Basics

What is my skin type? How do I tell?

Short answer

Skin type usually falls into four main groups: oily, dry, combination and normal; sensitive skin can also overlay these. The simplest test: wash your face, apply nothing, wait 1-2 hours. If everywhere is shiny it is oily, if it feels tight/flaky it is dry, if only the T-zone (forehead-nose-chin) is shiny it is combination.

The four basic types

Oily skin shines during the day with visible pores. Dry skin shows tightness, flaking and a matte look. Combination skin is oily in the T-zone and normal/dry on the cheeks. Normal skin is balanced. These types can change with season, age and care; they are not fixed.

Sensitive skin is a separate axis

Sensitivity is not a 'type' but a tendency: skin that easily reddens, stings, itches or reacts to products is sensitive, and it can be oily or dry. Sensitive skin is more affected by fragrance, harsh detergents and high-strength actives; choosing fragrance-free, simple formulas makes sense.

Why it matters

The same ingredient behaves differently on different skin types: fragrance is harder on sensitive skin, a comedogenic oil is riskier on acne-prone skin. Knowing your skin type lets you choose products for yourself. If you enter your skin profile once in the app, we personalize scan results for you.

What is niacinamide (suits most skin)?Scan by your skin type What does comedogenic mean?

Put what you learned to use

Scan the barcode of a product in your hand or take a photo of the ingredients; we analyse it for you.

Start scanning

Frequently asked

Does skin type change over time?

Yes. It can change with season, age, hormones and the products used; being drier in winter and oilier in summer is normal.

Can skin be both oily and sensitive?

Yes. Sensitivity is a separate axis; oily skin can also be easily irritated, sensitive skin.

How do I use my skin type in the app?

You enter your skin profile (type + concerns) once; on later scans we flag results for you (e.g. we highlight fragrance extra for sensitive skin).

This page is for general information; it is not a substitute for medical/dietary advice. Personal suitability varies by skin type, allergies and health status.