This product’s humble beginnings as a cow udder moisturizer haven’t stopped its takeover on TikTok.

But does it work?

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two marie claire editors test and hold up bag balm moisturizer in a collage

Ive had my blood massaged into my face during whats known as a “vampire facial.”

Once upon a time, I even slathered myself in snail mucin in pursuit ofglass skin.

But hear the TikTok girls out before you judge.

girls holding bag balm review

Theyre rather convincingand entirely responsible for the product’s viral resurgence.

That’s resulted in Bag Balm’s social following skyrocketing.

The buzz seems credible.

girls holding bag balm review

“It’s a really nice nourishing solution.

I’m obsessed,” TikToker Madison Taylor says in anotherviral video.

But TikTok trends, no matter how convincing, can be misguided.

Bag Balm Skin Moisturizer With Lanolin for Chapped Lips, Dry Skin and More | 4oz Tin

I also put the product to the test along with theMarie Clairebeauty team.

What Is Bag Balm, Anyway?

Bag Balm and its no-frills packaging have pretty rural roots.

Two women on horseback (Minka Kelly as Quinn and Lauren Glazier as Angie O’Grady) in Episode 103 of Ransom Canyon.

There wasn’t much sexy about itit was a farming staple.

It wasnt until the 1960s that people started using it as human skincare.

Bag Balm’s formula itself is simple.

woman wearing a white t-shirt in New York City.

Can Bag Balm Be Used for Slugging?

A handful of videos currently circulating online push Bag Balm as slugging agent.

The technique is thought to seal in moisture and can be particularly beneficial for dry skin types.

James Wessex, Sophie Wessex, Princess Beatrice and Jack Brooksbank

I would never use this on my face, he says.

Lanolin, he explains, is not only a common allergen but also incredibly comedogenic.

It will clog your pores.

woman’s shoulders surrounded by surgery instruments

Its similar to Aquaphor, which has lanolin in it, too.

TikTok can be very persuasive (and we do appreciate anunsexy beauty product).

But proceed with caution before putting it on your face.

Hannah Baxter headshots

Our honest thoughts, ahead.

Its a littlehow do I put this nicelyrustic.

The natural fragrance turned me off, but I persisted in the name of beauty testing.

sulwhasoo ginseng launch

I used an incredibly small amount of product and spread it on some dry patches around my mouth.

It worked wonders on my typically rough cuticles, too.

Its been 24 hours, and the skin around my nails is still soft.

four tubes of necessaire deodorant in front of a plain backdrop

“Perhaps my favorite use for the Bag Balm was as a perfume primer.

I rubbed a little dot on the inside of my wrists before spraying my favorite custom-blended scent.

Normally, thelight perfumefades fast, only lasting around five hours.

mature skin foundations

It’s a true skincare hero, with a hydrating formula that works beautifully on all my driest spots.

Beauty Writer Gabrielle Ulubay uses Bag Balm to soothe her upper lip after waxing.

The rings chafe against the skin at the base of my fingers and make regular lotion app slightly challenging.

Drunk Elephant Voluntary Product Recall

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