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A viral TikTok moment made me buy this acne cream

Erin Christie

Updated July 27, 2024 - 2.18am

I'm very lucky to have unproblematic skin. It doesn't skew oily or dry, and a simple skincare routine usually keeps things under control. However, a recent combination of stress, new skincare products, poor diet, and winter weather had me breaking out with a ferocity I hadn't seen in years.

Thankfully, the internet had my back. The team at tbh Skincare went viral this month for their participation in a popular TikTok trend where they danced in their office and sang descriptors for each other (if you know, you know). Their simple video spread across the internet like wildfire, drawing attention from both fans and vitriolic haters alike, who were soon debating whether women should be 'allowed in the workplace'.

Despite the frankly bizarre backlash, I was soon walking around my house singing their earworm of a song. I knew it was only a matter of time before I'd cave and buy their products.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

tbh Skincare Acne Hack Spot Treatment

9PR: tbh Skincare Acne Hack Treatment — 9Product Reviews

$29.95 on tbh Skincare $29.95 on Adore Beauty

While tbh Skincare has been a pioneer in the pimple patch movement (more on that later), the product I finally invested in was their Acne Hack Spot Treatment. Just $29.95, it's a targeted treatment you apply to your pimples, ideally before bed.

How does the Acne Hack Spot Treatment work?

Infused with patented technology, the Acne Hack Spot Treatment breaks down 'biofilm' in your skin without using ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Protected by a substance called the EPS layer, biofilm is difficult for most topical treatments to reach. However, tbh's patented technology has pulled this off, targeting bacteria that are usually quite difficult for skincare products to reach and treat.

Did it work for me?

I was feeling despondent by the time I got this treatment in my hands, but I was also willing to try anything.

As directed, I applied a tiny amount (like, less than pea-sized) to each of my pimples and waited five minutes before applying my least aggressive skincare products on top. I was thrilled to wake up to excellent results – the pimples were still there, but they were visibly smaller and a lot less red and angry. After two more nights of applying the applied a tiny amount, my skin returned to its usual clear, unproblematic status.

I would absolutely buy this product again, but given how little you need to apply, I feel like it will last me a long time.

What else can you try?

tbh Skincare is also well-known for its pimple patches, which have also worked for me in the past. Usually, they can cure a simple breakout when you wear them overnight, but the Acne Hack Spot Treatment had the extra oomph I was looking for.