95% of Viral Korean Skincare TikTok Videos Spread Misleading Claims

What you need to know about viral Korean skincare and “glass skin” videos

Trends like Korean skincare and the “glass skin” look are everywhere on social media. They promise smooth, dewy skin and often come with step-by-step routines. But two studies presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress 2026 in Vienna found that many popular posts leave out important safety information and can lead to real skin problems.

Quick summary

Researchers who reviewed viral TikTok videos about Korean skincare and “glass skin” found that almost all contained at least one misleading claim. A separate study looked at people who developed new or worse skin issues after trying cosmetic products promoted online. Together, the studies suggest that following complicated routines seen on social media—especially when several active ingredients are used—can increase the risk of irritation and other problems.

How researchers checked viral videos

Investigators used a new, neutral TikTok account in May 2026 so the algorithm wouldn’t favor certain content. They searched five Korean skincare–related terms and after filtering for relevance, analyzed 38 top-performing videos. Each clip was checked for dermatologic claims, basic safety information, and overall reliability using established quality measures.

They found that 94.7% of the videos had at least one potentially misleading claim. Most did not consider different skin types, many pushed combinations of active ingredients without safety guidance, and some promised quick results that aren’t realistic for everyone.

Specific video findings

• 84% did not account for differences in skin type.
• 45% promoted excessive combinations of active ingredients without proper safety advice.
• 32% promised immediate results.
• Only 1 of 38 videos mentioned the risk of irritation.
• Only 2 mentioned sun protection.
• None discussed the risk of contact dermatitis (a type of skin reaction) or suggested seeing a dermatologist.
• About 82% of the videos were made by nonphysician influencers, 11% by beauty brands, and 8% by other beauty content creators. None were produced by dermatologists.

All videos were rated as unreliable or less reliable, and none cited external scientific sources. Lead author Maria Lúcia Paysano, MD, said the biggest surprise was how consistently basic safety details were missing.

Real skin reactions linked to social media products

A separate study at the same meeting looked at 94 people who developed a new or worsening skin condition after using products they found on social media.

The most commonly involved products were:

• Chemical exfoliants with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) — 34% of cases
• Over-the-counter retinoids — 27%
• Vitamin C serums — 14%
• Niacinamide-containing products — 11%

Many people replicated complete routines from social media: 48% had adopted a full routine they found online, and 63% were using more than three active skincare ingredients at the same time.

What kinds of problems did people get?

• Irritant contact dermatitis (skin irritation from a substance): 42%
• New or worse acne: 28%
• Rosacea flares or rosacea-like dermatitis: 12%
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots left after inflammation): 11%
• Superficial chemical burns: 7%

Lead author Ouissal Hormi, MD, pointed out that the issue was not just that people liked these products, but that many were using several active ingredients together based on advice from non-medical influencers.

It’s not Korean skincare that’s the problem

Researchers emphasized that Korean skincare principles—like gentle cleansing, hydration, and protecting the skin barrier—are not harmful by themselves. The concern is how these ideas are turned into one-size-fits-all routines on social media that may use too many strong products, ignore skin type, and leave out safety steps like sun protection.

Practical tips to protect your skin

If you enjoy skincare trends, here are simple, practical steps to reduce risk:

• Start slowly. Introduce one new product at a time so you can see how your skin reacts.
• Patch test a new product on a small area for several days before using it on your face.
• Avoid using multiple strong active ingredients at once, such as exfoliating acids and retinoids together, unless advised by a professional.
• Use sunscreen every day if your routine includes exfoliants or retinoids, because these can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
• Look for basic safety advice in any tutorial, such as warnings about irritation, signs to stop using a product, or directions to consult a dermatologist.
• If you have a skin condition like eczema, rosacea, or sensitive skin, check with a dermatologist before trying aggressive routines.

When to see a doctor

Talk with a healthcare professional if you notice any of the following after starting a new product:

• Worsening redness, swelling, or pain
• Blistering, open sores, or spreading rash
• Signs of infection such as pus, increasing warmth, or fever
• New or rapidly changing growths or moles
• Persistent acne that doesn’t improve or sudden flare-ups

For any serious, painful, or quickly spreading reaction, seek medical care promptly.

Keeping track of changes

Taking dated photos of your skin can help you notice changes over time and show a doctor what happened. A short photo log is a simple way to track whether a product is helping or harming your skin.

Short disclaimer

This article explains recent research presented at a medical conference. It is for general information and is not medical advice. If you have concerns about your skin, speak with a dermatologist or other healthcare provider who can give personalized recommendations.

Sources

1. Paysano, M. (2026, September 30–October 3). Glass skin or barrier breakdown? Evaluating the quality and safety of viral Korean skincare routines on TikTok. EADV Congress 2026, Vienna, Austria. (Source: EADV Congress 2026, Paysano study)
2. Hormi, O., El Yamani, L., Moujahid, S., Denna, S., Zerrouki, N., & Zizi, N. (2026, September 30–October 3). When skincare trends go wrong: Dermatologic complications of viral social media products. EADV Congress 2026, Vienna, Austria. (Source: EADV Congress 2026, Hormi et al. study)