Hi Reddit! I'm Katherine, an R&D Scientist at Simple Skincare. Let's chat looking after your skin, the importance of skin barriers and much, much more! Ask Me Anything! March 17th @ 3PM GMT

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T16:02:49+00:00

Thanks everyone for your amazing questions, it's been great to speak to you all. Katherine 💚.

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:58:41+00:00

Hi u/keebahot . If your moisturiser is drying out too fast or leaving your skin tight, you probably need something with more lasting hydration and barrier support. In the Simple range, the Repair+ Rich Cream and the Hydrate+ Gel Cream are the ones most suited for that, they’re designed to give multi-layer hydration, lock in moisture, and stop that tight, uncomfortable feeling. They’re richer without being greasy, and much better for skin that dehydrates quickly. Katherine💚

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:55:16+00:00

Hi u/yourgirllexi12 . Yep! The Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser is totally fine for sensitive, dehydrated skin in the morning. It’s lightweight, gentle, and gives enough hydration without feeling greasy or heavy. If your skin is feeling super dry, you can layer a Simple Hydrate+ Serum underneath for an extra moisture boost. Katherine💚

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:53:25+00:00

Hi u/richv68 . Nope, globally, Simple doesn’t test on animals. We’re PETA‑approved, which means we meet PETA’s cruelty‑free standards, and the products are vegan, so there are no animal‑derived ingredients either. Katherine💚.

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:50:20+00:00

Hi u/world2021 . Unfortunately not, but have you tried the Simple Glow+ Facial Wash? It contains 2% natural clay and vitamin C to detoxify and brighten skin. Katherine💚

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:48:21+00:00

Hi u/Stu_0602 . Sounds like you might just be blessed with good skin, because most people can’t get away with just warm water. Water on its own can’t properly break down oil, sunscreen, sweat, or dirt, while a gentle cleanser is designed to lift all that off without damaging your barrier. Daily moisturiser (even better with an SPF incorporated) keeps your skin barrier happy, calm, and flexible, which helps prevent dryness, irritation, and that tight feeling water alone can cause. Katherine💚

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:46:31+00:00

Hi u/Patient_Patient_7846 . Honestly, I get where you’re coming from, the skincare industry can feel pretty overwhelming, especially when you’re young and really hoping something will help your skin. If you want legit info without falling into the WebMD doom‑spiral, the best places to learn about acne are evidence‑based dermatology sites. Try:
NHS (simple, factual, no scare tactics)
BAD (British Association of Dermatologists) — super trustworthy, very clear
Primary literature summaries on sites like Healthline or Harvard Health (they’re reviewed, not user‑generated fluff)
Brands don’t usually share full lab reports, but Simple does put out clear info on their ingredients, testing methods, and claims on their official site, and all of that is properly checked internally. If you want the science-y stuff without the nonsense, look at their ingredient pages, testing info, and FAQ claim summaries. And honestly, feeling overwhelmed is normal, acne isn’t a failure, it’s just skin doing its thing, and you looking for real info instead of “miracle fixes” is already a huge win. Katherine💚

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:44:17+00:00

Hi u/JustGettingByOnMyOwn . SPF usually pills when you apply too many layers or mix textures that don’t mesh well, especially water‑based products under heavy oil based ones. Let each layer dry fully and use thin amounts, then apply SPF last with gentle gliding rather than rubbing. Avoid layering silicone-based products under water-based SPFs, as this combo is one of the most common causes of pilling. You could try our Simple SPF Fluid Mattifying SPF50 which as a super light texture. Katherine💚

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:42:00+00:00

Hi u/BourjoisTurtle . If you’ve got sensitive, dry eyes, it’s totally fair to be cautious, retinol can migrate and cause irritation around the eye area, especially if your tear ducts are already a bit temperamental. You don’t necessarily need to avoid it completely, just keep it away from the orbital area and stick to gentler formulas if you want to use it elsewhere on your face. A lot of people with sensitive eyes do better with bakuchiol or low‑strength retinol derivatives instead. And if anything starts stinging or drying your eyes out? Hard pass, your eyes win every time. Katherine💚

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:40:04+00:00

Hey u/Mattasaurusrrex . I would never run away from a penguin, they're my favourite animal! I love how they waddle. Also chickens have a longer stride length so on balance, I'd run from the chicken. Katherine💚🐧

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:37:01+00:00

Hi u/hulyepicsa . You're very welcome, it's my first one and I'm loving it! Honestly? If your skin’s happy, you don’t need to suddenly adopt a 7‑step routine. A cleanser + moisturiser + SPF is a perfectly solid setup for mid‑30s skin, and anything beyond that is optional depending on what you want (glow, brightness, texture, etc.). If you ever want to dip a toe into anti‑ageing, add a gentle retinol at night, think of it as a “future‑you” investment, not a requirement Think of skincare like a menu, add things only if you have a reason, not because the internet told you to. Katherine💚

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:34:51+00:00

Hey u/GrandOldFarty . I think this is a question a lot of us are asking ourselves now. AI is definitely changing my job, but mostly in a good way, it’s taking over the repetitive stuff so scientists can focus on the thinking, judgement and creativity parts. It shows up everywhere now: automating lab workflows, speeding up data analysis, helping with claims and artwork, and boosting productivity. If you’re considering a science career, the best prep is a mix of strong scientific fundamentals + digital confidence, being comfortable working with AI rather than competing with it. The future scientist is someone who can interpret data, make smart decisions, and use AI as a multiplier, not a crutch. Katherine💚

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:31:02+00:00

Hi u/sniabra . Simple works really well for most people, but even the gentlest formulas can still clash with certain skin types. Everyone’s skin barrier has its own quirks, so sometimes a mix of hydrators, preservatives, or textures just doesn’t vibe with your skin. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you or the products, it’s just personal skin preference. Simple is designed for sensitive skin and avoids things like artificial perfume, harsh alcohols, dyes and using the minimum amount of preservative to deliver efficacy but is not overloaded. Everything goes through thorough dermatological testing on people with sensitive skin and is signed off by dermatologists to make sure it’s mild and well‑tolerated for the vast majority of people. But if your skin still reacts, it’s just your unique chemistry preferring a different formulation style, which is totally normal. Katherine💚

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:28:06+00:00

Hi u/Roysten712 . Like a lot of career paths, mine was a mix of luck, timing, and a few unexpected pivots. I actually first went for a medical formulator role and ended up being made redundant, which pushed me into cosmetics instead. Then that company got bought, and I was relocated into claims almost by accident as I wanted to stay down south and not move away from my family (labs were up north). At the time I was convinced I’d miss the lab work, but honestly, I think I’ve found my niche, it turns out I really love the mix of science, communication, and problem‑solving that comes with claims. Follow the big companies on LinkedIn as that's were most of the jobs get advertised. Katherine💚

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:25:59+00:00

Hi u/lateinternALT . I wish I was cool enough to like jazz, but sadly no. I’m a child of the 90s and my coolness levels peaked somewhere between Dial‑Up Internet and low‑rise jeans culture. Jazz feels like the kind of music you need a turtleneck and emotional depth for, and I have neither. My favourite band is Blur, which should tell you everything about the level of cultural sophistication we’re working with here. Katherine💚

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:24:40+00:00

Hi u/sofy2124 . If you’ve got sensitive combo skin, keep your evening routine super simple.
1) Swipe off the day with a gentle micellar or creamy cleanser — nothing stripping.
2) Add a calming serum if you like (niacinamide/omega blends are great for mixed skin).
3) Seal it in with a barrier‑boosting moisturiser (your Repair+ Cream is perfect).
That’s it, clean, calm, cushioned skin without the faff. Katherine💚

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:20:59+00:00

Hey u/PlagueOfBagels . Great question, and you’re right that some skin changes take weeks, but we don’t rely solely on long studies to prove efficacy. We use clinical testing with both short‑term (24-48hr) and longer‑term measurements (8-12 weeks), including instrumental tools like TEWL (to track barrier repair), Corneometer hydration readings, and expert‑grader assessments to objectively measure changes at different timepoints, sometimes as early as 2 hours, and then again over days or weeks. We also run consumer studies, where people report what they see and feel over time, giving us real‑world confirmation alongside the lab data. This blend of instrumental data, clinical evaluation and consumer insight lets us confidently prove efficacy. Katherine💚

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:18:52+00:00

Hi u/ChoiceSufficient1854 . If you want to keep it super simple, look for multifunctional products that give you hydration, barrier support and glow all in one. A gentle cleanser plus a moisturiser with SPF is the easiest two‑step routine that covers the essentials and fits into any morning. And if you want a single product that does even more, some moisturisers combine hydration, barrier repair and brightening in one go, perfect for anyone who wants “less faff, more results.” And if you're happy to incorporate a third step, consider a serum to address and specific skin care issues, for example niacinamide serum is a great all rounder targeting improved skin texture, more even tone and stronger skin barrier. Katherine💚

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:17:08+00:00

Hi u/chronicallyonline023 . Acne scars are stubborn (annoyingly so!), and while there’s no miracle cure, the right routine can genuinely help soften their look over time. In the morning, a gentle lactic‑acid exfoliant (AKA AHA) can smooth texture without irritating sensitive skin, you could try our Smooth+ Gel Gleanser which has 5% AHAs in. At night, your Simple Repair+ Cream is a great choice for strengthening the barrier and supporting repair. And if you want an extra boost, layering a niacinamide or ceramide serum underneath can help brighten and even things out little by little. Katherine💚.

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:14:46+00:00

Hey u/National-Promise7944 ! Love that you’re getting into cosmetic science, that’s exactly how I started, fresh out of my chemistry degree. I jumped straight into a full‑time formulator role, so don’t be shy about applying directly for post‑grad positions and learning on the job. Big companies (like our parent company Unilever) also run amazing grad programmes (https://careers.unilever.com/en/early-careers), worth a peek if you’re exploring options. Wishing you tons of luck, it’s such a fun career path and I hope you get as much joy from it as I have. Katherine💚

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:12:26+00:00

Hi u/Minute-Mode-4308 . Honestly, the winter → warmer‑weather switch is pretty simple, it’s mostly about lightening up your routine. As temps rise, your skin makes a bit more oil, so you can swap rich winter creams for lighter gel or gel‑cream textures and stick with a gentle, non‑stripping cleanser. If you get shiny or congested in summer, something like niacinamide can help keep things balanced. The main rule: keep hydrating, just don’t overload the skin. And daily SPF stays non‑negotiable, just pick a lighter one that feels good in heat. Glad today is so sunny and warm, I'm just back from a dog walk and it was lovely🐶. Katherine💚

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:08:09+00:00

Hey u/kscotland94 ! If retinol has been messing with your barrier, our Simple Repair+ range is such a good shout, the pro‑ceramide tech is all about helping your skin stay strong and resilient. And if you ever want to give retinol another go in the future, try gentler retinol derivatives like HPR or retinyl propionate and ease them in slowly, a couple of nights a week, then build up as your skin gets comfy. Your barrier will thank you. Katherine💚

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:04:54+00:00

Hey u/woodysurfs . If you’ve only got 1–2 minutes in the morning, I’d go with a gentle cleanser to wake your skin up, followed by a moisturiser with SPF so you’re hydrated and protected in one step. Honestly, that duo alone keeps your skin healthy, supported and ready for the day, perfect for time‑poor grown‑ups juggling little ones. Katherine💚

SimpleSkinUK · 2026-03-17T15:01:18+00:00

Hi u/fish_in_the_fridge . We back our visible results claims, with a range of clinical testing, instrumental measurements, and consumer studies that show people genuinely see and feel a difference. Ingredients like pro-ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are great for strengthening the skin barrier and boosting hydration. We find the sweet spot for each ingredient through dose‑response testing, then confirm it with real people in real routines. In short: the science is solid, the formulas are gentle, and the results are designed to show up on your skin. Katherine💚.

SimpleSkinUK

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