Starting a skincare routine does not have to mean buying a shelf full of products. Most beginners only need three essentials: a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser and a broad spectrum sunscreen for daytime. If your skin feels dehydrated, a simple hydrating serum can also fit easily into that routine. The products below focus on well established ingredients and straightforward formulas rather than complicated routines. Our top recommendation is CeraVe Foaming Cleanser, which offers a gentle cleanse without leaving oily skin feeling stripped, making it an easy foundation for many first skincare routines.

Verdict: A dependable everyday cleanser that suits most people with normal to oily skin who want a simple starting point.

• Foaming gel cleanser

• Suitable for normal to oily skin

• Ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide

• Fragrance free

• Developed with dermatologists

• Cleanses without removing all of the skin’s natural moisture

• Supports the skin barrier with ceramides

• Easy to use morning and evening

Best for: Oily and combination skin, or anyone building a basic skincare routine.

According to CeraVe, this cleanser combines three essential ceramides with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help cleanse while supporting the skin barrier. The fragrance free formula is designed for daily use and is non comedogenic. Beginners often make the mistake of choosing an overly harsh cleanser, but a balanced formula like this is easier to use consistently. Those with very dry skin may prefer a cream cleanser instead, although many combination skin types find this foaming version strikes a comfortable balance.

Verdict: A lightweight sunscreen that makes daily sun protection much easier to stick with.

• SPF50+ broad spectrum protection

• Lightweight fluid texture

• Suitable for sensitive skin

• Dermatologically tested

Best for: Anyone starting a daytime skincare routine.

No beginner routine is complete without sunscreen. Daily sun protection helps protect skin from UV exposure, making it one of the most important skincare habits to build. The Anthelios range is widely recommended by dermatologists because of its light finish and comfortable texture, which encourages consistent daily use. If you prefer richer creams, you may find this fluid texture lighter than expected, but many people appreciate that quality in warm weather.

Verdict: A straightforward hydrating serum that fits neatly into a beginner routine without adding unnecessary complexity.

• Easy to layer into a routine

• Helps skin feel more hydrated

• Fragrance-free formulation

Best for: Dry or dehydrated skin.

A serum is optional for beginners, but hydration is one area where a simple formula can make a noticeable difference to how skin feels. Hyaluronic acid attracts water to the skin, while vitamin B5 supports hydration. Apply it to slightly damp skin before moisturiser. There is no need to combine multiple active ingredients when starting out, and this simple formula keeps the routine manageable. Prevention also highlights straightforward hyaluronic acid products as accessible skincare options for beginners.

Verdict: A practical cleanser for people who prefer a traditional lotion texture over foaming washes.

Best for: Normal to combination skin.

Some people simply prefer a lotion cleanser because it feels less drying than a foam. Neutrogena’s Deep Clean Cleansing Lotion offers a familiar, uncomplicated option for daily cleansing. It works well as the first step in a beginner routine before following with moisturiser. If you regularly wear heavy sunscreen or makeup, you may wish to spend a little longer massaging the cleanser before rinsing.

Verdict: An affordable everyday moisturiser that keeps a beginner routine uncomplicated.

Best for: Sensitive, normal and combination skin.

A moisturiser helps reduce water loss from the skin and supports everyday comfort. Simple’s lightweight formula is designed for daily use and avoids unnecessary fragrance, making it an accessible choice for many beginners. Those with very dry skin may eventually prefer a richer cream, but for most new skincare users this lighter texture feels comfortable throughout the day.

Keep your first routine simple. Start with a gentle cleanser matched to your skin type, followed by a moisturiser that feels comfortable enough to use every day. The final daytime step should always be a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF50 or SPF50+.

Skin type matters more than long ingredient lists. Oily skin often benefits from lightweight gel or foaming cleansers, while dry skin usually prefers richer, more hydrating formulas. Sensitive skin generally responds well to fragrance free products with straightforward ingredient lists.

For UAE shoppers, sunscreen is particularly important because of strong year round sun exposure. Consistency matters more than owning lots of products, so choose textures you are happy to wear every day.

For most beginners, CeraVe Foaming Cleanser is the best overall choice because it provides a gentle, balanced cleanse that fits easily into a simple daily routine. Pair it with Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser and La Roche Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+, and you have the three products most people need to get started. If your skin feels dry or tight, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 adds hydration without making your routine complicated. Those who prefer a lotion cleanser rather than a foaming wash can look at Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleansing Lotion. The aim is not to own more products, but to build a routine you will actually follow every day.

Gulf News earns a commission on purchases made through links in this article, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial team selects products independently.