That kind of headline is a classic example of a clickbait health claim. On its own, “Add it to your cream and blemishes on your face will be a distant memory” is not credible because it doesn’t say what “it” is or provide evidence that it works.
Many DIY skincare ingredients promoted online can actually irritate the skin when mixed into creams, including:
- Essential oils (can cause irritation or allergic reactions)
- Lemon juice (can irritate skin and increase sun sensitivity)
- Baking soda (can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier)
- Hydrogen peroxide or undiluted apple cider vinegar (can cause burns or irritation)
If your goal is to reduce blemishes or acne, ingredients with good evidence include:
- Benzoyl peroxide – helps kill acne-causing bacteria.
- Salicylic acid – unclogs pores and reduces inflammation.
- Adapalene – a retinoid that helps prevent clogged pores.
- Azelaic acid – can help with acne, redness, and post-acne marks.
- Niacinamide – may reduce oil production and inflammation.
For persistent or severe acne, a dermatologist can recommend prescription treatments if needed.
If you tell me what ingredient the headline says to add to your cream, I can explain whether it’s likely to help, be harmless, or potentially damage your skin.
