Skinimalism Is the Ultimate Stripped-Back Skincare Trend

What Is Skinimalism?

Skinimalism is just what it sounds like—a more minimalistic take on your everyday skincare routine. That can mean reducing the number of products you use, incorporating smarter ingredients in your routine, or simply wearing less makeup to let your natural skin shine. Not only will skinimalism streamline your skincare, but it’ll help you commit to a beauty routine that’s more sustainable (and probably cheaper) than your current lineup. Plus, you’ll be building a more resilient skin barrier, which is key to a clear and glowing complexion.

Why Minimalism Is Trending for 2026

With so many new ingredients, products, and formulas on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Where do you start—and more importantly, where do you end? It looks like plenty of Millennials and Gen Z-ers are asking themselves the same question, especially as post-holiday and winter dryness takes hold. Collectively, we may also have trauma from over-exfoliating our faces with harsh scrubs. Never again!

And let’s face it, a 12-step skincare routine takes a lot of time and money. Buying that many products isn’t great for our wallet, or our planet. Why not simplify the process, save money, and strengthen your skin barrier in one go?

“When the skin barrier is compromised, you’ll notice increased sensitivity, flaky skin, and delayed healing,” says dermatologist Nkem Ugonabo, MD. “This often comes from using too many products, or incorrectly layering or combining too many active ingredients.” When your skin is overwhelmed, she adds, it can’t properly absorb those actives (or their benefits). 

The Core Products of a Skinimalist Routine

According to Dr. Ugonabo, a skinimalist routine should include these three products: a gentle cleanser, a barrier-safe moisturizer, and a sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher. “Avoid unnecessary ingredients and focus on hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients, like ceramides and hyaluronic acid,” she advises. “Choose non-foaming, fragrance-free cleansers and gently wash your face with lukewarm water.” We love the GROWN ALCHEMIST Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser because of its soothing ingredients like camellia kissi seed oil and grape seed oil. 

Once you’ve got your base routine down, take a look at your skin’s real needs—not what someone on social media tells you you need. Dr. Ugonabo recommends using vitamin C to brighten and even complexion, retinol for fine lines, and niacinamide for soothing and calming skin. Don’t mix and match, though. Stick to your main concern to really let those ingredients reach full potential and minimize irritation.

If you’re still not sure where to start, we have some expert advice for you: 

Reach for multitasking products: Skinamilism is all about harnessing the power of multitasking products. When you have one formula that does it all, you don’t really need all the extras. Layering several one-ingredient serums can also counteract what you’re trying to achieve. “Some ingredients actively work against one another, some offer similar benefits, and some actively enhance each other,” says Dr. Ugonabo. Only someone with decades of experience, like a dermatologist, would know how to perfectly combine each product. You’re better off using a product that combines all the effects you want into one formula. 

Swap out heavy makeup for something lighter: We love a good glam, but if you’re wearing heavy makeup everyday, it can lead to irritation, redness, or breakouts. Try swapping out your foundation for a skin tint that’s more lightweight and hydrating, like the E.L.F. COSMETICS Halo Glow Skin Tint (which includes some vital SPF, by the way). It’s a perfect, more natural look for everyday. 

Exfoliate—sparingly: Exfoliating plays a major part in keeping your skin smooth, soft, and glowing. “Exfoliating regularly gently polishes away dull skin and promotes regular cell turnover,” says Dr. Ugonabo. To avoid irritation, she recommends exfoliating no more than twice a week, and cutting out any physical exfoliants like rough face cloths or scrubs. Try the PERRICONE MD Vitamin C Ester Daily Brightening & Exfoliating Peel for a more radiant complexion.

How to Build Your Minimalist Routine

Having trouble picking out products? Let your skin type guide you. If you find your skin is constantly dry or flaky, reach for a hydrating cleanser and moisturizer. Dr. Ugonabo recommends looking for formulas with soothing ceramides, like the PACIFICA BEAUTY Vegan Ceramide Extra Gentle Face Wash. Follow it up with the REN CLEAN SKINCARE Everhydrate Marine Moisture-Replenishing Cream to replenish your skin’s moisture (and keep it that way). Think of it as giving your skin a tall glass of water.

For sensitive and acne-prone skin, you’ll want to go with a cleanser and moisturizer that is super gentle on skin, and doesn’t feel stripping or drying. The GOLDFADEN MD Pure Start Gentle Detoxifying Facial Cleanser will fit perfectly into your barrier-repairing routine with ingredients like seaweed extract and wheat proteins, while potent botanicals purify pores to banish breakouts. Pair it with a neutral moisturizer like the JACK HENRY Super Face Cream for a routine that’s gentle and effective.

If you find your skin somewhere in the middle, you probably have combination skin. Reach for products that work for all skin types, like the CARDON Daily SPF + Moisturizer. Infused with soothing ingredients like cactus extract and turmeric, this moisturizer will address redness and hydrate your skin where you want it to. Plus, a healthy dose of SPF in this product means you can skip one more step in your routine. Now that’s skinimalism!

No matter your skin type, pick products that do it all, rather than target specific needs. That’s why you have your one treatment step—whether you prefer a brightening vitamin C boost, an anti-aging retinol, or a breakout-calming niacinamide. Just make sure you’re reaching for a treatment with a simple ingredient list, like the BYOMA Sensitive Retinol Oil. It has a lipid-rich base to help reduce any skin sensitivity that comes with using retinol. 

To choose which treatment is right for you, take a close look at your skin and decide what concern is a priority. If you need a helping hand, Dr. Ugonabo recommends checking in with your dermatologist. They’ll work with you to create a simple, customized routine for your skin type and concerns. 

Mistakes to Avoid

Make mistakes minimal by following our expert advice. Don’t mix too many textures like gels and creams together—they’ll just pill on your face and be ineffective. Too many skincare steps leads to inflammation, which leads to a lot of other skin problems, says Dr. Ugonabo. 

When in doubt, less is more. Don’t overuse active treatments like retinoids or AHAs and BHAs (even if TikTok tries to convince you). And, don’t layer duplicate products. You don’t need three niacinamide moisturizers, just one that works really well. 

Final Thoughts

Skinimalism isn’t necessarily about doing less; it’s about doing it smarter. Multitasking products make it easy to have a more sustainable and mindful approach to skincare. The goal here is to leave skin strong, healthy, and happy. Remember that too much skincare, even if it’s good skincare, will irritate skin and lead to redness and breakouts. Unnecessarily complexity is a step we should all skip—if not for the sake of our skin, then for the sake of our wallets. Find the best multitasking cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens on the IPSY Shop, and let us curate your new, simple skincare routine.