Study Finds Nearly 95% of 'Glass Skin' TikTok Videos Contain Misleading Claims

A recent study by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology has revealed that a vast majority of TikTok videos promoting the 'glass skin' trend contain misleading information. Researchers analyzed 38 videos focused on Korean skincare and the popular 'glass skin' aesthetic, finding that approximately 95% included at least one potentially deceptive claim.

Lead author Dr. Maria Lúcia Paysano noted the consistent absence of basic safety information. "What surprised us most was how consistently basic safety information was absent," she stated. "Only one of the 38 videos mentioned irritation risk, only two addressed sun protection, none mentioned contact dermatitis risk and none recommended consulting a dermatologist."

The study, conducted by creating a new TikTok account to mitigate algorithmic bias, assessed videos for dermatological claims, safety information, quality, and reliability. The findings indicated that 84% of the videos failed to account for different skin types, while 45% promoted excessive combinations of active ingredients without adequate safety guidance. Furthermore, 32% of the videos promised "instant results."

None of the analyzed videos were created by dermatologists or cited external sources. Instead, the content was largely produced by influencers (82%), beauty brands (11%), and other beauty content creators (8%).

"Our findings show a clear gap between the popularity of this content and the quality of the information provided," Dr. Paysano explained. "Following these routines without individualised guidance may contribute to irritation, over–exfoliation, acne flares or skin barrier disruption, particularly when multiple active ingredients are combined."

A TikTok spokesperson challenged the study's methodology, stating that conclusions drawn from only 38 videos out of over 100 million daily posts is flawed. The platform asserted that it proactively removes harmful health misinformation and collaborates with fact-checkers, public health authorities, and medical experts to provide reliable medical content.

In a separate but related study, researchers examined 94 patients who experienced new or aggravated skin conditions after following social media skincare advice. Chemical exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) were the most frequently implicated products, cited in 34% of cases. These were followed by over-the-counter retinoids (27%), vitamin C serums (14%), and niacinamide-containing products (11%).

This second study found that 48% of patients had adopted entirely new skincare routines, with 63% using more than three active skincare ingredients. Irritant contact dermatitis was the most common reaction (42%), followed by acne (28%), rosacea or rosacea-like dermatitis (12%), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (11%), and superficial chemical burns (7%).

Dr. Ouissal Hormi, lead author of the second study, highlighted the way products were used: "Many patients were reproducing complex skincare routines involving several active ingredients simultaneously, often based on advice from non-medical influencers."

The researchers emphasized that Korean skincare itself is not the issue, but rather the generalized routines promoted online. They advise consumers to be wary of content promising instant or universal results. Individuals with existing skin conditions or concerns about their routine are encouraged to consult a dermatologist. Dr. Paysano suggested dermatologists have an opportunity to engage with social media trends to provide accurate and accessible skincare information.