How to Build a Trader Joe's Skincare Routine

If you haven’t taken a peek at the skincare section at Trader Joe’s (TJs), it’s time. While they’ve got some deliciously decadent (but not overly pricey) foods (I’m looking at you Incredisauce), I’m hooked on the Trader Joe’s skincare products. They’re effective, feel amazing, and they’re within my budget. 

My favorite part—there are enough options that I can adjust my skincare routine based on how my skin (or me) feels on any given day. Not sure how to build your own Trader Joe’s skincare routine? You’re in luck because I’m going to share. Here’s my routine and how you can adjust it for your skin. 

Morning Skincare Routine

1) TJ’s All-in-One Facial Cleanser

I’ve got fairly sensitive skin that’s prone to breakouts if I’m not careful. The TJ’s All-in-One Facial Cleanser balances cleansing with citric acid as an exfoliator and green tea for an antioxidant boost and inflammation tamer. Therefore, my skin doesn’t end up tight, overly dry, or irritated. The result—my clean, shiny face ready for the next step. 

2) TJ’s Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum

My second step, morning or night, is always TJ’s Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum.

Let’s talk about hyaluronic acid for a minute. Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds water. When they say “boost” in the name, they mean it. This serum grabs moisture and helps it absorb into the skin.  

I always put Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum on after washing my face. But a serum is not a lotion or moisturizer. It goes on smooth, then soaks into your skin, feeling like a light layer over the skin in preparation for a richer moisturizer.

3) TJ’s Oil-Free Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer

The Oil-Free Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer is one of my absolute favorites. Why? I hate moisturizers that leave my face greasy or sticky. This moisturizer is light and quickly absorbs into my skin. It doesn’t take much of it to leave my skin feeling well hydrated and smooth. Of course, I also like the fact that it’s loaded with antioxidants. (FYI—antioxidants help combat the natural breakdown of the skin and daily UV damage.)

The Wild Cards—TJ’s Antioxidant Facial Serum and Microdermabrasion Scrub

I use TJ’s Antioxidant Facial Serum every other day or so. It’s velvety smooth and provides another layer of antioxidant protection. On the days I use this facial serum, I apply it between my Hyaluronic Acid Serum and moisturizing layers. It doesn’t take long to absorb into the skin, leaving my face smooth and ready for moisturizer.

The other product I like to throw in every other day or so is the Microdermabrasion scrub. I use it after cleansing to remove dull skin. It has (finely) ground pumice that’s supported by moisturizing ingredients. I’ve started keeping it in the shower to scrub my face, neck, elbows, and anywhere else that gets a build-up of dead skin.

Nighttime Skincare Routine

Here’s another thing I like about TJ’s, they have enough products that I can change up my routine at night. My nighttime routine is when I take a little me-time at the end of the day. I turn on relaxing music, pull back my hair, and let it all sink in. 

4) TJ’s All-in-One Facial Cleanser

I don’t need to say anything more about this one. At the end of the day, washing away the makeup, oil, and anything else that’s collected feels amazing. (Did I mention it doesn’t dry out my skin?)

5) TJ’s Retinol Night Serum

This is a newer product in the TJ’s lineup, and it’s taken a couple of weeks for me to get used to it. Retinol is powerful, wrinkle-fighting stuff that increases skin cell and collagen production. 

My advice—follow the directions exactly. You’re supposed to use a drop or two every two or three days until your skin adapts to the increase in cell production. In the meantime, you might experience a couple of dry patches, which I did. (The next product in line helped with the dryness.) However, a couple of weeks later, my skin is happy and glowing. 

6) TJ’s Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer

You know how I said retinol could dry your skin? Well, TJ’s has a solution for that, and it’s the Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer. I wait until the retinol has completely dried (and I’ll tell you why in a minute), then I apply this cool (literally) moisturizer. This moisturizer makes my skin feel dewy without being sticky. It also counteracts the dryness that sometimes follows retinol. I love that this moisturizer isn’t heavy and absorbs beautifully into my skin.

When my skin was adjusting to the retinol, I applied the Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer to the dry patches that showed up. I also recommend making sure the retinol has completely dried before applying your moisturizer. Otherwise, you could accidentally spread retinol to sensitive areas like under the eyes.

Make It Your Own

I have a few non-TJ’s products like sunscreen and face masks. But somehow, TJ’s skincare products have become the core of my routine. 

There are a few TJ’s products that make an appearance outside my facial routine. I use the TJ’s Hydrating Hyaluronic Body Gel Cream after showering to lock in moisture everywhere. It does wonders for parched skin on places other than my face. I’ve also started keeping a bottle of the All-in-One Facial Cleanser in the shower to use as a body wash. It keeps my skin from feeling overly dry.

Of course, sometimes I shake things up by using TJ's Oil-Free Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer at night and TJ’s Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer in the morning. I know. I live on the edge. But adjusting my skincare routine is fun, and with TJ’s products, it’s affordable too.