Skinimalism in 2025: A DIY Formulator’s Guide to the Less-Is-More Skincare Revolution

In a beauty world once dominated by 10-step routines and overflowing ingredient lists, skinimalism is taking center stage in 2025—and we’re here for it.

At its core, skinimalism is the marriage of skin and minimalism: a movement that embraces simplified routines, multifunctional formulas, and skin-first beauty philosophies. Consumers are trading overcomplicated regimens for gentle, effective, and multi-use products that highlight the skin’s natural radiance rather than masking it.

This isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about cutting clutter. And for us indie formulators, it opens the door to creativity, intention, and smarter formulation design.

Here’s why DIYers and pros alike are leaning into skinimalism:

• Sustainability matters. Fewer ingredients mean fewer raw materials, less packaging, and a smaller environmental footprint.

• Ingredient fatigue is real. Consumers are overwhelmed with “actives” and appreciate simplicity and transparency.

• Skin barrier repair is a top concern. Gentle, supportive formulations with short INCI lists are in high demand.

• Multifunctionality is queen. Think: a face mist that hydrates, soothes, and preps for makeup—or a balm that cleanses and moisturizes.

You don’t have to overhaul your entire lab to hop on board. Here’s how to align your DIY formulations with the skinimalist movement:

✅ Focus on Fewer Ingredients—With Function

Choose ingredients that do more than one job. Think:

• Glycerin – humectant, barrier support, budget-friendly.

• Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides – emollient, spreadability enhancer, natural ester.

• Niacinamide – barrier support, oil regulation, and skin tone balancing.

• Panthenol – humectant and soothing agent in one.

✅ Prioritize Skin Barrier Integrity

Build your formulas around gentle emulsifiers, non-stripping surfactants, and supportive lipids. Avoid harsh exfoliants or excessive actives. Instead, embrace:

• Coconut alkanes, squalane, jojoba oil

• Coco glucoside, PEG-free solubilizers

• Colloidal oats, aloe vera, allantoin

✅ Design Multi-Use Products

Try your hand at dual-function formulas:

• A hydrating cleansing gel that can double as a mask

• A lightweight emulsion that works as both a serum and moisturizer

• A solid balm that removes makeup and leaves a conditioning layer

✅ Keep It Transparent & Traceable

Skinimalist consumers want to understand their skincare. Keep your ingredient lists short and your explanations clear. Consider offering:

• Ingredient callout cards

• Blog breakdowns of each INCI

• Printable recipe sheets for patrons

Skinimalism Starter Formulas for Indie Makers

Need inspiration? Here are a few trending products that align with skinimalism principles:

• Milky Leave-In Conditioner: lightweight, multifunctional, hair + scalp safe

• Hydrating Face Mist: glycerin, panthenol, rose water, and nothing extra

• One-Step Cleansing Balm: a minimalist oil-gel that melts makeup and nourishes

• Barrier Repair Lotion: fewer than 12 ingredients, deeply moisturizing

Final Thoughts

In 2025, less is definitely more. Skinimalism doesn’t mean sacrificing results—it means choosing ingredients with purpose, creating products that simplify routines, and honoring your skin’s natural brilliance.

For DIY formulators, this trend is a creative invitation to strip back and build smarter. So pull out your formulation journal, simplify that INCI list, and get ready to glow—naturally. For a printable 'skinimalism' starter kit with 3 easy DIY formulas that fall in line with skinimalism, head on over to https://www.patreon.com/c/SoapChef

~Lissa~