37 Personal Care Products That Aren’t Fancy, But Reviewers Say Just Plain Work
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There’s BTS (Before Tongue Scraper) and ATS (After Tongue Scraper).
Posted on Nov 1, 2026 UTC
by Elizabeth Lilly BuzzFeed BuzzFeed Staff
As a Deputy Editorial Director for BuzzFeed’s shopping team, I love to get into the weeds of why a product’s worth the money by deep diving into customer reviews, and product-testing as much as possible.
Sometimes you want a new lippie in adorable packaging that'll earn you nearly as many compliments as the new shade. And other times you just want a dang lip balm that'll heal your dry, cracked pout. This is a story chock-full of the latter, from a K-Beauty body exfoliator mitt to an acne banishing body spray, we've got you.
Promising review: "Alright… let me give you the lowdown on what an amazing product this is. I’m not lying when I say it does EXACTLY what it says it’s supposed to do. I bought the tube eight months ago, and I use it daily. A pea-sized amount is perfect for my neck area. The tube lasts a long time. I still have some left and bought it again. It’s scentless and rubs in quickly and smoothly, leaving no greasy feeling behind whatsoever. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but figured I’d give it a try. I always hated my hangy double chin. After eight months, I have the tightest, most beautiful neck. Dude, I have a new neck! I am delighted!! I think I paid like $12 for it at the time. Worth it!!! I will use this stuff every day for the rest of my life. Goldbond makes amazing products." —Gloria Betters
Get it from Amazon for $11.97 (also available in a two-pack).
The brand recommends applying twice a day for best results. Read more about how Q10 benefits the skin from the National Library of Medicine.
Promising review: "I’ve been using this for a few years and love it! I had loose skin after losing weight, and this gel has been a game-changer, with noticeable improvement in my skin’s texture and firmness in just a few weeks. I use this gel on my thighs, stomach, and underarms. I pair it with Nivea’s body lotion for the rest of my body. A little bit goes a long way, so the bottle lasts a while. I switched over to another gel for a month a bit ago, and I noticed my skin returning to uneven firmness and texture. Once I went back to using this product, I noticed improvements within a few weeks again. So, this isn’t a cure, but with continuous use, results are maintained to keep my skin firm, moisturized, and even textured." —Morgan
Get it from Amazon for $15.19.
The color adaptive formula is designed so one of two shades will work on any skin tone.
My former colleague Heather Braga swears by this stuff: "The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of two shades will work on any skin tone. I've personally tested this out and it has become an essential part of my daily routine. As a mom of two I gotta just say I am TIRED. So tired that I'm not sure what my face even looks like without bags under my eyes — that is, unless I've got the Catrice "Instant Awake" on. A little really goes a long way and has great coverage. I wore it throughout my sister's wedding weekend in Aruba and, despite the heat, it stayed perfectly in place. An incredible product for an even more incredible price... 10/10 from me. "
Promising review: "Girlies with dark under-eyes, probs like myself, need to have a brightener! I used to spend $40 on Becca. This one is better, in my opinion!! It’s very pigmented and covers a blue hue in the corners of my eyes. It can be worn alone, but I prefer it under my concealer. It blends incredibly well. Very creamy and easy to apply. It will probably last me six months. A little dab goes a long way. It’s extremely buildable, too. I am just so in love. I’m a sucker for saving money, and this purchase just saved me over $30. I will recommend it to all my friends and family. Just BUY it!" —Caitlin Newcomb
Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades).
You can use each pen ~20 times and should expect your teeth to lighten 4–8 shades. I'm currently working my way through one of these pens!
Promising review: "I have only used the two original pens that I purchased and can already see an improvement. I am older than 60 and drink coffee daily and red wine weekly." —vicki houska
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $9.95.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I have super frizzy, curly hair and live in New England, where we have super humid summers. I have been struggling to find a product that de-frizzes my hair without making it look oiled down, and this is it. I put it in my wet hair after washing, towel dried, and put my hair in a ponytail to go to work. My hair was frizz-free all night — even working outside in high humidity. People even asked if I did something to my hair! This is an amazing product for the price. Absolutely buying again and would recommend to anyone with a frizz issue." —Marissa
"Awesome product, repeat buyer." —Amanda
Get it from Amazon for $4.22.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This product delivers exactly as promised and is incredibly easy to use. I suffer from dry skin and often apply various products to soften my feet. With this, I simply spray it on and immediately massage it in with my hands. The dead skin comes off effortlessly. There's no waiting time, and it's gentle on the skin. It leaves my feet feeling exceptionally soft. This has quickly become my new favorite thing." —KimT
Get it from Amazon for $5.97.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Best foot callus remover I have ever used! I read a lot of the reviews before purchasing this product. Most callus removers I have purchased in the past were not very effective. So, I was encouraged by the reviews. I saw that a lot of reviewers mentioned being very careful not to leave it on longer than three or four minutes. My feet were the softest they had ever been. Love love love." —Cheri whisker
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (also available in an extra-strength formula).
It's disgusting but it WORKS. (I have one and know.) Just make sure that you do it over the tub to catch all the icky flakes.
Promising review: "This thing is pretty amazing. I was skeptical for sure, since I've tried all kinds of lotions, balms, and stone-based products, none of which helped my heels whatsoever. I've worn socks to bed for years because if I don't, the sheets hardly last a week before they have holes rubbed through them. My wife ordered this thing that looks like a mini cheese grater, lol, and after two minutes — two minutes!! — of rubbing it on my heel, it's a complete 180. I never would've believed it until I tried it myself. This is well worth double what it costs." —LBK
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I had a stubborn wart on my right thumb that has been there for almost a year. Went to the doctor the first time to freeze it, but it didn't completely remove the wart so I decided to try the gel. The gel helped but not for too long and the wart came back (in a couple of days). Long story short, I got these medicated bandages and the results are incredibly satisfying. Used these every day for a week and the next week, my wart is gone. So far it's been a week after and I haven't noticed any growth." —J
Get 14 pads from Amazon for $6.67+ (available in three styles and multi-packs).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
However, It's always a good idea to chat with your ENT before using any ear-cleaning products!
BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Negesti Kaudo raves about this: "I've been using this stuff for almost a decade, and I'm v v v excited people are finally getting hip and talking about it! I used to have horribly waxy ears and I was prone to ear infections as an adult, so I wanted to make sure my ears were as clear as possible, all the time. Ever since I started using this — which, the first time the crackling of the solution and the wax in your ear may startle you, but it's normal — my ears have been practically wax-free, to the point where even my doctors are impressed! If you don't believe me, just check out the customer reviews to see the GOBS of earwax being removed from people's ear canals. 🤢 "
Promising review: "I knew I had earwax build up problems when my hearing would randomly become muffled and wouldn't unblock for 2–3 days. I started applying the drops twice daily with a warm water bulb flush once a day. The first day only a little bit of wax came out but the ear wax build up was dissolving. The second day, after I applied the drops, my right ear was muffled the entire day but when I did the ear bulb flush, a ton of wax came out and my hearing was restored. I continued the treatment for both ears and by the third day, my left ear was cleared of most of the ear wax as well. By the fourth day, all of the built up ear wax was cleared out and my ears were no longer itchy or muffled. These drops are amazing and worked way better than I expected as I thought it'd help get rid of some wax, but that I would need to go to the doctor to get the rest out. Trust the process and continue using the solution for the recommended four days; it works!" —RnG
Get it from Amazon for $8.67.
This stuff will hydrate and exfoliate any brittle, damaged nails, help improve the appearance, and reduce discoloration and thickness leaving you with some dramatic results. Not nearly as dramatic as Pedro Pascal's role as Joel. (He was ROBBED of the 2023 People's Sexiest Man Alive, BTW!)
Promising review: “I tried EVERYTHING! I tried tree tea oil for years and various different products. Nothing worked. The reviews were so great on this that I decided to try to cure it one more time. But when you have had a condition for 35 years, you aren’t too hopeful! I followed the suggestions of some of the reviewers and cut my toenails (I only had it on my big toes) everywhere that the fungus was present. I started applying this gel, which is super easy to use. I swear to you that I noticed a difference after one application.” —WIAPilot
Get it from Amazon for $19.97.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Seraphic Skincare is a small business that specializes in brushes, razors, and other personal care products.
Promising review: "I have very thin and light body hair, so any form of removal (shaving, waxing, etc) usually leaves me with a lot of ingrown hairs. I've tried body scrubs and washcloths, and neither really does a great job. I saw this product recommended by a dermatologist on TikTok and thought I'd try it — it's amazing! I also have very sensitive skin, and this mitt doesn't leave my skin irritated at all. However, absolutely do not use this mitt on your face, neck, or other sensitive areas. It would be way too harsh.
I like to use this mitt first when I get in the shower, then use a body wash (a gentle chemical exfoliant) and follow up with body lotion for dry and sensitive skin. This whole routine is fragrance-free and leaves my skin feeling very soft and moisturized." —Kat
Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (also available in a set of two).
Emma Lord/BuzzFeed
Mouthwatchers is a small business by Ronald Plotka, DDS, that specializes in antimicrobial toothbrushes designed to get deeper cleans — which are great for targeting stuff often missed with traditional brush and floss routines.
Here's what BuzzFeeder Emma Lord has to say about them: "I use an electric toothbrush usually, but I feel like I'm getting a much more satisfying clean from these?? Especially because I tend to get yellow stains between my teeth no matter *how* much I floss, and these bristles seem to actually target that a lot more effectively."
Promising review: "I have used a wide variety of toothbrushes in my lifetime. Hands down, this one is outstanding! Soft but subtle bristles. The flossing ability is great! My gums feel like they are receiving a massage! Also, it tackles the tartar buildup with twice per day brushing! Plusan anti-bacterial component! The price to me is competitive. Worth it! I will never use another toothbrush! This is my second order!" —Diana Adams
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $9.99.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "My husband and I travel a lot and take a number of prescription drugs. It was always a hassle accessing our medication when needed, so I purchased this organizer to make things easier. I used a label maker and labeled each little compartment, and it has performed wonderfully. I highly recommend this organizer to anyone who travels and needs medications throughout the day." —Jacqueline
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $6.49 (available in three color sets).
I've teste the whitening version of this toothpaste, and it works just as well as any drugstore brand toothpaste without irritation. (I'll occasionally get irritation from whitening strips and treatments, and space them out because of it, but I've had none with this!) My mouth just FEELS cleaner when I use this, and it's even easier to use my tongue scraper after brushing, too! I think this has earned a spot as my new go-to.
Promising review: "TheraBreath Deep Clean is the best toothpaste I’ve tried! It keeps my breath fresh for hours, feels gentle on my gums, and leaves my mouth super clean. The mint flavor is refreshing without being too strong. Definitely recommend." —Maryna Ruzieva
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $8.12.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
The kit comes with 10 toenail braces and the materials needed to apply it. Results should be seen in *just* one to three days!
Curve Correct is a small business focusing on helping you achieve normal toenails and reduce your chronic pain! Huzzah!
Promising review: "I never realized how curved and not OK my toenails were. I thought the pain I had was just normal and a fact of life. Only when I read about the Curve Correct product did I realize that I had a major problem and it could be resolved! Now I'm on the way to normal, flat toenails that DON'T grow curved into my skin!" —Jamie H.
Get the kit form Amazon for $44.99.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
My former colleague Ciera Velarde is a huge fan! Here's what she has to say:
"I've used it for about 12 years now and it's the only thing that I can trust to prevent that dreaded chafing after a sweaty day of walking around. It glides on perfectly, it's unscented, and it doesn't melt away when you start to sweat. If it's a particularly hot day out, it can start to fade after a few hours, so just make sure to bring it with you to reapply. In addition to preventing chafing between my thighs, I've also applied it on my arms where my sports bra rubs against them when I run and it works like a charm!"
Promising review: "Whoooo sometimes I feel as if a fire is going to start between my fat thighs, but with this stuff they just glide right on by each other, it has been a summer lifesaver. Only thing is you have to pack it on and reapply maybe four hours in, so bring it along for the ride. I will be buying again." —Ash
Get it from Amazon for $6.28.
It's got over 59,000 5-star reviews, and works for more than just dandruff.
Promising review: "This stuff is absolutely amazing. I was one step away from going to the dermatologist. I had severe dandruff that was so bad I could shake my head and it would come off. With just a few uses per week, I got rid of all of my flakes. My scalp also stopped burning from dryness. My hair has never been healthier." —Moo Moo
Get it from Amazon for $16.88.
Promising review: "Great product. It’s loaded with urea, which is great for Keratosis pilaris, rough elbows, etc, but gentle enough to use everywhere. And like other urea lotions I’ve tried, this one doesn’t smell like pee. 😁 As you would expect from a Cetaphil product, it absorbs very well and lasts a long time on the skin without being greasy. I live in the desert, so I can’t speak to how this lotion behaves in humidity, as well, we don’t have any. 😉" —Corrina Milito
"It soothes my itching bumpy skin." —Bill S
Get it from Amazon for $15.39.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Good Molecules is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products.
Promising review: "I never write reviews, but this eye cream has made a difference on my under eyes! I’ve only been using it for a week and I would definitely recommend it. I’ve bought several eye creams (expensive brands) and never noticed a difference as fast as I’ve seen using this product." —Natalie
Get it from Amazon for $5.97.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "So I decided to put these to the ultimate test for 4th of July underneath my white, semi-sheer swimsuit. I wore them out in the Florida heat in the ocean all day, and they did not budge or peel off. I thought for sure these would take skin off by the time I got home because I just couldn't believe they stayed on the entire day (humidity is real). I was able to remove them with ease. I washed them with warm water and soap and let them dry, and the next day, they were super sticky, like they were brand-new out of the package again. Buying these forever." —Marisa
Get it from Amazon for $26.50+ (available in three sizes, four colors, and two styles).
BuzzFeed editor Natalie Brown swears by these pasties! Check out her Nippies review to learn more.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "So I have been a loyal Eos fan for quite some time but you constantly have to reapply and honestly my lips are still cracked. I found Jack Black balm from a TikTok video and it has been glorious. I keep reaching for it to reapply and I don't need it. It doesn't feel greasy on my lips but it is a bit sticky? Or waxy. Either way, I don't mind it at all, and it also smells pretty darn good." —Trisha
Get it from Amazon for $10+ (available in six flavors and also in packs of three and four).
Rubbing alcohol-based products (like Tend Skin) can help prevent an infection of an ingrown, but can’t prevent an ingrown itself, according to Cleveland Clinic.
This can be applied after shaving and waxing to prevent bumps and burns. It can also be applied at night independent of shaving to help clear any existing ingrown hairs and bumps.
Promising reviews: "Works extremely well on sensitive skin and delicate shave areas. Used this after years of trying different products that irritated the sensitive shave areas and did not prevent razor burn and hair bumps. Noticeable difference after first use and no more ingrown hairs or chafing since implementing into shave routine." —Kindle Customer
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two sizes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Fomin is a small business that specializes in travel soaps and wipes.
Promising review: "Best thing ever. I work outdoors and I use this for my job. Doesn’t require lots of water either, but gets the job done. I actually bought it for my fishing trip and can’t wait to see how well it does." —Amazon Customer
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (available in single-scent packs, unscented, and larger packs).
Promising review: "I have a big spot of blood vessels in the inner corner of my left eye. I use the expensive lubricant eye drops for moisture — I've used Visine, Clear Eyes, you name it. No eye drop has made my eyes look this great. Only Lumify! I was soo happy when I looked in the mirror and saw some beauty in my eyes instead of darkness and redness." —Angela Leonard
"Two drops in your eyes and all day, they look perfectly white and healthy. I would definitely buy these again." —Kelley
Get it from Amazon for$11.93.
They even come with their own convenient little case! BTW, you can read more about tongue scraping at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review: "I recently purchased this tongue scraper, and I must say, it has made a significant difference in my oral hygiene routine. The scraper is easy to use and efficient in removing any buildup on my tongue. I have noticed that my breath stays fresher for longer, and my tongue feels cleaner throughout the day. The scraper is also easy to clean and store, making it a convenient addition to my daily routine. Overall, I highly recommend using a tongue scraper, and this one in particular is a great choice." —Kelsey
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $9.87 (also available in a copper version).
Promising review: "I have struggled with dry, cracked, gross feet since I was a teenager. No matter what I did, the skin on my heels was always dry and would crack so painfully that sometimes it was hard to walk. I had just resigned myself to the fact that it could never change. My feet are so, so soft, nearly all of the cracks and rough spots are gone and the last few cracks are almost totally healed. I have been putting this on twice a day and it’s changed everything. If you are on the fence about getting this, get it!!" —Halley B
Get it from Amazon for $9.13.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the Buf-Puf in action.
Promising review: "I really love how easy it is to use this sponge. It’s not too hard and scruffy on the face wanna applied with the correct pressure, it’s very soothing and relaxing. Definitely a good purchase." —Ms B
Get it from Amazon for $4.66.
Promising review: "I got this in hopes of lightening my dark inner thighs. It’s been a month of using the bar every time I shower and I see drastic results already. I was a bit suspicious if this would actually work, but if you are on the fence please take this as a sign to get it and try it out. I’m so excited to see how I look in a few months from now because this things works and it works fast!" —puppbear
Get a set of two from Amazon for $13.17.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the acne-banishing body spray in action.
Promising review: "This body spray has helped clear up stubborn back and shoulder breakouts better than anything I’ve tried. The 360-degree spray makes it super easy to apply, even to hard-to-reach spots. It dries quickly, doesn’t stain clothes, and has a clean finish. After a couple of weeks of consistent use, I saw smoother skin and fewer breakouts. It’s also lightweight and doesn’t feel sticky. Definitely recommend for anyone dealing with body acne." —Rosiemelisa
Get it from Amazon for $14.87 (also available as a two-pack).
Promising review: "I had never tried this before and I am so glad I did. It works great! Within seconds of applying it to my nails, the cuticle becomes soft and I can remove it right away. I used to never remove my cuticles when doing my nails, I guess because I didn't really know how to, but since I started using this product my nails look so good. I'm happy with the product and the results." —ABernal
Get it from Amazon for $4.52.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
One application lasts for around four hours.
Promising review: "MIRACLE IN A BOTTLE!!!! This product is absolutely amazing. My husband is a hard-working man. His hands have always been peeling and cracked to the point where they split so badly and bleed, and his hands constantly hurt — to the point where he would always say he just wanted to cut his hand off. His skin would be so rough it would scratch you if he touched you. He’s been using this for about three weeks (maybe). And we have seen a drastic change in his skin. His cracks are actually healing. His skin is softer to the touch. This is honestly a lifesaver for him. I am going to continue to buy this product for as long as I possibly can. Thank you so much to this company!" —MjD
Get it from Amazon for $20.50.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Just got inside from 80-degree weather. I CANNOT believe I have no sweat marks. To be dramatic, this is life-changing. To be modest, this is life changing. Haha. I was always so embarrassed going anywhere! No matter the weather I was always dripping sweat from under my arms. I was always so self-conscious, leaving parties early, known as the sweater! No more! I’m seriously so excited about this." —Liz
Get it from Amazon for $8.79.
This product does not promise to work overnight. Apply this daily 2–3 times a day as long as needed. Be sure to be patient as the healing process takes time!
Talk to your doctor before attempting to treat your keloid on your own, and learn more about keloids from Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review: "This product is amazing! Truly a miracle product. I had an AWFUL keloid forming near my nose piercing about six weeks after getting it done and it was getting bigger and more irritated by the day, nothing was helping. I bought this and started using it and in less than two weeks my huge keloid was completely gone! I was definitely skeptical and a little nervous when it didn’t seem to be getting noticeably smaller after a week but then the second week, it started totally disappearing so give it some time to work if your bump is on the larger side. If you remain patient and apply it twice a day, it should do the trick!" —Jordan C.
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (also available in multipacks).
Promising review: "I have had persistent rashes on my hands since early 2018. I have tried so many creams and medications for almost two years. After four days of use my skin is almost clear, pain free, no cracks, and NO ITCHING. This balm is absolutely amazing. I also used the Puriya Mother of All Creams at the same time and the combo has been phenomenal!" —Alicia Pumphrey
Get it from Amazon for $38.13.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
I've used this hack to get rid of coffee stains in white mugs with another brand's denture/retainer cleaners and found it's most effective when used with boiling instead of room temp water.
M3 Naturals is a small biz.
Promising review: "Not only does it work perfectly on my grinder guard, but I used it on a water bottle and a coffee mug, and it was perfectly clean. Had a mint flavor, so that’s the only reason I washed them. Got the coffee stain out and everything." —Rachel
Get a 120-pack from Amazon for $23.99.
It works on everything from acne to surgical scars, and also has SPF 30 to protect that beautiful skin of yours even further.
Promising review: "I have been using this product for a few weeks on an old burn on my arm (and fairly recent burn), and it really works. I like to cook and use wood-fired pizza ovens. I use it once in the morning and once before bed. Noticed a big difference. New scar is almost gone. Old scar has faded quite a bit." —Michelle
Get it from Amazon for $22.02.
BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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