Misleading Claims Rampant in Viral TikTok Korean Skincare Videos

Recent findings presented at the 2026 EADV Congress have unveiled alarming truths about viral TikTok videos that promote Korean skincare routines, particularly the concept of 'Glass Skin.' According to a comprehensive study, nearly 95% of these videos contain at least one potentially misleading claim, posing significant safety concerns for viewers and followers of these beauty trends.

Korean skincare has gained immense popularity, with millions of social media users flocking to platforms like TikTok to learn about effective routines for achieving clear, smooth, and well-hydrated skin. However, the dermatological accuracy and safety of the information presented in these videos have not been rigorously evaluated until now. Researchers analyzed TikTok videos in May 2026 to assess the quality and reliability of the information being disseminated.

To ensure an unbiased approach, the study employed a neutral TikTok account without any interaction history to gather the most popular videos associated with Korean skincare. The research focused on five key search terms linked to this beauty phenomenon. After filtering irrelevant content, 38 videos were examined through structured evaluation tools, including the Global Quality Scale and a modified version of the DISCERN tool.

The results shocked the team: almost all analyzed videos were flagged for potentially misleading content. Specifically, 84% of them failed to consider various skin types, 45% featured overhyped combinations of ingredients without adequate warnings, and 32% made false promises of immediate results.

Dr. Maria Lúcia Paysano, the study's lead author, expressed her astonishment regarding the recurring absence of critical safety information.