Introducing Skinimalism: 2026’s Biggest Forecasted Beauty Trend

When it comes to skincare, you’ve probably heard it all before – but have you heard of skinimalism?

In a world that has become lowkey obsessed with 10 step routines, injectables, and every Korean trend you can think of, it seemed like we were forever to remain trapped in a loop of skincare musts, viral must-have products and glass effect procedures.

But with the New Year comes new trends – and more importantly, a new way of looking after our skin. Or rather, maybe it’s just a return to something altogether more simplistic.

Skinimalism is, as you’ve probably guessed, all about minimalism. A move away from those tricky multi-step, throw everything at the face and see what sticks routines, in favour of something sure to maximise results with minimal products.

We’re talking treatments that are expert-led, products with clinically proven results, and skincare routines curated for your skin and your skin only.

Expert skin and beauty therapist Eavanna Breen says: “I think simplicity is also going to be key. My clients are moving away from complex, multi-step routines in favour of ‘skin-minimalism,’ an approach that prioritises quality over quantity.”

Skinamalism isn’t just about so-called ‘clean beauty.’ In fact, it’s not like it at all, as it focuses on evidence-based approaches rather than simple fads.

“I think consumers are steering away from ‘clean’ claims, although that trend is still huge,” says Eavanna. “People are moving more toward clinically proven efficacy. Hyper-personalisation and AI are becoming the future of skincare. Advances in AI and even DNA analysis will allow for highly personalised skin care routines.”

So, expect to see more science-backed beauty on your fyp this year. More less-is-more approaches to healthy skin. Even more challenges that involve stripping back skincare routines entirely… Just maybe not as extreme as the ‘caveman method’ from last year.

Eavanna says that we should also expect to see a lot of focus on body care in 2026, as clients look past just the face when it comes to skincare. “I think as a result we’ll see more body care products with high-performing ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and exosomes – ingredients that were once primarily used in facial skincare.

“Also non-invasive, tech-driven treatments are also becoming more popular. Advanced skin-tightening technologies like radiofrequency and ultrasound are on the rise. People are moving away from fillers and gravitating toward combination therapies and customised treatment plans.”

So unless the treatment actually works, chances are you’ll see a lot less of it on your feed this year. Skinimalism is about focusing on what actually works for you – and honestly, isn’t that what we’ve been craving all along?