TikTok loves a good trend but this pickle skincare craze is one bandwagon you should avoid, according to one skincare expert. 

Amid the rising cost of living, many of us are looking for budget and DIY alternatives to our favourite products in order to save a penny or two. 

Now, TikTokers have turned to the humble pickle as a cheaper, at-home treatment to treat their acne, tone and remove dead skin by applying the brine directly.

However, the in-house skincare expert at Humanery, Thom Watson, has urged that it's a 'damaging' fad and what we should be doing instead.

What is the pickle skincare trend?

@ginamberx Pickles have incredible nourishing bacteria - probiotics. The best and most bioactive probiotics are fermented foods like pickes, souerkrauts etc. Try it for 30 days and let me know how you did with your skin 😍 #acnetreatment #acneremedy #pcosdiet ♬ original sound - Gin Amber

Some skincare enthusiasts on the video-sharing app have been trying to find ways to maximise the natural properties that pickles boast.

However, rather than simply consuming the gherkins for their antioxidants, some users have taken to applying the brine directly to their skin in lieu of their toner.

Meanwhile, others are using the brine to create a DIY facemask which they let soak into their skin for a few minutes like a sheet mask.

The trend claims to treat acne, tone skin like an acid-based toner and remove dead skin cells to reveal a glowing complexion. 

What are the dangers of TikTok’s pickle trend?

@lailapaul7 Playing with pickles #makeupchallenge #skincareasmr #fyp #foryou #skincare #makeup #viral #beauty ♬ original sound - Laila Paul

Despite its natural properties as a food product, skincare aficionado, Thom Watson, has urged those tempted to take up the trend to give it a miss.

Watson said: “Applying pickles or pickle water directly to the skin is likely going to cause irritation, leave your skin inflamed, and will also leave behind a smell that will linger all day.

“If you’re worried about spending money on skincare in the cost of living crisis, please do not try applying pickle brine directly to your skin because you will definitely end up having to spend money on over-the-counter treatments to remedy the ailments caused by this TikTok trend.” 

Are there any benefits to this trend?

@paigeisloko You guys asked for a pickle face mask and I delivered #fyp #picklefacemask #xyzcba ♬ original sound - 💖Paige💕

There is a reason why #pickleskincare has nearly 80,000 views and is taking over TikTok, Watson commented.

He added: “Actually, ingesting pickles and the brine can be very good for you. They are high in lactobacillus, a very powerful probiotic that is highly beneficial to the skin as well as other antioxidants and other goodies that do the gut, body and skin well.

"So by eating them on a regular basis, you are making your gut happy, which will ultimately help to support your skin, too.”

“If you are trying to get rid of acne scarring or dead skin cells, please look for a suitable toner and put the pickles down.”