The Top 10 Beauty Hacks on TikTok, According to Data

Rosemary water for hair growth: 58.2 million views

According to NordChem’s research, using rosemary water to promote hair growth is the most viewed beauty hack on TikTok. Rosemary oil can be found in many hair-growth products in stores, so people tried to recreate that magic at home. Celebrity hairstylist Sabrina Rowe Holdsworth previously told us the anti-inflammatory properties help stimulate circulation. “It has also been long known to aid in hair growth by promoting nerve growth and circulation, which are both key for healthy hair follicles.”

To try the trend yourself, TikTok user Ella Heart explains that you add fresh rosemary to boiling water, letting it simmer for 15 to 30 minutes. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 15 minutes, then remove the rosemary. Once it’s cooled, pour the water into a spray bottle and apply it to the roots of your hair.

Skin slugging with vaseline: 42.8 million views

You’ve likely seen this moisture-locking trend before. Bloomfield Hills, MI dermatologist Linda C. Honet, MD previously explained slugging to us as “frosting one’s face with petroleum jelly as an overnight treatment.” She refers to it as a “jelly bandage.” The benefit of skin slugging with vaseline is that nothing evaporates off the skin or penetrates the jelly shield. Everything is locked in, including other skin-care products and moisture.

Using hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth: 37.4 million views

When using peroxide diluted properly, it can have some bacteria-killing benefits and contribute to gum health. However, Los Angeles cosmetic dentist Rhonda Kalasho, DDS previously told us that studies have shown no significant difference in the color of teeth after using hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. “It has been determined that gels, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, do a better job at whitening the teeth and improving overall brightness.”

Using castor oil to grow eyelashes: 34.6 million views

Practically every time I go to get my eyebrows done, the wax specialist is touting the wonders of castor oil for eyebrow growth. Castor oil is also known to boost hair growth on the head. Naturally, it seems it would have the same effects on lashes, but that’s not necessarily true. Castor oil doesn’t actually make your lashes longer or thicker, but it can make them look that way. The power of castor oil here is that it moisturizes lashes and helps them look fuller and shinier.

Self-tan to contour the face (tantouring): 24.3 million views

Contouring is as popular as ever—just look at how the underpainting technique has spread. Tantouring or tontouring is exactly as it sounds. Marissa Brown of Cocoa Brown Tan, who coined the term tontouring years ago, previously explained to us that it’s a technique that employs self-tanner to contour the face so that you don’t have to contour daily with makeup. “You only need to contour once a week with tontouring as opposed to every day,” she said.

Lip-plumping using cinnamon and peppermint oil: 14.9 million views

While TikTokers swear by using cinnamon oil or peppermint oil to plump the lips, including Troy, MI plastic surgeon Anthony Youn, MD, many also note how uncomfortable it is. If you’ve tried a store-bought lip plumper, you’re likely familiar with the tingling and burning effects that can come with application. However, in many of the TikTok videos using the oils seems to promote more irritation and discomfort than is normal.

Using apple cider vinegar to treat acne: 11.3 million views

We love folding apple cider vinegar shots into our routine for total body wellness, but have you heard you can use it on acne too? Since apple cider vinegar is an antibacterial, it may help treat pesky pimples by dabbing it on as a spot treatment.

Using olive oil as a moisturizer for the skin: 8.4 million views

I’ve used olive oil for some crazy things, including removing leftover wax from my body and getting rid of glue on my fingers from press-on nails. TikTok wants you to use olive oil as a moisturizer for the skin, and it’s not the worst idea. Olive oil can be a great moisturizer packed with antioxidants and squalene—some even recommend using it on red skin after too much time in the sun. The benefit we’ll need to see to believe though is that olive oil can help tighten loose skin.

Using grapeseed oil to volumize hair: 7.2 million views

Grapeseed oil can be found in a handful of hair products, so it’s no surprise people have tried using the oil on its own to help support hair. It’s known for boosting hair shine, moisture and even growth.

Using coconut oil as a makeup remover: 6.9 million views

Coconut oil has long been the do-everything ingredient. From cooking to skin health, coconut oil has you covered. While there are a handful of coconut oil–based makeup removers on the market, the stuff from the grocery store can also do the trick when you’re in a pinch. The texture mimics a cleansing balm and its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties will help wipe away makeup while moisturizing skin. However, those with oily, acne-prone skin might want to skip this one.