As a dedicated TikTok user and skincare enthusiast, I spend a generous amount of time taking note of the beauty trends I see flash across my screen at a seemingly lightning speed. Recently on TikTok, minimal skincare routines became all the rage again.
While I enjoy watching other beauty lovers of all ages make edits to their skin routines in accordance with the fast-paced trend cycle, my short and simple skincare routine has mostly remained unchanged. There are few products I swear by, and even fewer products I consider adding to my lineup when I see them trending on TikTok.
One of the best things about being a beauty editor is that my job requires me to step out of my comfort zone and be exposed to the expansive world of beauty products without too much self-projection. I know which products I'm attracted to (seaweed, botanical extracts, and milk cleansers are my holy grail), but covering TikTok beauty trends gives me an idea of what I may be missing out on. Enter Peter Thomas Roth's best-selling line of skincare products.
For over 25 years, Peter Thomas Roth has been a leader in making products that take a clinical approach to beauty. The brand focuses on ingredients that, when used correctly, have been clinically proven to improve the skin (such as vitamin C, retinol, and peptides) and appear in products from eye creams and moisturizers to masks and peels. Available at a mid-level price point and sold at a number of major retailers including Nordstrom, Sephora, and Dermstore, Peter Thomas Roth has become a household name.
With its current rise in popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, I decided it would be the perfect opportunity to give the brand a try and share my findings. Keep in mind that when experimenting with new skincare products, I pay extra attention to a few major things that are dealbreakers for me: 1) if my melanin-rich skin appears brighter, 2) any immediate and long-term changes to my skin's texture, and 3) how moisturized my skin looks and feels. I stay away from any products that include potentially irritating ingredients (I'm allergic to aloe, for example) or feature-added pigments that leave an unsightly gray cast.
Interested in learning more? Read on to discover if Peter Thomas Roth claimed a permanent spot in my skincare routine (and if you should consider adding it to yours).
The best Peter Thomas Roth products I tried:
These 24K gold–infused gel eye patches are my favorite product from Peter Thomas Roth. I applied these eye patches for 10 minutes before starting my makeup routine in hopes the dark circles around my eyes would lighten. Not only were they visibly brighter, but the skin under my eyes also felt firmer and looked lifted.
One of the biggest things I noticed that changed after using this mask a second time was how hydrated my skin felt. This is due to a powerful combination of hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, and caffeine to reduce puffiness. I'll definitely be using these eye patches as part of my skincare routine (especially to save my skin after long nights and early mornings).
Like many people with darker skin tones, I struggle a little with discoloration. Dark spots have made their appearances over the last few years around my eyes, my T-zone, and my chin. While monthly waxing appointments have made a difference in evening out my skin tone, I've been looking for a treatment I can use in the AM and PM to target my problem areas.
I used this discoloration treatment twice daily over a few days, applying a pea-sized amount on the aforementioned dark spots. Its formula includes niacinamide, kojic acid, and pentapeptide: all brightening ingredients. While I didn't see an immediate change in my skin's appearance (using it for a longer time may have produced different results), I noticed a slight change in my skin's texture.
This is the product I was the most excited to try, and it didn't let me down! I've been on the hunt for a product that can keep my skin ultra-hydrated and glowing even during the coldest months of the year. My nose, cheeks, and forehead all tend to start flaking when the temperature drops. I've discovered a lot of great products that have helped me combat it, and this is one of them.
Here's what you should know about this cream: it gives your skin protective moisture by using hyaluronic acid to bring on the moisture while also keeping it plump. When the moisturizer dries, your skin is left with a healthy, luminous finish. While using this, I didn't feel the need to apply a serum, as all the moisture and shine I wanted for my face already felt like it was there (and it certainly looked like it). Add this one to your routine if you need a long-lasting hydration pick-me-up.
I'm someone who has always been partial to makeup removers that are milk or water-based since they usually leave my skin feeling smoothed and refreshed. Although I was originally feeling a little hesitant to switch those out for this oil-based Peter Thomas Roth makeup remover, I'm glad I gave it a try. Crafted to target signs of aging, the cleanser uses avocado, soybean, lemon, grapefruit, and yuzu to help nourish and moisturize the skin while adding salicylic and mandelic acids thoroughly (and gently) exfoliate.
After massaging the oil onto dry skin with my wet fingertips, I was beyond excited to see that instead of foaming or sliding right off my face, the oil began to melt away into a soft, milky finish. After rinsing with lukewarm water dry, I noticed that my skin did indeed look noticeably brighter and felt softer. When using a cleansing oil, I typically double cleanse to ensure all impurities are off the skin.
Next up, a treatment to tighten the under-eye areas that's been all over my TikTok FYP. I'm incredibly lucky to say, that at 24 years old, I have yet to develop noticeable fine lines or folds, so this is another product I was semi-hesitant to add to my skincare routine. Here's the deal: the reviews for this one didn't entirely reflect the research results. With that in mind, I decided to pull back on this one and use it on its own without following with any of the brand's other products.
If I could describe this eye-tightening treatment in one word, it would be "surprising." My skin felt as if it had been pulled slightly taught, but not entirely lifted like the effects of the brand's 24k gold eye patches. It dried quickly, making it perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy treatment from the comfort of home. I don't see myself adding this one to my everyday skincare routine, but I won't count this product out from future consideration.
I always look at the winter months as a great time to invest in ultra-hydrating products that bring on and lock in moisture. This one, which can be used in partnership with the aforementioned Hyaluronic Cloud Cream, does a great job of leaving my skin feeling moisturized and looking beyond dewy and leaving it glowing.
This moisturizer also protects the skin barrier with hyaluronic acid to enhance hydration and keep the skin plump and healthy. I used this one morning and night, brushing it evenly against my skin and ensuring all the areas I wanted to work on getting a little extra attention. I love how smooth and non-sticky my skin felt after using it for a couple of days. I know I'll be using this moisturizer all winter (and well into the warmer months).
This rinse-off exfoliating treatment is meant to target blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores. I've been traveling recently, and this product provided me with some much-needed exfoliation while also leaving my skin smooth to the touch with a healthy glow. While this product left me with smooth skin, I typically don't struggle with acne, so I'll skip this in my own routine going forward. If you do have acne or clogged pores, this high-powered exfoliant might be your ticket to clearer skin.
More Peter Thomas Roth products our editors love:
Next: The Proof Is in the Data: Waterless Beauty Was One of 2022's Biggest Trends
