Overwhelmed by your skincare products? You’re not alone. The tide is turning, with minimalist skincare making waves for all the right reasons. Think of multi-functional products and tried-and-tested formulas. 

We’ve noticed over the past few years that the skincare industry has massively expanded. Gone are the days of a simple face scrub, cleanser, and moisturiser. Now, every week on social media, there seems to be a new viral ‘miracle’ product. 

We aren’t saying that we don’t occasionally love a pamper – we absolutely do – but we think your skincare needs to work for you, not the other way round. While self-care is essential, the pressure to build (and maintain) an elaborate skincare routine has led many people to one common destination: beauty burnout.

If your skin feels sensitive, your bank account feels squeezed, and your shelf is stacked with half-used jars and pots, it’s a sign that less really might be more.

Why we embrace skincare minimalism

Swapping the half-hour routines for a simpler way to give your skin what it needs, here’s why we’re all for skin minimalism.

1. It’s kinder to skin

Overcomplicated routines can overwhelm your skin barrier. From mixing too many active ingredients to over-exfoliating, complicated skin routines can actually cause irritation, dryness, or breakouts. 

If you are keen on using products like retinol in your routine, try to adopt principles of skin cycling, so your skin gets a break to breathe and recover.

2. It’s better for the planet

If you know anything about us, you’ll know that our planet is at the heart of our business. 

We know that ‘natural’ has become the new normal, which is why we go further with our waste-fighting formulations. Each product in our range sources and rescues by-products from other industries – the food and drink industry in particular. We believe circular / by-product beauty will be the next step – and we’re proud to be pioneering that movement.

With your skincare routine, the simple fact is that fewer products mean less packaging. By choosing multi-tasking products and cutting down on unnecessary steps, you're reducing your environmental impact. 

If sustainability is one of your core values, small changes to your skin routine can make it better align with your values.

3. It’s budget-friendly

Fewer products mean fewer purchases. Minimalist skincare helps you invest in versatile, quality ingredients rather than chasing trends or duplicating benefits.

How to build a minimalist skincare routine

Four key areas to focus on feel a lot more manageable than layering active after active. Here’s what we’d focus on in a minimal skin routine.

1. Cleanse your skin

Start your routine with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, makeup and SPF on your skin without stripping it of its natural nourishing oils. You’ve got several options here, depending on whether you prefer oil-based cleansers, water-based cleansers, or bar cleansers.

 

 

Cleansing Face Balm with Vitamin E

Our fan-favourite Cleansing Face Balm with Vitamin E is an oil-based cleanser that breaks down and removes stubborn makeup on the skin. It’s rich in fatty acids to support skin elasticity, and dermatologically approved and suitable for all skin types.

Leaving skin smooth, soft and nourished, this balm is great on sensitive skin. Antioxidant upcycled apricot powder is combined with skin-calming blackcurrant seed, blue tansy and sea buckthorn oils.

Cleansing Face Milk with Oat Powder + Aloe Vera

For a water-based option, our Cleansing Face Milk with Oat Powder + Aloe Vera is a gentle cleanser that calms irritation and inflammation. Working to repair and restore the skin’s natural barrier, this is suitable for all types of skin, even acne-prone skin. 

Multi-award-winning, this oat cleanser has a milky, creamy formula that hydrates and nourishes the skin. Formulated with oat powder upcycled from the food and drink industry, this cleanser helps alleviate dry skin by adding extra hydration.

Chai Soap Cleansing Duo

If a classic bar of soap is more your vibe, then we have two variations to choose from. Our Chai Soap Cleansing Duo includes Cinnamon + Ginger Chai Soap and Fennel + Cardamom Chai Soap. Both are 100% natural, and the glycerin in the formulation helps to leave your skin feeling soft and nourished.  

The cinnamon and ginger bar gently purifies and energises your skin. Pink clay reduces any redness in your skin and irritation, whilst organic cinnamon and ginger oils give the skin a reviving energy boost. 

The fennel and cardamom bar gently cleanses and energises. Green clay draws toxins from your pores, helping to combat acne and breakouts, while shea butter leaves your skin feeling hydrated and smooth. 

2. Hydrate and treat

With freshly cleansed skin, it’s time to choose which ingredients you want to use to target specific skin concerns you have. Ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C are great multitaskers, so look for those in your products. One well-formulated product can do the job of three.

Clinically proven to boost skin elasticity, our Peptide Serum helps regenerate skin and boost skin hydration. Packed with niacinamide and vitamin C, this serum is recommended for all skin types, even the most sensitive skin, due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

 

 

Our upcycled ingredient, custard apple, is not only great at hydrating the skin, but it also contains antioxidants and antimicrobial properties that have benefits like preventing premature ageing, boosting collagen production and soothing skin irritations. Also rich in upcycled blood orange water, this serum is an expert at brightening skin, as well as having regenerative properties that can help heal scars, making it a great all-rounder serum.

3. Make sure you moisturise

Lock in hydration and protect your skin barrier with a moisturiser that’s formulated with thoughtful ingredients. Opt for products with occlusive but breathable ingredients, like shea butter or jojoba oil, to help lock in hydration.  

 

 

Our Face Moisturiser with Vitamin E is formulated with shea butter, as well as cocoa butter and aloe vera. Multi-award-winning, this moisturiser is deeply hydrating and fast-absorbing to nourish and brighten the skin.

4. Don’t forget to protect

SPF is your non-negotiable – come rain or shine. A broad-spectrum sunscreen should be the final step every morning.

Minimalist doesn’t mean ineffective

Think of minimalist skincare as intentional skincare. It’s about tuning into your skin’s needs, choosing ingredients that work, and letting your routine evolve with you. One day, you might feel like a spritz of toner and your trusty moisturiser. Another day, a mask or oil might call your name. 

The key is to keep it simple, sustainable, and supportive.

See our full collection of vegan and cruelty-free skincare at UpCircle.