Is It ok to share skincare products? When I was younger, I didn’t hesitate to share my lipglosses and mascaras with my friends. I had no idea we could give one another an infection that way. Luckily, that never happened but, when I think back on how reckless we were, I cringe.
These days, I’m a lot more picky. I rarely share my makeup and, when I do, I spritz that eyeshadow with alcohol faster than I can say “I do”. It doesn’t exactly make me Miss Popular with my friends, but, hey, safety first.
But, what about skincare? I’ve never given that one much thought until recently. I guess it’s because no one ever asked me if they could borrow my moisturiser while retouching our makeup in the club’ toilet on a Saturday night. Now that we’re getting older and my skin’s aging better (told you going to the beach every day wasn’t a good idea, ladies!), they all want to steal what I’m using. But, is that a good idea? The last thing I want is to give my BFF an infection or a face full of pimples.
The short answer? It depends on the packaging. The long one? Read on:
If It Comes In A Jar, Don’t Share It
Every time you dip your dainty little finger into a jar, some of the bacteria on it may find their way into the pot. If these bacteria happen to be dangerous, they could give your friend an infection. I admit the risk is tiny. Especially if:
- You wash your hands before doing your skincare routine. If you do, any nasty bacteria are much more likely to end up down the drain than in your precious jar.
- Your cream has a good preservative system (unfortunately, now parabens are being phased out, that’s often not the case anymore. Their replacements just aren’t as effective).
Besides, you should avoid anything packaged in a jar, anyway. Antioxidants lose a bit of their effectiveness every time they are exposed to light and air (read: every time you open the jar). This is a concern only for creams with retinol, Vitamin C, or other powerful antioxidants. Keep them too much in the sun, and that anti-aging moisturiser turns into a basic Nivea cream.
Related: Why You Shouldn’t Use Skincare Products Packaged In Jars
Struggling to create an anti-aging routine that really works? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Routine” cheat sheet to get started. It includes product recommendations + right application order:
Is It Safe To Share Bar Soap?
So many people still use bar soap instead of liquid soaps in their houses, both for their own family and guests. But is it safe to do so? Bacteria thrive in moist environments. Bar soaps are often moist (they take their sweet time to dry after each use). That makes them the perfect playground for bacteria. In theory, they should give everyone an infection. The truth is a bit more complicated. Let’s look at the science, shall we?
A 2011 study discovered that using bar soap contaminated with bacteria can indeed transfer them from person to person. But, don’t rush to throw yours out just yet. Another study has found the opposite. Scientists infected bar soap with bacteria and found they were unlikely to get transferred on skin during handwashing!
Who’s right? Probably both. Let me explain. The first study was conducted on a group of students and their teachers. The results found that “significantly higher levels of Gram-negative bacteria were recovered from students than were recovered from staff after washing with contaminated bulk soap.”
For the second study, “sixteen panelists were instructed to wash with the inoculated bars using their normal handwashing procedure. After washing, none of the 16 panelists had detectable levels of either test bacterium on their hands.”
This difference in bacteria transfer is probably due to the way we wash our hands. Adults are usually more throughout. They spend more time making sure they clean every single part of their hands, including the areas between each finger and under their fingernails, and rinse well. Children don’t like washing hands. They do it quickly and carelessly. That’s why there are way more bacteria on their hands.
As long as you wash your hands properly, it’s unlikely you’ll get an infection. But, keep your bar soaps away from children. Just in case.
Related: Why You Should NEVER Use Soap To Wash Your Face
Can You Share Skincare Products With Actives?
This is where sharing gets real risky. Products with retinol, exfoliating acids (like glycolic or salicylic), or even vitamin C can cause irritation or even chemical burns if someone’s skin isn’t used to them. Just because it works for you doesn’t mean your friend’s face won’t throw a tantrum. Especially if she’s already using actives in her routine – now you’ve doubled up and turned her routine into a chemical war zone.
Before sharing my retinol cream or exfoliant with a friend, I ask them:
- What are your skin types and concerns? (Like, do they even need this ingredients or do they want to try it out of FOMO?)
- Have they used these ingredients before? (If someone has never used retinoids, I’m not giving them a 1% retinol serum. Period).
Never try skincare out of curiously. Only use what your skin is telling you it needs.
Related: What’s The Right Retinol Concentration For You?
Quick answer: not unless you’re cleaning them like a professional. Those pretty jade rollers? They touch your skin, pick up oils, and sit there until the next use. Same with cleansing brushes or spatulas. Unless you’re sanitizing them between every use, sharing is a fast track to breakouts-or worse, infections.
Can You Share Sheet Masks or DIY Skincare?
Please, no. Sheet masks are single-use for a reason. Once it’s out of the pouch and on someone’s face, it’s contaminated. Trying to “save the essence” and pass it on to someone else is like inviting a breakout to move in.
And DIY skincare? That’s even riskier. Homemade moisturisers and serums usually don’t contain preservatives. Translation: they go bad faster and don’t offer any protection against bacteria. Sharing them is asking for trouble.
What About Allergies or Skin Sensitivities?
Even if a product is “safe” to share, your friend might react badly to something in it. Fragrance, essential oils, preservatives… everyone’s skin has its triggers. The last thing you want is for your bestie to slather on your favorite cream and wake up with hives. Not the kind of bonding moment you want. Always ask your friend if she’s allergic to something before passing her your serum. better safe than sorry.
The Bottom Line
Most skincare products can be shared with friends – as long as they have your same skin type and concerns (if not, they won’t do them much good, will they?). But beware of anything that comes in a jar and bar soaps. They are more likely to transfer bacteria, so use them carefully. The risk may be tiny, but why take it?
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
