Skin School

Woman applying skincare in her bathroom mirror Woman applying skincare in her bathroom mirror
Free guides from a small-batch skincare maker

Skin School is Ollie Skincare's free library of plain-English skincare guides. Learn what's actually in your products, how to care for dry, sensitive or blemish-prone skin, and how to build a simple routine that works, without the hype.

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Natural skincare bottles and jars with aloe leaves, rose petals and daisies on white marble Natural skincare bottles and jars with aloe leaves, rose petals and daisies on white marble

Ingredient guide

What goat milk, tallow, bakuchiol and our other ingredients do, and why we use them.

Read the guide
Woman applying goat milk lotion to face Woman applying goat milk lotion to face

Skin conditions

Gentle routines for dry, sensitive, oily and mature skin, plus chapped lips and hands.

Find your skin
A selection of handmade natural soaps A selection of handmade natural soaps

Soap myths and truths

Common misconceptions about bar soap, cleared up so you can choose with confidence.

Bust the myths
Fanned-out book pages against a pink background Fanned-out book pages against a pink background

Beauty buzzwords

Non-comedogenic, humectant, cold process: what the labels actually mean.

Learn the lingo
The basics

How to build a simple natural skincare routine

Most skin does best with fewer, better products. A simple routine has three steps:

  1. Cleanse gently. Use a cleanser that doesn't leave skin tight, like Clay Facial Soap for your face or Goat Milk Soap for body. At night, melt off makeup and sunscreen first with Cleansing Balm.
  2. Hydrate. While skin is still a little damp, add a lightweight serum or a few drops of facial oil such as Facial Oil.
  3. Seal in moisture. Finish with a richer layer where you need it: Night Facial Oil before bed, Whipped Tallow for very dry spots, and Lip Serum for lips. In the morning, finish with sunscreen.

Add one new product at a time and give it a couple of weeks so you can tell what's working. Not sure where to start? Take the skin quiz for personal picks.

Stack of handmade Ollie Skincare goat milk soap bars Stack of handmade Ollie Skincare goat milk soap bars

Why choose small-batch skincare?

Short ingredient lists make it easier to know what you're putting on your skin and to spot what doesn't agree with you. Every Ollie product is made by hand in small batches in Wisconsin, starting with ingredients like goat milk, plant oils, butters and herbs we infuse ourselves. Each product page lists the full ingredients, who it's for and how to use it.

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Skin School FAQ

What is the simplest natural skincare routine?

Cleanse gently, hydrate, then seal in moisture. For most people that means a mild cleanser like Clay Facial Soap, a few drops of facial oil or a light serum on damp skin, and a richer balm or oil only where you need it. Add sunscreen in the morning.

Can I use goat milk soap on my face?

Yes. Our goat milk soaps are gentle enough for face and body. Clay Facial Soap is made as an everyday face bar, and Charcoal Facial Soap suits oily or blemish-prone skin. If your skin is very reactive, patch test first.

How do I patch test a new skincare product?

Apply a small amount to the inside of your forearm or behind your ear once a day for a few days. If you notice redness, itching or burning, rinse it off and skip that product. This matters most if you have sensitive skin or react to fragrance or essential oils.

Do I need a different routine in winter?

Often, yes. Cold air and indoor heat pull moisture from skin, so switch to a creamier cleanser, moisturize right after washing while skin is damp, and use a balm on hands, lips and cuticles. See our guide to dry skin.

How do I know which Ollie products are right for me?

Each product page has a “Who it's for” section, the full ingredient list and how to use it. For a personal recommendation, take the skin quiz or ask us. We're happy to help.

Still have a question? Contact us

Not sure what your skin needs?

Answer a few quick questions and get a simple routine picked for you.

Take the skin quiz