Forget fancy serums. Some skincare DIYers swear the secret to tighter, clearer skin is the eggs in your fridge. Egg white face masks, made by slathering raw egg whites onto your skin, are said to help with breakouts, dry skin, and fine lines.

Some properties in egg whites could theoretically improve the skin, according to Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Diego.

Albumin, a protein in egg whites, creates a tightening sensation as it dries, which some believe helps smooth the skin, Palm said. Lysozyme, an enzyme in egg whites, has antibacterial properties that are thought to help reduce acne. Egg whites also act as humectants, binding water to the skin to potentially provide hydration, she added.

Still, scientific evidence behind these claims is lacking, said Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, PhD, a board-certified dermatologist affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh and owner of Dermatology Circle.

“Let’s be real—if this were the secret to anti-aging, we wouldn’t see wrinkles and sagging anymore,” Kazlouskaya told Verywell. “We do know they won’t compare to professional anti-aging creams and skincare.”

Should You Try an Egg White Face Mask?

If you have an egg allergy, you definitely should not try this skin care trend. For everyone else, it’s generally safe, but there are still potential drawbacks, said Palm. “I’m not a fan of this beauty trend, as the cons outweigh the pros,” she added.

Here are three big cons to consider:

1. Foodborne Illness

Raw egg whites may contain salmonella bacteria. If it comes into contact with your mouth via your hands or the mask, you risk getting an infection. You could also transfer the bacteria onto high-touch surfaces, such as kitchen counters or utensils, which could spread the illness to others.

“You risk salmonella contamination and infection with this beauty trend, which can cause diarrhea, cramping, and nausea,” Palm said.

2. Allergic Reactions

“If you have an allergy or a sensitivity to consuming eggs, it goes without saying you’ll likely experience a negative reaction when applying it topically,” said Palm.

An egg allergy can cause symptoms like:

• Rashes
• Hives
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing

If you do have trouble breathing, seek urgent care immediately to avoid potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.

3. Skin Irritation

Even if you don’t have an egg allergy, you may still experience skin irritation if you put egg whites on your face, said Palm. Try patch testing the mask before you apply it to your face, and remove it entirely if you notice any itching, redness, or rash.

Alternatives to Egg White Masks

Clinically proven skincare ingredients are a safer bet than raw egg whites, said Palm.

“There are plenty of skincare products on the market that can achieve similar, if not better, tightening and acne-management benefits without these food safety and allergy risks,” she said.

In general, these ingredients are effective for various skin needs and concerns:

“Visiting a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic procedures and anti-aging can give you a comprehensive view of your particular problems,” said Kazlosukaya. Your doctor can then help you create a personalized, more effective skincare routine.