In the glitzy world of social media, where flashy trends and viral challenges dominate feeds, one platform is challenging the status quo by celebrating the unsexy: TikTok.
While we are used to social media platforms boasting glamorous influencers, showcasing extravagant, luxurious lifestyles, and presenting picture-perfect aesthetics, a new TikTok trend has emerged where even the most mundane, everyday products can become starts.
In the past few years, skincare, haircare, and everything else in the beauty industry has put us in a chokehold. We have become addicted to the need of always having the newest “it girl” product.
In the age of Sephora 10 year-olds, influencers, and Nepo babies, overconsumption is rampant and incessant. Because the markets have become so inundated with excessive, unnecessary, and extremely expensive beauty products, the girls are starting to realize how absurd our world has become. This is where the “unsexy products” trend comes in.
What are “Unsexy Products”?
Think: drugstore products, like Aquaphor, Neutrogena, deodorant, and Dove soap. These products are considered “unsexy” because they are not considered a luxury good, they are generic. They can often be found at your local CVS, or maybe even a grocery store. But, the thing is they actually work, and they work well. They exist for a reason, people!
Creators with large social media accounts as well as small, independent creators have taken it upon themselves to bring these products to the forefront. They are reminding viewers that firstly, these products exist, and secondly, that they are high quality. Aquahor exists for a reason, and there is a reason that people use it constantly.
This trend started when people started posting their favorite “unsexy products.” Once one girl posted this TikTok video, many other creators saw this video, gained inspiration, and started to share their personal favorites.
Blowing Up
So why is this happening? And why is this trend blowing up on social media? It’s because in the age that we live in, the media has given consumers an obsession with very expensive products. This obsession puts so much pressure on buyers to keep up with the trends and fuels the constant need to consume. We feel the need to always have the newest, hottest, most expensive product that has come to the market this week.
Did you see the frenzy that came when Hailey Bieber released the Rhode phone case? The market has become so overly saturated and it is completely unsustainable and unreasonable. So, the girls are doing a 180º. We are going back to the basics. Drug store products are in, Caudalie is out.
Just a Trend?
Ideas and products that become trendy on social media, especially TikTok, are known to come into and go out of popularity so quickly. So we are wondering if these unsexy products are “just a trend” or if they will change the beauty industry, bringing consumers back to their roots, back to normalcy.
The “unsexy products” trend is a form of “de-influencing.” It seems to be “normal,” non-social media people’s way of pushing back against the onslaught of beauty products that beauty influencers and the brands that they promote want us, as consumers, to purchase.
This trend exploded on social media right before the annual Sephora sale took place. Coincidence? Maybe. Blessing? Definitely. Because it is now trendy to use cheaper, more bang-for-your-buck products, many people have decided to opt out of making any purchases during the Sephora sale, a time when they would typically purchase hundreds of dollars worth of makeup and skincare. The pressure has been relieved.
Although the “unsexy products” frenzy is a trend, it is really just a return to baseline. It is completely normal to use Pantene shampoo and Aveeno moisturizer. It is completely insane to assume that everyone uses Oribe and La Mer. This is a trend the people can get behind.
TikTok has transformed from a platform primarily known for dances and lip-syncing videos into a hub for product discovery and recommendations. What sets this TikTok trend apart is its authenticity and rawness; users are not showing off aspirational lifestyles, but instead sharing genuine experiences and discoveries, no matter how unglamorous they may seem.
“Unsexy products” are basic, everyday items that would not typically make headlines or go viral. These are the unsung heroes of our daily lives, the products that quietly perform their duties without much fanfare. Yet, on TikTok, they are now receiving the attention and appreciation that they deserve.
From cleaning supplies to kitchen gadgets, skincare essential to office supplies, unsexy products are finding their moment in the spotlight on TikTok. What sets these items apart is their ability to solve everyday problems and enhance users’ lives in small but meaningful ways. And thanks to the TikTok algorithm, which thrives on genuine user engagement, these products are gaining traction organically.
One prime example of this trend is the rise of cleaning products on TikTok. While scrub brushes and sponges may not be the most glamorous items, cleaning enthusiasts on TikTok have turned mundane household chores into captivating content. Whether it’s testing out new cleaning hacks, sharing before-and-after transformations, or simply offering cleaning tips and tricks, these creators have amassed millions of views and followers by showcasing the power of everyday cleaning products.
Skincare is another area where unsexy products are thriving on TikTok. While luxury skincare brands often dominate beauty influencers’ feeds on other platforms, TikTok users have democratized skincare by highlighting affordable, accessible products that deliver results. From drugstore cleansers to budget-friendly moisturizers, TikTok skincare enthusiasts are sharing their holy grail products and skincare routines, empowering viewers to achieve healthy, glowing skin without breaking the bank.
So, what is it about these unsexy products that makes them so compelling on TikTok? It’s the authenticity, relatability, and practicality they offer. In a world where social media often glorifies the extravagant and unattainable, TikTok celebrates the ordinary and accessible. Users aren’t just looking for products that impress; they’re seeking solutions to everyday problems, and unsexy products deliver just that.
As TikTok continues to evolve and shape the landscape of social media, the trend of celebrating unsexy products is likely to persist. After all, it’s the everyday moments and small victories that truly resonate with audiences. So, whether it’s a humble cleaning sponge or a budget-friendly skincare product, don’t be surprised if you see them stealing the spotlight on TikTok – because sometimes, the most unassuming products have the biggest impact on our lives.
