Shop by Skin Type

Understanding Your Skin Type

Your skin is unique, and understanding its natural tendencies can help you choose products that support balance, comfort and long-term skin health. Factors such as sebum production, hydration levels, skin barrier function and even skin surface pH can all influence how your skin behaves, and which ingredients it responds to best.

Healthy skin typically has a slightly acidic surface pH, often around 4.7 to 5.5. This acidic environment, sometimes called the acid mantle, helps support barrier function, retain moisture and defend against external stressors. When skin becomes unbalanced, whether through excess oil, dehydration, irritation or harsh products, it can affect how skin looks, feels and performs.

Oily Skin

Oily skin produces excess sebum, the natural oil created by sebaceous glands. While sebum plays an important role in protecting skin and preventing water loss, overproduction can contribute to shine, congestion, enlarged pores and blemish-prone skin.

Oily skin may benefit from formulations that help balance excess oil without stripping the skin, as over-cleansing can sometimes trigger even more oil production. Lightweight hydrators, non-comedogenic moisturisers, gentle exfoliants and ingredients that help refine pores or regulate visible oiliness can often be beneficial.

Often suited to:

• Lightweight gel or water-based moisturisers
• Gentle foaming or low-pH cleansers
• Balancing toners and clarifying treatments
• Non-comedogenic hydration
• Oil-regulating ingredients such as niacinamide or zinc

Dry Skin

Dry skin typically produces less sebum and may struggle to retain moisture effectively. This can lead to tightness, rough texture, flaking and a compromised skin barrier.

Dry skin often benefits from richer, more nourishing formulas designed to support hydration and reinforce the skin barrier. Humectants help attract water, while emollients and occlusives help reduce moisture loss.

Often suited to:

• Cream cleansers or low-stripping cleansers
• Richer moisturisers
• Barrier-supporting formulas
• Hydrating serums and essences
• Ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and squalane

Combination Skin

Combination skin commonly experiences both oilier and drier areas, often with more oil through the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin), while the cheeks may feel normal or dry.

This skin type often benefits from balance rather than extremes. Products that support hydration while managing excess oil can help maintain harmony across different areas of the face. Some people also use different products in different areas, often called multi-zoning.

Often suited to:

• Lightweight but hydrating moisturisers
• Gentle balancing cleansers
• Flexible routines that combine hydration and oil management
• Products that support barrier function without heaviness

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin may be more reactive to environmental stress, fragrance, harsh actives or changes in the skin barrier. It may present with redness, discomfort, stinging or visible irritation.

Sensitive skin often benefits from simpler, gentler formulations focused on supporting the skin barrier and reducing potential triggers. Maintaining a healthy skin pH and avoiding overly aggressive products can be especially important.

Often suited to:

• Minimalist, fragrance-free formulations
• Barrier-supporting moisturisers
• Gentle cleansers with skin-friendly pH
• Calming ingredients such as centella asiatica, panthenol or madecassoside

Why Skin Type Matters

Products are not one-size-fits-all. A cleanser or treatment that works well for oily skin may feel too stripping for dry skin. A rich moisturiser ideal for dry skin may feel too heavy for blemish-prone skin.

Choosing products tailored to your skin type can help support:

• Better hydration balance
• Stronger barrier function
• More comfortable skin
• Improved tolerance to active ingredients
• A more effective skincare routine overall

Understanding your skin type is often the first step toward building a routine that works with your skin, rather than against it.