Woman gets free scalp detox sample from Ulta. Now she says she’s left with chemical burns: ‘You need to get a lawyer’
We all love free samples when shopping at cosmetics stores like Ulta Beauty, especially now that this perk is somewhat rare.
Many shoppers end up buying the full-size version after trying it out; others either aren’t excited enough to seek it out or simply decide it’s not for them.
What almost never happens, though, is a product being so bad that it leaves you worried something is seriously wrong with your skin.
That’s what one Ulta customer says happened after she tried a scalp-detox sample she received at checkout.
What Was Wrong with the Ulta Sample?
TikTok creator Jae (@gymwithjae) filmed while in the bathroom with just a towel on, completely covered in scratch-like bright red marks from her neck down to her chest.
“Like I’m sorry what just happened,” she wrote in the video’s caption.
She pans the camera around to show the redness from close-up, saying, “I just got a chemical burn from using this,” she says, holding up the Apple Cider Vinegar hair rinse from the brand dpHUE.
“Literally I got it as a free sample from Ulta,” she says, with a look of disbelief on her face.
She added jokingly in the video’s caption, “I wanted a good scalp detox not all new skin.” Her video has garnered over 664,300 views at the time of writing.
What Went Wrong Here?
What Jae is experiencing here is less likely a chemical burn and more likely an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients in the treatment.
A chemical burn involves serious damage to the skin or tissue, usually caused by a harsh or corrosive substance. Common culprits include battery acid, bleach, drain cleaners, paint removers, and similar chemicals.
While the hair rinse she used does contain acetic acid, as the product name suggests, it’s likely not concentrated enough to cause an actual burn to the skin. It’s more probable that her skin reacted badly to either the vinegar itself or another ingredient in the rinse.
Skincare experts recommend patch testing whenever you try a new product, or at the very least, a new active ingredient. You never know how your skin may react.
Jae hasn’t shared any updates after the initial video. The Mary Sue has reached out to her via TikTok and Instagram messages for comment.
Commenters Share Personal Experiences
“This is a histamine response to the ACV!” shared one user. “Happens to me too bc i have MCAS.”
Another commenter was horrified. “You need to get a lawyer and I’m so serious this is going to happen to someone else and it’s going to blind them PLEASE get your bag and help others in the process,” they wrote.
“Always test patch on your wrist before you use new products love,” advised a third.
“I’ve used that for years,” another shared. “That has never happened to me.”
@gym.withjae I wanted a good scalp detox not all new skin. #scalpdetox #ACV #dphue #WTH #chemicalburn ♬ original sound – txtertots
The Mary Sue has contacted dpHUE via email to request comment.
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