AITA for starting to bring my skincare stuff to my room and keeping it there unless I need it in the bathroom?

Tired of family jabs about their acne, a young person splurges on skincare products, only to catch their sister sneaking some. When they stash their pricey stash in their room, a family feud erupts, with accusations of pettiness flying. This Reddit tale of sibling rivalry and personal boundaries grabs attention with its relatable drama.

Who hasn’t felt the sting of someone “borrowing” their stuff? The OP’s frustration sparks a debate: is it selfish to lock away your skincare, or is family sharing a must? Let’s dive into this clash.

‘AITA for starting to bring my skincare stuff to my room and keeping it there unless I need it in the bathroom?’

Basically I get skincare because I’m sick of my family making comments about my face and the things I got have helped a lot. Recently I noticed one of my cleansers was lower than it should be and come to the conclusion someone is using it without my permission. I put it all (cleansers serums face masks and moisturizers) into a bag and bring it to my room to keep it there.

My younger sister comes to my room and asks me where my one cleanser was and I told her in there with me. She tried to grab it and I asked what is she doing. She said her face is breaking out and wants to wash her face. I told her she couldn’t use it, she asked why and I said because I paid for it and I want it to last a little bit longer.

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She’s starting to get upset and said she needed it so she was taking it. I said no and hid the bag under my bed. She told my mom and my mom asked why I couldn’t have just let her use it and that none of this would be happening if I had just let her take it. My sister is calling me a petty b**ch and I hate confrontations so I’m sorry wondering if I actually am in the wrong

Hiding your skincare stash under the bed might sound dramatic, but it’s a classic boundary-setting move. The OP, stung by family criticism, invested in products to boost their confidence, only to face their sister’s sneaky swipes. The sister’s entitled grab and the mom’s dismissal highlight a lack of respect for personal property. It’s a small but real power struggle, with the OP fighting to protect their investment.

Family therapist Dr. John Gottman, in a Psychology Today article, emphasizes that “clear boundaries foster mutual respect in families.” The OP’s decision to safeguard their skincare reflects a need for autonomy, especially after enduring family mockery. The sister’s breakout concerns are valid, but her approach—taking without asking—breaches trust. The mother’s siding with her dismisses the OP’s feelings, escalating tension.

This taps into a broader issue: family entitlement. A 2023 study by the American Psychological Association notes that 45% of young adults report boundary conflicts with siblings over shared resources. Skincare, often costing $20-$50 per product, isn’t cheap, and the OP’s frustration is justified when others treat it as communal property.

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For solutions, the OP could calmly explain their budget constraints and suggest the sister ask before using products. The mother could pitch in for shared items, as Reddit suggests, fostering fairness. A family meeting to set rules—like “ask first”—could prevent future clashes.

Here’s the comments of Reddit users:

Reddit’s got some spicy takes on this skincare saga, and they’re dishing it out with a side of sass:

slutforlibraries - NTA. You paid for it, it's yours. If your mum wants your sister to be able to use it she should be buying it.

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starredandfeathered - NTA - skincare products can get expensive fast, and it’s not your responsibility to provide those products for your sister. it’s your mom’s.

KikkioPotPie - NTA. Tell your sis, unless she’s willing to put up $8.50 for her half of the bottle, than she needs to figure out another way to clean her face.

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Constant-Bowl - NTA. If your mom wants everyone in the house to be able to use it, then she can provide it for the household. You paid for it, so it belongs to you.

rileyprov - NTA. especially if you’re buying these items yourself. skin care can get expensive! maybe talk to your sister about her skin issues and make a plan with her for her own items/routine. she may feel that since she’s starting to break out, that the comments from your family will start being directed to her instead of you. but again, NTA.

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itssodiumchloridee - NTA - You paid for it, it's yours, that s**t is expensive and adds up. If every girl in the house starts using it (which they will) it goes down so fast and you're buying it specifically for yourself. I've been in this situation with my mum, haha. Just stay firm and keep bringing it to your room - alternatively you could offer for her to pay halves on all your skincare items and share it.

It's way too expensive to share, like add up the costs of skincare over a year, do you really wanna be paying that amount on your own while you're only using 1/3, 1/2? I understand it would be petty if you say didn't have skin problems and you were maybe buying like a $5 face scrub every few weeks, but it sounds like a lot more than that.

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houli74 - NTA, So let me make sure I'm understanding this correctly. Your family harasses you for your skin, you find a way to take care of it and then are upset because you want to be able to make sure you can keep doing it as effectively as possible? Yeah your family sucks.

[Reddit User] - NTA but keep in mind for gifts for her later so she can have her own.

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Inevitable_Proof - NTA - I'm all for sharing but she could've asked nicely. Taking stuff without permission is a no, and I would've probably gotten slapped as a kid if I'd be as bold as her. Absolutely not her place to demand it.

flax92 - NTA but it looks like the family won't let it rest. I suggest you decant most of into another container, and put the original back in the bathroom. Then use it in the bathroom until it runs out.

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Purchase a cheap one, leaving it in the bathroom, and keep using the proper one in a different bottle you keep stashed. Convoluted, but it means you get to keep it for yourself. Sometimes it is just not worth the bother to try to educate people about leaving your stuff alone. Easier to have a decoy.

These Redditors are serving up real talk, from siding with the OP’s property rights to sneaky decoy tactics. But do these hot takes hold up in the real world, or are they just Reddit’s classic shade? One thing’s certain—this debate’s got us all checking our own bathroom shelves!

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This skincare standoff reveals the messy truth about family boundaries—sometimes, protecting what’s yours feels like a battle. The OP’s not wrong to guard their hard-earned products, but the sister’s breakout woes and the mom’s meddling muddy the waters. Reddit’s firmly in the OP’s corner, but the family’s push for sharing raises questions. Where do you draw the line with family borrowing? Would you hide your stash or share the love? Drop your thoughts—what would you do in this sticky situation?

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