What is skinimalism?

Well, it is basically the stripping back of our skincare routines in favour of a more minimalist approach; whether reducing the number of products and actives in our routines or simply wearing less foundation or makeup. It’s all about taking a few steps back and harnessing the power of multitasking products focusing on cleansing, toning, and moisturising, while ultimately committing to a more sustainable beauty routine.

Skinimalism isn’t about creating perfect, airbrushed, or retouched skin, but it doesn’t mean sacrificing a glowing and healthy-looking complexion either. It’s focused on simplicity and beneficial ingredients and habits, and quality over quantity.

The rise of skin minimalism in the personal care market

The rise of skin minimalism. According to retail forecasting company Euromonitor, by 2025, skincare will steal the brightest spot of the global beauty industry, as the category is estimated to reach USD 181 billion in sales. Mostly led in the Asia Pacific region, as consumers are increasingly self-educating on active ingredients and will continue their quest for “skinimalism” form of simplified brand messaging, clean formulations and routines.

According to Pinterest, skinimalism was a key trend in 2021 within a 4x year-on-year increase in searches for "how to get naturally glowing skin" or a 180% year-on-year increase in searches for "natural everyday make-up".

Other growth areas are European including the UK and North America.

Also, skin experts and dermatologists call on skinimalism at home.

A complex and extensive skincare routine for ­healthier-looking skin is not an answer, which was also noted in the Netflix series Explained "Know Your Skin" episode and according to doctors. “You get reduced efficacy, like the law of diminishing returns,” says dermatologist Michelle Henry. So instead of getting caught up in how many products you’re using, she advises that you keep it simple.

So basically the general rule of thumb is when you’re at home, use gentle products that support skin health (cleansing, toning and moisturising) and leave more complex skin issues or treatments to professionals.

Benefits of skinimalism

Switching to a skin minimal routine can be beneficial to your skin. Complicated regimens, especially when using the wrong products, can damage the skin and disrupt its pH balance, resulting in increased redness, dryness, and acne. With a less complex routine and more focus on using the most beneficial products and ingredients, it can be easier to achieve healthy skin.

More sustainability

Skinimalism is also about a more sustainable approach. It promotes lesser product consumption offering multiple benefits and less waste.

Skinimalistic trends also encourage the use of multipurpose or hybrid products. Not only as a timesaver but it can be better for the skin. Your brand can benefit from this with an eco and sustainable mindset.  Read on our blog: 5 ways to modernise skin cleansing and skincare applications

Focus on wellbeing

A simplified skinimalist routine is less stressful and promotes a focus on wellbeing - that "feel good in your own skin" feeling. Skinimalism helps to keep those natural looks that reveal real skin. The real care is minimalistic and stressless - focuses on using water and low ph cleanser or soap.

The lengths of the ingredients list are also what puts some consumers off when using skincare products, as they are keener on the ingredients that are functional and good for their skin.