Study Finds Nearly 95 Percent of Viral Korean Skincare TikTok Videos Make Misleading Claims - Video

Nearly 95% of viral TikTok videos about Korean skincare and "glass skin" contained at least one potentially misleading claim, while basic safety advice was often missing, according to research presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress 2026.

Researchers analysed popular videos related to Korean skincare and glass-skin routines using a neutral TikTok account in May 2026. After exclusions, 38 videos were assessed for the accuracy, reliability and quality of their dermatological information.

About 95% of the videos contained at least one potentially misleading claim. Around 84% did not consider differences between skin types, while 45% promoted combining multiple active ingredients without adequate safety guidance. About 32% promised instant results.

Basic safety information was particularly limited. Only one video mentioned the risk of skin irritation, while two discussed sun protection. None mentioned contact dermatitis or advised viewers to consult a dermatologist.

All the videos were classified as unreliable or less reliable, and none provided an external source or reference. About 82% were created by non-physician influencers, 11% by beauty brands and 8% by other beauty content creators. None were produced by dermatologists.

A separate observational study presented at the congress highlighted possible consequences of following social-media skincare trends. It involved 94 patients who developed new or worsened skin conditions after using products promoted online.

Chemical exfoliants containing alpha-hydroxy acids or beta-hydroxy acids were involved in 34% of cases, followed by over-the-counter retinoids at 27%, vitamin C products at 14% and niacinamide products at 11%.

Nearly half of the patients had copied complete routines from social media, while 63% were using more than three active ingredients at the same time. Reported reactions included irritant contact dermatitis, acne worsening, rosacea flares, pigmentation and superficial chemical burns.

Researchers stressed that Korean skincare itself is not the concern. The main issue is complex, one-size-fits-all routines promoted without individualised safety advice. Further, “viral” skincare advice does not necessarily mean it is safe or suitable for every skin type.

REFERENCE:

1.Paysano, M. L., Talah, B. A. D., Elias, M. C., & Kreuz, 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.

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.