If there’s one thing this year has taught us, it’s that not every skincare product deserves a spot on your shelf. Between influencer recommendations and Instagram hype, we tried it all. Some products became staples, while others… well, they’re the reason this article exists. Here are Team All About Eve’s worst skincare product purchases of 2025. So, if you want to save your hard-earned money, keep reading.

1. The viral purple mask that did absolutely nothing

I rarely try viral products, but this year, I gave Foxtale’s viral purple clay mask a shot. Having oily skin, blackheads are a problem for me, and the mask promises to remove them efficiently. But sadly, it did nothing. All it does is give you a cooling sensation, but even ice does that. There’s no real result, not even hydration.

2. Six months of purging? No, thank you

Stuti didn’t use a lot of skincare this year, but there were a few products she tried consistently, like Dr. Sheth’s Rosehip and Retinol Serum. Everyone told her that purging and pimples are normal at the beginning, so she gave it time. But even after using it for almost six months, every time she applied it, her skin would purge, she’d get pimples, and her pores would feel clogged. Six months is way too long to suffer through the “adjustment period.”

3. Lip balm that forgot its one job

For Jasica, who tried the Dot & Key lip balm, the experience was less than stellar. She said her lips felt very dry after applying it. The only thing it does is provide good pigmentation, not nourishment. Last time we checked, a lip balm’s job was to hydrate, not just add colour while leaving your lips parched.

4. Glow screen or grey screen?

The Supergoop Glow Screen had one job: to give that radiant, glowing skin everyone posts about. But for Sukhmani, it looked like a silvery grey film on the skin and caused acne. When your “glow” sunscreen makes you break out and leaves you looking like a ghost, it’s a hard pass. This was definitely the worst skincare product of 2025 for Sukhmani.

5. The never-ending white cast saga

Vrinda was being careful with new products this year, but one product that she tried was the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen. According to Vrinda, the sunscreen left a very bad white cast and took forever to seep in. In 2025, we shouldn’t still be dealing with sunscreens that make us look like we dunked our faces in flour.

6. SPF lip balm gone wrong

Pravika tried the Deconstruct SPF Lip Balm and didn’t like it at all. The texture and smell were weird, and it made her lips feel rough and even more chapped. SPF for lips is important, but not when it makes the problem worse instead of better.

7. When everyone swears by it, but your skin says NO

Here’s one that hurts because the hype is real: Sebamed Cleanser. Ankita really wanted this to work because everyone swears by it. But every single time she applied it, the cleanser broke her skin out. Not once, not twice, but every time. Ultimately, she had to throw it in the dustbin. Sometimes, your skin just refuses to cooperate, even with the most beloved products.

8. Dark spot serum that created more problems

Anshita tried the Dark Spot & Hyperpigmentation Face Serum With 3% Tranexamic + 2% Alpha Arbutin 3% Niacinamide, hoping to fade those stubborn dark spots. Instead, it led to more breakouts, made her skin dry, and did nothing for the dark spots. So basically, it did everything except what it was supposed to do.

9. Sticky situation with overhyped Vitamin C

Kavya had high expectations from Foxtale’s Vitamin C because of all the buzz around it, but the product didn’t meet them. The consistency of the serum is extremely sticky, which makes it uncomfortable to apply and wear on the skin. It doesn’t absorb easily and leaves an icky feeling. For anyone who prefers lightweight skincare products or has oily skin, this is a nightmare.

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Related: Skincare Trends For 2025: Get That Winter Glow Without A 10-Step Routine

FAQs

Q1. How long should I wait before deciding a skincare product isn’t working?

Most products need four to six weeks to show results. However, if you experience persistent irritation, breakouts, or worsening skin conditions beyond this period, it’s time to stop using the product.

Q2. Can a product work for others but not for me?

Absolutely! Skincare is highly personal and depends on your skin type, concerns, and sensitivities. A cult-favorite product might be a disaster for your unique skin chemistry.

Q3. Is purging the same as breaking out?

Purging happens with active ingredients like retinol and typically resolves within four to six weeks. If breakouts continue beyond this or worsen over months, it’s likely irritation, not purging.

Q4. Should I trust viral skincare recommendations?

Viral doesn’t always mean effective. What works for influencers may not suit your skin type. Always research ingredients, read reviews from people with similar skin concerns, and patch test before committing.

Q5. How can I avoid wasting money on products that won’t work?

Start with sample sizes or travel versions when possible, patch test new products, introduce one product at a time, and research ingredients that typically work well with your skin type.

Q6. What should I do if a product makes my skin worse?

Stop using it immediately, return to your basic routine (gentle cleanser and moisturiser), and give your skin time to recover. If irritation persists, consult a dermatologist.