I’m a sucker for a beautiful package and a viral product. I mean, who isn’t? A sleek aesthetic, promises of transformative results, and a cult following on TikTok or Instagram—take my money, right?
But here’s the thing: not everything that looks good works for everyone. I want to love the products everyone swears by. I want to jump on the hype train and feel like I discovered my new holy grail. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
These three buzzy beauty items were all over my feed and had the internet in a chokehold—but they just didn’t work for me. This doesn’t mean they’re bad products, just that my experience didn’t match the claims. And honestly? That’s okay. We all have different skin, body chemistry, and expectations. So here’s my honest review—no gatekeeping, no sugarcoating.
1. Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant
Claimed Benefits:
- Aluminum-free and baking soda-free
- Contains probiotics to neutralize odor
- Hydrating with hyaluronic acid and shea butter
- Fragrances are said to mimic fine perfumes
- Sustainable, non-toxic, and vegan
I’ve used drugstore deodorants my whole life, but I’ve been wanting to make the switch to a more natural alternative. So when I saw the Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant all over Instagram, with its minimalist packaging and dreamy branding, I gave in. The idea of a clean, non-toxic deodorant that smells like actual perfume? Count me in.
But let’s just say… that’s not what I got.
Even at Sephora, when I first smelled the testers, I was underwhelmed. But I thought, maybe it changes when you apply it. Spoiler: it didn’t. The scent was faint, and worse, it did absolutely nothing for odor control. Within hours, I felt like I was sweating more than usual, which is bizarre because I’m not even someone who sweats much. The texture—a mix between cream and gel—felt weirdly damp going on, and honestly, I’ve never had a deodorant make me feel so un-fresh.
Sadly, it’s a no for me. I won’t be repurchasing this one.
2. Salt & Stone Hand Cream
Claimed Benefits:
- Nourishes dry hands with shea butter and marula oil
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
- Fragranced with “signature scent blends” like Santal and Bergamot
- Designed to hydrate without greasiness
- Vegan, cruelty-free, clean formula
I know. Another Salt & Stone product. I swear I didn’t mean to drag them. But when it comes to this brand, it feels like the marketing machine is stronger than the formulas themselves.
The Salt & Stone Hand Cream has been in every aesthetic “what’s in my bag” video I’ve seen. And I get it—the branding is chef’s kiss. Clean lines, muted tones, that effortlessly cool vibe. I wanted to love it. But… it just didn’t deliver.
The scent didn’t wow me. The texture? Fine. It moisturized, sure, but no better than any other basic hand cream I’ve used. And as someone who battles dry, cracking hands in winter, I had to reapply it constantly with little relief.
If I’m being brutally honest, my good ol’ Neutrogena Norwegian Formula works way better. It’s not cute—but it gets the job done, and at a fraction of the price. Salt & Stone’s hand cream just felt like style over substance.
3. The Depuffer by Dr. Idriss
Claimed Benefits:
- Instantly depuffs with caffeine and green tea extract
- Soothes redness and inflammation
- Comes with a built-in roller for lymphatic drainage
- Hydrating and calming serum texture
- Developed by NYC dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss
I really wanted this one to work. I’ve been following Dr. Shereene Idriss on TikTok for a while now, and I love her skincare advice—she’s smart, funny, and genuinely knowledgeable. So when she launched her own line, I was fully on board. The Depuffer sounded genius: a serum and roller in one that would depuff and calm redness? Immediate add-to-cart.
But the reality? Not so magical.
I waited for the perfect morning—post-sleepless night, puffy face—and gave it a go. Sadly, there was zero visible depuffing. I even used the roller multiple times, hoping it just needed a bit of extra love. Then I tried it again post-workout to soothe redness, and… nothing. My skin stayed red, and it didn’t feel particularly calmed or hydrated either.
To top it off, I already have a pretty packed skincare routine, and if a new product doesn’t wow me immediately, I’m not keeping it around. Honestly, a good face massage with your hands, an ice roller, or your trusty gua sha does the same (if not better) job—and for less money.
Final Thoughts: Not Every Viral Product is a Winner (And That’s Okay)
Here’s the thing: beauty is subjective. What didn’t work for me might be your next holy grail—and I genuinely want to hear about it if that’s the case! I love reading your experiences, especially when they’re different from mine. Maybe your body chemistry made the Salt & Stone deodorant sing. Maybe the hand cream saved your winter skin. Maybe the Depuffer changed your skincare game. Tell me—I want to know.
At the end of the day, it’s fun to try what’s trending, but it’s even better to figure out what truly works for you. I’ll keep trying, keep sharing, and keep it real—always.
What About You?
Have you tried any of these products? Did they live up to the hype for you—or were you just as underwhelmed? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Let’s talk beauty without the BS.
I'll have what she's having 
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