Consumers are officially tired of lengthy, over-the-top skincare routines.  Dubbed beauty minimalism, or the “anti-excess movement,” experts predict more and more consumers will embrace a streamlined approach to skincare in 2020.

For formulators, this means workhorse ingredients like glycolic acid are bound to become more popular than ever, as minimalist-curious consumers experience the incredible results of this miraculous molecule.

Minimalism, or the philosophy of living with less, to experience more, is increasingly appealing to consumers – across all areas of life. In terms of skincare, minimalism simply means editing down current products to make the most effective, easiest routine possible. Then, after a “skincare declutter,” beauty minimalists only purchase new products after much careful consideration. 

“[It’s] all about focusing on what your skin truly needs and getting rid of any excess,” Sarah Lee, co-founder of K-Beauty brand Glow Recipe, told Vogue. “It’s not about sacrificing good ingredients or necessary steps. Instead, maximize the products and application methods you use in your routine to get amazing results.”

With this relaxed ethos, It’s easy to see why skincare consumers find the minimalist beauty promise so appealing: less products, less time, but better results. 

Additionally, the appeal of beauty minimalism has grown in tandem with concerns about irritation and skin sensitivity claims.

“Popularized in Korea, the complex, 7-step routine of layering mists, essences, serums and more has taken the skincare sphere by storm. But using so many products at once can be a recipe for disaster for most, causing clogged pores, irritation and a host of other skin bugbears,” says Refinery29.

Dermatologists and other skincare professionals agree. Sometimes, too many products or “treatments” can lead to red, dry, broken out, or otherwise inflamed, irritated skin.

“A skincare regimen is just one part of the bigger plan to achieving your best skin, so investing excessive time and money in products is not always that productive,” Tara Rao, a dermatologist at New York’s Schweiger Dermatology Group, told VICE. “Often, someone with breakout-prone or inflamed skin will incorporate additional products and steps in an effort to cure the issue … While [they] can help manage the issue, there is a lot of … trial [and error] that does not always have a happy ending.”

Beauty minimalism solves this problem neatly. Fewer products, and healthier skin.

For consumers intrigued by beauty minimalism, one ingredient shines extra bright: glycolic acid.

By loosening the bonds that hold dead, dry, flaking, or damaged skin cells together, glycolic acid is an extra-effective exfoliator that quickly sloughs away dull skin to reveal the smoother, brighter, healthier skin underneath.

Glycolic acid also stimulates new cell growth, by driving new cells to the surface of the epidermis. This provides a bevy of skin improvements for consumers: less acne, reduced redness and dryness, more even skin tone, and less visible fine lines and wrinkles. 

Though glycolic acid is most known known for its chemical exfoliation abilities, the ingredient is actually even more versatile than is commonly understood. In fact, according to Dr. Shari Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist and fellow at the Academy of Dermatology, glycolic acid can also “improve moisture content in the skin and improve the appearance of wrinkles and enhance collagen formulation.”

In short? Glycolic acid is one of the most effective skincare ingredients around – and even the most minimal skincare consumers can benefit from this hypereffective Alpha Hydroxy Acid.

What’s it all mean? That as the beauty minimalism trend gears consumers towards workhorse products and ingredients, scientifically proven, dermatologist-beloved skincare heroes like glycolic acid will continue to be the stars of the skincare show.

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