Sarah Jessica Parker's divisive skincare routine includes 'any old soap'


Sarah Jessica Parker celebrated her 61st birthday on March 25 and revealed all her surprising beauty secrets – see details


Sarah Jessica Parker at the CBS series Golden Eve: The Golden Globes © Getty Images
Maria Sarabi
Maria SarabiFashion & Lifestyle Writer
March 25, 2026
Share this:

Sarah Jessica Parker may be known for her flawless complexion and radiant glow, but her skincare routine includes a habit that raises eyebrows in the beauty world – and it all comes down to how she removes her makeup.

The Sex and the City alum, who ushered in her 61st birthday on March 25, has always stayed true to her minimalist approach to skincare. The actress appeared on Caroline Hirons' podcast to discuss her routine with the esthetician and owner of cosmetic brand Skin Rocks.

"When I go into the bathroom, the first thing I do is take off my false eyelashes and remove my makeup," shared Sarah Jessica. "Then I use Boots fragrance-free makeup remover wipes , which cost around £1.99, to remove all my makeup. I use them because I'm afraid that the amount of oil or product I'm wearing will clog the sink." 

Sarah Jessica Parker in silver dress at Golden Eve: The Golden Globes © Penske Media via Getty Images
Sarah Jessica Parker turned 61

She continued: "Then I wash my face thoroughly. Some people are a little hesitant when I say I use soap, because facial cleansing is a very serious matter for many, but I don't care. My husband uses a simple bar of soap and has beautiful skin. It almost makes me angry, because he doesn't even wear makeup and yet he has perfect skin . So, honestly, I use any soap . I don't really care." 

Sarah Jessica is married to Matthew Broderick, and the couple share three children: James Wilkie, 23, and twins Tabitha Hodge and Marion Loretta, 16. According to the actor, his wife "has beautiful skin". 

Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker in formal wear.© CBS via Getty Images
Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker

Should we be using makeup wipes?

While Sarah Jessica's unfussy skincare routine works for her, it's not typically advised by industry experts. Nichola Joss, Sanctuary skincare expert, previously spoke to us about the use of makeup wipes. "Face wipes tend to be a little aggressive on the skin as they drag and pull the skin when being swept across the face," she shared.

"Dragging and pulling the skin can subsequently cause premature ageing and put stress on the skin. Also, often the ingredients of the face wipes are concentrated onto the wipe which can dry out the skin too."

Sarah Jessica Parker's routine

SJP in black robe in makeup chair© Instagram
The actress opened up about her beauty routine

The & Just Like That star exclusively shared with HELLO! some of the secrets behind her A-list glow. "Usually, I’ll do two things at most," she said. "Every now and then, I’ll add a third element." She added: "Simplicity and efficacy. I have great admiration for women who do nine steps in the morning and at night, but it’s something I don’t have the patience for. I don’t understand why we are asking that of women; all of our time is valuable."

More US
See more
Teyana Taylor goes sans makeup
skin routine
Teyana Taylor goes sans makeup
The One Battle After Another actress shared a makeup-free selfie with perfectly hydrated skin, therefore, we've delved into her beauty routine