With countless skincare options on the market, finding the perfect routine can feel overwhelming. Which ingredients should you use? Which should you avoid? Which ingredients shouldn’t be used together? Should you apply a product in the morning or at night? And what works best for your skin type? Barefaced, a cruelty-free skincare brand, is on a mission to simplify it all.

Barefaced by Nurse Practitioner and CEO Jordan Harper. As a Nurse Practitioner, Harper saw patients who opened up about their skin insecurities, the impact their skin had on their confidence, and how overwhelmed and confused they felt by the countless products and treatment options available. Harper believes in “less but better” and brought that quality-over-quantity philosophy into her practice, creating simple, effective routines tailored to her patients' needs. From that approach, Barefaced was born.
Barefaced offers products designed to address a range of skin concerns, including breakouts, redness, uneven texture, dark spots, mature skin, and sensitive skin. The goal is simple: create a streamlined routine with high-quality products that support long-term skin health. Six years after the brand's launch, Barefaced has introduced its highly anticipated cleanser, the Barrier Balance Cream Cleanser. The decision to wait before introducing a cleanser was intentional. “The Barrier Balance Cream Cleanser completes the thoughtful system Barefaced has been building from day one and gives skin a more considered first step,” says the brand.

The right cleanser is the foundation of any effective skincare routine. Finding the right one can be a challenge, especially when it's easy to forget that not all cleansers are created equal. Barefaced describes its latest launch as “an intentional first step.” Designed specifically for skin in its 30s, 40s, and beyond, the Barrier Balance Cream Cleanser is an ideal option for those noticing that their skin is becoming drier, tighter, more reactive, or less resilient. After experiencing these changes herself, Harper recognized the need for a cleanser that would support the skin barrier rather than simply wash away dirt, oil, and makeup. “It supports the skin barrier from the moment you cleanse, helping replenish moisture and key lipids so skin feels soft, comfortable, and prepared for the serums, treatments, and moisturizers that follow,” Barefaced describes.
I had the opportunity to try the brand's new cleanser ahead of its launch, along with two of its core products: the best-selling Toning Pads and RetinAL Skin Therapy, a gentle yet powerful retinoid treatment. Keep reading for my interview with Barefaced on what to look for in a cleanser, common cleansing mistakes to avoid, and my review of each product, including how I incorporate them into my skincare routine.

What is the biggest mistake you see consumers making when it comes to cleansing?

Over-cleansing or using a cleanser that leaves skin feeling tight and stripped, especially when you’re already using retinoids or exfoliating acids. Cleansing should remove buildup without depleting the moisture and lipids the skin barrier needs. Barrier Balance Cream Cleanser was designed to support the barrier while cleansing and is gentle enough for daily AM + PM use, including alongside active routines.

What makes this cleanser stand out amongst others in the market?

Most cleansers are designed around what they remove. Barrier Balance Cream Cleanser was formulated around what changing skin needs to hold onto. Its creamy, cushiony formula combines ceramides, cholesterol, skin-conditioning lipids, and humectants to help replenish moisture and support the barrier, turning cleansing into a true skincare step rather than simply the clean-up before the rest of your routine.

What should consumers look for in a cleanser if maintaining their skin barrier is a priority?

Look for a cleanser that is as thoughtful about what skin needs to hold onto as what it removes. Barrier Balance Cream Cleanser combines ceramides, cholesterol, and phytosphingosine with hydrating humectants and skin-conditioning botanicals to support the barrier and help skin stay soft, comfortable, and hydrated after cleansing. It should also be gentle enough to work alongside an active routine, including retinoids and exfoliating acids.

The Review:

Barrier Balance Cream Cleanser ($18 - $35)
For starters, this has quickly become one of my favorite cleansers, and the texture alone deserves some recognition. It has a soft, thick, whipped consistency with a beautiful, pearlescent glow. A little goes a long way, which is always a plus in my book. The formula feels luxurious on the skin, making the process of massaging and cleansing feel like the best part of my skincare routine. As recommended, I use it on damp skin both morning and night, and the softness is noticeable immediately. While some cleansers can leave my skin feeling stripped and tight, this one leaves it feeling soothed, comfortable, and hydrated. It's suitable for all skin types, and I'd especially recommend it to anyone looking to add more moisture and comfort to their routine or dealing with stressed, dehydrated skin. As the weather has gotten colder and my skin has become drier, this has earned a permanent spot in my routine. If you're looking for a cleanser that makes your skin feel nourished rather than stripped, this one is worth it.

Toning Pads ($50)
These all-in-one skincare pads are designed to help achieve smoother, brighter-looking skin, and it's easy to see why one sells every three minutes. The results speak for themselves. In my opinion, exfoliation is one of the most important steps in a skincare routine, and these pads bring several hardworking ingredients together in one product: glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, mandelic acid, and succinic acid. If you're dealing with dullness, uneven texture, or clogged pores, these pads can help exfoliate dead skin cells, clear pores, and support healthy skin turnover. They're also designed to help minimize buildup and promote a more refined, even-looking complexion. Personally, I've noticed that my skin feels noticeably smoother since incorporating these pads into my routine, making this product a standout for me. Barefaced recommends starting with use every other day for two weeks, then gradually working up to daily use as tolerated. The formula also includes Aloe Barbadensis, Chamomile Extract, and Green Tea Leaf Extract to help hydrate, calm, and soothe the skin. I'd recommend these to anyone looking to improve the appearance of uneven texture and tone.

RetinAL Skin Therapy ($85-$145)
This nighttime treatment is packed with active ingredients, including retinaldehyde, bakuchiol, bisabolol, and Rhododendron Ferrugineum Flower Extract. Together, they're formulated to help smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, support collagen production, improve the appearance of sun spots, calm visible inflammation, and promote smoother, healthier-looking skin. What I love most about this product is that, despite its potent formulation, it hasn't left my skin feeling irritated or overwhelmed. Retinoids can be notoriously tricky to incorporate into a consistent routine, particularly if you're prone to dryness or sensitivity. This treatment is worth considering if you've struggled to find a retinoid that fits comfortably into your skincare regimen. I've been using it nightly and following up with a moisturizer to help maintain hydration. Barefaced recommends applying the product in the evening after your serums. If you're new to retinoids or have sensitive skin, it's best to introduce a product like this gradually and adjust your frequency based on your skin's tolerance.

Why It’s PB Approved
Barefaced's approach to skincare is a refreshing reminder that an effective routine doesn't need to involve an overwhelming number of products or complicated steps. We also love that Barefaced is cruelty-free, making it a brand we can feel good about supporting. From a cleanser designed to support the skin barrier to exfoliating pads and a targeted nighttime treatment, each product has a clear purpose within a simplified routine. Ultimately, skincare should feel less like guesswork and more like a thoughtful investment in your skin. Barefaced makes a compelling case for focusing on quality over quantity, choosing products with intention, and building a routine that supports your skin over time.

Article by Taylor Houston, Sustainable Beauty Editor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Daniel Lopez, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine

Barefaced Is Simplifying Skincare, One Thoughtful Step at a Time