How to guides

How to use solid skincare

Solid skincare works a little differently to bottles and tubes, and it only takes a few days to get used to. These short video guides show you how to use each of our plastic-free bars and balms, from double cleansing with a cleansing balm and face wash bar to applying vitamin C and retinoid balms, with the steps written underneath. For anything else, see our FAQs.

Choose a product to watch its guide

New to solids?

1

Warm it first. Hold a balm between your palms for a few seconds until it starts to melt.

2

A little goes a long way. These are concentrated formulas, so two or three sweeps over the skin are enough.

3

Keep it dry between uses. A draining dish or bamboo pot helps each bar last for months.

Your solid skincare routine, morning & night

Not sure what order to use your skincare in? Here's what we recommend.

Evening

  1. Makeup MeltFirst cleanse
  2. Gentle Foaming CleanserSecond cleanse, or the Exfoliator 1–2 times a week

The guides

Video · 0:49

Guide 1 of 6

Makeup Melt solid cleansing balm

How to use Makeup Melt cleansing balm

When to useEveningFirst cleanse

A solid cleansing balm that melts away makeup, SPF and mascara. It's the first step of a double cleanse. Used daily, one 70g bar lasts 10–12 weeks.

  1. Start with dry skin
  2. Warm the product between your hands until you feel it begin to ease
  3. Massage over a dry face and neck
  4. Sweep over closed eyes to lift make-up from your skin and lashes
  5. Add a little warm water to emulsify into a milk cleanser
  6. Rinse
  7. Pat skin dry

Tip: Follow with the Gentle Foaming Cleanser for a complete double cleanse.

Video · 0:33

Guide 2 of 6

Gentle Foaming Cleanser face wash bar on a diatomite dish

How to use Gentle Foaming Cleanser face wash bar

When to useMorningEvening

A soap-free facial cleansing bar that lathers into a gentle foam, suitable for all skin types including sensitive. Used daily, one 90g bar lasts 10–12 weeks.

  1. Wet face
  2. Rub the product into wet hands to lather
  3. Apply to face and wash thoroughly
  4. Rinse
  5. Pat face dry

Tip: Rest the bar on a draining dish afterwards so it stays firm and lasts longer.

Video · 0:35

Guide 3 of 6

Clarifying Facial Exfoliator bar

How to use Clarifying Facial Exfoliator bar

When to use1–2 times a week

An exfoliating face bar for congested or dry areas, used once or twice a week. Used twice a week, one 70g bar lasts 16–18 weeks.

  1. Wet face with warm water
  2. Rub the product in wet hands to lather
  3. Apply to the face and gently massage
  4. Pay close attention to areas of congestion or dryness
  5. Rinse
  6. Pat skin dry

Tip: Use in place of your usual cleanser on exfoliating days.

Video · 0:41

Guide 4 of 6

Vitamin C Booster balm in a bamboo pot

How to use Vitamin C Booster balm

When to useOnce a day, morning

A solid vitamin C balm for the face that brightens and evens skin tone. Use once a day, in the morning, over the whole face. Used daily, one 32g pot lasts 6–8 weeks.

  1. Use once a day, in the morning, after cleansing
  2. Warm the product between your hands until you feel it begin to ease
  3. Apply over the whole face with your fingers
  4. Pay particular attention to the area around the eye, upper lip and jaw line

Tip: Follow with your moisturiser. Once a day is all you need.

Video · 0:36

Guide 5 of 6

Moisturising Facial Balm in a bamboo pot

How to use Moisturising Facial Balm, a solid moisturiser

When to useMorningEvening

A water-free solid face moisturiser that softens as you warm it in your hands. Used daily, one 50g balm lasts 8–10 weeks.

  1. Start with dry skin
  2. Warm the product between your hands until you feel it begin to ease
  3. Massage over the face using your hands

Tip: Sensitive skin? It's also available fragrance-free.

Video · 0:38

Guide 6 of 6

Rejuvenating Night Balm in a bamboo pot

How to use Rejuvenating Night Balm with retinoid

When to useOnce a day, eveningLast step

A solid retinoid night balm made with 2% Granactive Retinoid® and squalane. Use once a day, in the evening. Used daily, one 24g pot lasts 6–8 weeks.

  1. Use once a day, in the evening
  2. Start with dry skin
  3. Warm the product between your hands until you feel it begin to ease
  4. Gently massage into fine lines and wrinkles on the face and décolletage using your fingers

Tip: Use at night only, as the last step of your routine, and wear SPF 30 or higher during the day. Avoid contact with eyes. If your skin feels uncomfortable, use every other night until it adjusts.

Solid skincare questions

How do I double cleanse with solid skincare?

Start with Makeup Melt on dry skin to dissolve makeup and SPF, add a little warm water to turn it milky, then rinse. Follow with the Gentle Foaming Cleanser on wet skin for a deeper clean.

What order should I use my skincare in?

Morning: cleanser, then Vitamin C Booster, then Moisturising Facial Balm. Evening: Makeup Melt, then cleanser (or the Exfoliator once or twice a week), then Rejuvenating Night Balm.

How long does a solid skincare bar last?

On average our bars last twice as long as a traditional product. Used daily, the cleanser and Makeup Melt last 10–12 weeks and the Moisturising Facial Balm 8–10 weeks.

How do I store solid skincare?

Keep bars dry between uses. They last longest on a draining dish or in a bamboo pot, where they can dry out fully after each use.

Is solid skincare suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes. All SBTRCT products are dermatologically approved and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Our cleanser and moisturiser also come fragrance-free.

Can I travel with solid skincare?

Yes. Solids take up less room, can't spill, and get you through security without a plastic bag in sight. Pop them in a bamboo pot or cotton travel pouch.

Still have questions?

Storage, travel, sensitive skin and how long each bar lasts.

Read our FAQs

Try before you commit

Travel sizes of the core routine in one Discovery Set.

Shop Discovery Set · £16

Make it last

Draining dishes and bamboo pots keep your solids dry between uses.

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