products lock existing moisture into the skin and form a barrier that’s essential when the skin barrier is disrupted. They are also good for chapped lips, scrapes, and psoriasis.
Everyday Caution
In general, Dr. Amin advises against using Vaseline as a daily facial moisturizer. “It can cause acne and leave skin greasy,” she says. And its heat-locking effect on the skin can exacerbate sunburns.
Personally, I think we should be cautious about products like Vaseline. While they have their place in certain situations, using them as a daily skincare solution may not be the best for everyone, especially those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.