Zendaya’s red-carpet glow comes from a genuinely “less is more” mindset—she sticks to consistent basics (gentle cleansing, hydration, and daily sun protection) instead of piling on a 10-step routine, which is why her approach pairs perfectly with streamlined skincare that actually fits real life. She’s also been open about having sensitive, acne-prone skin, so her routine is built around avoiding irritation and keeping breakouts calm rather than chasing trends, and her esthetician Vanessa Marc reportedly focuses on fewer products that pull their weight. Overall, it’s a simple mix of accessible drugstore staples plus a couple of strategic “worth it” picks—proof that flawless-looking skin is more about consistency than complexity.
Key Takeaways
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Zendaya’s routine is often described as a simple core: cleanse, tone, then seal in moisture
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SPF is repeatedly described as her “non-negotiable” step
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Her product lineup is typically described as a mix of affordable staples with a few strategic splurges
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Multi-functional products are key—she uses Aquaphor as lip balm, highlighter, and skin protectant
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Consistency matters more than complexity; she tends to stick with a small set of go-to products
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Her approach works especially well for sensitive, breakout-prone skin types
Zendaya's Skincare Philosophy: Less is More
Zendaya's approach to skincare centers on simplicity and consistency rather than elaborate multi-step routines. Her esthetician Vanessa Marc confirms this philosophy: "I believe less is more. Focus on a handful of products that truly work for your skin."
This mindset stems from personal experience. Zendaya has shared that layering too many products causes breakouts and eczema flare-ups: "When I start to apply too many layers of things, too many masks...I break out or I get an eczema flare-up."
Core principles of her approach:
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Keep the routine to 3-5 essential steps
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Choose products gentle enough for daily use
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Prioritize consistency over complexity
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Invest in sun protection above all else
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Select multi-functional products when possible
The actress focuses on products that work for her sensitive, acne-prone skin without causing irritation. This aligns with building a simplified routine that delivers results without overwhelming your skin's natural balance.
Building Your Foundation: Essential Skincare Routine Steps
Zendaya's core evening routine relies on just three products, according to her interviews: a cleanser, toner, and face oil. This stripped-back approach forms the foundation of healthy skin without unnecessary complexity.
Step 1: Cleansing with African Black Soap
The first step in Zendaya's routine is her longtime favorite cleanser. She's stated: "After a shower I wash my face with a cleanser. [I use] African black soap."
SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bar
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Contains African black soap, shea butter, and plantain bark
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Gentle exfoliation without harsh chemicals
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Widely reviewed and popular as a multi-use cleanser
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Multi-use for face and body
Some people choose it because it can feel clear without a complicated routine while remaining gentle enough for sensitive skin. Zendaya has featured this product in her routine for dating back to 2017-2023 based on her interviews from 2017-2023.
For those seeking a similar multi-functional approach, products that combine cleansing with gentle exfoliation can simplify your routine while delivering multiple benefits.
Step 2: Toning with Witch Hazel
After cleansing, Zendaya applies toner using cotton pads. She explains: "With cotton pads, I apply rose water with hazel as a toner. It's really refreshing and has a nice, soft scent."
Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner
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Alcohol-free formula won't dry out skin
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Contains aloe vera for added hydration
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A well-known, alcohol-free toner option that many people use for daily toning
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Witch hazel is often used for a fresh, toned feel without harsh astringents
The toner's alcohol-free formula makes it suitable for sensitive skin while still providing pore-refining benefits. This type of alcohol-free toner is commonly chosen by people with sensitive or breakout-prone skin.
Step 3: Sealing with Vitamin E Oil
The final step locks in moisture overnight. Zendaya shares: "I smooth on vitamin E oil, which makes my skin look fresh and feel so soft by the morning. Vitamin E oil rejuvenates and blocks free radicals, which contribute to the aging process."
The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-Oil
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Vitamin E protects against free radical damage
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Lightweight oil-serum hybrid absorbs quickly
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Reported 4.4/5 rating with over 1,800 reviews
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Some people use it to support a smoother-looking, more even-toned appearance over time
This three-step evening routine demonstrates how effective skincare doesn't require dozens of products. The focus on cleansing, balancing, and sealing in moisture addresses core skin needs without overcomplication.
Achieving That Iconic Glow: Zendaya's Secrets for Radiant Skin
Beyond her core routine, Zendaya relies on specific products to maintain her signature radiance. Her approach combines proper hydration with strategic glow-enhancing products.
The Power of Facial Mists
For instant refreshment and that dewy look, Zendaya turns to facial sprays. She says: "This gives you that glow and it smells soooo good!"
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs & Rosewater
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Contains aloe vera, rosewater, and herbal extracts
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Can be used before, during, or after makeup
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Reported 4.4/5 rating with over 14,500 reviews
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Multi-purpose: setting spray, refresher, and hydration boost
The spray's versatility makes it perfect for touch-ups throughout the day without disturbing makeup.
Multi-Functional Lip Care
One of Zendaya's most practical tips involves using a single product for multiple purposes. She explains: "A tube of Aquaphor—I carry it on me at all times. It moisturizes my lips at all times and looks like clear gloss. If you have a good lip balm, you can use it as a highlighter for your cheeks as well. It's a double whammy."
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
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41% petrolatum creates protective barrier
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Fragrance-free and preservative-free
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A go-to multi-use occlusive that many people keep on hand
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Triple use: lip balm, highlighter, and skin protectant
This multi-functional approach aligns with simplified skincare principles—fewer products doing more work means less clutter and better consistency.
Sun Protection: Zendaya's Ultimate Non-Negotiable
If there's one step Zendaya refuses to skip, it's SPF. She's emphatic about this: "SPF, SPF, SPF! This is absolutely my ultimate nonnegotiable."
Her Luxury SPF Pick
For daily sun protection, Zendaya invests in a high-performance formula. She shares: "I'm really loving the Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel SPF 50. It's amazing on its own, but also serves as a really great primer under makeup."
Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel Defense SPF 50
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SPF 50 provides high UVB protection and is a popular choice for daily wear
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Aqua gel texture feels lightweight, non-greasy
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Doubles as makeup primer
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Reported 4.3/5 rating with over 850 reviews
This is one area where Zendaya splurges—her sun protection investment makes sense given the multi-functional benefits.
Budget-Friendly SPF Alternatives
Her esthetician Vanessa Marc suggests more affordable options for those watching their budget:
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
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Contains 3 essential ceramides to restore skin barrier
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A widely used drugstore option often recommended for barrier support
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Non-comedogenic, won't clog pores
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4.5/5 rating with over 94,000 reviews
Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30
Zendaya has said: "I never skip moisturizer—I feel like my face would just crack in half. This moisturizer protects against sun damage, doesn't clog my pores, and contains green tea extract, a great antioxidant!"
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Oil-free formula perfect for acne-prone skin
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Contains green tea extract and aloe vera
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Reported 4.4/5 rating with over 620 reviews
The esthetician notes that the Euphoria star prefers more natural options like the Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer with green tea extract and aloe vera.
Morning to Night: Optimizing Your Routine Order
Understanding when to use each product matters as much as what you use. Zendaya's routine differs between morning and evening, with each timeframe serving specific purposes.
Morning Routine
The AM routine focuses on protection and preparation for the day:
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Cleanse – Gentle wash to remove overnight buildup
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Tone – Thayers Witch Hazel to balance skin
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Moisturize with SPF – CeraVe or Lancôme SPF product
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Hydrate on-the-go – Mario Badescu Facial Spray as needed
Evening Routine
The PM routine emphasizes removal, repair, and restoration:
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Remove makeup – SheaMoisture Facial Wipes for convenience
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Cleanse – African Black Soap bar for deeper clean
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Tone – Thayers Witch Hazel
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Spot treat – Tea Tree Oil on problem areas
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Moisturize – Vitamin E Oil to seal in hydration
Zendaya's #1 rule for evening: "One of my biggest tips for keeping your skin clear is to wash your makeup off before you go to bed. There are no excuses!"
SheaMoisture African Black Soap Clarifying Facial Wipes (around $8-13)
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Fragrance-free formula safe for sensitive skin
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Contains African black soap, tea tree oil, and willow bark
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Reported 4.6/5 rating with over 2,300 reviews
The wipes serve as Zendaya's backup for tired nights when a full cleansing routine feels like too much effort.
Tackling Specific Concerns: Skincare for Acne-Prone Skin
Zendaya doesn't hide her skin challenges. Her product choices reflect years of finding what works for sensitive, breakout-prone skin.
Spot Treatment Approach
For targeting individual breakouts, Zendaya uses natural antibacterial options. She explains: "[I use] tea tree oil for problem spots. I use anything that's easy on the skin. I don't like things that are too harsh or too strong."
The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil
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100% vegan, Community Fair Trade sourced from Kenya
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Antibacterial properties target acne-causing bacteria
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Reported rating of 4.3/5 with over 1,200 reviews
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Tea tree oil is commonly used as a spot treatment, especially by people who prefer gentler-feeling options
Eye Care for De-Puffing
Zendaya shares: "This eye gel helps de-puff my under-eyes and keep the skin hydrated."
Mario Badescu Ceramide Eye Gel
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Contains ceramides to strengthen delicate eye area
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Cucumber extract reduces puffiness
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Lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly
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Reported 4.2/5 rating with over 340 reviews
Her esthetician has discussed keeping the routine simple and adding targeted products when needed.
Deep Cleansing Masks
When breakouts flare up, Zendaya reaches for targeted treatments. She says: "When my skin is breaking out, I use a charcoal mask like this one from Origins to wipe out blemishes."
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask
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Bamboo charcoal draws out dirt and impurities
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White China clay absorbs excess oil
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Highly rated with thousands of positive reviews
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Users report seeing clearer-looking skin
For those dealing with oily skin concerns, maintaining balance without over-drying requires the right approach. Understanding how to control oily skin helps prevent the rebound oil production that makes breakouts worse.
The Kipi Approach: Premium Skincare Simplified
Zendaya's philosophy of simple, effective skincare aligns closely with modern approaches to premium skincare. The emphasis on multi-functional products that deliver results without complexity resonates with anyone tired of cluttered bathroom counters.
Key parallels between Zendaya's approach and simplified skincare:
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Focus on products that serve multiple purposes
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Prioritize science-backed ingredients over trends
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Keep routines to 3-5 essential steps
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Choose formulas gentle enough for daily use
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Invest in quality over quantity
Products that combine cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration in one step represent the evolution of this philosophy. The Kipi Exfoliating Daily Cleanser delivers three benefits in one formula—exfoliating and refining, removing impurities, and hydrating and balancing—making it ideal for those who value efficiency without sacrificing results.
This approach mirrors what Vanessa Marc recommends: "Focus on a handful of products that truly work for your skin... keeping things simple and consistent."
The Science Behind Effective Exfoliation and Hydration
Understanding why Zendaya's routine works helps explain the science behind effective skincare. Her product choices target key mechanisms that keep skin healthy.
Gentle Exfoliation
African black soap provides gentle exfoliation without harsh chemicals. The soap's traditional formulation includes plantain bark and shea butter, which work together to remove dead skin cells while maintaining moisture.
Modern exfoliating cleansers build on this principle using hydroxy acids:
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Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) – Citrus fruit extracts brighten and gently exfoliate
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Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) – Salicylic acid refines texture and clears pores
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Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) – Gluconolactone exfoliates while hydrating
These ingredients work at the skin's natural pH level (4.5-5.5) to avoid disrupting the skin's protective barrier.
Hydration Mechanisms
Zendaya's use of witch hazel toner and vitamin E oil addresses hydration from multiple angles. The toner prepares skin to absorb moisture, while the oil seals it overnight.
Advanced formulations now use charged hyaluronic acid, which binds water molecules more effectively to the skin for lasting hydration even after rinsing. Moisture-locking natural sugars form a hydrating matrix on the skin's surface, optimizing water reserves and improving barrier function.
This dual approach—preparation and sealing—explains why Zendaya's simple routine delivers visible hydration results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Zendaya use any prescription skincare products?
Based on her public interviews and statements, Zendaya relies entirely on over-the-counter products rather than prescription treatments. Her approach focuses on gentle, accessible formulas that work with her sensitive skin type. She's mentioned avoiding harsh products that could trigger eczema or breakouts, which explains her preference for natural ingredients like African black soap and tea tree oil.
How long has Zendaya used her current skincare routine?
Zendaya has maintained her core routine dating back to 2017-2023, with African black soap featuring in her interviews dating back to 2017. This consistency reinforces her philosophy that sticking with what works matters more than constantly trying new products. Her esthetician Vanessa Marc emphasizes this approach, noting that patience and consistency deliver better results than product-hopping.
What does Zendaya do when she travels?
Zendaya prioritizes convenience when traveling without sacrificing her routine. She keeps SheaMoisture facial wipes on hand for quick makeup removal and carries Aquaphor for multiple uses. Many of her core products come in travel-friendly sizes, and the simplicity of her routine means she doesn't need to pack an entire suitcase of skincare.
Can men follow Zendaya's skincare routine?
Absolutely. The products in Zendaya's routine work regardless of gender—skin is skin. African black soap, witch hazel toner, and SPF moisturizers address universal skin needs like cleansing, balancing, and protection. For those seeking streamlined approaches, building a simplified routine using multi-functional products delivers the same benefits with even fewer steps.
What's the most important takeaway from Zendaya's approach?
Consistency beats complexity. Zendaya's routine proves that three well-chosen products used daily outperform a 10-step regimen used sporadically. Her non-negotiables—cleansing before bed and wearing SPF daily—form the foundation of healthy skin regardless of what else you add. As she puts it: "There are no excuses!" when it comes to removing makeup before sleep.
