What’s Your Skin Type? And How to Choose the Right K-Beauty Products

One of the most common skincare mistakes people make is using the wrong products for their skin type. Not because they don’t care — but because they honestly don’t know what their skin type is.

I used to be in the same boat.
I thought my skin was “just dry,” but in reality, I was over-cleansing and not hydrating properly. Once I understood my skin type and adjusted my routine, everything changed.

This guide will help you identify your skin type — and more importantly, choose products that actually work for it.

Why Your Skin Type Matters

Every product works differently depending on your skin.
The wrong cleanser, toner, or even sunscreen can cause breakouts, irritation, or dryness if it doesn’t suit your skin type.

Korean skincare focuses a lot on balance.
That means your routine should support your skin — not fight against it.

5 Main Skin Types (And What They Need)

Let’s go through each type. If you recognize yourself in more than one, that’s completely normal — skin changes throughout the seasons, your cycle, or even stress levels.

1. Dry Skin

Your skin feels tight, sometimes flaky. It often looks dull and may show fine lines more easily.

Common signs:

• Feels dry or rough to the touch

• Makeup clings to dry patches

• Skin feels tight after washing

What to look for:
Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, and nourishing creams. Avoid harsh foaming cleansers or alcohol-based toners.

👉 Shop Korean skincare for dry skin

2. Oily Skin

You get shiny, especially on your forehead, nose, and chin. You may have visible pores and be more prone to blackheads or acne.

Common signs:

• Skin looks greasy by midday

• Frequent breakouts or clogged pores

• Makeup slides off quickly

What to look for:
Lightweight, gel-based moisturizers. Toners or serums with niacinamide or tea tree. Oil cleansers can actually help — they break down excess sebum gently.

👉 Shop Korean skincare for oily skin

3. Combination Skin

Your T-zone is oily, but your cheeks can feel dry. Sound familiar? That’s combination skin.

Common signs:

• Shiny forehead + nose, but dry cheeks

• Occasional breakouts and dry patches

• Your skin never feels fully “balanced”

What to look for:
Balancing formulas that hydrate without clogging. Avoid over-drying the oily areas. Lightweight layers work best.

👉 Shop Korean skincare for combination skin

4. Sensitive Skin

Your skin reacts easily — redness, stinging, or itching after using new products.

Common signs:

• Skin gets red or irritated quickly

• Reacts to fragrance, alcohol, or harsh exfoliants

• Feels uncomfortable after washing

What to look for:
Fragrance-free, calming products with ingredients like centella asiatica, panthenol, and madecassoside. Stick to simple routines and avoid too many actives.

👉 Shop Korean skincare for sensitive skin

5. Normal Skin

Not too dry, not too oily — a balanced skin type with few concerns. If that’s you, congrats.

Common signs:

• Skin feels comfortable all day

• Rarely breaks out

• No sensitivity or dryness

What to look for:
Stick to maintenance. Hydrating essences, gentle cleansers, and consistent SPF. Use products that keep your skin barrier strong.

👉 Shop Korean skincare for normal skin

Still Not Sure? Take the Quiz.

If you're unsure what your skin type is — or if it changes often — take our free Skincare Quiz. It’s fast, helpful, and gives you a full routine based on:

• Your skin type

• Sensitivities

• Goals (hydration, glow, blemish control, etc.)

• How much time you want to spend

The quiz doesn’t just tell you your skin type — it shows you exactly which products are right for you.

Final Thought

Knowing your skin type is the first step to getting results.
When your products actually match your skin’s needs, everything gets easier: less irritation, better texture, more glow.

Don’t guess. Start smart. And if you need help, the quiz is here to guide you.