22 Best Minimalist Skincare Products

1. 1. One Love Beauty Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover

   

   Price: $49.75

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Hydrates and smoothes skin
   • Extremely gentle, non-drying and non-irritating
   • Skin looks beautiful after use

   Cons:

   • Pricey
   • Not ideal for wax or butter sensitivities (which can clog pores)
   • Some found scent too strong

   A multi-tasking essential, this award-winning cleansing oil and makeup remover from One Love Beauty contains a vitamin B complex to tone and detoxify skin. It’s absolutely perfect on its own or used as the first step in your daily cleansing routine.

   It doesn’t take much effort with this product to remove makeup and impurities, and your skin will be left clean and oh-so-soft thanks to the fruit enzyme papain. Non-stripping of skin’s natural oils, the formula rinses clean and is ideal for any skin type, though it’s especially effective on dehydrated, dry skin.

   Find more One Love Beauty Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover information and reviews here.

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2. 2. Om Organics Clarity Purifying Concentrate & Marula + Cactus Face Oil

   

   Price: $34.00

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   Pros:

   • Works well to reduce redness and blemishes
   • Gentle and non-drying
   • A little goes a long way

   Cons:

   • Took a while to see results for some users
   • Strong scent may not be for everyone
   • May not work well on deeper, hormonal acne

   If you’re anything like me and deal with acne-prone skin, you might need something gentle to take care of it. Check out this calming, clarifying solution from Om Organics, which is jam-packed with a penetrating combo of anti-inflammatory blue tansy oil, mineral and vitamin A, B, and C-rich black cumin seed oil, and antioxidant-packed rosehip oil.

   Herbal lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, pine, clove, and tea tree-scented, it smells and feels fresh (I immediately thought subtler, gentler version of a certain UK brand’s tea tree oil line from the ’90s!) These lovely yet powerful ingredients soothe irritated skin, clears out clogged pores, and correct dark spots and scars. You only need one drop twice daily, which mixes right in with your serum or moisturizer.

   I honestly couldn’t leave it at just one Om product – these days, I’m in love with the Marula + Cactus Nourishing Face Oil. It deeply penetrates the skin, nourishing, firming, and softening it with a fresh, invigorating scent. Since my skin’s on the oilier side, I like to put it on just before bed.

   Find more Om Organics Clarity Purifying Concentrate information and reviews here.

3. 3. Muri Lelu Full Flower Ritual Serums

   

   Price: $250.00

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   Pros:

   • Rich, thick, yet light & non-greasy
   • Firmer, brighter, smoother & glowing skin
   • Skin feels silky soft, smooth & hydrated

   Cons:

   • Pricey
   • Small quantity
   • Excess (though recyclable) packaging

   So, this serum set from Muri Lelu is definitely a splurge, but hear me out – it just may be the most luxurious add to your skincare regime you’ve seen yet. The rich, milky, luxe feel of these plant-based serums honestly gave me goosebumps. I found the protective AM Bloomrise Sativa Serum left my skin matte, smooth, and fresh-feeling, and the Mauvaise Herbe Indica Oil restores my skin and slows aging signs overnight.

   These nourishing, hydrating serums contain flower hemp extract, active botanicals, and essential oils with terpene, and none of the bad stuff like sulfates, phthalates, parabens, silicones, synthetic fragrances, or anything animal-derived. They:

   • Protect the skin barrier against pollution, environmental damage, and blue light
   • Hydrate, and calm inflammation and redness
   • Increase your natural cell turnover and collagen production
   • Help reduce wrinkles, lines, and other aging signs

   Find more Muri Lelu Full Flower Ritual Serums information and reviews here.

4. 4. Everyday Oil Mainstay Blend

   

   Price: $28.00

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Goes on thin so doesn't feel oily
   • Moisturizing and ideal for dry skin
   • Multifunctional: cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, priming, refreshing

   Cons:

   • Not the best for oily skin
   • The scent isn't for everyone
   • Small quantity

   Everyday Oil is a 100% organic blended botanical oil for the face and body that cleanses, balances, hydrates, and nourishes the skin. It easily absorbs in about 10 minutes and leaves you with a beautiful hydrated, dewy glow. Ideal as a face wash and moisturizer replacement, it can also conveniently be used on the hair and body and is ideal for any skin type, especially dry.

   The product is designed to protect the skin’s natural microbiome and brings many benefits, including boosting collagen production, minimizing hyperpigmentation and acne, and protecting against harmful UV rays.

   Find more Everyday Oil Mainstay Blend information and reviews here.

5. 5. Graydon Skincare Berry Rich Cream & Face Food Mineral Mist

   

   Price: $49.00

   Shop now at Graydon Skincare
   Pros:

   • Works well on dry AND oily skin, won't cause breakouts
   • Very hydrating and moisturizing
   • Velevety feel, finishes matte

   Cons:

   • Can feel heavy
   • Some get slight residue
   • May be better for some as eye cream only

   This luxurious probiotic face and eye cream is velvety-rich with moisture thanks to the superfood active ingredients. The cream’s vegan probiotic boosts and nourishes your skin’s health to a radiant glow, and the formula’s blueberry seed oil soaks into dehydrated, dry, or mature skin as it reduces fine lines and wrinkles. You’ll experience deep hydration, thanks to blue-green algae rich in amino acids and minerals.

   Paraben and sulfate-free, this is the ideal product in your minimalist skincare routine to strengthen your skin’s barrier and achieve a younger-looking complexion. And, since it’s such a gentle formula, this makes for a fantastic eye cream, too. Oh, and my favorite part, aside from the formula’s deep, rich, luxuriousness? It smells absolutely amazing.

   I’m also a huge fan of Graydon’s hydrating face food mineral mist – which pulls double duty as both a face mist and toner. It protects your skin against the elements and gives you a natural glow. I love the scent and that you can literally hear it squeak, clean on your skin.

   Find more Graydon Skincare Berry Rich Cream information and reviews here.

6. 6. Youth To The People Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner

   

   Price: $29.95

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Removes dry skin extremely well
   • Skin looks noticeably smoother & pores look smaller
   • Don't need much - little goes a long way

   Cons:

   • Unpleasant smell (but won't last long)
   • Tacky texture, so you'll need moisturizer on top
   • Slightly burns until skin acclimatizes

   This amazing toner from Youth to the People works triple duty with its lactic and glycolic acid blend that minimizes pores and smoothes skin. It contains tree bark and kombucha black tea, both fermented and acting as probiotics to enhance the skin’s natural biome. At the same time, the citrus bioflavonoids and lemon water extract help to remove skin’s impurities and pollutants.⁠

   This vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance and scent-free toner is ideal for nearly any skin type and is best used 3-5 times each week. Gradually work your way up to use at nighttime since there may be slight tingling and redness at first.

   Find more Youth To The People Kombucha Power Toner information and reviews here.

7. 7. Glossier Super Bounce Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Serum

   

   Price: $54.00

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Clears up breakouts and leaves skin soft and hydrated
   • Works well on dry, combination, or oily skin
   • Fine lines disappear

   Cons:

   • Might not suit all sensitive skin
   • Some users didn't see much difference
   • Not as hyrdrating as other serums out there

   This soothing and refreshing hyaluronic acid serum from Glossier delivers instantly smooth, soft skin. It contains a 2% hyaluronic acid complex that deeply moisturizes and smoothes and pro-vitamin B5 that locks moisture in, for the ultimate in hydration, plump, healthy-looking skin. Need more convincing? In a clinical trial, 8 out of 10 users said the serum “improved the overall look and feel of skin immediately after use”.

   You’ll love that this formula is fast-absorbing and silky, not sticky and that it’s specially designed to layer under moisturizer and makeup. The serum works best gently patted on freshly cleansed, damp skin.

   Find more Glossier Super Bounce Serum information and reviews here.

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8. 8. Meebak Cica Redness Solution Cream

   

   Price: $21.97

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Leaves skin brighter, less red, natural, and more even-looking
   • Can use as a lighter, more natural makeup alternative
   • You don't need much - a little goes a long way

   Cons:

   • Clay-like, dense & heavy (but this feels nice once on)
   • Doesn't blend too well at first, just takes a bit of time
   • May not work well on overly sensitive skin

   I was pretty excited to try Meebak’s Cica Redness Solution Cream. To be honest, I’ve never used a color-correcting product like this, so I didn’t know what to expect. And until I applied it to my face, I truly had no idea that my skin tone was in fact uneven. The cruelty-free cream made my skin brighter and more consistent in texture, tone, and color than before. Look at Meebak, solving a problem I didn’t even know I had.

   The calming rosacea and cica tiger grass soothes irritated, redness-prone skin (common in the winter) by rebuilding and strengthening the skin’s barrier. And, a huge plus is the fact the product not only color-corrects but also works double-duty as concealer or makeup, so you can absolutely minimize your routine and skip that foundation. Winter is a great time to try this product out since you’re likely not sporting a tan.

   Find more Meebak Cica Redness Solution Cream information and reviews here.

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9. 9. Shani Darden Retinol Reform

   

   Price: $120.00

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Non-drying & irritating
   • Visibly improves skin
   • Keeps for a while thanks to pump applicator

   Cons:

   • Price
   • Can take a while to see improvement
   • Not the nicest scent

   The encapsulated retinol in this natural collagen-supporting, gentle face serum from Shani Darden reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles, scars, uneven skin, and dark spots. The 2% lactic acid improves skin’s texture and tone with exfoliation to bring out brighter, smoother skin. As well, fruit extract brings antioxidant defense against pollution and harmful sun damage along with younger-looking skin.

   Especially ideal for dry skin, the formula is effective without irritating and drying skin as can often happen with other retinol products. Free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and other harmful chemicals, this minimalist vegan serum is made cruelty-free and is packaged in recyclable material.

   Find more Shani Darden Retinol Reform information and reviews here.

10. 10. Whish Restoring Face Oil with Bakuchiol

    

    Price: $62.05

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Smoothes lines and wrinkles
    • Firms and evens skin tone out
    • Hydrates and softens skin

    Cons:

    • May not be ideal for sensitive skin
    • Odd scent
    • Thinner consistency than other oils

    This retinol alternative from Whish is gentler on the skin, thanks to bakuchiol, rose hip seed oil, and argan oil which work wonders together as a natural retinol replacement. The facial oil moisturizes any skin type, with macadamia ternifolia seed oil, olive fruit oil, and starflower oil.

    Not only does it glide on super lightweight, but it absorbs quickly and soothes and hydrates the skin, with the help of black currant seed oil, apricot kernel oil, and evening primrose oil. The formula helps to fight free radicals and contains omegas and antioxidants that boost elasticity and smoothness in the skin, giving you a naturally beautiful, youthful look.

    Find more Whish Restoring Face Oil with Bakuchiol information and reviews here.

11. 11. Paula’s Choice RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 Matte Tinted Face Moisturizer

    

    Price: $39.00

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Amazing matte, pore-minimizing coverage
    • Works well on oily skin
    • Fully absorbs, non-greasy with no white residue
    • Great value

    Cons:

    • May leave a pale cast (but not white)
    • Seperation can occur, so you need to shake well
    • Some found it leaves a waxy residue

    Want one product that does it all? This tinted moisturizer not only hydrates, nourishes, and moisturizes your skin, but it also leaves you with beautiful color and that all-too important SPF 30 protection. The formula contains evens out skin tone, reduces wrinkles and fine lines, and renews and repairs sun-damaged skin, leaving you with a smooth, silky matte finish. Your skin will even get firmer with daily use.

    The best part? There’s no unpleasant white residue. The moisturizer is ideal for normal to oily and combination skin, and it contains no fragrance or parabens, truly making it an ideal choice.

    Find more Paula's Choice RESIST Tinted Face Moisturizer information and reviews here.

12. 12. Farmacy Green Clean

    

    Price: $36.00

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Gentle, non-drying
    • Purifies and hydrates
    • Moisturizes without causing breakouts

    Cons:

    • Can feel waxy
    • May leave residual film
    • Excess product might be needed for makeup removal

    This gentle cleansing balm, free of sulfates, parabens, and artificial color, will melt your makeup away quickly with its natural sunflower and ginger root oils. It leaves your skin smooth and hydrated, without drying, stripping away natural moisture, or causing breakouts. Bonus: Papaya enzymes exfoliate for a dewy, healthy glow, and moringa tree extract removes pollution impurities to keep your skin looking fresh and young.

    Simply scoop onto the included spatula, then gently blend into skin with your fingertips in an upward and outward circular motion. On skin contact, this causes the balm to melt into an oil, and a milky lather once you apply water. Rinse off with water or wipe with a warm, damp facecloth.

    Find more Farmacy Green Clean information and reviews here.

13. 13. florence by mills magic micellar cleansing gel

    

    Price: $24.98

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Removes makeup easily and quickly
    • Leaves skin soft, smooth and hydrated
    • Don't need much

    Cons:

    • Thick consistency
    • May burn slightly (can be from mixing with other products)
    • Scent isn't for everyone

    The Magic Micellar Cleansing Gel from florence by mills removes makeup fast. The brand says this product’s for when you’re too tired to get ready for bed, and I totally understand what they mean – my long-wearing mascara was gone, and my head hit the pillow in seconds.

    Vitamin E makes your skin soft, soothed, hydrated, and protected, while the small micelles (which are invisible, lightweight oil capsules) melt and remove dirt and residue that’s easily wiped away. And this is exactly what happened when I tried the product. The best part is it’s dermatologist-tested, vegan, cruelty-free, and made without silicone and sulfates.

    Find more florence by mills magic micellar cleansing gel information and reviews here.

14. 14. Jason Wu Tinted Moisturizer Meets CC Cream

    

    Price: $20.00

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    Pros:

    • Improves skin texture & tone
    • Lightweight
    • Givees a smooth, natural look

    Cons:

    • Tones skew neutral (tricky to match some skin tones)
    • Too matte for some
    • A bit sticky

    Jason Wu’s Tinted Moisturizer Meets CC Cream is a wonderful combination of tinted moisturizer and CC cream with a natural finish. The formula reduces redness thanks to vitamin B3, hydrates and soothes skin with vitamin E, and evens out skin tone to reveal younger-looking skin with the help of goji berry extract. Designed for the minimalist in you, this lightweight product comes in 12 easy-to-apply shades and gives a subtle, natural glow without that pigmented or caked-on makeup look. Can be worn on its own or under foundation.

    Find more Jason Wu Tinted Moisturizer Meets CC Cream information and reviews here.

15. 15. Mario Badescu Lip Mask with Acai and Vanilla

    

    Price: $10.00

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Very nourishing and hydrating
    • Great overnight or to wear on its own or under lipstick
    • Smells and tastes amazing

    Cons:

    • Lips feel good in the morning but not too supple
    • Goes quickly
    • Scent is hard to define/not too natural

    This rich, overnight jelly lip mask from Mario Badescu is made with vanilla and acai botanical oils and extracts that offer anti-aging benefits, antioxidants and vitamins, and an amazing feeling on application. It’s thick but not too thick, smooth but not slippery or sticky, and amazingly fruity and fresh-scented (though somewhat hard to name). My lips felt deeply moisturized and nourished and in the morning they were hydrated – not as supple as I expected, but still smooth and soft.

    What’s awesome about this lip mask is you can wear it overnight as directed, or use it throughout your day for extra moisture – which is super important if you live in a cooler climate as I do.

    Find more Mario Badescu Lip Mask with Acai and Vanilla information and reviews here.

16. 16. Kari Gran Mini Kit

    

    Price: $35.00

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Makes skin soft and smooth
    • Fabulous, economical way to try different products
    • Organic, cruelty-free, vegan ingredients

    Cons:

    • Cleanser is on the thicker side
    • May not absorb or remove makeup easily
    • Odd scent

    In this amazing minimalist skincare bundle from Kari Gran, you’ll get a cleansing oil, lavender hydrating tonic, essential serum, SPF 28, and peppermint Lip Whip. This mini kit of goodies is great for travel and the ideal way to try the brand’s clean skincare products. Products contain organic, naturally-derived non-GMO, paraben-free, and wild-harvested ingredients and are ideal for any skin type, including oily. They nourish, hydrate, and protect the skin’s health with antioxidants and omega fatty acids.

    Use the cleansing oil just in the evening, but hydrate with the tonic both morning and night. The SPF formula is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter that protects against UVA and UVB rays. The soothing, moisturizing Lip Whip makes your lips glossy and beautiful on its own or along with your favorite lipstick.

    Find more Kari Gran Mini Kit information and reviews here.

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17. 17. L’Oreal Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer Lotion

    

    Price: $13.98

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Beautiful sheer coverage
    • Gives a nice tinted glow
    • Hydrating and lightweight

    Cons:

    • Not enough coverage for some
    • Not too long-lasting
    • Colors may not be true to every skin tone

    If you hate the feeling of heavy makeup, especially on those warmer days, this one’s for you. L’Oreal’s Lumi Glotion is a gorgeous, sheer tint that naturally enhances your skin tone and gives you just enough of that sheer glow without looking greasy. A fantastically affordable minimalist product, it highlights and hydrates all day long, thanks to glycerin and shea butter, and looks great on its own or under foundation if you’re looking for more coverage. Available in four shades.

    Find more L'Oreal Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer Lotion information and reviews here.

18. 18. EcoTools Oil Absorbing Facial Roller

    

    Price: $8.03

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Absorbs oil well
    • Small and compact
    • Sustainably made

    Cons:

    • Some found ball doesn't sit securely in holder
    • Ball doesn't roll smoothly for some
    • May not last too long

    This product is so minimal, it’s not even absorbed into your skin. EcoTools’ Oil-Absorbing Facial Roller reduces shine in naturally oily parts of your face. Made with natural volcanic stone that soaks up oil without leaving casting or smudging behind, the roller works best on bark skin or on top of makeup – and yes, I can tell you it works!

    This sustainable, vegan, and cruelty-free product suits all skin textures and tones and replaces single-use papers that aren’t great for the environment. Bonus: it comes with a storage cap to keep it in great shape and is small enough to toss in your travel bag.

    Find more EcoTools Oil Absorbing Facial Roller information and reviews here.

19. 19. Frank Body Original Face Scrub

    

    Price: $33.99

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Clears up adult acne and scars
    • Leaves skin glowing and smooth
    • Gently removes dead skin cells effectively

    Cons:

    • Can be harsh & take time for sensitive skin to adjust
    • Scent isn't the best
    • Texture can be rough on skin

    If you’ve got dry, dull skin, check out Frank Body’s Original Face Scrub, an exfoliator that targets pores, removes dry skin, and clears up blemishes. The cleaner’s unique blend of white clay, robusta coffee grinds, and natural oils (including rosehip, grapeseed, coconut, and almond) exfoliate, cleanse, detoxify, hydrate, and brighten skin to bring out its beautiful glow the moment you rinse.

    Free of phthalates, parabens, added fragrance, and gluten, this scrub is super easy to use. Simply rinse your face with lukewarm water and apply a small amount in circular motions for up to 30 seconds, paying close attention to the chin, nose, and t-zone. Rinse and pat to dry.

    Find more Frank Body Original Face Scrub information and reviews here.

20. 20. Verso Lip Serum

    

    Price: $67.79

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Removes lines, allows makeup to last longer and stay put better
    • Very hydrating and softening without irritation
    • Great for those with scent sensitivities

    Cons:

    • Thick consistency makes it a bit tough to use
    • Not the greatest taste
    • Pricey

    If you’re dealing with aging skin and dry, cracked lips, listen up. Verso Lip Serum contains strengthening and protective properties that help rejuvenate and restore lips back to being youthful plump, and soft. When you use this firming and tightening serum regularly, you’ll even see reduced lines and uneven skin tone near the lip area.

    The serum contains retinol 8, a stabilized vitamin A complex, which is much more effective and much less irritating than standard retinol. As well, hyaluronic acid and peptides bring long-lasting hydration and plumpness. Simply apply before makeup on and around the lips in the morning and/or evening, and throughout the day as needed.

    Find more Verso Lip Serum information and reviews here.

21. 21. I Dew Care Skincare Set Vitamin To Glow Pack

    

    Price: $26.99

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Gives clearer, smoother, plumper skin
    • Skin is refreshed and smooth in a short time
    • Wonderful scent

    Cons:

    • Small quantities (but a great way to try all 3 products)
    • Some found the moisturizer to be sticky
    • Takes time to absorb

    This vegan, cruelty-free product trio includes a face cream, lip mask, and serum jam-packed with vitamin C and niacinamide that moisturizes, illuminates, and evens out skin tone. Perfect for travel or tossing in your purse and heading out, you’ll enjoy dewy, soft, radiant-looking skin and kissable lips all day.

    The lip mask is applied with a small spatula and stays on as the perfect base for color. It contains a luscious blend of cocoa butter, hibiscus flower extract, and vitamin C to keep your lips supple and smooth. Use all products after cleansing.

    Find more I Dew Care Skincare Set Vitamin To Glow Pack information and reviews here.

22. 22. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Charcoal Cleansing Purifying Jelly Water

    

    Price: $7.97

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    Pros:

    • Triple purpose cleanser, toner & makeup remover
    • Refreshing, comfortable jelly texture
    • Don't need much - a little goes far

    Cons:

    • May sting slightly (not ideal for sensitive skin)
    • Can take time to remove makeup
    • Doesn't deep clean for some

    Garnier’s all-in-one SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Jelly Water with charcoal is the ultimate in convenient, simple, minimalist skin care because it just ticks so many boxes! Use it as a purifying cleanser or toner each morning, then gently remove makeup with it at night.

    Personally, I loved feeling the cool, refreshing jelly texture, though I found the formula a bit harsh for my combination skin and felt the formula is ideal for oily or acne-prone skin – it soaks up excess oil and cleanses but won’t over-dry. Plus, you don’t need to rub or rinse, which makes this product super easy to use.

    Find more Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Jelly Water information and reviews here.

What Is Minimalist Skincare?

Using too many skincare products can be damaging, and a minimalist skincare routine uses just a small number of products for great results.

Who Is Minimalist Skincare Best For?

Minimalist skincare is ideal for anyone, especially those whose skin hasn't done well with a complicated routine. Whether you have normal, sensitive, dry, oily, or aging skin, there is a simpler way with the right products.

What Is The Best Minimalist Skincare Routine?

Follow these steps for the best minimalist skincare routine:

1. Cleanse
2. Exfoliate
3. Hydrate
4. Moisturize
5. Protect with SPF

What Are The Best Minimalist Skincare Brands?

There are many quality brands that make great products suited to minimalist skincare routines. Since everyone's skin is different, you'll see better results with some than others. Try Youth to the People, Glossier, or One Love Beauty.