19 Skincare Brands Like Glossier for Minimalist Beauty

Discover skincare brands like Glossier that focus on minimalist beauty, offering products for that dewy, fresh-faced glow with a "skin first" philosophy.
Written by: 
Ash Read
Last updated: 

There's a reason everyone has at least one product from Glossier in their skincare lineup. The brand perfected the "skin first, makeup second" philosophy with its effortless, minimalist approach that gives you that dewy, fresh-faced glow without trying too hard.

If you love that less-is-more vibe, you're in luck. The beauty world is full of amazing brands that share Glossier's commitment to simple, effective skincare. Here are 19 similar brands to check out for your minimalist beauty routine.

1. The Ordinary

If you're looking for science-backed skincare without the fluff, The Ordinary is your go-to. Their approach is all about ingredient transparency, offering potent, single-ingredient treatments like Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid serums in simple, no-nonsense packaging. While Glossier curates a "look," The Ordinary gives you the tools to build a custom routine from scratch.

With most products priced between $4 and $20, it's significantly more affordable, making it perfect for experimenting with active ingredients to target specific concerns like acne or brightening. Think of it as the minimalist, chemistry-lab version of skincare. Shop now at theordinary.com

2. Versed

Found at Target, Versed makes clean, effective skincare accessible and uncomplicated. They offer high-performing, non-toxic products in cute, shelfie-worthy packaging, all typically under $25. Like Glossier, they champion easy-to-understand routines that deliver real results, from their Gentle Retinol Serum to their popular resurfacing masks.

Their main differentiator is a strong focus on community-tested formulas and sustainability, making it a great choice for eco-conscious shoppers who want great skin without a complicated ingredient list. Shop now at versedskin.com

3. Saie

Saie is a clean beauty brand that feels like Glossier's cool, eco-conscious older sister. They master the dewy, glowy look with skincare-infused makeup and skin essentials that are packed with nourishing ingredients. Their aesthetic is minimalist and modern, focusing on enhancing your natural beauty rather than covering it up.

While their skincare line is small and focused, every product, from their Sunscreen to their Glowy Super Gel, perfectly captures the effortless vibe. Prices range from $20 to $50, putting them in a similar category as Glossier but with a stronger lean into clean formulations and sustainable practices. Shop now at saie.com

4. Youth to the People

Driven by superfoods and science, Youth to the People delivers high-performance, vegan skincare in sleek, glass packaging. They share Glossier's "skin is everything" ethos but with a more potent, nutrient-dense angle. Their products feature powerhouse ingredients like kale, spinach, and green tea to protect and nourish the skin.

Priced a bit higher, from $20 to $65, they're perfect for those who love Glossier's minimalist feel but want to upgrade to more targeted, pro-grade vegan formulas. Their Superfood Cleanser is an absolute cult favorite for a reason. Shop now at youthtothepeople.com

5. Verso

Hailing from Sweden, Verso brings Scandinavian minimalism to high-performance skincare. The brand is famous for a unique Vitamin A complex called "Retinol 8," which is potent but gentle, making it a great focal point for a simple anti-aging routine. Their aesthetic is stark, clean, and incredibly chic.

While Glossier is playful and focused on a dewy glow for a younger audience, Verso is more clinical and results-driven for those targeting signs of aging. It's a pricier option, with products around $40-$80, but it’s perfect for minimalists who are ready to get serious about their routine. Shop now at verso.se

6. Krave Beauty

Krave Beauty's philosophy is simple: #PressReset. They encourage you to strip back your routine and listen to what your skin truly craves, which is right in line with Glossier's minimalist spirit. Their line is intentionally small and focused on core essentials like a gentle cleanser and a barrier-restoring serum.

They put a huge emphasis on protecting the skin barrier and avoiding unnecessary treatments or ingredients, which can feel like a breath of fresh air. With prices from $20 to $40, it's a direct competitor to Glossier for anyone looking to simplify their routine and give their skin a break. Shop now at kravebeauty.com

7. Aesop

If you want minimalist skincare that doubles as bathroom decor, look no further than Aesop. Known for its apothecary-style amber bottles and sophisticated, botanical-based formulas, Aesop delivers a sensory experience. Their focus is on high-quality plant-based ingredients and lab-made skin-savers that feel incredibly luxurious to use.

While Glossier is youthful and accessible, Aesop is the elevated, design-conscious alternative. You're investing in the whole experience - from the counter-appeal to the unique, herbaceous scents. Prices are premium, ranging from $30 to $100. Shop now at aesop.com

8. The Inkey List

Much like The Ordinary, The Inkey List is all about demystifying skincare with straightforward, affordable, and ingredient-led products. Their simple black-and-white packaging clearly labels the key ingredient, so you know exactly what you're putting on your face - be it fulvic acid or retinol.

With most products under $20, it’s an amazing brand for building a results-oriented routine on a budget. If you're drawn to Glossier for its simplicity but are curious about incorporating more powerful active ingredients without the confusion or cost, The Inkey List is a perfect next step. Shop now at theinkeylist.com

9. Fenty Skin

Fenty Skin embodies Rihanna's effortlessly cool and inclusive approach to beauty. The line is designed to be uncomplicated, with multi-tasking products like the Fat Water toner-serum hybrid that simplify your routine. The packaging is stylish, refillable, and focuses on making skincare accessible for everyone, regardless of skin type or tone.

Like Glossier, Fenty celebrates natural, healthy skin with products priced comfortably between $25 and $40. It's the perfect choice if you want that minimalist vibe with a dose of star power and a commitment to inclusivity. Shop now at fentybeauty.com

10. Herbivore

Herbivore combines the best of effective, plant-based ingredients with gorgeous, highly photogenic packaging. The brand focuses on creating natural, results-driven products that deliver a truly sensorial experience, from the textures to the subtle scents. Their formulas are free from synthetics and fillers, making them a great clean beauty option.

If you're drawn to Glossier's aesthetic but want something more natural and spa-like, Herbivore is for you. Think luxurious face oils and beautiful crystal-infused glow potions. Prices typically fall between $30 and $60. Shop now at herbivorebotanicals.com

11. Milk Makeup

Milk Makeup shares Glossier's cool-kid, minimalist DNA but with a slightly edgier, on-the-go twist. Famous for their easy-to-use stick formats - from cleanser to blush to toner - the brand is all about quick, low-maintenance beauty. Their formulas are clean, vegan, and cruelty-free, perfect for a modern, conscious consumer.

What sets them apart is their innovative product design and focus on creative-but-wearable looks. If Glossier is the dewy, no-makeup makeup look, Milk Makeup is its downtown counterpart, encouraging self-expression with glowing skin as the canvas. Shop now at www.milkmakeup.com

12. Alpyn Beauty

Alpyn Beauty harnesses the power of wild-foraged botanicals from the mountains of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This sustainable brand delivers resilient, skin-strengthening formulas in chic, minimalist packaging. Their ethos is centered around "wild-crafted actives," using hardy, resilient plants that help your skin adapt to stressors.

This brand is ideal for those who admire Glossier's gentle approach but crave a deeper connection to nature and sustainable sourcing. With prices around $30-$60, it's a step up that feels both eco-luxe and effective. Shop now at alpynbeauty.com

13. Drunk Elephant

Drunk Elephant has built a massive following with its "biocompatible" philosophy, avoiding what they call the "Suspicious 6" (like essential oils and silicones) to let the skin thrive. Their bright, fun packaging and effective, ingredient-focused "skincare smoothies" make building a routine feel playful and empowering.

Compared to Glossier, Drunk Elephant has a more clinical, serious feel, promising significant results through potent, high-quality formulations. It’s an investment, with prices mostly in the $20-$80 range, but it's a holy grail for those with sensitive skin looking for effective solutions. Shop now at drunkelephant.com

14. Kosas

Kosas lives at the intersection of clean skincare and beautiful makeup. Every product is packed with skin-loving ingredients, designed to improve your complexion over time while providing gorgeous, wearable color now. They championed the "skincare as makeup" trend with essentials that are quick, comfy, and incredibly easy to use.

Much like Glossier, Kosas focuses on a radiant, real-skin finish. Their vibe is California-cool and slightly more vibrant, offering a similar effortless feeling but with an extra emphasis on active skincare benefits in their makeup products. Shop now at kosas.com

15. Vintner’s Daughter

For the ultimate skincare minimalist, Vintner's Daughter offers just two products: the Active Botanical Serum and the Active Treatment Essence. The brand is built on a philosophy of using fewer, better things. Each product contains dozens of the world's most nutrient-rich botanicals, formulated over weeks for maximum potency.

This is the super-luxe version of a simple routine. While Glossier's appeal is its accessibility, Vintner's Daughter is a splurge (over $150 per product) for those who want to invest in high-performance, meticulously crafted natural skincare without a complicated 10-step regimen. Shop now at vintnersdaughter.com

16. Biossance

Biossance is a leader in clean, sustainable skincare powered by biotechnology. Their signature ingredient is plant-derived squalane, a superhero hydrator that mimics the skin's natural oils. The entire line is focused on delivering deep moisture and supporting a healthy skin barrier, resulting in a similar glowy, plump look that Glossier fans adore.

Their approach is transparent and science-forward, making them a great fit for ingredient-savvy consumers who also care about environmental impact. Pop in at Sephora for a look - prices hover between $20 and $50 for most of their bestsellers. Shop now at biossance.com

17. Tatcha

Tatcha brings the timeless beauty rituals of Japanese geishas into the modern world with luxurious, gentle, and effective formulas. Their approach is rooted in harmony and balance, using pure ingredients like green tea, rice, and algae to create glowing, healthy skin. The experience is elevated, from the beautiful packaging to the soothing textures.

While Glossier is modern and casual, Tatcha offers a more refined, ritualistic take on minimalist skincare. It's for those who appreciate a moment of self-care and want that "less is an art" feeling. Prices fall in the premium range, from $35 to $95. Shop now at tatcha.com

18. The Nue Co.

The Nue Co. bridges the gap between skincare and wellness supplements. Their approach is holistic, treating skin as a reflection of your internal health. Their topical skincare is clean and minimal, but it’s complemented by ingestible products designed to tackle skin issues from the inside out.

If you're drawn to Glossier's simple ethos but want to take a more 360-degree approach to your health and glow, this is the brand for you. Their sleek, uniform packaging and science-backed formulas make creating an inside-out routine feel beautifully simple. Shop now at thenueco.com

19. Innisfree

A beloved K-beauty staple, Innisfree offers affordable, nature-powered skincare straight from Korea's Jeju Island. The brand highlights natural ingredients like green tea, volcanic clay, and cherry blossom in formulas designed to hydrate, clarify, and balance the skin. Their offerings are effective, gentle, and incredibly budget-friendly.

Similar to Glossier, Innisfree is super accessible (with most items between $10-$30) and loved by a younger audience looking for a reliable, no-fuss routine. It captures that simple, fresh-faced ideal but through the lens of Korean skincare innovation. Shop now at innisfree.com

At Apart Style, we're obsessed with curating the best in fashion, beauty, and jewelry to help you discover new brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, style, and uniqueness. When you make a purchase through our links, Apart Style may earn a commission - which helps support our small team, and allows us to continue bringing you the best in online style brands.

Looking for more inspiration? Explore our full brand directory or check out our curated brand guides to find your new favorite thing.