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the live free daily

“what would you do this weekend if nobody was going to see it?”

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the live free files · verdict: skip it

4 things we'd skip

Everything we told you to skip.

We examined 48 things a teenager is being sold. 4 of them didn't earn a place, in a bathroom, a basket or a body. Here is each one, and why.

It's a short list so far. We only add one when we've actually done the work.

reviewed september 2026each verdict read by a clinician4 of 48 files

the files · face 2

Skip it

The DIY Skincare File

Lemon juice, baking soda, toothpaste, crushed aspirin and sugar scrubs each have a named mechanism of harm.Skip it

The Eye Cream File

Most teen eye creams are a smaller jar of the same moisturizer, priced higher per ounce.

the files · body 1

Skip it

Does Drinking Collagen Do Anything for Your Skin?

Collagen is a protein. Your body digests it like any other and doesn't route it to your face.

the files · mind 1

Skip it

Should a fifth-grader be using anti-aging serum?

Cosmeticorexia: Why I Won't Sell Anti-Aging Serums to Fifth GradersNo. There is nothing to prevent yet, and the actives cost her barrier.

instead

The three that replace most of that list

A list of nos is only useful next to the yes. Nothing here costs what the skipped things cost.

Worth itthe files · face

How many products does a teen actually need?

 Worth itthe files · face

The Sunscreen File

The next thing we skip, in your inbox

One File every other Friday. The question, the verdict, the reason.

No spam, it's toxic. Unsubscribe anytime.

the publication

The Live Free Files

One thing we tested, and whether we'd buy it again, worth it, wait, depends, or skip it.

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Depends Sunscreen and Deeper Skin Tones Depends The Ingredient Glossary: 25 Ingredients, One Line Each Depends What a Teen Skincare Routine Should Actually Cost
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the live free daily

“what would you do this weekend if nobody was going to see it?”

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never allowed28

ParabensPhthalatesFormaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservativesPEG compoundsPolysorbatesEthoxylated ingredientsDEA, TEA and MEA compoundsBHA and BHTPetrolatum, mineral oil and paraffinIsothiazolinone preservativesRetinol and retinyl estersHydroquinoneChemical UV filtersTalcCoal tar and synthetic dyesPFAS and fluorinated compoundsTriclosan and triclocarbanAntibacterials and antimicrobials we excludeSynthetic fragranceSynthetic musksSodium lauryl and laureth sulfateEDTA and synthetic chelatorsIndustrial solventsHeavy metalsPlastic microbeads and film-formersAerosol propellantsOther synthetic preservatives we excludeCyclic silicones

see the full exclusion list, and why each one is out →
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