8 Surprisingly Ineffective Skincare Products and 8 Better Options to Consider

With thousands of skincare products to choose from (and more and more launching every day), it can become surprisingly easy to loose track of what your skin really needs as you get sucked into buying the latest trending ingredient or viral product.

Of course, testing and trying new products is part of the fun of beauty, and at the end of the day, what works for you works for you, regardless of what other people think of it. But there comes a point when experimenting with skincare can become overwhelming, especially if you’re the type of person who wants to address their skin concerns and goals as quickly and effectively as possible. In recent years, we’ve seen the skincare industry boom. Fuelled by social media trends, it’s been hard to ignore the influx of new products, ingredients, tools, treatments and devices, and it can he hard to figure out what is a true innovation and what is nothing more than a fad or gimmick. 

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(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

I decided to reach out to dermatologist Sonia Khorana, who not only is super clued-up on skin and skincare products but also regularly shares her product reviews and advice on Instagram, dispelling myths and advising her followers on where best to spend their hard-earned money and what to avoid. I posed this question to her: What types of skincare products, treatments or trends do you simply feel aren't really worth it? If you’re curious to find out her answers and what she recommends you try instead, keep scrolling! 

Consider Swapping: Jade Rollers

Try: Microcurrent Devices

Consider Swapping: Abrasive Scrubs

Try: Gentle Acid Toners

Consider Swapping: Pore Strips

Try: BHA & Niacinamide Serums

Consider Swapping: Face Wipes

Try: Micellar Water

Consider Swapping: Low-Factor SPF

Try: SPF50+

Consider Swapping: Eye Creams

Try: Eye Serums

Consider Swapping: Stretch-Mark Oils

Try: Dry Brushing

Consider Swapping: Face Mists

Try: Milky Toners

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Next Up: A Derm Just Told Me About the Biggest Skincare Mistakes for Acne

Freelance Beauty Editor

Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.

While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor to Who What Wear. She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.