How to Determine Your Skin Type (And What Clean Ingredients Work Best for You)

Your skincare routine is only as effective as your understanding of your skin type. Using the wrong products (no matter how clean or high-quality) can cause irritation, breakouts, or imbalance. If you’re not sure where to start, this guide breaks it all down: how to determine your skin type, which ingredients to look for (or avoid), and clean product suggestions for each.

*Products available on Amazon are linked

Step 1: How to Determine Your Skin Type

Here’s a quick test you can try:

1. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser and don’t apply any products afterward.

2. Wait for about one hour.

3. Observe your skin:

   • Does it feel tight or flaky? → Dry

   • Is there shine on your forehead and nose? → Combination

   • Is there shine all over your face? → Oily

   • Does it feel calm and balanced? → Normal

   • Is it easily red, itchy, or reactive? → Sensitive

Dry Skin

Characteristics: Flaky, tight, dull, prone to irritation.

Clean Ingredients to Look For:

• Hyaluronic Acid (for deep hydration)

• Squalane (lightweight but nourishing)

• Ceramides (to support skin barrier)

• Shea Butter or Avocado Oil (emollients that lock in moisture)

Avoid:

• Harsh exfoliants

• Alcohol-based toners

• Fragrance (can be drying)

  
  

Clean Product Picks:

• True Botanicals Renew Pure Radiance Oil

• Pai Skincare The Anthemis Soothing Moisturizer

• OSEA Advanced Protection Cream

Oily Skin

Characteristics: Shiny, enlarged pores, prone to breakouts.

Clean Ingredients to Look For:

• Niacinamide (balances oil production)

• Salicylic Acid (clears pores)

• Zinc (calms inflammation and regulates sebum)

• Witch Hazel (natural astringent—look for alcohol-free)

Avoid:

• Heavy oils (like coconut oil)

• Occlusive balms or butters

  
  

Clean Product Picks:

• Herbivore Lapis Balancing Facial Oil

• OSEA Ocean Cleanser

• Herbivore Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask

Combination Skin

Characteristics: Oily T-zone, dry or normal cheeks.

Clean Ingredients to Look For:

• Green Tea Extract (soothing and balancing)

• Aloe Vera (hydrates without heaviness)

• Lightweight oils like jojoba or grapeseed oil

Avoid:

• Over-drying acne products

• Rich creams in T-zone

Clean Product Picks:

• Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser

• Cocokind Texture Smoothing Cream

• ILIA True Skin Radiant Priming Serum (also balances)

Normal Skin

Characteristics: Balanced, few breakouts, not overly oily or dry.

Clean Ingredients to Look For:

• You have flexibility—focus on antioxidants and preventative care

• Vitamin C, Green Tea, CoQ10, Plant Oils

Avoid:

• Over-exfoliation

• Heavy layering (can disrupt balance)

Clean Product Picks:

•  Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil 

• Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

• One Love Organics Skin Dew Coconut Water Cream

Sensitive Skin

Characteristics: Easily reacts, gets red, itchy, or stings.

Clean Ingredients to Look For:

• Colloidal Oatmeal (calming)

• Calendula and Chamomile

• Centella Asiatica (Cica)

• Probiotics (to strengthen barrier)

Avoid:

• Essential oils

• Fragrance (even natural ones)

• Harsh exfoliants or acids

Clean Product Picks:

• Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream

• Pai Skincare Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil

• True Botanicals Calm Nutrient Mist

Tips for All Skin Types

• Always patch test a new product.

• Keep your routine simple and consistent.

• Don’t assume a product is "too rich" or "too light" just based on texture, check the ingredient list.

Clean skincare is not just about what’s left out (like parabens or synthetic fragrance), it’s about what’s put in. Choose products that are thoughtfully formulated for your unique skin type, and your skin will thank you.