Skincare — Product guide
The best skincare products, by skin type.
You don't need a shelf of products. These are the four that matter most, and what to look for in each so you can choose well in any shop.
7 minute read
Written and reviewed by Beauty World Editorial · Last reviewed October 2026
Step one
Cleanser
Oily or acne-prone
A gel or foaming cleanser, optionally with salicylic acid.
Dry
A cream or milk cleanser that leaves skin soft, not tight.
Sensitive
Fragrance-free, low-foam formulas with short ingredient lists.
Combination
A gentle gel cleanser that balances without stripping.
Step two
Serum
Vitamin C
Morning antioxidant for brightness and dullness.
Niacinamide
Helps with oil, redness and uneven tone; suits most skin.
Hyaluronic acid
Draws in water for plumper, hydrated skin.
Retinoid
Night-time step for texture and fine lines; start slowly.
Step three
Moisturizer
Oily skin does best with light gels or lotions; dry skin with richer creams containing ceramides, glycerin or shea. Look for 'non-comedogenic' if you break out easily.
Step four
Sunscreen
Choose broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher you enjoy wearing daily. The best sunscreen is the one you actually reapply.
Shopping tips
How to judge a product
Read the first five ingredients
They make up most of the formula.
Ignore miracle claims
'Erases wrinkles overnight' is marketing, not science.
Patch test
Try new products on a small area for a few days.
Fragrance-free if reactive
Fragrance is a common cause of irritation.
