Skincare — Skin types
Skincare products by skin type
Four skin types, five products each. A visual guide to what to use, why it works and the order to apply it.
7 minute read
Written and reviewed by Beauty World Editorial · Last reviewed October 2026
Dry skin
The 5 products for dry skin
Layer water-based hydration first, then seal it in with richer textures.
Look for: Ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane, shea butter.
Avoid: Foaming sulphate cleansers, alcohol-heavy toners and daily scrubs.
1. Cream cleanser
Cleans without stripping natural oils, so skin never feels tight after washing.
2. Hydrating toner
Adds a first layer of water and helps serums absorb evenly.
3. Hyaluronic serum
Draws moisture into the skin — apply to slightly damp skin for best results.
4. Rich moisturiser
Ceramides and shea help repair the barrier and stop water escaping.
5. Facial oil
A few drops at night lock everything in and soften flaky patches.
Oily skin
The 5 products for oily skin
Keep textures light and target oil inside pores — without drying skin out.
Look for: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, zinc, non-comedogenic gel textures.
Avoid: Heavy butters, coconut oil, over-washing and harsh physical scrubs.
1. Gel cleanser
Lifts excess oil and sunscreen while leaving skin comfortable.
2. BHA toner
Salicylic acid clears inside pores; use 2–3 evenings a week to start.
3. Niacinamide serum
Helps balance oil and refine the look of pores over time.
4. Gel moisturiser
Oil-free hydration — skipping moisturiser often makes shine worse.
5. Clay mask
Once a week on the T-zone to absorb oil and calm congestion.
Sensitive skin
The 5 products for sensitive skin
Fewer, fragrance-free products and a strong barrier keep reactions down.
Look for: Fragrance-free formulas, ceramides, centella, panthenol, zinc oxide SPF.
Avoid: Fragrance, essential oils, strong acids and introducing several products at once. Patch test first.
1. Gentle cleanser
A low-foam, fragrance-free wash that respects the skin barrier.
2. Soothing toner
Alcohol-free with ingredients like centella or panthenol to calm redness.
3. Calming serum
Niacinamide or centella help reduce redness and strengthen skin.
4. Barrier cream
Ceramide-rich moisture that repairs and protects reactive skin.
5. Mineral SPF
Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide filters are usually best tolerated.
Combination skin
The 5 products for combination skin
Balance an oily T-zone and drier cheeks with light, flexible layers.
Look for: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, lightweight lotions, targeted BHA on the T-zone.
Avoid: One heavy cream everywhere, or stripping the whole face to treat oily areas.
1. Balancing cleanser
A gentle gel-cream that cleans the T-zone without drying the cheeks.
2. Toner
A hydrating, alcohol-free toner evens out both zones.
3. Niacinamide serum
Controls shine where you need it and supports drier areas too.
4. Light lotion
Use all over, adding an extra layer on dry cheeks if needed.
5. SPF 30
A lightweight daily sunscreen finishes every morning routine.
How to use
Applying your products in the right order
Thinnest to thickest
Cleanser, then toner, then serum, then moisturiser, then oil or SPF.
SPF every morning
Sunscreen is always the last step of your morning routine, all year round in the UK.
Introduce slowly
Add one new product every 1–2 weeks so you can spot what suits you.
