What Products Do You Actually Need in a Skincare Routine? (A Minimal Guide)
Most skincare routines become complicated not because our skin needs more, but because the industry keeps adding steps, products, and pressure.
A sustainable routine doesn’t rely on volume. It relies on a small set of essentials you return to every day.
This guide breaks down the skincare products you actually need, how they function, and how to build a routine that feels minimal, grounded, and realistic — using a few high-functioning products that do more than one job.
1) A Gentle, Non-Stripping Cleanser
Every routine starts with cleansing — but cleansing should never leave your skin tight or dehydrated.
A good cleanser removes:
• sunscreen
• sweat
• buildup
• environmental residue
while keeping the skin barrier calm and comfortable.
A daily cleanser like
The Wash — gentle face + body cleanser
is designed to clean without stripping, so your skin feels soft and balanced instead of squeaky or dry.
You can use The Wash:
• in the shower
• at the sink
• on face and body
• morning or night depending on your rhythm
Clean, comfortable skin is the real goal — not “over-cleansed” skin.
2) A Hydrating Facial Oil or Serum (Your Daily Anchor Product)
Hydration is what most routines are truly built around.
A hydrating oil or serum should:
• support the skin barrier
• soften dryness and tightness
• improve texture over time
• absorb instead of sitting on top of skin
A lightweight botanical blend like
Deep Serum — hydrating facial oil
presses easily into the skin morning or night.
How to use Deep Serum in a minimal routine:
• apply after cleansing
• press into face + neck
• add more to areas that need cushion or glow
For many people, this becomes the one product the routine orbits around.
Consistency beats complexity.
3) SPF for Daytime — Protection Over Performance
SPF doesn’t need to be dramatic to be meaningful.
It’s there to:
• protect
• prevent long-term damage
• support overall skin health
The best SPF is the one you’ll actually wear.
A breathable daily sunscreen like
NOTO SPF — everyday sun protection
can be layered comfortably over Deep Serum in the morning without feeling heavy.
Many minimal routines follow a simple rhythm:
• morning → The Wash + Deep Serum + SPF
• evening → The Wash + Deep Serum
Protection by day. Nourishment at night.
4) A Product That Supports Texture + Glow (Instead of Over-Treating)
You don’t need a lineup of competing actives to achieve healthy-looking skin.
Products that strengthen the barrier can:
• reduce irritation
• improve softness
• help skin look more resilient
• support long-term balance
A routine centered on
Deep Serum — botanical nourishment for skin texture
can often replace:
• multiple serums
• unnecessary toners
• redundant moisturizers
Fewer formulas. Clearer signals to your skin.
5) A Multipurpose Body + Hair Oil (Optional, but Grounding)
Not technically essential — but deeply supportive for many people.
A lightweight oil like
Agender Oil — multipurpose body + hair oil
can be used on:
• arms + legs after showering
• hair ends or scalp
• hands + dry areas
• anywhere you want softness and sheen
It also adds ritual:
• subtle earthy scent
• sensory grounding
• a moment of pause
The products you enjoy using are the ones that stay in your life.
6) A Multi-Use Color Stick (If You Want Soft Expression)
Not everyone wants makeup — but many people want a little warmth or tone.
A flexible stick like
Genet Multi-Bene — lip + cheek color
can be worn on:
• lips
• cheeks
• lids
Apply sheer for a soft stain or layer for more presence.
Minimal routine. Human expression.
So — What Do You Actually Need?
A realistic minimal skincare routine can look like:
• The Wash — gentle daily cleanser
• Deep Serum — hydrating facial oil
• NOTO SPF — everyday sunscreen
• optional → Agender Oil — body + hair oil
• optional → Genet Multi-Bene — multi-use color
A small collection that does more — instead of a shelf full of products you rarely use.
Why Simple Routines Often Work Better
Shorter routines:
• reduce irritation and product fatigue
• improve consistency
• support the barrier
• feel calmer and more intuitive
And maybe most importantly:
They make skincare feel human again.
Not a performance — a daily act of care.
xo - NOTO team