How I Radically Minimized my Consumption of Beauty Products

Tuning out the capitalist marketing machine with elegant simplicity

I replaced most of the personal care products that I used to purchase on repeat with organic jojoba oil, and it’s been downright freeing. In a world of 10-step skincare routines and relentless beauty marketing, there’s something both luxurious and rebellious about opting for simplicity.

Jojoba oil is non-comedogenic and notable for its inflammatory, anitoxidant, and antibacterial properties and its resemblance to the natural oils in human skin. When you buy it by the gallon for $55 every 8 months and it does the job of 9 products, it’s a bargain.

Now my bathroom is less cluttered. I’m piling fewer plastic bottles in the recycling bin. I’m less likely to fall down rabbit holes researching brands and ingredients. Packing and unpacking goes quicker. I’m saving money.

But the most powerful shift has been discovering that after a lifetime of buying and smothering and layering on creams, gels, and lotions, my skin feels as good as ever without them.

The results are so satisfying that I can resist most of the ads shouting that I need more beauty products, highly specific products, products that I never imagined existed, products that will change my life, if I just buy now!

Here’s a list of all the personal care items that are no longer on my shopping list:

1. Facial Cleanser

I’ve been washing my face with jojoba oil and warm water every night for over 3 years. At first, I didn’t feel clean because I’d been programmed since pre-adolescence to crave a squeaky sensation. I was afraid I’d start breaking out or suffer buildup. But my skin has been calm and happy. I still get the occasional blemish or flaky patch, but overall my face is soft, clear, and not too oily or dry.

2. Eye Makeup Remover

I use jojoba oil and a soft cloth to take off my waterproof mascara. It instantly and gently dissolves all traces of black residue, and my lashes feel healthy.

3. Body Moisturizer

I keep jojoba oil in a large glass bottle with a pump dispenser in the shower and massage it into my skin while I’m still damp. I don’t have to worry about the fragrances and chemicals that are added to commercial lotions and oils.

4. Facial Moisturizer

I also use jojoba oil to moisturize my face. (I’m not above all fears of aging, so I have started alternating it with a couple oil formulations with active ingredients.)

5. Hair Mask

I pump a few drops onto the ends of my hair, wet or dry, before shampooing.

6. Hand Cream

I keep a small amber bottle of jojoba oil on my nightstand and massage it into my hands before I get in bed.

7. Cuticle Oil

See above. This is the first time I’ve managed to keep up the habit of cuticle care.

8. Personal Lubricant

It beats squinting at ingredient labels in the drugstore aisle or creating another Amazon subscription.

9. Shaving Gel

I haven’t shaved in years since committing to epilating, but when I did, I used jojoba oil. Just be sure to clean the razor with soap and water and dry thoroughly afterward to keep the blades sharp.

---

I’m curious, have you replaced any other products with jojoba oil or do you use different oils?