If you never found extensive, multistep skin-care routines to be particularly approachable, affordable, or agreeable with your skin, you’ll be thrilled to learn that next year will likely bring more simplicity. “There’s been a shift towards more minimalist routines involving multifunctional products that are just as effective [as using multiple products],” says Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.
Beth Labrecque, a principal scientist for Unilever Beauty & Wellbeing, agrees: “Consumers are looking for face-care products that provide more bang for their buck with a multitude of benefits for the skin,” she says.
A focus on skin-care minimalism is something Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, has seen with patients in her own practice. “I think some of this desire stems from the fact that when you use too many products, your skin can experience sensitivity, reactions, breakouts, and irritation,” she says. “Many people were seeing this as a result of multistep, complicated routines.”
Dermatologists have long warned us that more isn’t necessarily better in skin care. Besides the potential irritation that can go with using too many actives (or trying too many TikTok trends) at once, layering the wrong combo of products can inactivate skin-care ingredients, therefore rendering a product ineffective. “For this reason, simplified routines work well,” says Dr. Garshick. “Not only is it easier to be consistent, but it’s also less likely to disrupt the skin barrier.”
Dermatologists have long warned us that more isn’t necessarily better in skin care. Besides the potential irritation that can go with using too many actives (or trying too many TikTok trends) at once, layering the wrong combo of products can inactivate skin-care ingredients, therefore rendering a product ineffective. “For this reason, simplified routines work well,” says Dr. Garshick. “Not only is it easier to be consistent, but it’s also less likely to disrupt the skin barrier.”
For brands, the desire for simplicity often translates into multitasking products that deliver results. Dr. Garshick points to a product like the Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35, which acts as a wrinkle-smoothing, SPF-infused eye cream and a concealer. “This eye cream brightens, hydrates and uses antioxidants and hyaluronic acid while also protecting the skin from UV radiation,” she says. “Additionally, the use of peptides helps to improve firmness and the overall appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
Multitasking products with multi benefits might also see growth amid impending economic changes. Depending on what new tariff policies are imposed under the incoming Trump administration, economic experts predict consumers could see significant price increases (according to recent Allure reporting, anywhere from 10-60%) on beauty and personal-care products from imported brands and those made in the US. That may influence some consumers to purchase one product that can do multiple jobs (say, a mask that can work as a moisturizer or a moisturizer that doubles as a makeup primer) or deliver multiple benefits at a lower price, rather than several individual products that will add up to a bigger bill. This may even lead a consumer to ask their dermatologist what products they can cut from their routine.
Multitasking products with multi benefits might also see growth amid impending economic changes. Depending on what new tariff policies are imposed under the incoming Trump administration, economic experts predict consumers could see significant price increases (according to recent Allure reporting, anywhere from 10-60%) on beauty and personal-care products from imported brands and those made in the US. That may influence some consumers to purchase one product that can do multiple jobs (say, a mask that can work as a moisturizer or a moisturizer that doubles as a makeup primer) or deliver multiple benefits at a lower price, rather than several individual products that will add up to a bigger bill. This may even lead a consumer to ask their dermatologist what products they can cut from their routine.