Main content

Skin Types

The first step in personalising your skincare is to understand your skin type. Discover if you have normal, dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin.

What are skin types?

Your skin type determines how your skin behaves in its natural state. Although it is predominantly dictated by genetics, your skin type can be shaped by environmental factors as well.

From excess oil to heightened sensitivity, each skin type has its own set of unique characteristics. Identifying your skin type ensures that the products you choose will support your skin concerns instead of working against them.

Below, we’re unveiling the common characteristics of each skin type.

Normal skin type

Neither too dry nor too oily, normal skin can be more accurately explained as a balanced skin type. Normal skin types are widely considered the lowest maintenance of skin types, making it easy to follow a consistent regimen.

Dry Skin Type

Dry skin types have fewer lipids (natural oils) in the skin, making them susceptible to dry, flaky patches, tightness, roughness, and dullness. It can be particularly challenging to care for dry skin in winter since low-humidity weather can draw further

Oily skin type

Oily skin types have overactive sebaceous glands, so they naturally produce more sebum. This makes oily skin types especially prone to excess shine, enlarged pores, and blemishes.

Combination skin type

Combination skin is known for having a mix of dry and oily skin characteristics. Typically, this includes dry patches on the cheeks and an oily T-zone – the forehead, nose, and chin. Combination skin types benefit from a balanced skincare approach that targets these conflicting needs.

Sensitive skin type

Sensitive skin is prone to redness, dryness, tightness, and tingling sensations. Triggers vary from person to person, but sensitivity is often exacerbated by fragrances, harsh skincare products, environmental aggressors, and other allergens.

How to check your skin type

If you’re not sure where your skin fits in, read our expert guide to determining your skin type. From there, take advantage of our Instant Skin Reader for a closer analysis of your specific skin concerns.

Expert skincare advice for every skin type

From ingredient guides to skincare application tips, learn more about your unique skin type below.


Shop skincare by your skin type

Find out which Kiehl’s formulas are most compatible with your skin type.

Normal skin

A skincare routine for normal skin is about minimal intervention to keep your natural sebum levels in check while maintaining adequate hydration.

Dry skin

Dry skin types can incorporate a mix of humectants and emollients to help strengthen the skin moisture barrier.

Oily skin

Reach for lightweight, mattifying solutions that regulate excess sebum without robbing the skin of essential moisture. 

Oily skin

A combination skin routine should include lightweight products that control excess shine on the T-zone while hydrating dry patches. 

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin types should prioritise gentle, nourishing ingredients that support the skin moisture barrier – your skin’s first line of defence against external stressors.

AT YOUR SERVICE

SHOP MENTIONED PRODUCTS

Explore the Kiehl’s range for glass skin every day.

Frequently asked questions

Orientation message
For the best experience, please turn your device