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Industry Season 5 Is Happening: Here’s What We Know

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Industry Season 5 Is Happening: Here’s What We Know

Company-wide email: Season five of Industry has just been confirmed.

HBO has renewed Industry for a fifth and final season.

The news comes as little surprise, as the show has been the talk of the town. Industryproduced by Bad Wolf, has seen season four average around 1.7 million viewers per episode so far — a 30 percent improvement on season three.

PHOTOGRAPHER:,Simon Ridgway

The penultimate season’s finale will be released on March 1 at 8 p.m. on HBO and HBO Max. Note that this is an hour earlier than the usual broadcast time, so don’t risk missing it! Over here, we can watch it on BBC.

In season four, Harper (Myha’la) and Yasmin (Marisa Abela) were drawn into a high-stakes, globetrotting cat-and-mouse game when a splashy fintech darling bursts onto the London scene. As Yasmin navigated her relationship with tech founder Sir Henry Muck (Kit Harington) and Harper was pulled into the orbit of enigmatic executive Whitney Halberstram (Max Minghella), their complicated friendship continued to warp and intensify under the pressure of money, power, and ambition.

Image may contain Blonde Hair Person Teen Accessories Glasses and Highlighted Hair

PHOTOGRAPHER:,Simon Ridgway

Will season five be the final season of Industry?

Before you start drafting a petition, note that creators Mickey Down and Konrad Kay were the ones who decided to conclude Industry with season five, according to HBO’s official statement accompanying the renewal announcement.

“For four seasons, Industry has thrilled us while examining power, money, politics, and class. Under Mickey and Konrad’s ambitious and singular vision, it has solidified itself as an important contemporary, genre-bending drama in HBO’s lineup that keeps viewers on the edge of their seat week after week,” Francesca Orsi, HBO’s executive vice president of programming and the head of its drama series and films, said. “It is gratifying that viewers and critics have recognized season four as bigger and more thrilling than ever, buoyed by career defining performances from our magnificent cast. Alongside the amazing team under executive producer Jane Tranter at Bad Wolf and executive producer Kathleen McCaffrey at Little Gems, we are so proud we can announce the fifth season of this terrific show, which Mickey and Konrad have decided will take us to the end of Industry’s story.”

Try These Exercises for Better Sex

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Try These Exercises for Better Sex

When people think about exercising for better sex, they usually jump straight to Kegels. Sexual function requires muscle engagement, body awareness, endurance, and the ability to both build and release tension. It’s no surprise then that the exercises that could improve how you feel during sex are nuanced—and they involve many parts of your body.

That’s because, like just about any movement or activity, sex requires using multiple muscle groups. Strong core muscles are essential. But core muscles aren’t just the ones that make up your pelvic floor. They are also the muscles that control your legs, hips, and thighs. Paying close attention to the strength and flexibility of all of these muscles—and improving both—can enhance your experience and make you feel more confident in the bedroom.

“The pelvic floor is central to the sexual response cycle,” Justine Roper, PT, certified women’s pelvic specialist and pelvic floor therapist, tells SELF. “Think of it like a hammock of muscles. Its job is to support our bladder, uterus, rectum—and it’s a direct interface for the clitoris and vaginal canal.”

Why just doing Kegels won’t get you to the big O

“Most people want a strong pelvic floor, and that’s great,” Roper says. “But the pelvic floor should do two things: It should be able to contract and it should be able to relax.”

That balance is key to arousal and orgasm. During arousal, blood flow increases to the genital area, creating tension in the pelvic floor muscles; orgasm comes with their release. If those muscles are constantly clenched, that release can be harder to achieve, Roper explains.

“The harm in over-Kegeling is the stopping of the blood flow and ultimately the stopping of orgasmic response,” she says.

Even more surprising: Many people aren’t actually doing Kegels correctly. Instead of isolating the pelvic floor, they end up squeezing their glutes, inner thighs, or holding their breath.

Kegels are still important, but you need to learn to do them correctly. “A Kegel is very isolated. You’ve got to tap into your mind-body connection,” Roper says. One way to do that: Use your breath. “When you breathe in, your pelvic floor relaxes; when you exhale, it recoils. Your breath has to do that salsa dance with the pelvic floor.”

Once you’ve got that down, it’s time to think about the bigger picture. Because better sex isn’t just about your pelvic floor—it’s about how the rest of your body supports it too.

Meet the muscles that make sex better

While the pelvic floor gets the spotlight when it comes to great sex, these muscles don’t work alone. Strength, stability, and mobility across your body all play a role in how you move (and feel) during sex. Plus, being more limber can make it easier (and more comfortable) to get into and stay in different positions without strain.

L’Oréal Files Lawsuit Seeking Refund of Trump-Era Tariffs

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L’Oréal Files Lawsuit Seeking Refund of Trump-Era Tariffs

THE WHAT? L’Oréal has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of International Trade seeking refunds for tariffs paid under former President Donald Trump’s emergency trade measures, following a Supreme Court ruling that found the duties unlawful.

THE DETAILS The case was filed by L’Oréal Travel Retail Americas, the division responsible for selling beauty products in duty-free and travel retail channels. The filing comes days after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a 6–3 decision that Trump overstepped his authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs on imported goods.

In its complaint, L’Oréal stated it served as the importer of record on goods subject to the IEEPA tariffs but did not disclose the amount it is seeking to recover. The lawsuit names U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), its commissioner Rodney Scott and the United States of America as defendants. The broader refund process, potentially covering up to US$175 billion in tariff collections, is still to be determined by lower courts and could take months or years to resolve.

THE WHY? The legal action aims to recoup tariff payments deemed unlawfully collected after the Supreme Court invalidated the legal basis for the trade measures, as companies seek to recover potentially significant sums.

Source: Reuters

Chloe Veitch on Naming Her Anxiety and Practicing Self-Love

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Chloe Veitch on Naming Her Anxiety and Practicing Self-Love

From her ice-cold de-puffing ritual to her can’t-live-without vitamin C serum, Netflix favorite Chloe Veitch approaches beauty with the same candor and charisma that first captivated audiences on Too Hot to Handle. But beyond self-care and skin care, Veitch’s true beauty secret is vulnerability—leaning into affirmations, honest conversations about mental health and the daily practice of self-love. Ahead, she opens up about her daily routine, confidence rituals and the wellness habits she swears by.

What does your daily beauty and skin-care routine look like, especially on busy days?

“When I wake up, I instantly put ice under my eyes. Then, I always apply a retinol cream before I put any moisturizer on, which really makes a difference. I even carry it in my bag everywhere I go. I also always use a sleep mask that is oil based at night so my skin is hydrated when I wake up because I tend to get really puffy!!! So I rely on ice ice ice!! I try to wait at least 30 minutes after massaging my face and doing a slight lymphatic drainage massage before applying any makeup.”

Are there any beauty treatments, tools or wellness practices you swear by?

“I swear by serums, and I absolutely love Osier’s Brighter Days Vitamin C Serum! I’m obsessed. It keeps my skin hydrated and looking glossy every day, even in this dry LA heat!”

What’s one wellness habit you wish you had adopted sooner?

“Massaging under my cheekbones and my jawline. I drain my face and my neck every morning and I swear this makes a big difference. I never understood how it worked and why people did this before, but now I do because it’s been in my routine for so long.”

You’ve been very open about your journey with confidence and self-acceptance. What has been the most transformative lesson along the way?

“The most transformative lesson that I’ve learned and really leaned into is opening up to my friends and being honest, even if it hurts or is embarrassing. After I do my morning affirmation and practice self-care and all of that fun stuff, it really does come down to being vulnerable. Having conversations about mental health has really helped show the younger version of me that she is loved unconditionally by the people that I trust. Being open and vulnerable really helps me with confidence and self-acceptance. I always recommend surrounding yourself with the people that you can be honest with and vulnerable with.”

How do you handle criticism or pressure, especially in such a public-facing career?

“I don’t really get a lot of criticism, but when I do, I just ignore it, and on my Instagram, I have blocked certain words so they don’t pop up. My mum actually made me do this when I first went on it, and I’ve never looked back.”

What advice would you give to women who struggle with confidence or self-doubt?

“Any advice that I would give to a woman or anyone in general who struggles with confidence or self-doubt is just to reassure them that it is completely normal. I doubt myself sometimes, but I’ve learned that self-love is a practice, not a destination. It’s something that you learn and continue to learn the more you evolve.

I’ve had multiple identity crises in my career, changing from reality TV talent to model to host. My mindset is always consistent, no matter where I am in my journey and career. I always give myself grace and compassion for how far I’ve come, and that I am still standing is an anchor to my core values and beliefs. Whenever I doubt myself, I remind myself that I am kind. I lead with love, everyone is equal, and I try to talk to myself kindly. The hardest thing is my own self-criticism. I’ve started naming my anxiety, and sometimes I call her out and tell her to F–off!

But it is important to always give yourself grace and compassion, surround yourself with people that you love, they are your anchors and remind yourself that there are 8 billion people on this planet, no one is near the same, and that is our superpower.”

Univar Solutions to distribute CABB’s glycolic acid in EMEA

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Univar Solutions to distribute CABB’s glycolic acid in EMEA

Univar Solutions has inked an exclusive distribution partnership with the CABB Groupa provider of fine chemicals, specializing in customized active ingredients and high-purity solutions for life science, personal care, crop science, and specialty applications. The new distribution agreement includes glycolic acid in select European, Middle Eastern, and African (EMEA) markets [1].

“This strategic alliance enhances our ability to deliver quality, innovative ingredients, and we are confident that together we can deliver greater value by offering glycolic acid solutions that meet the increasing demand for multi-purpose consumer products in the region,” said Nick Powell, CEO of Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions.

Glycolic acid is commonly used in cosmetic products and skin treatments and is widely recognized for its efficacy in exfoliation, skin renewal, cleaning performance, and moisturizing. It is also a highly suitable choice for technical applications in home care and industrial cleaning due to its low toxicity, non-flammability, and VOC-free properties. Glycolic acid solutions in the new partnership include GLYCOS® Clear 70 and GLYTECH® Basic 70.

“This new collaboration with CABB Group strengthens our commitment to delivering high-performance solutions with reliable supply and technical excellence,” added James Peterson, global vice president of CARE for Univar Solutions. “These ingredients are also efficient, versatile, and diverse, and we see them becoming more popular in modern skin care and personal care routines.“

In addition, Univar has launched a new partnership in personal care with sight to bring their cutting‑edge VIZOR® Super Zinc® powders and dispersions to customers in Germany and Poland. With these next‑generation ingredients, formulators can develop SPF products that help deliver higher performance, enhanced safety, and improved transparency. VIZOR’s products offer dispersibility, superior wetting, and lower viscosity in formulation, allowing for higher SPF values with better transparency and aesthetics.

Finally, Univar Solutions’ home care and industrial cleaning business has announced a new partnership with Leagues to bring next‑generation biodegradable polymers to the home care and personal care markets in Europe. Lygos’ Soltellus™ 2101 is a high‑performance, readily biodegradable ingredient offering superior anti‑redeposition and stain‑removal performance in laundry with anti‑spotting and anti‑filming benefits in automatic dishwashing.

Footnotes

[1] Markets in agreement include: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, United Kingdom, Ireland, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Greece, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Turkey, Algeria, Morrocco, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan

8 Best Peptide Serums for Plump, Bouncy Skin

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8 Best Peptide Serums for Plump, Bouncy Skin

The serum is also super hydrating thanks to hyaluronic acid, so your skin is smooth and taut. As far as where this serum fits into your skin-care routine, you can use it day and/or night before your oil-based serums (like the brand’s vitamin C or retinal serums) and moisturizers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, “like glycine, arginine, histidine, et cetera,” says Dr. Kim. “They’re designed to boost and replenish amino acids, which are the building blocks for collagen production.” You might recognize amino acids as the building blocks of protein, but peptides tend to be shorter chains than proteins. And compared to topical collagen, peptides have a small particle size that allows them to penetrate the surface level of your skin at a deeper level. They’re great at reducing the appearance of fine lines and leaving skin firmer, Dr. Kim says.

​​How do peptides benefit the skin?

The abundance and quality of our body’s natural collagen production decrease over time, as Dr. Hartman previously explained. As a result, wrinkles start to form and skin begins to sag, but peptide chains mimic the structure of amino acids to diminish the look of these concerns. Mature skin, in particular, can benefit from peptides for their ability to improve skin firmness.

That said, not all peptides are created equal. The most common types of peptides consist of signal peptides, carrier peptides, enzyme-inhibitor peptides, and neurotransmitter-inhibitor peptides, which all have specific functions. (Also, keep in mind that labs and brands can and often do trademark their own peptide complexes.) For example, copper peptides are carrier peptides—they activate wound healing and deliver copper to the skin, which, in turn, stimulates collagen production. While you’ll often find “peptides” placed front and center on the actual product packaging, ingredient lists often categorize peptides by how many amino acids a peptide contains, such as dipeptide (two), tripeptide (three), and hexapeptide (six). It’s also not uncommon to see multiple peptides strung together to maximize their collagen-boosting benefits.

Peptides seldom cause skin sensitivity or irritation, but you should still be discerning of your serum’s formulation. “If someone has a [negative] reaction, it’s most likely from the preservatives, other chemicals, or essential oils in the formula, not the peptides,” Dr. Kim says.

Meet the experts

  • Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles
  • Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology based in Birmingham, Alabama
  • Saami Khalifian, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist at SOM Aesthetics based in Encinitas, California
  • Blair Murphy Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
  • Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Radiant Dermatology Associates based in Fort Wayne, Indiana
  • May Hall, DO, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Asheville, North Carolina
  • David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing every product included in each review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best peptide serums, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers, editors, and contributors, determined that every product excelled in each category—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Elevate your complexion with these Allure editor-approved additions to your routine:

How Often Do I Need a Hair Treatment? – OLAPLEX Inc.

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How Often Do I Need a Hair Treatment? – OLAPLEX Inc.

Key Takeaways

  • Healthy or virgin hair benefits from weekly or bi-weekly maintenance, color-treated hair needs consistent weekly repair, and highly compromised hair may require treatments up to 2–3 times per week.
  • Bond-building treatments like Nº.3PLUS repair hair from within and can be used frequently without weighing hair down.
  • Professional Stand-Alone Treatments rebuild bonds at the deepest level, while consistent at-home treatments maintain and reinforce results for stronger, healthier hair over time.

Jump to

Hair treatments have become an essential part of modern haircare routines, not just because of their ability to repair, but their ability to restore long-term hair health. With so many treatment types available, understanding what your hair needs and how often it needs it makes all the difference.

Some treatments, such as protein or keratin, can cause the hair to become stiff or brittle when overused, while conditioning masks have the potential to weigh the hair down if the right one for your hair isn’t chosen. The new OLAPLEX® Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment works from within the hair to repair the cuticle using patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, restoring bonds, reducing breakage, and helping to prevent daily damage.

So how often should you treat your hair? The answer depends on your hair’s condition, its history, and the daily stressors put on it. Let’s walk through what kinds of hair treatments might work best for you and when you should use them.

When Would I Need a Hair Treatment?

Every head of hair is unique, but most fall into one of the following categories. Identifying your hair type helps to determine how often the Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment should be part of your routine.

Healthy or Virgin Hair

Even hair that hasn’t been chemically treated experiences daily damage from external stressors like brushing, heat styling, sun exposure, and environmental stress.

Recommended treatment frequency: Once weekly or once every other week.

Using OLAPLEX helps to repair daily damage and maintain the healthy hair you already have, making it even stronger and more resilient over time.

Color Treated Hair

Coloring and bleaching compromise hair structure by breaking bonds in order to create color change. Even if hair feels healthy, it still requires ongoing repair.

Recommended treatment frequency: Once a week.

Consistent use of the Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment can help reinforce weakened bonds, improve hair strength, and even support longer lasting color.

Highly Compromised Hair

Hair that has undergone repeated chemical services, extreme lightening, or frequent heat styling may show signs of severe damage, including breakage and dryness.

Recommended treatment frequency: Up to 2-3 times per week as needed

Because the formula for Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment was made to repair hair from the inside and out, it can be used more frequently without overloading the hair. It’s important to take note of hair damage and how the hair is behaving to determine how often you should be using treatment.

Using the Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment for Intensive Care

OLAPLEX® Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment is the next evolution of the iconic Nº.3 Hair Perfector®. Designed to repair damage past, present, and future, Nº.3PLUS delivers faster, stronger, healthier-looking hair in just 3 minutes.

Unlike traditional treatments, Nº.3PLUS works inside the hair to repair bonds across the cortex and cuticle, helping strengthen hair, improve softness, and reduce breakage.

How to Use Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment

  1. Wet hair in the shower and squeeze out excess water so hair is damp.
  2. Apply a generous amount of Nº.3PLUS from mid-lengths to ends.
  3. Leave on for 3 minutes.
  4. Rinse, shampoo, and condition as usual.

*Use weekly for maintenance, or up to 3 times per week for compromised hair.

For more effective damage repair, smoothness, and hair strength, follow the treatment up with OLAPLEX Nº.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo and Nº.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner.

In-Salon vs. At-Home Treatments: Understanding the Difference

Many don’t know OLAPLEX offers two complementary bond-building treatments. One is performed in a salon by a stylist who is educated in using OLAPLEX products and professional services, while the other is designed for at-home use.

Together, they deliver comprehensive hair repair.

When You Need an In-Salon Stand-Alone Treatment™?

The OLAPLEX Stand-Alone Treatment™ is the most concentrated OLAPLEX treatment available, performed exclusively in OLAPLEX salons using Nº.1 and Nº.2.

Best for:

  • First-time OLAPLEX users
  • Hair undergoing significant chemical services
  • Anyone seeking maximum bond repair

Recommended salon treatment frequency:

  • Healthy hair: once monthly
  • Highly compromised hair: as often as your stylist recommends

This treatment brings hair closer to its healthiest state by rebuilding bonds at the deepest level by using professional grade products.

When You Need an Intensive At-Home Treatment

At-home treatments like Nº3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment are designed to maintain and reinforce the results of professional services.

Think of the in-salon OLAPLEX Stand-Alone Treatment™ as the foundation, and the at-home routine as ongoing support between salon visits.

Recommended at-home treatment frequency:

  • At least once weekly
  • More often for damaged hair

Using both ensures hair remains strong, resilient, and visibly healthier over time.

Hair Grows Stronger with Consistency

Hair health isn’t achieved in a single treatment; it’s built through consistent care. By combining professional services with targeted at-home repair, you can strengthen your hair from the inside out.

Whether you’re maintaining healthy hair or repairing visible damage, understanding how often to treat your hair ensures you get the most from your routine.

Use the Salon Locator to find your nearest OLAPLEX stylist and get your first treatment!

6 Best Korean Scalp Treatments for Dry, Irritated, or Sensitive Scalps

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6 Best Korean Scalp Treatments for Dry, Irritated, or Sensitive Scalps

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Korean scalp treatments different from Western ones?

Korean scalp and hair treatments differ from many Western ones because they treat the scalp like skin. They’re usually lightweight, water- or essence-based formulas designed to absorb quickly and “create a healthy environment to nourish hair growth,” rather than coating the hair shaft, says Dr. Jhin. They focus on consistency, layering, and prevention, using gentle, multifunctional ingredients—like botanicals, ferments, and calming extracts—to balance oil, soothe irritation, and support the scalp barrier over time. Western scalp treatments often rely on stronger, single-minded actives (think minoxidil or high-dose exfoliants) aimed at correcting a problem quickly, while Korean formulas take a more holistic, long-game approach, combining soothing, strengthening, and circulation-stimulating ingredients.

How do you use Korean scalp tonics and serums?

Scalp tonics and serums are simple to fold into your everyday hair-care routine. Dr. Jhin recommends applying them directly to the scalp on clean, towel-dried hair after washing—or to dry hair between washes, depending on the formula. Part your hair in sections and dispense the product along the scalp, then massage it in for 30 to 60 seconds to help boost absorption and stimulate circulation. Some formulas come with rollerball tips, which make application easier while delivering a gentle scalp massage. “Because these products are lightweight and absorb quickly, they shouldn’t feel greasy or heavy at the roots,” says Dr. Jhin. Most are designed for daily or near-daily use, fitting easily into your routine before styling products.

What ingredients should I look for in Korean scalp care?

When shopping for Korean hair-care products, think of the scalp the same way you would your skin-care routine—supported by time-tested Korean ingredients that focus on balance and barrier health. Gotu kola is a standout for soothing irritation and supporting the scalp barrier, while ginseng is prized for stimulating circulation and supporting stronger roots. Green tea is another classic, offering antioxidant and calming benefits, especially for reactive or oily scalps. You’ll also see ingredients like mugwort (artemisia), which is commonly used in Korean formulas to ease inflammation. Fermented ingredients—such as fermented rice, soybean, or probiotics—are also key, as they help nourish the scalp. “These ingredients work gently and cumulatively,” Dr. Jhin notes, “which is why consistency matters more than quick fixes.”

Meet the experts

  • Jae Manuel Cardenas, a hairstylist at Sally Hershberger NoMad based in New York City
  • Cherin Choi, a hairstylist and colorist based in Los Angeles
  • Marie Jhin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of Premier Dermatology, adjunct clinical instructor at Stanford University, and author of Asian Beauty Secrets and K-Beauty Secrets based in San Carlos, California

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best Korean scalp treatments, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from makeup artists and dermatologists. To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Miracle Soap for Acne and Dark Marks: Does It Work?

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Miracle Soap for Acne and Dark Marks: Does It Work?

Miracle soap is one of those skincare terms that spreads fast because it sounds simple. A bar that clears breakouts, fades dark marks, and makes your skin look “new” in a week. If you are dealing with acne or leftover marks that refuse to budge, it is easy to want something that feels quick and effortless.

The truth is, miracle soap can help, but it is not a guaranteed miracle. What matters is what is inside the bar, how strong it is, and whether your skin barrier can handle daily use.

Below is a realistic, skin-first guide to what miracle soap can do, what it cannot, and how to use it without triggering more irritation and more marks.

1. What “Miracle Soap” Usually Means

Miracle soap is not a regulated product category. It is usually a nickname for a bar cleanser that contains strong acne or brightening ingredients.

Common types of miracle soap you will see online include:

  • Kojic acid bars (often marketed for dark marks)

  • Sulfur bars (classic support for oily and acne-prone skin)

  • Salicylic acid bars (helps unclog pores)

  • Charcoal or clay bars (oil absorbing, sometimes drying)

  • Strong fragrance-heavy bars (often irritating, even if they feel “clean”)

So when people say miracle soap worked, what they usually mean is it had an active ingredient strong enough to change the look of the skin quickly.

2. Does Miracle Soap Work for Acne?

A well-formulated miracle soap can help acne, especially if your breakouts are driven by oil and clogged pores.

It tends to work best for:

  • blackheads and congestion

  • small inflamed bumps

  • oily skin that feels slick by midday

  • body acne (back, chest, shoulders)

Where miracle soap can backfire:

  • sensitive skin or rosacea-prone skin

  • dry skin that feels tight after cleansing

  • skin that is already irritated from retinol, acids, or acne treatments

  • painful cystic acne that flares hormonally

Why? Many miracle soap formulas are strong. If you strip the barrier, your skin can become more inflamed and that inflammation can keep acne active.

Pro tip: If your face feels squeaky clean after using miracle soap, that is usually a warning sign, not a win.

3. Does Miracle Soap Help Dark Marks?

Dark marks after acne are usually post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. You are not only dealing with pigment, you are dealing with inflammation and slow turnover.

Miracle soap can help dark marks if it:

The catch: irritation can deepen marks. If miracle soap leaves you red, stingy, or peeling, it can make discoloration look worse over time because inflamed skin produces more uneven pigment.

Also, no brightening cleanser can outwork daily sun exposure. If you want marks to fade, sunscreen has to be part of the routine.

4. How to Use Miracle Soap Without Wrecking Your Skin

If you want results, use miracle soap like a targeted treatment, not a “forever cleanser.”

Face (start slow):

  • Use miracle soap once a day for 10 to 14 days

  • Lather in your hands first, then apply the foam to your face

  • Cleanse for 20 to 30 seconds, then rinse well

  • Follow with a calming, barrier-supporting moisturizer

Body (where it often performs better):

  • Use miracle soap 3 to 5 times a week on areas with breakouts

  • Do not scrub aggressively

  • Moisturize after, especially if you get dry patches

If you are already using retinol or exfoliating acids, do not stack intensity every night. That is how people end up with more redness, more texture, and marks that take longer to fade.

5. What to Look for Before You Buy a “Miracle Soap”

A good miracle soap should be clear about what it is doing. The label matters.

Green flags:

  • active ingredients are clearly listed (kojic acid, sulfur, salicylic acid)

  • minimal fragrance

  • directions that do not push long “leave-on” contact daily

  • your skin feels comfortable after rinsing

Red flags:

  • burning or stinging every time you use it

  • tightness that lasts for hours

  • flaking around the mouth or nose within a week

  • heavy perfume and essential oils “for glow” that leave you reactive

Skincare should not feel like punishment. If miracle soap hurts, your barrier is being compromised.

6. When to Expect Results

Results depend on consistency and irritation level.

For acne:

For dark marks:

  • mild marks can start fading in 4 to 8 weeks

  • stubborn marks can take 8 to 12+ weeks

  • ongoing breakouts slow fading because inflammation keeps triggering pigment

If you want faster fading, professional treatments can help once your skin is calm and not over-stripped from harsh cleansing.

Final Thoughts

Miracle soap can work for acne and dark marks, but it works best when you treat it as one part of a balanced routine. The goal is clearer skin without irritation, because irritation is what keeps acne active and dark marks stubborn.

If you want, send your next keyword and title and tell me if you want this one to lean more product-focused, spa-treatment focused, or a clean educational piece with subtle brand mentions.

Valentino Beauty’s Newest Fragrance Wraps You in a Warm Blanket of Nostalgia

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Valentino Beauty’s Newest Fragrance Wraps You in a Warm Blanket of Nostalgia

Valentino Beauty has long been known for stirring up our senses. And the Born in Roma fragrance franchise has gone viral for a reason. First, there was Born in Roma Donna Eau de Parfum Intense—a warm floral made up of vanilla, jasmine, and benzoin—and it’s magnetic the second you smell it (to that end, it the won The Fragrance Foundation’s Luxury Fragrance of the Year award in 2024). And Man Born in Rome Coral Fantasywhich offered red apple dosed with tobacco and sage.

Each one more delectable than the last, always a “sensual interplay of contrasts,” as the brand eloquently describes, correctly characterizing the way their sweet scents tend to dip into savory, and the warm, woody offerings pack an invigorating punch. It’s sophisticated nostalgia, it’s mixed messages, and it’s downright iconic.

Hippolyte Petit


Today marks the launch of the newest iterations from the Born in Roma collection, Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia and Uomo Born in Roma Purple Melancholia, housed in Valentino’s signature rockstud bottle, reimagined in purple with black leather detailing.

Ahead, everything you need to know about Purple Melancholia, plus my honest review.

The Fragrances

Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia

A warm, fruity floral, Donna Born in Roma Purple blends a juicy bite of plum with osmanthus, as well as vanilla and musk. It’s intimate and comforting—but bright—and applies like velvet. It’s the fragrance version of “opposites attract,” and conjures memories of a first crush (and the rush of running into them unannounced). I know that’s abstract, but when you smell it you’ll know what I’m talking about.

At first spritz, it smells fruity. Then it settles into the soft florals and warm vanilla. It’s the base vanilla that lingers, and the reason it feels so familiar. I wore vanilla all through middle school, which is appropriate as the launch party for this fragrance gave intense early 2000s nostalgia (think chatting on AIM in your bedroom level wistfulness). The rich, sweet-and-tart burst of plum shakes up my usual idea of a fruity fragrance, and once again offers the contrast I crave. I’m hooked.

Hippolyte Petit


Born in Rome Purple Melancholia man

Now, this is the one I can’t stop dreaming about. Uomo Born in Roma Purple is a deeper, more textured juice filled with cream and spice. Highly aromatic cardamom immediately hits at first sniff, and then coconut and woody amber follow. Its intensity is enveloping, yet electric, and is the perfect sexy party scent for those who love both the familiar and the unexpected.

It’s no surprise this one is my favorite of the bunch, as I’m naturally drawn to warmer, spicier, woodier scents. But this one is different. The cool, creamy hits of coconut keep it fresh and balanced, offering a nutty sweetness in the middle. It’s limited edition, so you better believe I’ll be stocking up. It’s the type of fragrance you can’t quite put your finger on—which, I believe, is exactly the point.

Valentino Beauty likes to keep us on our toes. And consider me ready.

Hippolyte Petit


Valentino Beauty Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia and Uomo Born in Roma Purple Melancholia are available now at Sephora.

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