Off-Label Use of Skincare Products: Innovation, Risk, and the Science Behind It

We all know skincare is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry, where professionals and

consumers alike are constantly on the look-out for innovative ways to maximize the

benefits of products and routines. While most products are formulated and marketed for

specific uses, there is a fascinating world where people repurpose certain products

outside of their original intention. It is not a new practice, nor is it reserved just for the

skincare space, but what is “off label use”, really?

One shining example of using a product off-label and outside of its original intention is

Ozempic for weight loss. Unless you have been living under a rock (and with no social

media or TV), you are undoubtedly aware glp-1 pharmaceuticals were originally

prescribed as diabetes drugs yet have unexpectedly become a game-changer in weight

management. And then, of course, we have the “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” approach

of “put a little Windex” on anything and everything. Or how about the age-old old wives’

tale of using diaper rash cream to soothe irritated skin—an unconventional but

surprisingly effective solution that is passed down as a secret remedy for generations.

In the world of skincare, similar unconventional uses of products have gained traction,

often blurring the line between innovation and risk.

But is off label use always safe? And when does experimentation become a

dermatological disaster? Let’s take a closer look into the science behind off-label

skincare, its risks and benefits, and what skincare professionals should consider before

recommending alternative uses.

What Is Off-Label Skincare?

https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1533707-spring-2025/72?