The skincare industry is massive, emotional, and incredibly persuasive. New launches come weekly. Promises are bold. Packaging is beautiful.
But when it comes down to it, many products do very little — and some do absolutely nothing at all. So which products are actually worth skipping?
Here are 5 that are often a waste of money, backed by what science (and dermatologists) actually say.
1. Expensive face mists
They look chic on your shelf and feel nice on the skin — but most face mists are just overpriced scented water. Some are packed with alcohol, which dries out your skin in the long run. Others contain essential oils that may irritate sensitive skin.
The truth:
Unless it contains real active ingredients (like niacinamide or antioxidants), you’re mostly just paying for the sensation — not results.
Better option:
Spray your face with thermal water or a low-cost toner with proven benefits. Or simply apply moisturiser to damp skin after cleansing — it does more for hydration.
2. Physical scrubs with large particles
Scrubs with rough particles like walnut shell, apricot kernel, or sugar can feel satisfying — but they often cause micro-tears in the skin. This leads to irritation, increased sensitivity, and even breakouts.
The truth:
There’s no reason to use gritty exfoliants on your face in 2025. We know better now.
Better option:
Switch to a chemical exfoliant like AHA, BHA, or PHA — they work more evenly, gently, and deliver visible improvements over time.
3. Sheet masks
They’re fun, photogenic, and give your skin a temporary glow — but most sheet masks deliver a quick hit of hydration and little else. The effects wear off in hours, and the cost (plus packaging waste) adds up fast.
The truth:
They’re fine as a once-in-a-while treat, but they won’t improve your skin long-term — no matter how expensive they are.
Better option:
Invest in a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or polyglutamic acid. It lasts longer and delivers more value per use.
4. High-end cleansers
Cleansers sit on your skin for about 30 seconds before being washed off. Spending hundreds of kroner on a fancy cleanser with exotic oils or extracts?
Completely unnecessary.
The truth:
A good cleanser just needs to remove makeup, oil and dirt without stripping your skin barrier. It doesn’t need caviar, truffle, or diamond powder.
Better option:
Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser — spend your money on leave-on products like serums or moisturisers instead.
5. Eye creams (for most people)
Yes, this one’s controversial. But the truth is: most eye creams are just face creams in smaller, more expensive packaging. Unless your formula includes a specific active (like retinol or caffeine), you’re probably just paying for marketing.
The truth:
If your regular moisturiser is safe for the eye area, it’s probably doing the same job — at a lower price.
Better option:
Only buy eye cream if it contains targeted actives and your regular skincare can’t be used near the eyes. Otherwise, skip it.
Our thoughts…
You don’t need a 10-step routine. You don’t need gold-infused anything. And you definitely don’t need to spend a fortune on skincare that does nothing but sit there.
In the end, the products that work are usually the least exciting:
- Gentle cleanser
- Moisturiser
- Sunscreen
- One or two solid actives (like retinol or niacinamide)
Everything else?
Nice to have — but not necessary.
And in some cases, not worth your money.
