6 Ingredients You Should Never Use on Your Face

Protect Your Glow: Avoid These Skin Saboteurs

In the world of skincare, more isn’t always better. Some ingredients—especially those found in DIY hacks or outdated formulas—can cause irritation, dryness, or long-term skin damage. Your face is delicate and deserves only the safest, most nourishing ingredients.

Here are 8 ingredients you should never use on your face—and what to use instead.

❌ 1. Lemon Juice

Why it’s used: DIY brightening and pigmentation remedies.
Why it’s harmful: Lemon juice is extremely acidic (pH ~2), which can cause burning, redness, peeling, and even hyperpigmentation—especially when exposed to sunlight.

✅ Use instead: Vitamin C serum or niacinamide for safe, effective brightening.

❌ 2. Toothpaste

Why it’s used: Popular DIY spot treatment for pimples.
Why it’s harmful: Contains bleaching agents, menthol, and fluoride, which are too harsh for facial skin and can lead to burns, irritation, and scarring.

✅ Use instead: Salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for acne treatment.

❌ 3. Baking Soda

Why it’s used: Homemade exfoliators and masks.
Why it’s harmful: Has a very high pH (~9), which disrupts your skin’s natural protective barrier. This leads to dryness, sensitivity, and breakouts.

✅ Use instead: Gentle exfoliants like lactic acid or oatmeal.

❌ 4. Hot Water

Why it’s used: Often used during facial cleansing or steaming.
Why it’s harmful: Hot water dehydrates the skin, breaks down the lipid barrier, and can trigger redness and broken capillaries.

✅ Use instead: Lukewarm water for cleansing and cool water to rinse or tone.

❌ 5. Coconut Oil (on oily/acne-prone skin)

Why it’s used: As a natural moisturizer.
Why it’s harmful: While it’s great for dry skin, coconut oil is comedogenic, meaning it clogs pores and can cause blackheads or breakouts.

✅ Use instead: Non-comedogenic oils like jojoba or squalane.

❌ 6. Apple Cider Vinegar (Undiluted)

Why it’s used: Claimed to fight acne and balance skin pH.
Why it’s harmful: Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic, and using it undiluted can burn your skin, cause severe irritation, or worsen hyperpigmentation.

✅ Use instead: pH-balanced toners with gentle acids like lactic acid or azelaic acid.

💡 Final Skincare Wisdom from Hera Grace

Natural doesn’t always mean safe, and homemade doesn’t always mean healthy. Before applying anything to your face—especially ingredients from your kitchen—ask: is this truly designed for delicate facial skin? Your glow deserves only the best, backed by care and science.