HARRIET MULLINS, VIA EMAIL
HOW MANY COSMETICS SHOULD I USE ON MY SKIN?
As few as possible according to the 'skinimalism' beauty trend. Skinimalism, or skin minimalism, is based on reducing the number of cosmetics you use on your skin. There are plenty of reasons to consider following this trend, but, first, you should think about what you're trying to achieve. Do you want to spend less time in front of the mirror, while getting the same results? Do you want to reduce the amount of chemicals you put on your skin? Maybe you just want to spend less or create less waste?
If you're mainly trying to save time and are less concerned about ingredients, you need to look for multipurpose products – such as foundations that also work as moisturisers. But if it's the chemicals you're concerned about, then you're going to have to work towards the cosmetic equivalent of a 'capsule wardrobe' – in other words, only the products you deem essential (some TikTok 'experts' suggest paring it down to a cleanser, a moisturiser and a sunscreen). Furthermore, the 'essentials-only' products you choose will ideally contain fewer (and safer) ingredients.
This is where things get tricky, though, as there's a lot of information about the potential harms associated with chemicals in skincare products, from mild irritations to more serious complaints. To take just one recent study as an example: in 2023, Polish researchers analysed 50 random cosmetic products and found that they all contained potentially carcinogenic chemicals. While there is limited data or low risk for some of those chemicals, your risk can vary depending on how much of the products containing those chemicals you apply, how often you apply them and whether they're rinse-off or leave-on.), which grades cosmetic ingredients according to risk and the amount of scientific data available.
