The simple 5-step skincare routine I landed on after testing hundreds of products
The biggest surprise? My skin actually looks better with a minimalist routine.
Less really can be more. This is my general philosophy these days—and skincare is no exception. Blame it on the fact that I became a mom, making elaborate self-care rituals wildly unrealistic. Most days, I’m lucky if I have time to shower. But once I simplified my skincare, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my results didn’t suffer. If anything, it actually improved, because I finally found a routine I was able to realistically stick to.
There’s a term for the approach I’ve been shifting toward: Skinimalism. And countless board-certified dermatologists I’ve interviewed agree that having a few effective products in your arsenal is a lot better than a complex and unsustainable regimen that you can’t be consistent with.
As a beauty writer for Business Insider, Bustle, and a number of other outlets, I’ve tested hundreds of skincare products over the years. Fancy red light gadgets that cost more than my monthly car lease payment. Vitamin C serums that derms swear by. TikTok-viral serums that keep selling out. Some of them lived up to the hype, some definitely disappointed.
And after all that experimentation, I keep coming back to the same set of five products.
What I look for in a skincare routine
Obviously, any skincare routine should be tailored to your specific skin type, needs, and goals. That said, here’s what I care about most:
A gentle cleanser that doesn’t totally strip my skin
A chemical exfoliant that dissolves dead skin cells without driving irritation
An evidence-based skin active (like tretinoin or retinol) to combat signs of aging
A non-greasy moisturizer with a proven ability to pull water into the skin
Bonus: An eye serum that makes lines less obvious
Step 1: Remove makeup and grime
Dieux Baptism Gel Cleanser
Why it made the cut:
Fragrance-free option
Does the job without disrupting my skin barrier
Suitable for all skin types (tested to be non-comedogenic, non-sensitizing, and non-irritating!)
Safe around the eye area
My skin makes the Sahara desert look like an oasis. Most powerful cleansers either leave my face feeling uncomfortable tight, or require a triple cleanse in order to get the job done.
With this one, there’s no compromise. Somehow the Dieux Baptism Cleanser manages to get rid of makeup, sweat, and SPF without totally stripping my skin—probably because it’s formulated with hydrating betaine and glycerin.
The version with fragrance has a lovely woodsy-meets-floral scent, but there’s also a fragrance-free version for us extra-sensitive folks.
Good to know: If you’re wearing a full face of waterproof makeup, you may need to start with an oil-based cleanser before following up with this one. But I find that this cleanser on its own is generally sufficient for removing everyday makeup.
My “I have a baby and 5 minutes” shortcut
On nights when I don’t have the time or energy for a full cleanse, I opt for micellar water. Is this a perfect alternative? No. But it’s better than nothing. My favorite is Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water because it’s fragrance-free, widely available, safe to use for eye makeup removal, and the bottle lasts me forever.
Step 2: Strategic exfoliation
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate
Why it made the cut:
Instant results
Only needs to be used once a week to work
For years, I thought I just had naturally dull skin. Turns out I just needed better exfoliants to slough away dead skin cells. Since my skin is sensitive, though, it’s taken me a bit of trial and error to find products that are effective without triggering redness and irritation.
When I’m looking for instant gratification (and when am I not?), I always reach for ExfoliKate. This celeb-favorite two-minute scrub dissolves dead skin with silica microbeads, plant-based enzymes, and lactic acid—in other words, it’s both a physical and chemical exfoliant in one. Typically I find that physical exfoliants are too rough on my skin, but this one has never triggered any irritation.
(Use code REBECCA20 to get 20% off now through 7/10/26).
Good to know: Since this product has to be left on for a couple of minutes, I suggest leaving it in the shower to save time. That way, you can apply it right before conditioning or shaving and let it work its magic.
The alternates:
I like to rotate my exfoliants from time to time, so here are a couple alternatives I’ve been reaching for these days:
Quick and easy swipe-and-go option when I’m short on time
Convenient for travel
Made with a lower percentage of acids, making them a little gentler for everyday use
Added BHA and tea tree to target clogged pores and blackheads
SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight
Potent: great for brightening and improving texture
Lightweight, leaves me looking glowy
Doesn’t have to be washed off, making it ideal for low-energy nights
To be clear, I’m never using all three at once, or even every day. Exfoliating is a step that many people overdo—assuming that more is better.
Step 3: The retinal that changed my mind
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10
Why it made the cut:
Contains humectants (glycerin and hyaluronic acid) to help the skin attract moisture
Six different strengths to choose from
Airless packaging to help the product last
Benefits are visible quickly
Zero irritation
I’ll admit it: I was starting to think that retinoids were overrated. The products I tested either caused insufferable flakiness—or didn’t lead to any noticeable changes whatsoever. Then I learned there’s a difference between retinol and retinal.
Quick science lesson: All forms of vitamin A have to eventually convert into retinoic acid in order for your skin to actually use them. Here’s how the pipeline works: Retinol converts into retinal, which then converts into retinoic acid. In other words, retinol requires two steps to become usable to your skin cells, while retinal only requires one. That means you’ll typically see results way sooner with retinal.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal is my holy grail because the formula features retinal, which is harder to come by—but also because it comes in multiple strengths, so I’ve been able to work my way up the ladder as my skin “plateaus” and requires a more aggressive approach. Most importantly, though, I’m actually seeing results for once: fewer fine lines, faded sun spots, and far more even tone and texture.
Good to know: The Crystal Retinal is available in six different strengths—from a beginner-friendly option to a more concentrated option for experienced users. Unless you’ve never used retinoids before, I’d suggest starting with 6. True retinoid newbies may want to start lower. If you’ve been using a retinol (or retinal) for a while and are ready to take things up a notch, go for level 10.
Step 4: The moisturizer I always come back to
Belif Aqua Bomb Moisturizer
Why it made the cut:
Lightweight
Absorbs fast
Doesn’t pill
Works year round
Mark my words: If this product is ever discontinued, I will riot. I go through a jar a month easily.
If there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s that greasy film some moisturizers leave on my face. Not only does this lightweight gel formula bypass that, but it seriously quenches my thirsty skin—in fact, it’s been clinically tested to boost hydration levels by more than 231%. It absorbs almost instantly, leaving my face looking plump and glowy, and within seconds I have a flawless canvas for makeup.
This moisturizer also plays well with all skin types—normal, combination, dry, and oily.
Good to know: Belif also makes several alternate moisturizers worth checking out: The Aqua Bomb Vitamin C Cream, which does double duty on hydrating and brightening; The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb, which is a richer formula that replenishes the skin barrier; and the Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask, which is kind of like the OG Aqua Bomb Moisturizer I love on steroids. (The last one definitely comes in handy during the drier winter months.)
Step 5: The eye serum I’ve repurchased 7 times
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum
Why it made the cut:
Super hydrating
Affordable price point
Layers well under makeup
Don’t let influencers convince you that you have to spend $50+ on an eye serum.
I’ve tried too many to count—including options that cost over $100—and I keep coming back to this budget-friendly standby. Is it revolutionary? No. But when I apply it daily, I’ve noticed that my crow’s feet aren’t as obvious, and my concealer goes on more smoothly without settling into lines. (While I don’t personally struggle with puffiness, a lot of reviewers claim that it does have a subtle de-puffing effect thanks to the niacinamide and ash bark extract.)
Good to know: A little goes a long way with this stuff, so the bottle lasts: I can get away with applying one single drop under each eye, because the formula is thin enough to spread easily.
Recap: My current routine
Cleanser:
Exfoliant (choose your adventure):
Retinal:
Moisturizer:
Eye serum: