The latest TikTok beauty craze is eggs-actly what dermatologists don’t want you to try: rubbing raw egg whites on your face.
Despite DIY skincare hype on the platform, experts warn raw egg white facials have more risks than rewards — plus, no clinical evidence they erase bags, creases and folds.
While supporters claim that these one-ingredient masks reduce wrinkles and shrink pores, experts caution against applying these to your visage due to possible allergic reactions, salmonella exposure, and skin irritation.
Egg whites are rich in protein and collagen, which benefit your skin when consumed, rather than applied as a face mask, according to Melanie Abeyta, an aesthetic nurse practitioner, licensed master injector, and owner of Harmony Aesthetics Center in Los Angeles.
She shared with ¡Hola! that she is “not a huge supporter of this trend” that has resurfaced on TikTok over the past few weeks, believing that the “risks outweigh the benefits.”
“One of the main risks is an allergic reaction,” Abeyta stressed.
She added that “many people are allergic to eggs; therefore, if you are allergic to eating them, you should definitely stay away from putting them on your face.”
Although you might not have a confirmed allergy, you could still be sensitive to egg whites, she said, noting the “potential for a small amount to be ingested which will cause significant discomfort.”
The aesthetics specialist went on to say that using egg whites topically can likely cause skin irritation, even if you don’t have an allergy, sensitivity, or intolerance to them.
“It’s never recommended to apply raw food to your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin, irritated skin or open wounds (like from acne) as there is always the potential for infection,” she warned.
The outlet additionally shared that Dr. Adil Sheraz, a specialist in skin conditions, informed The Sun that the likelihood of getting infections like Salmonella is significant when using raw egg facials, especially for those who are immunocompromised, children, and pregnant women.
Moreover, Sheraz noted that there is no evidence from trials to support the idea that raw egg whites can lessen the appearance of wrinkles.
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, agreed, telling Byrdie, “The information we have on the use of egg whites is all anecdotal and I have not seen any scientific studies showing any definitive data.”
On TikTok, influencer @byzareefa recently filmed herself breaking an egg into a bowl. She then removed the yolk to access the egg whites, whipped them with a fork until they appeared “soapy,” and applied the concoction to her face with her fingers, claiming it would minimize pores.
Fellow content creator @selinadasilvaa also made a video last month for the same reason, and applied her egg white facial with a makeup brush. She noted that she often leaves the mask on for ten minutes.
This spring, user @booombala presented a well-known technique popular among BeautyTok enthusiasts — applying egg whites to the face, then placing two layers of tissue paper on top, creating a sandwich effect with more egg whites in between.
However, if you really want smoother, more supple skin, it’s best to skip the raw eggs altogether and stick to actual skincare products, Abeyta advised.
“There are many better skincare solutions, such as using ingredients that are meant for your skincare, such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, vitamin C, and retinol,” she explained.
However, if you’re determined to smear on kitchen staples, Abeyta has some safer suggestions.
She revealed that you can try using oatmeal, which can be a “great exfoliator,” or classic cucumbers for soothing your eye area on a budget.
You can also opt for “cold” green tea bags for relieving puffiness around your peepers, as well as “honey for hydration” in dry areas of the face.
Given that diet significantly impacts our overall health, including the condition of our skin, she further recommended prioritizing an anti-inflammatory, probiotic-rich diet rich in fresh fruits and water.
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