Hey, friend! So, you’re here because you’re all about that natural skincare life—but maybe you’ve noticed that not every “natural” thing out there is actually safe for your skin. Yep, just because something comes from a plant or your kitchen doesn’t automatically mean it’s going to love your face as much as you do.
I’ve been down the rabbit hole of DIY masks, essential oils, and random kitchen concoctions, and trust me, I’ve learned some lessons the hard way. Today, I’m spilling the tea on 8 natural ingredients you should never put on your skin, so you can avoid the redness, breakouts, or worse—burns. Let’s go!
1. Lemon Juice
Why It Sounds Good
Lemon juice is basically the poster child of DIY skincare. People swear by it for lightening dark spots, brightening dull skin, and fighting acne. I mean, citrus smells amazing, right?
The Ugly Truth
Here’s the thing: lemon juice is super acidic. That acidity can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to irritation, redness, and even chemical burns if you leave it on too long. Oh, and fun fact: it also makes your skin super sensitive to sunlight, which is basically the opposite of glowing skin.
Bottom line: Save lemons for your water, not your face.
2. Baking Soda
The DIY Scrub Darling
Baking soda shows up in so many DIY scrub recipes. It promises exfoliation and “clean pores,” but here’s the kicker: your skin doesn’t have the same pH as baking soda.
Why It’s a No-Go
pH imbalance: Baking soda is highly alkaline, and your skin thrives in a slightly acidic environment. Mess with that, and you’re basically inviting irritation and dryness.
Over-exfoliation: It’s gritty, so scrubbing too hard can cause micro-tears. Not cute.
IMO, a gentle chemical exfoliant or a sugar scrub is a much safer bet. Your skin will thank you.
3. Toothpaste
The Spot Treatment Myth
Ever had a zit and thought, “Toothpaste, save me!”? Guilty here too, my friend.
Reality Check
Toothpaste contains fluoride and other chemicals not meant for skin.
It can dry your pimple out… but also burn your skin or cause peeling.
Honestly, stick to actual acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Your mouth can keep the toothpaste.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
The Trendy Potion
ACV is all over TikTok and Instagram. People use it for toners, masks, and even spot treatments. It’s natural, cheap, and sounds magical.
Why Your Skin Might Hate It
Apple cider vinegar is acidic—like lemon juice, but sneaky. It can:
Burn and sting sensitive areas
Cause chemical burns if applied undiluted
Trigger redness and irritation for eczema-prone skin
Pro tip: If you’re obsessed, always dilute it heavily and do a patch test first. But honestly, there are gentler toners that won’t have you crying in the bathroom mirror.
5. Essential Oils (Undiluted)
Aromatherapy Dream
Lavender, tea tree, peppermint—you name it. Essential oils smell divine and seem super fancy in DIY skincare.
The Reality
Undiluted oils are concentrated irritants.
Can cause redness, blisters, or even allergic reactions.
Tea tree oil, for instance, is a popular acne fighter, but applied directly? Burn city.
Pro tip: Always dilute in a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil. A little goes a long way, and your skin won’t revolt.
6. Cinnamon
The Spicy Mask Idea
Some DIY recipes suggest mixing cinnamon with honey for a “plumping” or acne-fighting mask. Sounds sweet and spicy, right?
The Burn Factor
Cinnamon is a topical irritant.
It can cause redness, itching, and even chemical burns on sensitive skin.
Honey is great on its own, but adding cinnamon? Risky.
Honestly, I learned this one the hard way. My face looked like I had a bad reaction to a sunburn after trying it once.
7. Coffee Grounds
The Scrub Obsession
Coffee scrubs are all the rage. They promise exfoliation, cellulite reduction, and even anti-aging benefits.
The Caveat
Coarse coffee grounds can tear delicate skin.
Using on your face? Usually too rough.
Might be fine for body scrubs if you’re gentle, but don’t go full Hulk mode.
If you love the idea, go for finely ground coffee and mix with something moisturizing like coconut oil. Less scraping, more glow.
8. Raw Egg Whites
The “Tighten Your Skin” Hack
Ah yes, the classic egg white mask. Tightens pores? Supposedly. Gives a temporary lift? Maybe.
Why It’s Risky
Raw eggs carry Salmonella, so there’s a tiny risk even topically.
Can be extremely drying and irritating.
The tight, stretched feeling might seem “effective,” but it’s your skin crying for help underneath.
Safer alternatives? Gel masks or clay masks that actually nourish and hydrate without the germ factor.
Bonus Tips for Safe Natural Skincare
Okay, I know this list might feel like a buzzkill. You’re like, “Wait… can I use anything from my kitchen?” Chill, I’ve got your back. Here’s how to safely enjoy natural ingredients without wrecking your skin:
Patch test first: Always try a tiny bit on your wrist or behind your ear. Your face is precious real estate.
Dilute, dilute, dilute: Essential oils, vinegar, and lemon juice all need water or carrier oils. Don’t be lazy here.
Know your skin type: Sensitive skin? Stick to gentler ingredients like oats, honey, or aloe vera.
Listen to your skin: Redness, stinging, or burning? Wash it off immediately.
My Personal Take
I get it—DIY skincare is fun. There’s something satisfying about making your own mask from ingredients you can pronounce. But IMO, just because it’s “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe. I’ve made every mistake above at least once (except maybe toothpaste on zits—that one’s just common sense…ish).
Here’s the real secret: you can still enjoy natural skincare without risking a disaster. Stick to ingredients that are gentle, research before you slather it on, and keep a moisturizer handy for rescue. Your future self will thank you.
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it: 8 natural ingredients you should never put on your skin. To recap quickly:
Lemon juice – Too acidic, sun-sensitive skin alert
Baking soda – pH disaster waiting to happen
Toothpaste – Burns + chemicals = no thanks
Apple cider vinegar – Dilution mandatory
Essential oils (undiluted) – Skin irritants, seriously
Cinnamon – Redness and itch city
Coffee grounds – Harsh exfoliation risk
Raw egg whites – Tightens pores, not your health
Remember, natural doesn’t automatically equal safe. If you want healthy, glowing skin, choose ingredients wisely, patch test often, and listen to your face.
And hey—if you absolutely love experimenting, at least now you know which experiments might leave you crying in front of the mirror.
