The Live Free Files

Hot takes on trending topics we'd like to weigh in on.

A standing record, not a feed. One question per File, one verdict, and our 2 cents with the help of our expert friends.

We dug deep on tallow, taped our mouths shut, read word for word about exosomes, and talked to our derm friends about prescription meds.

48 topics we dove in deep on.

1 of them we think you should skip.

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Every File ends in one of five words. Browse by the answer instead of the topic, it is faster, and occasionally alarming.

Skip it1 the verdict · skip itthings we examined and rejected, with the reason.Lash serums, preventative Botox, collagen powder, beef tallow, hormone balancing, ten-step routines. Several hundred dollars of things she does not need, in one place.read the skip it list

Worth it2Earns the money and the minute. The short list.see what earned it →Wait0Not wrong forever, wrong for her age, today.see what can wait →Depends0Two honest answers, and the condition that decides.see both answers →Guide1No product to rate, how something works, explained.see the guides →

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the files · face1 filesEverything from the jawline up, acne, actives, routines, and the procedures being sold to teenagers.e.g. “How many products does a teen actually need?” the files · body0 filesBelow the jawline, plus hormones, food and hair. The half of the aisle nobody rates. the files · mind1 filesThe part with no product behind it: comparison, filters, the trend machine, and what it costs her.e.g. “Should a fifth-grader be using anti-aging serum?” the files · ingredients1 filesWhat is on the label, what it means, and who decided it was allowed in there.e.g. “What does 'fragrance' actually mean on a label?”

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

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Sunscreen and Deeper Skin Tones

What a Teen Skincare Routine Should Actually Cost

The Age Chart: What's Appropriate at 10, 13, 16 and 18

How Many Actives Does a Teen Actually Need

How many products does a teen actually need?

The 5-Product Teen Skincare Routine (And Why More Is Worse)

Hard no

Skin Types, and How to Tell Which You Have

How Long Skincare Actually Takes to Work

How Sunscreen Works, and How Much to Use

What Order to Apply Skincare In, and How Much

When to See a Dermatologist About Acne

Blackheads: What Removes Them, What Doesn't

How to Build a Skincare Routine for a Teenager

Why Our Teen Skincare Line Is Only Three Steps (On Purpose)

Clean Morning Routine Swaps: A Seven-Product Side-by-Side

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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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Hot takes on trending topics we'd like to weigh in on.

The twelve to read first

What does 'fragrance' actually mean on a label?

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

How many products does a teen actually need?

Start from the answer

What do you want to learn about?

What's trending this month?

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

All the files

Sunscreen and Deeper Skin Tones

What a Teen Skincare Routine Should Actually Cost

The Age Chart: What's Appropriate at 10, 13, 16 and 18

How Many Actives Does a Teen Actually Need

What Puberty Does to Skin

How many products does a teen actually need?

The DIY Skincare File

The Eye Cream File

The Sunscreen File

The Retinol File

Skin Types, and How to Tell Which You Have

How Long Skincare Actually Takes to Work

How to Patch Test

How Sunscreen Works, and How Much to Use

What Order to Apply Skincare In, and How Much

When to See a Dermatologist About Acne

Blackheads: What Removes Them, What Doesn't

The Acne Myths That Won't Die

What Actually Causes Acne

How to Build a Skincare Routine for a Teenager

The Types of Acne, Explained

Why Our Teen Skincare Line Is Only Three Steps (On Purpose)

Clean Morning Routine Swaps: A Seven-Product Side-by-Side

Get the Files first