// This post contains affiliate links (denoted by a ‘*’) & PR items. You can read my full disclaimer here.
My facialist always tells me less is more for my skin type and the more products I use, there’s a higher chance that something might not agree with me. And I know she’s right, but the skincare junkie in me just can’t let go. So, instead, I’ll look for products that use fewer ingredients and keep an eye out that way.
For those of you who are wondering why. Well, when you have food allergy or sensitivity, you’ll eliminate your diet and then slowly introduce one at a time to identify the culprit. This is the same for skincare but most products contain 25- 50 ingredients so it’s very hard to trace the root cause when your skin has a reaction which can range from mild breakouts to redness and soreness. By limiting the ingredients, you reduce the risk of irritation or allergy, those formulas tend to focus on a higher concentration of key ingredients. And you’ll know exactly what you’re putting on your face.
I’ve picked 5 products, 1 for each category except cleanser which I already mentioned in my Top Aug Faves. These are products that I trust to have in my collection, kind of like my first aid kit.
Mother Dirt
AO+ Mist – This is not your average hydrating mist, it’s packed full of live probiotics which can help with your skin microbiome i.e. restore good bacteria to your skin. We have 4 ingredients: water, live-cultured Ammonia-Oxidising Bacteria (AOB), disodium phosphate (inorganic salt used to control pH), magnesium chloride (inorganic salt used to buffer the AOB), making it one of of the shortest ingredients lists. This mist helps to even skin tone, improve texture and appearance as well as the overall balance of skin health. It’s a perfect solution for problem, dry, oily or sensitive skin types, basically anyone who doesn’t have ‘normal’ skin.
This AO+ Mist doesn’t contain preservatives and also use living micro-organisms, you have to use it within 4 weeks or up to 6 months when you store in the fridge. I’ve talked about this mist a bit more in my probiotics post previously, so check it out there.
Available: £49.99/100ml
Five Dot Botanics
Deep Feed Nourishing Serum – While this beautiful serum has only 5 ingredients (just like their Calm Shift Cleansing Face Balm which I reviewed very recently, in fact, Five Dot Botanics believes 5 ingredients are all you need so they’ve formulated all their products this way.) it’s certainly delivering just as much (if not more) than other serums that have 5 times the ingredients. Technically, this is a facial oil blend. We have safflower seed oil helps clear up scars and other blemishes from the surface of the skin because it contains linoleic acid that stimulates the regeneration of new skin cells; antioxidant-rich amla fruit extract and green coffee oil to help repair, protect and moisturise, as well as controlling fine lines and wrinkles – a bonus from the green coffee oil; anti-aging cacay oil is full of vitamins and great for nourishing, softening and repairing damaged skin; and soothing chamomile oil for that extra comfort.
This serum/oil blend is very fast absorbing, you only need a few drops. Typically I use 3 drops then I put moisturiser on, but if I’m skipping on the moisturiser, then I’ll add another 2 drops. There’s no greasiness or that you have to wait long to carry on with your routine, the skin immediately feels well balanced and soothed. If you have oily skin and you are not sure about using facial oil, this is a very good one to try. There’s a very faint fruity floral scent coming naturally from the ingredients, it’s pleasant and comforting.
Available: £38/30ml
SVR
[B3] Essence Hydra – This is 2% vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and hyaluronic acid repairing and hydrating essence lotion for sensitive, tight + dehydrated skin and wrinkles. Niacinamide is good for strengthening and restoring the skin barrier whereas hyaluronic acids (at 2 different molecular weights: medium and high) provide hydration and help plump the skin.
The formula is designed to be as streamlined as possible, with only 15 ingredients, making it perfect for sensitive skin. The texture is super lightweight, very watery but a bit of ‘slip’ so you can either pat it onto the skin or massage it in. It reminds me of the consistency from micellar water. I usually don’t bother with a cotton pad and pour a few drops onto the palm of my hands and then apply. It soaks into right away, there’s a very mild tacky feel but it doesn’t last long and as soon as you carry on with other products in your routine, you won’t even notice this is there.
Available: £22/150ml
Typology Paris
9-Ingredient Face Moisturiser – This lightweight hydrating cream has been developed using only the most essential ingredients, in this case, 9 ingredients. This is part of Typology’s Ten range which only have products formulated with ten ingredients or less.
The full ingredients list looks like this: Aqua (Water), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, o-Cymen-5-Ol
This fragrance-free lightweight moisturiser is suitable for normal to combination skin, including sensitive skin. According to the website, this isn’t suitable for oily skin. Now I do have oily skin with occasional dry patches and because this is very lightweight and non-greasy, I’m able to use it. Don’t let the tube packaging fool you into thinking this moisturiser is thick, it’s far from it. I only use very little, almost just half a pea-sized amount. But if you are super oily or very acne-prone, then this really isn’t for you as those coconut-derived ingredients aren’t your friends.
Available: £17.80/50ml
Avene
Avène Tolérance Extrême Mask – Formulated with only 7 ingredients, the mask is enriched with Avène’s Thermal Spring Water which is known for its anti-irritating benefits while glycerine, a plant-based moisturising agent helps to form a protective barrier for long-lasting relief. The rest of the ingredients are Capric Triglyceride, Behenyl Alcohol, Shea Butter, Safflower, Sodium Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer and Water.
This mask is perfect for soothing irritated and sensitive skin types or those prone to rosacea or redness. It is very creamy and very easily spreadable. A little over pea-sized amount is enough to cover the whole face. Usually, I leave it on for 30mins or so but if you are very dry, then this can be your overnight mask as it never feels heavy or greasy. With this intensive treatment, the skin will be left feeling calm, hydrated and nourished.
With skin tolerance in mind, the mask comes in a unique DEFI packaging, which protects the formula from oxidation and contamination, allowing the formula to be preservative-free.
Available: £16/50ml
Have you tried any of these? 💕