Summer is here at last, which means it's time to adjust your routine to help keep your skin bright, hydrated and free from irritation. If you're looking for the best plant-based summer skin care routine to nourish and hydrate while combating dullness, keep reading. In this guide, we'll walk you through a step-by-step summer skin care routine with clinically backed, non-irritating formulas that will leave your skin feeling refreshed, nourished and ready to shine.

Step 1: Gentle, Effective Cleansing

Kick off your summer skin care routine by sweeping away sweat, impurities and excess oil with a multitasking, non-drying cleanser. Kind Science’s plant-based Gentle Cleanser is perfect for cleansing and balancing all skin types, as it effectively removes dirt and makeup without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. Chamomile and green tea help leave your skin calm, hydrated and refreshed with zero dryness or tight feeling after cleansing. Plus, kakadu plum – an Australian superfruit that contains the world’s highest concentration of plant-sourced vitamin C – helps brighten your skin while you cleanse. Massage a small amount onto your damp skin, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a soft towel.

Step 2: Exfoliation for Radiance

Regular exfoliation is essential for targeting dullness and maintaining a bright, even-toned complexion, especially in the summer. Our dual-action Micro Exfoliant+ works in two ways to lift away dulling dead skin cells and resurface your face and body without causing irritation – even for sensitive skin types. Volcanic ash and bamboo silk physically polish your skin, while alpha hydroxy acids sourced from fruit help to chemically exfoliate. Once or twice a week, apply Micro Exfoliant+ to your clean, damp skin and massage it in with circular motions. Leave it on for about three minutes to allow the fruit acids to work their magic to deliver a smoothing, brightening boost. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your skin dry to reveal a soft, radiant, glowing complexion that’s ready for the next step.

Step 3: Supercharged Serum

One of the most important and overlooked steps in any summer skin care routine, serums do the heavy lifting when it comes to addressing your skin concerns. Plump your skin and smooth the look of lines and wrinkles with Firming Serum, an ultra-concentrated, all-in-one formula that targets signs of aging with bakuchiol, a plant-derived, non-irritating alternative to retinol that’s great for sensitive and dry skin types. Kangaroo flower helps visibly boost elasticity for skin that looks bouncy, resilient and youthful. This super serum is clinically shown to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve the look of firmness. Apply a few pumps to your fingertips and gently massage over your clean face and neck. Allow Firming Serum to absorb fully before moving on to the next step: hydration!

Step 4: Weightless Hydration

While it’s tempting to skip this step when the temperature climbs, your skin will thank you for keeping it hydrated and comfortable. Warm summer months call for a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer that provides all-day hydration without feeling heavy or sticky. Enter Kind Science’s plant-based Hydration Cream, a fan-favorite moisturizer that’s packed with nourishing, ultra-hydrating ingredients like snow mushroom to improve moisture absorption and retention and help keep your skin feeling firm, bouncy and smooth all day long. The cool, refreshing formula helps instantly revive parched skin on hot summer days (our founder, Ellen DeGeneres, compares it to a tall glass of water!) Apply Hydration Cream evenly to your face and neck, gently massaging it in until fully absorbed.

Step 5: Nightly Repair + Renewal

At night, as the final step in your routine, apply our plant-powered Radiance Oil to renew, replenish and brighten while you sleep while maximizing hydration. This lightweight trifecta of moringa, jojoba and meadowfoam oils disappears into skin, sealing in moisture while boosting radiance and nourishing with antioxidants. Retinol alternative bakuchiol helps reduce the look of wrinkles and boost your skin’s firmness. Massage a few drops onto your face and neck, and wake up to plump, refreshed and glowing skin.

Keep Your Skin Radiant + Ready for Summer With Kind Science

No matter your age or skin type, summer is the perfect time to rejuvenate and nourish your skin and unlock youthful, healthy-looking radiance. By following a simple, plant-based skin care routine that’s backed by science, you can combat dullness, hydrate your skin and zero in on summer skin concerns to uncover your best skin ever. Remember, consistency is key, so whether at home or embarking on summer adventures, incorporate these summer skin care tips into your daily regimen and start checking off your skin goals this season!