When it comes to skincare, I’ve tested many viral skincare products than I can count. Whether it’s a buzzy new release or a cult favorite, I’m always curious to see if it lives up to the hype. Some products impress me right away, but others… not so much.
Today, I’m sharing my personal experience with a handful of skincare products that just didn’t hit the mark. Spoiler alert: not every viral skincare product is worth the hype. Keep in mind that skincare is super personal—what fails for me could work like magic for someone else. So, let’s dive in!
Products That Fell Short: My Honest Take
1. Fawn MD Skin Serum Tint SPF 44
This product went viral for being an all-in-one tinted serum with SPF. It sounded like the perfect product—sunscreen and makeup in one? Yes, please! Sadly, for me, it was a total flop. It made my skin greasy and itchy, and the tint just didn’t blend well on my face. I also noticed a weird white cast peeking through, which ruined the even finish I was hoping for. While this is a go-to for many, it’s just not for me.
What I Use Instead:
I found a winner with Caudalie’s Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. It provides solid protection without irritating my skin or clogging pores. There’s a slight white cast (as with most mineral sunscreens), but it blends smoothly and evenly. Most importantly, it feels weightless—no greasy finish or breakouts!
2. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Exfoliating Peel Spray
This exfoliating spray had glowing reviews, with people saying it was a game-changer for smooth, youthful skin. Naturally, I was excited to try it. But honestly? It felt like spraying water with a fancy label. I didn’t see any noticeable peeling or improvement in my skin from this viral skincare product, and for the price, I expected more. I wanted to love it, but it just didn’t deliver.
3. Cryo Face Masks
I’ve given cryo masks a couple of chances, hoping for that cooling, de-puffing effect everyone talks about. But every time I use them, they feel more irritating than refreshing—like rubbing menthol on my face. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin like me, this skincare product cause more harm than good. Instead, I’d recommend using an ice roller for that cooling effect without the added irritation.
4. Clarins Serum with Heavy Fragrance
Clarins is a brand I usually love, but their new serum was just too overwhelming for me. The scent was so strong it gave me a headache—and irritated my eyes! Even though it has promising ingredients, the fragrance completely killed the experience.
Still Love:
Clarins’ Lotus Oil and their body oils remain favorites in my routine. They nourish the skin without overpowering scents, and I recommend them if you’re looking for something luxurious yet effective.
5. Mary & May Blackberry Intense Cream
This K-beauty viral skincare product seemed like it would be perfect: ceramides, fragrance-free, and affordable. But surprisingly, it just didn’t give me the hydration I was hoping for. My skin still felt parched the next morning, which is a deal-breaker for me. I went back to using my trusty Medikube Overnight Collagen Jelly, which keeps my skin plump and hydrated through the night.
6. Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30
I wanted to love this skincare product, but it just didn’t sit well under my makeup. The texture is thick, and it didn’t absorb fully, leaving my skin sticky. Worse, it made my skin itch—another sign that something in the SPF doesn’t agree with me. If you have sensitive skin or struggle with sunscreens that irritate, this one might be tricky to work with.
7. IT Cosmetics Hello Sunshine SPF
This sunscreen was another miss. Despite its reputation as being lightweight, it didn’t get along with my skin. It clogged my pores and caused breakouts within a few uses. If you’ve got sensitive skin, this one might be worth skipping. On a brighter note, NYX’s SPF Primer is a drugstore alternative that surprisingly doesn’t irritate my skin.
8. Lumify Cleansing Water
I had high hopes for this one—especially since I love Lumify eye drops. Unfortunately, their cleansing water was way too oily for my taste. It left a greasy residue on my skin that wouldn’t budge, making me feel like I had to cleanse twice. If you’re looking for a makeup remover that works without leaving your skin feeling oily, I’d recommend Lancôme Bi-Facil instead.
9. B-Flat Firming Belly Cream (Overnight Mask Fail)
The firming cream from this brand was decent, but the overnight body mask was an absolute no for me. The viral skincare product was so overpowering that my husband asked what on earth I was wearing! I used it once and tossed it because it gave me a headache. Lesson learned: not every viral skincare product is worth the hype, no matter how “innovative” it sounds.
10. GD11 Advanced Lab Energy Ampoule Mist (Umbilical Cord Extract)
This product was one of the most bizarre things I’ve come across. It claims to contain umbilical cord blood stem cells for anti-aging benefits. As intriguing as that sounds, I just couldn’t bring myself to use it. The idea felt unsettling, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to apply something like that to my face. If you’ve tried it, please let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Do you have Sunscreen Suggestions That Won’t Irritate My Skin?
Finding a sunscreen that doesn’t leave me itchy or greasy is like searching for a needle in a haystack. If you’ve discovered a formula that plays nicely with sensitive skin, I’d love to hear your recommendations!
Thanks for Sticking With Me on Viral Skincare Products Review!
If you’ve made it all the way to the end of this post—thank you so much! I know it was a long one, but I wanted to give you the full picture. Your time and attention mean the world to me.
Wishing you all the best—until next time!
