The Best Skincare for Your 40s, According to Clean Beauty Founders
By Kelly McCabe, Freelance Writer and Toronto Beauty Insider
Every decade, our skin changes. Factors like age, lifestyle, genetics, hormones, pollution, and sun exposure all play a vital role in the reflection we see in the mirror. Your 40s, in particular, mark a noticeable shift in your skin's bounce, brightness, and barrier strength. Collagen production naturally slows over time—by around 1% each year—so your skin may need a little extra love to stay radiant and resilient by this decade.
This article addresses the skin concerns our community discusses the most: dullness, uneven tone, a damaged skin barrier, fine lines, and hydration.
What’s more? We’ve consulted with top skincare experts and founders from some of our most beloved brands like Monastery, Glow Jar, Vintner's Daughter, LESSE, and even Health Hut’s founder to bring their tips, favourite products, and expert advice.
MEET THE FOUNDERS:
Athena Hewitt is a master esthetician with 20 years of study and training, and the founder of Monastery. Monastery was born out of Athena’s frustrations as she saw firsthand that many skincare products were causing or worsening the skin conditions her clients were trying to heal. Find her looking ultra-cool while healing her skin, sporting the Deep Red LED Mask in public places.
April Gargiulo is the founder and CEO of the luxury skincare brand Vintner’s Daughter. With 13 years in the clean beauty industry, she draws inspiration from her family’s winemaking traditions in Napa Valley. Vintner’s Daughter's hero product, the Active Botanical Serum, has been a cult classic for over a decade, winning over 35 best-of beauty awards.
Jaime Pereira is a Skincare Consultant and founder of Glow Jar Beauty. She also hosts the podcast Glow Diaries, challenging outdated beauty standards and speaking to skincare and wellness as a beauty entrepreneur. She has very sensitive skin and psoriasis.
Neada Deters is the founder and CEO of LESSE, a sustainable and organic skincare brand formulating with Canadian-grown ingredients. She is a former beauty editor with an education in art history and theory. Read her current musings on exploration and design on her Substack, Source Archive. She has very sensitive skin and has suffered from cystic acne.
Fran Miller is the founder of Toronto-based organic skincare brand, F. Miller. She formulated her first product, Face Oil, in 2014. She has 11 years in the beauty industry, as a founder and formulator. She has sensitive skin.
Tara Miller is the founder of Health Hut, curating clean beauty since 2011. With over 14 years of testing, trying, and selling clean beauty, she’s known for her high standards of efficacy, clean ingredients, and an eye for aesthetically pleasing branding. She has sensitive skin.
SKINCARE FOR EVERY AGE, LIKE YOUR 40S
TOP SKINCARE TIPS TO BRIGHTEN DULL SKIN
According to Jaime Pereira, founder of Glow Jar, dullness and uneven tone are two of the most common skin concerns people start noticing in their 40s: “This is why we encourage women to focus on barrier-first care. That means replenishing the skin’s natural lipids, maintaining hydration, and protecting against environmental stressors. A healthy barrier is what keeps your skin functioning optimally as it ages.”
Three of the most well-researched skincare ingredients that can support you in achieving glowy, youthful skin are Non-Nano Zinc (always remember your sunscreen!), Vitamin C (antioxidant heaven), and AHA’s (your ideal exfoliator).
NON-NANO ZINC
Gentle and non-irritating, Non-Nano Zinc is a form of mineral sunscreen that provides a physical barrier against UV rays.
HH RECOMMENDS: Glow Jar Tinted Daily Sunscreen
WHY WE LOVE IT:
Applying sunscreen daily can feel like a chore, especially if you don’t love the formula or how it feels on your skin. Glow Jar’s Tinted SPF is a lightweight, broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with 20% non-nano zinc oxide that protects against UVA/UVB damage while feeling more like skincare than traditional sunscreen. No heavy whitecast, no damaging chemicals or harsh ingredients, just a skin-enhancing tint you’ll love to wear.
VITAMIN C
Research shows this powerhouse antioxidant (ascorbic acid) is one of the most effective ingredients for brightening dull skin, LESSE Founder Neada agrees, "high quality, antioxidant-rich ingredients are imperative in this decade." Vitamin C helps your skin combat free radical damage from UV rays, environmental pollution, and oxidative stress, while also reducing hyperpigmentation for a more even, radiant complexion. Since sun damage and other environmental stressors are major contributors to dull, aging skin, Vitamin C remains a top priority in an over-40s skincare routine.
HH RECOMMENDS: LESSE Essential Moisturizer
WHY WE LOVE IT:
Packed with naturally derived ingredients like Kakadu Plum, (the world's richest source of natural Vitamin C), Irish Sea Moss (to treat rosacea, acne, and other inflammatory conditions) and Tremella Mushroom (400x more hydrating than hyaluronic acid), this complex moisturizer is multi-transformational and glow-inducing, plus it’s suitable for all skin types.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)
One of the most common causes of dull, tired-looking skin is insufficient exfoliation. A chemical exfoliant, like AHAs, can promote skin cell turnover and reveal a brighter, more radiant complexion. AHAs are well-known ingredients that help boost skin luminosity and support collagen and elastin production for firmer, smoother skin.
HH RECOMMENDS: Monastery XX Rose Glycolic Gel
WHY WE LOVE IT:
Gentle yet noticeably effective, this 10% Glycolic Acid gel exfoliates and resurfaces the skin, unveiling a more radiant complexion. Infused with calming rose water, its balanced formula helps soothe irritation while clearing congestion.
How to Correct Uneven Skin Tone in Your 40s
Uneven skin tone can be caused by many factors, including chronic sun exposure, acne scarring, melasma, hormonal fluctuations, and hyperpigmentation caused by skin trauma. By the time you reach your 40s, this concern often becomes more noticeable as the natural aging process changes how your skin produces and distributes pigment. Add in years of days in the sun and stressful shifts, and it’s no surprise that discolouration and uneven pigmentation are among the most common and visible signs of aging skin in your 40s. Here's what to look for:
NIACINAMIDE
A type of vitamin B3, Niacinamide is a trusted ingredient for creating a more even skin tone and an effective treatment for hyperpigmentation. At the source, Niacinamide works in a scientifically proven way by inhibiting a key process in how pigment shows up on the skin. It helps visibly reduce dark spots, discoloration, and uneven skin tone.
HH RECOMMENDS: Vintner's Daughter Active Treatment Essence
WHY WE LOVE IT:
This deeply hydrating essence is a no-brainer for your skincare routine. Light as a feather, and packing a major punch, this essence fortifies the complexion with Niacinamide to minimize the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation with a cocktail of Vitamin C, Helichrysum, and Niacinamide.
“Exfoliants play an important role in cellular turnover and brightening, maintaining elasticity and firming the skin,” says April from Vintner’s Daughter.
How to Repair a Broken Skin Barrier
A damaged or broken skin barrier occurs when the outermost layer of your skin is compromised. Redness, flaking, itchiness, sudden breakouts, and increased sensitivity are common red flags when evaluating if your barrier is damaged.
“Your skin likes consistency and kindness more than shock treatments,” says Athena, founder of Monastery.
If you suspect your skin barrier may be broken, consider stopping by Health Hut for a complimentary skincare consultation. A member of the HH team will tailor product and routine recommendations just for you. Here's how you can begin healing your skin barrier:
Rose
One of the best ways to repair the skin barrier is by using ultra-nourishing, non-irritating formulas like Monastery’s Rose Cleansing Oil. This oil restores hydration and protects against further stressors.
“We have something called the Rose Reset,” says Athena, “two to three weeks using only our Rose Cleansing Oil. It’s like a skincare detox. No surfactants, no preservatives, no emulsifiers—just pure cleansing and nourishment so your skin can rebuild its natural oils, good bacteria, and pH balance.”
HH RECOMMENDS: Monastery Rose Cleansing Oil
WHY WE LOVE IT: Effective for all skin types, including sensitive, acne-prone, reactive and mature skin, this makeup-melting rose cleansing oil is infused with rose essence to nourish the skin, keeping its acid mantle intact and leaving pH levels balanced. Rather than relying on traditional makeup wipes or products with harsh ingredients that give you that “squeaky-clean feeling,” switching to a gentle oil-based cleanser could be a true game-changer for your skin.
How to Smooth Fine Lines
“Fine lines and pigmentation are the obvious common concerns of your 40s,” says Athena from Monastery, “but the two things that really change the look of the face are increased water loss and a drop in elasticity. They quietly sneak up on you, and suddenly your skin just… feels different”.
Retinol
Topical retinol (Vitamin A) has been the subject of thousands of peer-reviewed studies proving its efficacy in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol works by boosting collagen production and accelerating cell turnover, which helps visibly smooth wrinkles.
HH RECOMMENDS: Monastery Rei Gentle Retinol Cream
WHY WE LOVE IT: Monastery’s gentle retinol cream pairs a light, milky texture with powerful results, a refreshing textural surprise in such an efficacious formula. Containing 2% retinol and suitable for all skin types, this cream can help reduce fine lines, protect the skin barrier, and accelerate moisture retention with fungi-derived beta-glucan.
Avoid using Retinol if pregnant.
How to Increase Skin Hydration and Moisture Retention
Perhaps you’ve always had dry skin, or it leaned more oily in your 20s and 30s. Either way, once you reach your 40s, skin asks for something different, often intense hydration. Studies show that our natural lipids decline with age. Essential components like ceramides and sebum lower as we age: “In our 40s, skin craves extra hydration and support,” says Tara, founder of Health Hut.
That extra support becomes even more important as skin naturally loses elasticity and volume. “You might notice more pronounced fine lines, changes in tone and texture, or general dullness,” adds Fran Miller, “Hydration becomes harder to maintain, and barrier resilience weakens a bit, which can often make skin more reactive.”
Tremella Mushroom
Tremella Mushroom is a cloud-like, gelatinous source of fungi also known as snow mushroom. Packed with polysaccharides, naturally occurring long-chain sugars have been studied for their hydrating effects. Tremella is a powerful moisture-retaining compound, and we’re seeing its popularity grow as a skincare ingredient comparable to Hyaluronic Acid.
HH RECOMMENDS: F. Miller Support Serum
WHY WE LOVE IT: Weightless yet potent, this serum replenishes moisture and supports collagen production for enhanced skin elasticity. Over time, thanks to hero ingredients like Tremella Mushroom and Centella Asiatica, skin will feel bouncier, more refined, and deeply smooth. Use daily as the first layer in your routine.
In your 40s, collagen production declines, reducing elasticity, increasing dryness, fine lines, dullness, and uneven skin tone. Hormonal shifts and environmental damage also become more visible.
Key ingredients include Vitamin C (brightening), Niacinamide (tone correction), Retinol (fine lines), AHAs like Glycolic Acid (exfoliation), Rose Oil (barrier repair), and Hyaluronic Acid (hydration).
Not at all. Starting or refining your skincare in your 40s can significantly improve skin health, texture, and appearance. It’s never too late for skincare to be effective.
Morning: Cleanser → Antioxidant Serum (e.g., Vitamin C) → Moisturizer → SPF
Evening: Cleanser → Retinol or AHA Treatment → Hydrating Serum or Oil → Moisturizer → Balm
Yes, you can.Retinol boosts collagen, smooths fine lines, and improves skin tone and texture. Start slowly to build tolerance.
Use gentle, non-stripping cleansers and nourishing products with ingredients like rose oil or ceramides. Avoid over-exfoliating and harsh actives.
Common causes include sun damage, hormonal changes, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and decreased skin renewal.
Yes, yes, yes! Clean skincare products have clinically proven ingredients like Niacinamide, AHAs, and plant-based oils that effectively address skin concerns.
We recommend 2-3 times a week, using chemical exfoliants like glycolic or lactic acid. Keep in minb, over-exfoliating can damage the skin barrier.
Yes. Even oily skin loses water with age. Use non-comedogenic, water-based hydrators like Hyaluronic Acid to maintain moisture balance.
Absolutely. Healthy diet, consistent sleep, hydration, sun protection, and stress management significantly affect skin health and aging well.
SOURCES
Aging-Associated Alterations in Epidermal Function and Their Clinical Significance
Alterations of the Pigmentation System in the Aging Process
Influences on Skin and Intrinsic Aging: Biological, Environmental, and Therapeutic Insights
Skin Collagen Through the Lifestages: Importance for Skin Health and Beauty
The Effect of Niacinamide on Reducing Cutaneous Pigmentation and Suppression of Melanosome Transfer
Tremella Mushroom: Hydrating Superfood for Skin and Brain
Superior Even Skin Tone and Anti‐Aging Benefit of a Combination of 4‐Hexylresorcinol and Niacinamide
