Does tingling or stinging mean skincare is working?

No. A strong sensation is not proof of a better result. Effectiveness should be judged by improvement in the concern over time, not by how strongly the product can be felt.

Stinging is information, not proof that a product works

Some active products can cause irritation, but ongoing burning, redness, or discomfort is a reason to pause and reassess. Judge a product by improvement in your actual concern and how your skin feels over time, not how much you can feel it working.