Ever feel overwhelmed with the seemingly never-ending list of skincare products you ‘should’ be using? Some people swear by their 15-step morning skincare regime… but let’s face it, it’s not for everyone.
If you’re nodding your head in agreement, you may already be a skinimalist at heart - and it turns out you could be on to something!
Excessive skincare regimes can leave your skin barrier very vulnerable, as well as increase redness, and sometimes even breakouts. Skinimalism is here to help combat that.
What is skinimalism?
According to Pinterest’s Trend Predictions Report, ‘Skinimalism is the new glow up’.1 Gone are the days of glorified plastered on make-up and cake-y faces; more and more people are embracing ‘slow’ beauty to let their natural skin texture shine. Not only is skinimalism a breath of fresh air for your skin, it’s also refreshingly simple and sustainable.
Is skinimalism for you?
Here are a few pros and cons to help you decide if this fresh new beauty trend could work for you:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Can reduce chances of skin redness |
May feel strange at first |
Cheaper | You already shelled out on your products |
Easier as less to remember | May not be enough for people with skin concerns |
Faster to apply | |
Eco-friendly |
How does skinimalism work?
Whether you choose to reduce the amount of skincare products in your arsenal or go easy on the foundation to let your natural skin shine through, there are no set rules when it comes to this new beauty trend.
The aim is to help protect the skin by keeping things simple.
When we go overboard with different skin care products, swap and change techniques willy-nilly, and combine too many active ingredients, our skin can get overwhelmed and overstimulated. A bit like when we try to do too much in our own lives.
Ultimately, this can tire out our skin and means we won’t get to see any of the benefits we were trying so hard to achieve in the first place!
So, what’s a gal (or guy) to do?
Fancy giving skinimalism a try? Here are a few pointers from the H&B beauty team:
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Find a formula that does everything
It’s drilled into us that we need multiple products to meet multiple skin need. But in reality, most people’s skin has the same everyday needs. so one well-made formula should do the trick. This could save you many pennies in the long run!
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Be careful combining active ingredients
A lot of people incorporate several one-ingredient serums and other beauty goodies into their routine, thinking they are being super-attentive to their skin’s every need. However, some active ingredients will work against each other, some will enhance each other, and some will simply do the same thing. Our advice is to leave this complex chemistry to the professional skincare formulators and go for fewer well-made formulas.
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Go eco-friendly
It’s not just your skin and bank balance that can take the hit of an excessive skin routine. It can be better for the environment to take your skincare routine back to basics with minimal products. This way, you are cutting down on some of the environmental damage production lines, packaging and transport for multiple different products can amass.
The 11 best products to achieve skinimalism
We've rounded up 11 wonderful products for you to start your skinimalism journey.
Cleansers
Even the staunchest skinimalists will want to give their skin a good wash in the morning to start the day off fresh as a daisy and again in the evening to cleanse away makeup and dirt before bed. Depending on your skin type, here are the cleansers we recommend:
Cleanser for dry and sensitive skin
Dry and sensitive skin tends to like hydrating, creamy cleansers that clear away the dirt, without stripping your skin of oils.
Ethique SuperStar! Face Cleanser & Makeup Remover
- Suitable for all skin types (especially dry)
- Works as a face cleanser, moisturiser & makeup remover
- Super hydrating without being heavy
Ethique SuperStar! Face Cleanser & Makeup Remover

Cleanser for oily or combination skin
Oily skin tends to be prone to spots and breakouts, so you should go for a foaming cleanser that contains exfoliating acids like salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, or AHAs / BHAs.
Sukin Foaming Cleanser
- A non-drying, gentle cleanser for normal to oily skin types.
- Make up, daily dirt build up and excess oils are removed to reveal a balanced, cleansed complexion.
- A combination of Chamomile, Aloe Vera, Green Tea and Witch Hazel soothes and imparts antioxidants into the skin + Light hydration is promoted through oils
Sukin Foaming Cleanser

Cleanser for ‘normal' skin
You can’t go too wrong with a cleanser if you have ‘normal’ skin. Focus on finding a cleanser that’s kind to skin, but also effective at removing oil, dirt and makeup too.
Vitaskin Vitamin C Cleansing Balm
- Non-greasy & non-drying cleanser
- Works quickly to dissolve impurities and makeup from the face
- Helps even the driest skin feel radiant, thoroughly cleansed and smooth
Vitaskin Vitamin C Cleansing Balm

SPF
One very, very important skincare product you should definitely keep in your arsenal is a high-quality SPF. SPF products protect your skin against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays and can help to delay or improve the appearance of signs of ageing like fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
What’s more, most SPF is delivered with a dose of moisturisation on the side, so you don’t necessarily need to apply moisturiser beforehand.
SPF + moisturiser
Antipodes Immortal SPF15 Face & Body Moisturiser
- Natural Sun Protection
- Certified sun protection factor (SPF) 15
- Certified vegetarian and vegan by the UK Vegetarian Society
Antipodes Immortal SPF15 Face & Body Moisturiser

Serums
Next, it’s time to get your glow on! Antioxidant-rich vitamin C serums and exfoliating hyaluronic serums are a good place to start for most. They are both kind to most skin types and are known for their gentle skin-toning properties.
Hyaluronic acid serum
Holland & Barrett Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Serum, 30ml
- Brightening up the skin and making it appear happier and healthier
- Moisturising the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and/or wrinkles
- Refreshing and restoring the skin so your face has a natural glow
Holland & Barrett Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Serum, 30ml

Vitamin C serum
Vitaskin Vitamin C Collagen Boosting Serum
- Suitable for all skin types (especially dry)
- Works as a face cleanser, moisturiser & makeup remover
- Super hydrating without being heavy
Vitaskin Vitamin C Collagen Boosting Serum

Moisturisers
There’s no doubt that keeping your skin moisturised and hydrated is key for glowing, healthy skin. But, as we discussed above, when it comes to moisturisers’ less is often more. Instead, try investing in one high-quality moisturiser instead of slathering on a both a day and night cream every day.
Moisturiser for dry and sensitive skin
A good moisturiser for dry and sensitive skin will contain rich, hydrating natural ingredients like shea butter.
Weleda Skin Food Light, 75ml
- Certified natural skin care
- Free of synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colourants and raw materials derived from mineral oils
- Suitable for vegetarians
Weleda Skin Food Light, 75ml

Moisturiser for oily skin
Oily skin needs moisture too! However counterproductive it may seem. Choose lightweight moisturisers that help lock in moisture while keeping the greasiness at bay.
Sea Magik Flat Matte Epsom Moisturiser
- Spa facial moisturiser to promote a naturally matte finish to the skin
- Formulation with Epsom Salt Minerals and strengthening Seaweed
- Sustainable packaging- tube made using bio-based sugar cane plastic and packaged in cardboard. Please recycle after use
Sea Magik Flat Matte Epsom Moisturiser

Moisturiser for ‘normal skin
If your skin is not dry or oily, you have a lot more freedom when it comes to moisturisers.
Beauty Kitchen Seahorse Plankton Everlasting Radiance Moisturiser
- Deeply moisturises for a natural and smooth finish
- Seahorse plankton stimulates skin cells for natural renewal
- 100% natural, sustainably sourced and vegan friendly
Beauty Kitchen Seahorse Plankton Everlasting Radiance Moisturiser

Night treatment
When the day is done and your feet are well and truly up, try extending that rest and relaxation to your skin. After cleansing the day away, a good retinoid night serum, oil or cream is a popular way to show your skin some TLC, especially if you’re 25+.
REN Bio Retinoid Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Oil
- White Beggar's Tick Flower Extract smoothes the look of wrinkles and renews skin texture
- Bakuchiol mimics Retinol efficiency
- Rosehip Seed Oil Source of Vitamin A, rejuvenates skin's appearance
REN Bio Retinoid Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Oil

VitaSkin Vitamin A Rejuvenating Night Serum
- This powerful Serum is packed with Retinoids and Carrot Seed Oil
- Contains high levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin E
- Helps promote softer, smoother and visibly younger-looking skin
VitaSkin Vitamin A Rejuvenating Night Serum

If you have dry skin, it’s advised you follow with a moisturiser (no special night cream necessary.
Please also remember that retinoids can cause irritation and sensitivity, which is why you should gradually build up to using it every day. Try using it twice a week at first and slowly increase from there while monitoring how your skin reacts to it, and always use an SPF in the day.
Summary
- Using lots of different skincare products may not be suitable for everyone, contributing to skin sensitivity and redness
- Skinimalism is a beauty trend that encourages you to focus on skincare quality not quantity and suggests that using fewer products with high-quality formulations can be better for your skin than using lots of different types
- It also encourages people to embrace their natural skin appearance and texture – you’re beautiful enough already!
- Taking up skinimalism could save you time, money and may also be better for the environment
- It’s not for everyone though - people with skin concerns may need to use more products
Best products for your skinimalism routine...
Last updated: 1 April 2021