The biggest gaps in consumers’ skincare knowledge include determining the correct amount of product to use, and which ingredients should and should not be combined.
After surveying over 3,000 people in the UK about their skincare habits, online retailer Beauty Pie launched a study revealing the biggest skincare misconceptions that could be damaging clients’ skin and their finances, revealing the areas where education from qualified skin professionals is most needed.
The study polled a representative sample of 3,002 people in the UK and found that 77% (2,300) said they were regular skincare users.
What are the biggest skincare mistakes?
The survey found that:
- Only 26% of regular skincare users apply SPF to their face every day
- One in five (19%) admit they often don’t remove their makeup before bed
- 37% have used skincare products after they’ve expired
- 59% aren’t clear which skincare products can and can’t be used together
- Skincare enthusiasts are using 77% more than the recommended application amount of product, on average.
Additionally, one in three (32%) say they sometimes don’t wash their hands before applying skincare products.
One in four (24%) regular skincare users also confess to buying skincare just because an influencer has recommended it, without knowing if it’s suitable for their skin, or knowing what it’s actually designed for.
The majority of skincare users (59%) say they’re confused about ingredient clashes – saying they’re not clear on which actives can and can’t be used together.
One in six (15%) think it would be OK to apply salicylic acid either before or after retinol. This echoes a study last year that revealed retinol is the most confusing skincare ingredient for consumers.
When it comes to the order to apply products, only 18% were able to identify that cleanser, exfoliator, serum, eye cream, moisturiser then SPF was the optimum order.