Should You Be Excited About These TikTok Trends in 2025? An Expert Weighs In
Yads Cauchi is a Dermal Clinician, Nutritionist (BHSc, MSc) and Beauty Journalist. She's also a mum of four. Evidence based skin health and nutrition are her thing and she works from her own skin clinic based in Canberra - you can find her there, or on Instagram and TikTok @yadscauchiskin.
In a skincare world that often feels louder than it is effective, I’m here to remind you that there’s no need to jump on every skincare trend that pops up… because (say it with me) when something is trending, it doesn’t mean it’s right for every skin.
Which feels confusing, no? If people love an ingredient, doesn’t that mean that it’s working?
Well, not always. And some may not only be overpromising but under-delivering as well.
So if one of the following TikTok trends and/or ingredients have jumped out at you recently, let’s break them down and see if there are any better alternatives for healthier skin.
Instead of Trying ‘The Morning Shed’... Try a Barrier-Supporting Sleep Mask
Waking up with flaky skin is a sign your barrier is begging for help.
So the “morning shed” TikTok trend might kind of feel like you’re trying to help your skin, but it’s really a waste of time with no evidence behind any of it.
So why not stick to the basics at night, (cleanse and retinoid), but if your skin is feeling a little extra dry, try replacing your moisturiser with a layer of a nourishing sleep mask 2–3 nights a week.
Or use it solo on “barrier recovery” nights, because honestly that is all you need.
Why I love it: Think of it as your skin’s overnight repair crew. Sleep masks rich in ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, panthenol, and humectants give your skin time to heal and rebuild and I promise you this is all you need to wake up dewy.
Try: Medik8 H.E.O. Mask
Instead of Trying Beef Tallow... Try Squalane or Ceramide-Rich Moisturisers
Beef tallow is trending for its fatty acid profile and barrier-repair benefits, but let’s be real: it’s not everyone's vibe and there are much better alternatives out there.
So whether you’re vegan, breakout-prone, or just not into animal-based skincare, try squalane or ceramide science-backed alternative moisturisers with evidence behind them to ensure they work.
Why I love it: Plant-derived squalane mimics your skin’s natural sebum and helps lock in moisture without clogging pores. Add ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, and voila. You’ve got barrier support to rivals any TikTok trend.
Instead of Trying Turmeric Paste on Your Pigmentation... Try a Targeted Pigmentation Serum
Put the turmeric down and step away from the spice rack. I beg of you.
There are so many evidence based ways to manage your pigmentation and this is not one of them. So before you start staining your pillowcases or attempting to play cosmetic chemist in your kitchen opt for a properly formulated, evidence backed pigmentation serum instead.
Stick to actives that have been proven to work and you’ll get better results, promise.
Why I love it: A good anti-pigmentation serum will help brighten skin, protect your barrier, and won’t turn your sheets yellow. Ingredients like kojic acid, alpha arbutin and hexylresorcinol have been proven to work.
Instead of Slathering Castor Oil on Your Face... Try a Non-comedogenic Oil That Actually Suits Your Skin
Castor oil is trending again, this time as a miracle fix for basically everything from acne to scarring and even dark circles, but here’s the thing: while it is rich in ricinoleic acid and has some antimicrobial benefits, it’s also incredibly thick… and does it have evidence behind it? No.
I’d especially also be careful if you're acne-prone or already dealing with congestion because slathering castor oil all over your face might just be setting you back.
If you want to try facial oils, go for options like squalane or jojoba. They mimic the skin’s natural sebum and are best for a drier skin.
Why I love it: Oils can absolutely have a place in a skincare routine, but the right one will support your skin barrier, not smother it. Castor oil? Might be ok for lashes, but def. not my first pick for your cheeks.
Instead of Sugar Based scrubs...Try a Chemical Exfoliant
Scrubbing your face with sugar might feel satisfying in the moment, but sugar wasn’t designed to be used on your face.
Sugar scrubs can damage your barrier, worsen inflammation, and trigger breakouts.
So if you're dealing with texture, congestion, or dullness, a well-formulated chemical exfoliant (like lactic acid or mandelic acid) will do the job far more effectively than anything in your kitchen.
Use it 1–2x a week max, and always buffer with hydration.
Why I love it: Gentle acids give you the glow without the damage. They dissolve dead skin cells and will leave your skin with a glow - safely.
Read more of Yad's expert advice below:
