Is the viral Weleda Skin Food really worth the hype?
I've worked as a beauty journalist for going on 13 years – and there are some products that, in my opinion, will forever stand the test of time. Think Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, Elnett Hairspray – all staples that have remained popular despite a million other beauty launches. Another classic? Weleda Skin Food. But while it’s been a backstage beauty favourite for years, Skin Food has had a surprising resurgence recently, thanks to the viral power of TikTok.
I first discovered Skin Food around 10 years ago, when I was a baby beauty editor reporting backstage at fashion week. It was always one of those products that hairstylists, make-up artists, and models had on hand, along with cult favourites like Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage (still the best under-eye concealer I’ve ever used) and L’Oréal Pli (the ultimate hairstylist’s secret weapon). At the time, Skin Food felt like an insider tip – one of those products you only knew about if you were truly in the know. But now, this little green tube is having its moment in the spotlight once again.
The truth is, I haven’t actually used Skin Food in years. But with its viral resurgence – and plenty of glowing reviews flooding my feed – I decided it was time to reintroduce it into my routine to see if it really lives up to the hype.
What Is Weleda Skin Food?
Weleda Skin Food has been around for over 90 years, so it’s hardly the new kid on the block. First formulated in 1926, it’s packed with nourishing natural ingredients like calendula, chamomile, and sunflower oil. Designed as an all-purpose skin saviour, it’s incredibly versatile. Think dry patches, chapped lips, cracked heels – it’s essentially a moisturiser, barrier cream, and intensive treatment all rolled into one.
Which celebs use Weleda Skin Food?
With countless beauty awards under its belt – it’s no surprise that celebrities have been singing its praises for years. Victoria Beckham loves it, Hailey Bieber uses it to prep her skin before make-up, and Rihanna was singing its praises long before Fenty Skin was ever formulated.
Other celebrity fans also include Alexa Chung, Suki Waterhouse, Helena Christensen and Doutzen Kroes.
Is Weleda Skin Food worth the hype?
After giving Skin Food another go, I can confidently say this: it really is a winter skincare essential. Its thick, greasy texture might not be for everyone – if you’re after something lightweight, this isn’t it – but for anyone battling dry or parched skin, it’s a total lifesaver.
I’ve started using it in a few different ways. As an overnight mask when my skin feels especially dehydrated, it works wonders. I also rely on it as a barrier cream when fake tanning, dabbing it on dry spots like elbows, knees, and ankles to prevent patchiness. And it’s become a handbag staple for those “in-a-pinch” moments – it smooths unruly eyebrows, soothes dry cuticles, and even doubles as a nourishing lip mask.
Weleda Skin Food Cream
Does it live up to the hype? Absolutely. But the beauty of Skin Food is that it’s never really gone out of style – it’s just found a new generation to fall in love with it. So whether you’re new to this cult classic or rediscovering it like I did, there’s no denying its place as one of beauty’s true icons.
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