17 Unsexy Beauty Products That Get The Job Done

Instagram and TikTok, where the hashtag #self-care reigns supreme, have made many of us believe that looking, smelling, and, by extension, feeling good must involve luxurious products and high-end treatments.

However, this couldn't be further from the truth, and many have taken to the same platforms that often glorify expensive beauty routines to promote the affordable and accessible alternatives that, granted, may not come with the aesthetic branding but get the job done just as well.

So, if you’ve been wanting to step up your beauty game but don't want to break the bank and are not bothered by plain packaging, the absence of a fancy brand name, or owning products that you wouldn't flaunt on the front of your bathroom shelf, then you're in luck.

Here are 17 unsexy but extremely efficient beauty products that will have you looking and feeling like a million bucks.

Evie's product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

Hypochlorous Acid for Skin Refreshment

Although it has been used in hospitals as a powerful disinfectant for many years, hypochlorous acid only recently entered the beauty scene. Hypochlorous acid has potent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and is efficient in soothing redness, irritation, and inflammation while relieving chronic skin conditions such as acne.

Besides treating wounds, products containing this component can also be used as a daily toner, a facial mist for added skin refreshment, or as a makeup setting spray to keep everything in place while also keeping your skin happy.

Product To Try: Magic Molecule The Solution, $32

Prescription Skincare Products for Acne

Speaking of acne, this common but pesky skin condition can be difficult to prevent and even more challenging to treat once it makes its appearance on the skin.

While there are a myriad of over-the-counter products that you could probably try and either get lucky with or waste your hard-earned money on, there's a simpler and more cost-effective solution that guarantees results: prescription ointments and antibacterial topicals.

Despite the non-aesthetic tubes they usually come in, these products have been rigorously tested for efficacy and safety and have stood the test of time, with topical medications such as tretinoin being the gold standard in the treatment of acne for over half a century.

So, if you’re tired of trying countless products that promise clear skin but often underdeliver, consider investing in a prescription skincare product tailored to your specific skin needs that will give you the desired results without breaking the bank.

Product To Try: Apostrophe Prescription Tretinoin, $25

Vaseline for Smooth Lips

A classic yet often overlooked staple, Vaseline is a true multitasker when it comes to lip health due to its ability to seal in moisture, smooth out rough skin, and prevent dry and chapped lips in the long run. Additionally, Vaseline can help soothe minor cuts and burns, making it an essential item in the beauty arsenal of anyone experiencing the joys of living in a harsh, cold climate. 

And the best part? Well, certainly not the boring packaging, but the fact that it’s super affordable and easily found in most drugstores. So skip the expensive lip balms with fancy scents and invest in a simple tub of Vaseline to keep your lips smooth, soft, and healthy.

Product To Try: Vaseline Lip Therapy, $7

Mouth Tape for Optimal Breathing

Mouth tape is a surprisingly effective yet often overlooked item that can enhance your health and looks by promoting optimal nasal breathing during sleep.

Many of us know that keeping your mouth closed during sleep encourages better airflow through your nose. But what many might not know is that this can not only lead to improved sleep quality, reduced snoring, and even enhanced dental health but can also prevent skin dryness and even acne caused by bacteria in your saliva getting on your face.

By improving your sleep, nose breathing can minimize inflammation and the appearance of swollen and puffy eyes, dark circles, and a generally tired and dull complexion. Therefore, while certainly non-aesthetic, this affordable solution can be a game changer for anyone seeking to up their beauty and wellness routine.

Product To Try: Valleylux Mouth Tape Strips, $17

Minoxidil for Hair Growth

Originally developed as a medication for high blood pressure, minoxidil is now a topically applied foam that interacts with enzymes on the scalp to convert the active ingredient into a salt form that can penetrate the skin and stimulate hair growth.

Available in both prescription and over-the-counter options, minoxidil is certainly not the most aesthetically pleasing product and usually comes in bottles with loud marketing claims, but it has been proven to effectively regrow hair in men and women with hereditary hair loss, so it's definitely worth trying if you’re experiencing this unwanted condition and fancy hair oils and expensive supplements don't seem to cut it.

Product To Try: Equate Minoxidil Solution 2%, $23

Castor Oil for Softer Hair

Castor oil is another viral social media trend that claims to promote softer, bouncier hair and, surprisingly, it actually has some science backing it up. With a unique fatty acid composition, castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid and high levels of vitamin E, which help provide nourishment to dry, brittle hair while also sealing the hair cuticle to lock in moisture.

Additionally, castor oil can usually be found for as little as $3, making this treatment a budget-friendly option for anyone seeking softer and healthier locks.

Product To Try: Sky Organics Organic Castor Oil, $14

Heatless Hair Tool for a Bouncy Blowout

If you follow beauty content online, you have likely seen the pink hair ribbon, a 100% silk strip that promises to give you a bouncy blowout without any heat or damage.

While this product may seem like just another gimmick, mainly because of its design that makes it look like a giant noodle, it has gained quite a following among beauty enthusiasts, and for good reason – it really does give the wearer beautiful, bouncy curls that can easily fool anyone into thinking they just came out of a salon.

While perfect for most hair types and particularly suitable for dry, brittle, and damaged hair, sleeping in it definitely takes getting used to.

Product To Try: Heatless Hair Curling Ribbon, $48

Baby Powder as Dry Shampoo

This childhood staple may be fantastic for wet diapers and sticky messes, but many don't know that baby powder is an unmatched oil absorbent, making it an excellent and budget-friendly alternative to traditional dry shampoo.

To refresh your hair and make it look like it's anything but on its third day without a wash, sprinkle some baby powder onto your roots, massage it into your scalp and hair, and voila! Grease-free, volumized locks without breaking the bank or accumulating more aerosol cans in the bathroom.

Product To Try: MedPride Cornstarch Baby Powder, $9

Tongue Scraper for Fresh Breath

We all know that brushing and flossing are essential for good oral hygiene, but did you know that cleaning your tongue is just as important? Our tongues are a breeding ground for bacteria that not only contribute to bad breath even more than the food particles stuck between our teeth but can also lead to tooth decay and other oral health issues.

But as most tongue scrapers look like the stuff of nightmares and will cause you to make funny faces and uncomfortable gagging sounds, we understand why it's not the most appealing item on the beauty market. However, this small and inexpensive tool can significantly improve your oral health and give you fresh breath all day long, which definitely makes it worth it in our book.

Product To Try: Mitimi Tongue Scraper, $20

Coconut Oil for Healthy Gums

Coconut oil is a versatile product celebrated not just for its cooking properties but also for its numerous health benefits, particularly for oral hygiene. Swishing coconut oil in the mouth, a practice known as oil pulling, can help reduce harmful bacteria and plaque and even combat gingivitis. Its natural antibacterial properties, particularly the chain of fatty acids known as lauric acid, make coconut oil an excellent component for soothing inflammation, maintaining healthy gums, and improving overall oral health.

However, like a tongue scraper, a spoonful of coconut oil can be quite a messy and uncomfortable experience at first. But once that part is over, you'll certainly appreciate the short and long-term benefits it gives your teeth.

Product To Try: Great Value Organic Naturally Refined Coconut Oil, $13

Hydrogen Peroxide for Teeth Whitening

Hydrogen peroxide is an industrial component that belongs to the broad peroxide family, a group of compounds known for their bleaching properties. When at only 3%, hydrogen peroxide is more than safe to be used as a teeth whitening treatment by anyone who wants to brighten their smile without breaking the bank or causing uncomfortable sensitivities and initial inflammation often associated with whitening procedures.

Product To Try: Equate 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, $1

Friction Defense Stick for Chafing

Especially effective for relieving irritation and discomfort in areas such as under the breasts and between the thighs, friction defense sticks provide a smooth lubricant layer that prevents chafing and discoloration on the skin and increases comfort during physical activity.

Product To Try: Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick, $6

Diaper Rash Cream for Sweat Rashes

Similar to chafing, sweat rashes are another inconvenience many of us experience in the most uncomfortable of places, such as the inner thighs, under the breasts, chest, back, and even armpits.

Since diaper rash creams are designed to soothe and protect a baby's delicate and reactive skin, they can certainly be a lifesaver for many adults dealing with similar concerns. Just make sure to chuck the product all the way to the back of your shelfie if you don't want anyone getting any wrong ideas.

Product To Try: Desitin Daily Defense Baby Diaper Rash Cream, $7

Glycolic Acid for Underarm Odor

While most deodorants work hard to mask it, the buildup of dead skin cells and bacteria on our skin's surface definitely work harder to ensure our sweat smells noticeably unpleasant.

But with the help of a gentle chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid, you can effectively shed away layers of buildup responsible for all your smelly woes, especially in summer when you’re just trying to live your best life in a tank top.

Product To Try: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, $13

Benzoyl Peroxide for Body Acne

Just like hydrogen peroxide, benzoyl peroxide belongs to the peroxide family; however, this member is particularly praised for its ability to oxygenate the pores, thus destroying the airless environment the acne-causing bacteria live in and efficiently minimizing the severity of this pesky condition.

Therefore, if acne somehow seems to find its way into the most embarrassing areas of your body, make sure to keep a tube of this life-saving product at close reach.

Product To Try: PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, $8

Exfoliating Pads for Ingrown Hair

While shaving has saved most of us from the discomfort of unwanted hair, it has also brought upon us a whole new set of unsexy issues, including ingrown hairs, especially where the hair is particularly strong, such as the bikini area.

But with the help of exfoliating pads, you can minimize your chance of developing ingrown hairs by gently removing the layers of dead skin that prevent the hair from making its way to the surface and promoting its growth in the right direction. This makes removal easier, and the skin remains smooth and polished at all times.

Product To Try: First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads with BHA & AHA, $20

Kojic Acid Soap for Body Pigmentation

Naturally derived from mushrooms and used in various skincare products, kojic acid interacts with the enzymes causing a pigmentary imbalance in the skin, which results in halted production of excess melanin and a visibly evened-out complexion over time.

Gentle, non-inflammatory, and suitable for even the most sensitive skin, kojic acid soaps can be incorporated into anyone's daily skincare routine to gradually and safely treat pigmentation concerns all over the body.

Product To Try: Kaia Naturals The Takesumi Bright Bar with Kojic Acid, $15

While we all enjoy indulging in expensive products that look, smell, and feel nice, sometimes the most mundane, unglamorous products have the biggest impact on improving our looks, well-being, and comfort.

From coconut oil to diaper rash cream, these products might not be the most conventional beauty staples, but they are undeniably efficient in dealing with the most niche concerns.

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