Our Editor Reviews Beekman 1802 For Sensitive Skin
The Search For Soothing Skincare
Between the masks and the constant hands-on-face Zoom meetings, my skin has been a little…let’s say “frustrated” this year. But as I was searching for clean face sunscreens this summer, I came across a delightful EWG-Verified Milk Primer by Beekman 1802. I was instantly smitten by the SPF—and the brand that makes it.
Beekman 1802, a skincare company founded in 2008 by partners Joshua Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge, is named for the year the Beekman farm was established in Sharon Springs, New York. Starting with a simple goat milk soap in 2008 and expanding into more specialized skincare in the years since, Beekman 1802 just recently launched their brand new goat milk and probiotic-powered skincare collection made for sensitive skin at Ulta Beauty stores across the US and online at Ulta.com.
I had the opportunity to try out Beekman 1802’s newly launched probiotic skincare regimen, and it lived up to the daydream-worthy portrait of life on a bucolic New England goat farm. Here’s how it went!
“Beekman 1802’s newly launched probiotic skincare regimen lived up to the daydream-worthy portrait of life on a bucolic New England goat farm.”
The Beekman 1802 Skincare Routine
We already know that there’s plenty of unnecessary stuff in skincare products, including toxic ingredients and irritating fragrances. Beekman 1802 products are free of sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, alcohol, fragrance, phthalates, synthetic colorants, formaldehyde, and talc, making for clean and effective skincare that’s great for sensitive skin. While the products aren’t vegan, they’re always Leaping Bunny™ certified cruelty-free.
I tried a full regimen of their new allergy-tested probiotic skincare and wanted to share a mini “get ready with me,” if you will. But first, skin care is unique to each person, so it’s important to note that this is a personal experience based on my skin type.
I have normal skin that is fairly resilient, and have persistent hormonal acne along my jawline that varies in redness and texture over time. I try to accept my skin in all its stages, but the truth is: even if and when I feel confident about it, it still hurts. Like, literally—it physically hurts.
Needless to say, I look for products that will soothe, not scorch, my acne. I prioritize products that reduce swelling and redness, and protect and hydrate my skin without being too harsh. Enter: Beekman 1802’s probiotic line. Here’s how it went, step by step!
Buttermilk Cleansing Balm | At most, I wear tinted sunscreen, highlighter, and mascara for Zoom calls, but this balm still works wonders removing my minimal makeup. I’m especially pleased that it helps remove mascara without burning my eyes, a real plus for a contact-wearer like me. When they say it “melts” into skin, that’s 100 percent accurate.
Milk Wash Jelly Cleanser | This cleanser is un-fussy. I liked that the product doesn’t come out in a big foaming glob, and you don’t need a lot to cover your face, which makes me think this container will last me a long time. It’s fragrance-free, which is great for those with sensitivities, but it does have a faint scent that I don’t love (but I *do* love that it’s because there are no added synthetic fragrances or essential oils, an important part of Beekman 1802’s clean formulation philosophy). The scent doesn’t linger, and my face feels super fresh after using this cleanser. ✨
Milk Mud Warming Clay Mask | I’ve never used a “warming” mask before, and didn’t realize what I was getting into with this product. My first application was a little generous, and it startled me when my face literally warmed up. Now that I know a little bit goes a long way, I’ve come to *love* this mask. I’m looking forward to using it this winter; it’ll be a cozy treat in colder weather. It doubles as an overnight spot treatment for “trouble areas.” It doesn’t irritate, and my acne is visibly reduced. Oh—and it has the faintest touch of earth mineral-based sparkle, which makes me feel cute before bedtime.
Milk Drops Probiotic Ceramide Serum | This serum is super hydrating and oh-so gentle. It’s lightweight, not oily, and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin super smooth and soft. This product is one of my faves of the bunch thanks to its ease and nourishing ingredients (including Rosa Damascena Flower Extract 🌹).
Bloom Cream Daily Probiotic Moisturizer | With all the wildfires and general dryness of California, my skin has felt particularly parched this year. This moisturizer officially makes my humidifier the second best thing to happen to my face this year—it’s thick and rich without being cakey and leaves my face glowing and Zoom-ready. Plus, the packaging is beautiful; the moisturizer literally “blooms” out of the container in a little flower shape and it makes my day every time.
Dewey Eyed Illuminating & Depuffing Serum | As I mentioned earlier, my eyes are not to be messed with, which is why I don’t usually include eye serums in my routine. But I was pleasantly surprised when this serum didn’t irritate or blur my eyesight when I put my sleep mask on each night. Yay!
All of this to say, I really enjoy this gentle skincare line. The only product that may be a little more abrasive is the mask, but the brand offers a non-clay bubble mask, which may be a better option if the clay is too harsh or irritating. I found myself wanting a soothing toner at times out of habit, but I may incorporate some simple witch hazel + rosewater after cleansing or masking. I also think you could get plenty of benefits from just the cleanser, serum, and moisturizer if you need to keep your routine minimal.
The packaging is stunning and much of it is recyclable, but I’d love to see a little less of it, honestly. Each product comes in a plastic or glass container, in a cloth bag, and in a 50% post-consumer recycled plastic box (and that’s before any additional bundling, packaging, or gift wrap). Beekman 1802 is a part of the new Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty™ initiative, though, and meets their strict standards for sustainably packaged products (in addition to clean ingredients and cruelty-free products). The brand also partners with Terracycle to make sure its packaging gets reused and recycled. Just reminds me to use these products mindfully, recycle or reuse containers, and repurpose bags as much as possible!
Overall, I’m sold on Beekman 1802. With holidays around the corner, the Probiotic Skincare Starter Set is the brand’s best-seller at Ulta Beauty, and would be a good intro gift for anyone in need of a little self-care. (Or, honestly? For yourself).
I’m a firm believer that self-care should be celebratory and enjoyable, so it’s a pleasure to find a skincare routine that doesn’t hurt more than it helps. Goodbye harsh toxic scrubs or astringent cleansers and hello to my new warming mask. ✨
This article is in partnership with our friends at Beekman 1802.
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Emily Torres is the Managing Editor at The Good Trade. She’s a Los Angeles transplant who was born and raised in Indiana, where she studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University. You can usually find her reading or writing, caring for her rabbits, or practicing at the yoga studio. Say hi on Instagram!