At Curology, we believe that the best skincare routine is typically the most simple. Most of the time, you organize your daily skin routine with three basic steps: cleanse, treat, moisturize. That said, skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all, so simplifying is easier said than done. 

That’s where multitasking comes in. Multitasking products and ingredients are the staples of a minimalist skincare routine. They’re also the best routine-building strategy for when you need to tackle breakouts, signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, and other skin concerns—all in one go. 

5 multitasking ingredients to add to your skincare routine ASAP

• Tretinoin  impacts your skin’s cell turnover rate to treat both acne and signs of aging.

• Vitamin C benefits skin by neutralizing damaging free radicals while helping to improve hyperpigmentation.

• Niaminicide benefits skin by helping to strengthen the skin barrier, fade hyperpigmentation, and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

• Azelaic acid fights acne, fades hyperpigmentation, and helps reduce skin redness (including rosacea).

• Salicylic acid helps treat and prevent acne while also clearing away dead skin cells.

Remember—adding too many active ingredients at one time may cause irritation. Give your skin plenty of time to adjust to each ingredient before introducing a new one. Talk to your dermatology provider if you have any concerns about reactions to ingredients.

10 multitasking skincare products we love

We wanted to make your journey to better skin as easy as possible, so we rounded up 10 of our favorite skincare products for streamlined routines. (Stay tuned for four more derm-designed products we especially love…)

1. Olay Regenerist Cream Moisturizer SPF 30

This daily facial moisturizer has niacinamide to help reduce signs of photoaging caused by UV damage. Skin ages faster when exposed to the sun, so sun safety is super important. Dimethicone helps fill in pores and fine lines instantly, helping skin look smoother. That makes this moisturizing sunscreen a great option for spring skincare—natural oil content fluctuates in the spring! 

2. Haskin Vitamin C Glow Serum

This vitamin C serum also has vitamins B3 and E, making it a triple-threat when it comes to your daily dose of skincare antioxidants. It has a lightly hydrating formula that’s easy to layer. Apply it before your sunscreen to give your UV protection an extra boost on days when you know you’ll get a little more sun. 

3. Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Beauty Balm SPF 40

What if your foundation didn’t just cover up blemishes and dark spots but could actually treat them? BB/CC creams may be your best bet, especially if you’d rather skip a full face of makeup. This light-coverage beauty balm by Dr. Jart has ingredients that don’t just conceal dark spots but help them fade. Did we mention it has SPF? This BB is truly an icon.  

4. Indeed Labs Bakuchiol Reface Pads

Formulated to soothe skin and reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, these facial pads are ideal for people with oily or acne-prone skin. Bakuchiol—a gentle, natural alternative to retinol—is the key ingredient. Just quickly swipe after cleansing for lightweight hydration that won’t make you feel weighed down. Adds these to your warm-weather skincare routine if you’re prone to seasonally-oily skin. 

5. First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA 

We love this body scrub. Specially designed to smooth skin that’s prone to keratosis pilaris, pumice physically buffs away dead skin cells while glycolic and lactic acids chemically exfoliate the skin. This is a powerful product—use it as needed (up to a few times weekly) to help make the skin on your body bright and baby-smooth.

6. Pai Light Work Rosehip Fruit Extract Cleansing Oil

This oil cleanser removes makeup and excess oil without stripping, drying, or irritating skin. The best part? It's made up of naturally non-comedogenic oils, including rosehip oil. You can use makeup-removing cleansing balms on their own or as part of a double cleanse. If you’re prone to seasonally dry skin, this oil cleanser may be an ideal way to pack a little extra moisture into your routine.

7. PUR Cosmetics 4-in-1`Correcting Primer Energize & Rescue 

Feeling flushed? This pore-filling primer helps reduce redness and soothe skin. Caffeine assists in temporarily even skin tone and reducing puffiness, while aloe calms skin inflammation like acne and sunburn. Pair it with your favorite BB cream for the perfect minimalist makeup look.  

8. Glamglow Supermud Instant Clearing Treatment Mask

This multitasking mask physically exfoliates with kaolin while chemically exfoliating with lactic acid and salicylic acid (the latter of which treats acne). It’s also deeply hydrating and soothing, with extra moisturizing ingredients like aloe. It can be used all over the face as a mask or as a spot treatment for blemishes. 

9. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

This cult classic is a powerful at-home face peel with a mix of AHAs and BHAs to help you shed dead skin cells to smooth skin and unclog pores. Its skin-clearing claims are optimal for those who want to prevent breakouts and signs of aging. Give your skin plenty of time to adjust to this product, and don’t use it more than a few times a week. 

10. Laneige Cream Skin Refiner

This “toner-pack” by Laneige is a two-in-one hydrating mask and toner designed to pack in moisture and bring out your inner glow. After using a gentle cleanser, simply swipe this face cream on with a cotton pad. Let it sit for a minute or two before patting in the remaining cream. Or, you know, start scrolling Tiktok and forget you’re even wearing it… not that we’ve done this 👀

How to organize your skincare routine like a pro 

Now you’ve got your skincare products—here’s how you should order them.

AM

• Cleanse: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser (or water if you’re in a rush).

• Moisturize: Apply moisturizer—if needed. If you’re using a face moisturizer with SPF, skip to the next step. 

• Protect: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ (and re-apply it for every 2 hours of sun exposure). 

PM 

• Cleanse: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Now’s the time to remove your makeup with micellar water or a makeup-removing balm. 

• Treat: Apply your Curology Custom Formula in a thin layer, or use your other skin treatment as directed.

• Moisturize: Once your treatment is absorbed, apply your regular moisturizer, night cream, or overnight hydrating mask.

4 more multitasking skincare products designed by dermatologists 

Want to keep it super simple? Dermatologists founded Curology to make skincare more accessible and affordable. That’s why Curology members get a custom skincare routine sent straight to their door, featuring multitasking skincare basics like these: 

1. Micellar makeup remover

The micellar makeup remover by Curology is defiantly gentle and designed to care for your skin while effortlessly removing your makeup. Tiny micelles lift away even the most stubborn of waterproof makeup without any harsh rubbing. Unlike traditional micellar waters, this micellar makeup remover is a gel-water hybrid with a silky texture. A little bit goes a long way!

2. The acne body wash 

Tough on body acne, yet gentle enough to be used every day, Curology’s acne body wash leaves skin feeling clean and soft. This lightly foaming cleanser is specially formulated with 2% salicylic acid to help treat and prevent body acne. That means it penetrates deep into pores to help keep your skin clear. 

3. Emergency spot patch

Skin emergency? Look no further than Curology’s spot patch. Made without using active ingredients that might irritate your skin, the emergency spot patch is a hydrocolloid bandage that absorbs pus and oil. It acts fast to help minimize and cover spots, and it’s thin enough to layer under makeup. 

4. Curology Custom Formula

Curolgy’s flagship product is a unique formula custom-made for your skin concerns. It can treat acne, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin texture, signs of aging, and more! It’s the ultimate multitasking topical medication that can be tweaked over time for your skin’s evolving needs. 

Your multitasking routine and Curology’s personalized approach

Curology pairs you with one of our in-house dermatology providers, licensed to practice in your state. Just take a quick skin quiz and upload some selfies. If Curology is right for you, your provider will prescribe your Custom Formula with a mix of active ingredients for your skin concerns. 

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Start your skin quiz

Interested? Your first month of Curology products is free—you’ll just pay $4.95 to cover shipping and handling. Your box comes with your Custom Formula, plus any of our recommended products, at no extra cost. Our custom approach to skincare has helped tens of thousands achieve their skin goals—and you’re next! Start your free trial now. Cancel anytime. Subject to consultation. Subscription is required. Trial is 30 days + $4.95 shipping and handling.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Nicole Hangsterfer, PA-C