I often get questions about what products to purchase when I post skincare deals, so I thought it might be a good idea to put together a list of suggestions for core products. This list only covers cleansers, moisturisers and sunscreen, and is intended to be an easy reference for those seeking to establish a basic skincare routine with minimal steps. I have intentionally focused on products that are easily available locally and most of them are often on sale. This list does not cover toners, serums etc, as not everyone wants a 4+ step routine.
As the list covers different skin types and needs, I have not personally tried everything. Some recommendations are based on the ingredients list + user reviews. I am not in the beauty industry nor a professional in any way, just a consumer who has spent far too much time learning about skincare ingredients, poring over ingredients lists, reading reviews who also hoards too much skincare during sales.
Cleansers
Normal to Dry Skin
- Bioderma Sensibio Gel Moussant Gel Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
- Cerave cream-to-foam cleanser (recommended if you wear water-resistant sunscreen or light make-up)
- Cerave hydrating cleanser (non-foaming)
- QV Face Gentle Foaming Cleanser
- DermaVeen Face Foaming Cleanser
- Dermal Therapy Very Dry Face Cleanser
Normal to Oily Skin
- COSRX low pH good morning cleanser
- Cerave foaming cleanser
- QV Face Oil Free Foaming Cleanser
Blemish-prone Skin
- Cerave Blemish Control Cleanser for mild acne-prone skin
- La Roche Posay Effaclar +M Foaming Gel
Exfoliating
- CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser (contains PHA and Salicylic acid, can be used on face. Good for bumpy skin)
Moisturisers
Normal to Combination Skin
- COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion
- CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion
- Cosrx Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream (can be used by all skin types, but may not be moisturising enough on its own for normal to dry skin)
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel
Oily skin
- CeraVe Oil Control Moisturising Gel Cream (Undisclosed % of niacinamide, second ingredient listed)
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan
- Cosrx Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream (can be used by all skin types, but may not be moisturising enough on its own for normal to dry skin)
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel
Normal to dry skin
- QV Dermcare Eczema Daily Cream With Ceramides - contains niacinamide/vit B3, suitable for face, also suitable for sensitive skin/eczema
- Cerave daily moisturising lotion
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Dry to very dry skin
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides (dry to very dry)
- Cerave Moisturising Cream (dry to very dry skin)
- Dermal Therapy Very Dry Face Cream
- Pyunkang Yul Calming Moisture Repair Balm 30ml
- La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ Balm Cream
Formulas with Active Ingredients
These are recommended if you want some active ingredients in your routine without wanting to incorporate extra serum steps. For retinol products, generally they are for PM use as they increase your skin's sensitivity to sun. However, do check product instructions - some slow release formulas can be used in the day too.
- Swisse Vitamin C 5% Niacinamide 5% Brightening Day Cream
- Swisse Skincare Ceramides B3 Daily Balance Moisturiser (5% Niacinamide, Zinc, Ceramides)
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion
- CeraVe Oil Control Moisturising Gel Cream (Undisclosed % of niacinamide, second ingredient listed, for oily skin)
- Neutrogena Visible Repair Regenerating Cream (Retinol for beginners. Neutrogena has many years of research in stabilising retinol in formulas)
- L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser Retinol + Niacinamide Pressed Cream (retinol beginners)
- Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ Night Cream (0.3% retinol, intermediate users)
Soothing for Upset Skin
Overdone your exfoliating/retinol and skin is irritated? Use these to soothe.
Can also be used as moisturisers for very dry sensitive skin.
- Pyunkang Yul Calming Moisture Repair Balm 30ml
- La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ Balm Cream
Sunscreens
Everyday sunscreens
Note: If your skin leans oily, you may not need a separate moisturiser. If you have dry skin, put moisturiser on first, then sunscreen product after. These are 'commuter' sunscreens, no water resistance.
- Hamilton SPF 50+ Everyday Face Cream (not water-resistant)
- Aldi Ombra Daily Defence SPF50+ Face Moisturiser
- La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ (pricey option, not necessary unless you don't like the two above)
Outdoor sunscreens
- DermaVeen Sensitive SPF 50+ Face & Body Cream (2 hour water-resistance)
FAQ
Q: What order do I use these products in?
Cleanser, moisturiser, then sunscreen (AM only)
If incorporating other types of products like toner, serum, order becomes:
Cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser, sunscreen (AM only)
Q: Can men use these products?
Skin is skin, it's more important to cater to your skin type and concerns rather than go for a mens product line which are often limited or just fragranced with a supposedly more masculine scent or packaged in more masculine colours.
Q: Do I really need to use sunscreen everyday?
In Australia, generally yes. Cancer Council recommends using sunscreen every day on days when the UV Index is forecast to be 3 or above, which is most days of the year including some winter days. You can either just use it everyday, or check the SunSmart app in winter to determine the UV index on a daily basis. Note that UV rays are still present on cloudy days, it has nothing to do with the amount of sunlight you see or how hot it feels on your skin. For those people who hate the feel of sunscreen on their face, I suggest you try out my suggestions above - they are lightweight, non-sticky and non-greasy.
Q: I don't know my skin type
Cerave has some good info to help you determine your skin type here
Q: Do I really need active ingredients if I have no specific skin concerns?
If you are under 21, probably not. It's still important to include daily sunscreen.
If you are above 21, it's a good idea to start incorporating some of the active ingredients that are known to support skin health and prevent oxidative damage (that's what ages your skin).
If you are above 30, I highly recommend incorporating actives.
That covers the basics I think, but feel free to ask questions if you have specific skincare concerns not covered above.
I have a 0 step daily routine and find it perfectly fine. I just apply sunscreen when spending a longer time outside, seems to work well for me.