We Tried SAINT Jo’s Five-Step Skincare Regime – Here’s Our Report
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Is this curated plant-based, results-driven ‘clean’ beauty system redefining how women care for their skin health long term?
While there has never been more choice in skincare products with volume at an all-time high, it can often feel overwhelming when it comes to finding what works for you. Amid all the competing noise within this multi-billion-pound global industry are a growing number of niche brands offering multi-step regimes that take the stress out of skincare. Step forward SAINT Jo. The pioneering US brand founded by entrepreneur Allyse Cirillo has designed a routine that is built around consistency and long-term resilience – at the same time delivering the science-led results demanded by increasingly savvy consumers. We try SAINT Jo’s famous five-step skincare routine, to see what the hype’s all about.
C&TH Beauty Lab: SAINT Jo Five-Step Skincare Regime
The Products
One of my biggest issues with skincare is knowing which products work together both chemically and functionally. While I often adopt a mix-and-match approach, it can tend to be a bit hit and miss: some ingredients will neutralise others or layered products that haven’t been formulated together will cause ‘pilling’ on my face. Not a good look!
So, when the five stylish, clearly numbered SAINT Jo bottles and jars arrived, I gave a little whoop of delight. In fact, it gets even better with the addition of two daily supplements – steps six and seven – to support internal balance alongside the routine. The essence of the five topical products – cleanser, two serums, moisturiser and glow oil – is simplicity: all are formulated with science-backed ingredients that your skin actually needs. Cirillo’s core belief is that you should only use natural ingredients that your body will recognise.
Packed with amino acids, glycerin, jojoba oil and squalane, the nourishing Cleanse is designed to remove impurities without stripping the skin while supporting a healthy pH. This is followed by Defend, a lightweight serum that protects and repairs the skin barrier with a clinically considered blend of peptides, antioxidants and ceramides. Next up is Brighten, formulated with botanical antioxidants and hydrating actives to help even skin tone, restore glow and boost hydration. One of the key ingredients is vitamin C-rich Australian Kakadu plum, as deliciously scented as the name suggests. Moving on to Nourish, this fast-absorbing moisturiser contains sweet almond oil, shea butter, squalane and Vitamin E to hydrate, soothe and restore the skin. The final layer is Glow Oil Illuminate. Infused with omegas and antioxidants as well as a stable form of vitamin C, it helps to push all the actives into your skin and boost your cellular rejuvenation level.
The Clinical Bit
It’s no wonder that these products feel like food for my face, given that they are 97 percent plant derived. And what is even more reassuring is knowing that every ingredient is not only ‘clean’ (toxin-free, synthetic-free, fragrance-free) but effective. Each botanical extract, vitamin and active ingredient has been sourced and tested for safety, quality and efficacy by chemists. There is even a glossary of ingredients on the website, so you know exactly what you are putting on your skin. There are no short cuts, as Cirillo says. ‘With my background in product development [she worked for 15 years in women’s apparel], I refused to settle for anything less than formulas I would trust on my own skin, every single day.’ In terms of performance metrics, the five-step regimen delivers ‘visible improvement within 30 days’, based on in-house trials and consumer feedback.
The products are also suitable for different skin types, and because they are buildable, they can be adapted according to preference – acting as a standalone rich moisturiser for dry skin or a lightweight hydrator for oily/acne-prone skin.
The Test Drive
The biggest appeal for me of these products was the sheer ease of use. For once, I didn’t have to think about my skincare routine, although that didn’t mean I couldn’t vary it from time to time, switching out the moisturiser, for example, for the face oil at night. That was another plus: the multi-tasking formulas are designed for both AM and PM rituals. I especially love the fact that they contain naturally occurring notes of both grapefruit and lavender – designed to uplift you in the morning and instil calm at night. While applying two serums daily occasionally felt like over-kill, I stuck diligently to the protocol, confident that each step was contributing towards strengthening my stressed-out skin barrier.
Applying the products also felt particularly satisfying, especially given they were all lightweight, non-greasy and fast absorbing, so layering felt seamless. I noticed instant plumping, tightening and smoothing after massaging the serums into my face and neck, and couldn’t get enough of Brighten. Maybe it’s the Australian in me, but I found the Kakadu plum scent, with its notes of passionfruit, melon, guava and lime, irresistible. I struggled at first with how runny the moisturiser was, but a little went a long way and it absorbed beautifully. The cherry on top was the nutrient-rich face oil: just a couple of drops massaged into my skin was enough to lock in moisture, restore glow and provide antioxidant protection.
To fully optimise my skin health, I popped a Glow (AM) capsule each morning, which includes a form of hyaluronic acid for plumping, vitamin C for collagen production, and plant-based active DracoBelle Nu, shown to boost skin vitality. At night, I took two capsules of Restore (PM), powered by calming adaptogen Poria mushroom and skin repairing botanicals to help aid my beauty sleep and cellular renewal.
The Verdict
With its holistic, 360-degree approach, SAINT Jo delivers one system designed to support skin longevity, aimed at women who want to invest in routines that hold up under busy schedules, hormonal shifts and the usual stresses of daily life. As Cirillo says: ‘We’re not just another product; we’re a system. We are bringing it [skincare] back to basics; women are so busy, they need it to fit in with their lifestyles.’
