How to Tell Your Skin Type (+ The Best Products for Each Type from Kiyoko)
Identify your skin type and build the perfect Korean & Japanese skincare routine from Kiyoko Beauty
If you've ever picked up a skincare product and wondered "is this actually for me?" — you're not alone. The skincare industry throws around terms like "suitable for all skin types" so frequently that it's easy to assume every product will work for everyone. But the truth is, your skin has specific needs, and understanding your skin type is the single most important step toward building a routine that actually works.
This guide will teach you how to identify your skin type using a simple morning test, explain the key characteristics of each type, and recommend verified in-stock Korean and Japanese products from Kiyoko.com specifically formulated for your skin's needs.
Why Knowing Your Skin Type Actually Matters
Knowing your skin type isn't just a skincare trend — it's the foundation of effective skin care. Here's why it's so critical:
Personalized care leads to better results. Different skin types require different products. Oily skin needs lightweight, oil-controlling formulas, while dry skin thrives with rich, nourishing creams. Using the wrong product for your skin type won't just waste money — it can actively work against your skin's health.
Avoiding irritation and breakouts. Using products that aren't suited to your skin type is one of the most common causes of irritation, breakouts, and sensitivity. For example, heavy creams on oily skin can clog pores and trigger acne, while harsh exfoliants on dry skin can cause flaking and redness.
Long-term skin health. Proper care tailored to your skin type prevents future issues like premature aging, chronic dryness, persistent acne, and barrier damage. When you choose products that work with your skin's natural tendencies — not against them — you set yourself up for healthier, more resilient skin over time.
The Morning Skin Type Test: How to Determine Your Skin Type
One of the best times to assess your skin type is first thing in the morning. Your skin has had time to rest and rejuvenate overnight, and this "untouched" state reveals its natural characteristics better than any other time of day.
Step 1: Wake Up and Resist the Urge to Wash
When you wake up, don't immediately splash your face with water or reach for any products. Give your skin the chance to reveal its own story in its most natural state.
Step 2: Observe Your Skin in Natural Light
Find a well-lit mirror — ideally near a window with natural lighting. Look closely at your skin and notice the following:
Shine: Is there a noticeable sheen on your forehead, nose, or cheeks? Dullness or flakiness: Does your skin look matte and slightly textured, or are there small, dry flakes visible? Evenness: Look at how the skin appears across your face — are there visible variations between your forehead, cheeks, and nose? Texture: Does your skin feel tight, rough, smooth, or soft?
Step 3: Touch and Feel
Gently press your fingertips against different areas of your face. Notice:
- Does your T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) feel oily or greasy?
- Do your cheeks feel dry, tight, or rough?
- Is there an overall balance, or do different zones feel completely different?
Based on these observations, you can identify your skin type.
The 4 Main Skin Types (+ Characteristics)
1. Oily Skin
Key characteristics:
- Shiny appearance, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
- Enlarged, visible pores
- A greasy or slick feeling, particularly a few hours after cleansing
- Tendency to develop blemishes, blackheads, and breakouts
- Makeup tends to slide off or break down throughout the day
What's happening: Oily skin produces excess sebum (oil) due to overactive sebaceous glands. This can be genetic, hormonal, or triggered by using the wrong products (like over-stripping cleansers that cause your skin to produce even more oil in response).
What oily skin needs: Lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) products that hydrate without adding heaviness. Contrary to popular belief, oily skin still needs moisture — it just needs the right kind.
2. Dry Skin
Key characteristics:
- Tight, rough, or flaky texture
- Dull or matte appearance (lacks natural glow)
- Visible fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes and mouth
- Increased sensitivity to products and weather changes
- Itching, peeling, or redness, particularly in cold or dry climates
What's happening: Dry skin lacks adequate moisture and natural oils. This can be due to genetics, environmental factors (cold weather, low humidity, indoor heating), age (oil production decreases as we age), or using harsh, stripping skincare products.
What dry skin needs: Rich, nourishing creams with occlusive ingredients (like ceramides, shea butter, and oils) that lock in moisture and support the skin barrier. Layering hydrating serums under creams amplifies results.
3. Combination Skin
Key characteristics:
- Oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) with enlarged pores in these areas
- Dry or normal cheeks that may feel tight after cleansing
- Breakouts tend to occur in the T-zone, while dryness appears on the cheeks
- Different areas of the face require different levels of hydration
What's happening: Combination skin is exactly what it sounds like — a combination of both oily and dry zones. The T-zone has more active sebaceous glands, while the cheeks produce less oil.
What combination skin needs: A balanced approach. Lightweight, hydrating products that won't clog pores in oily zones, but provide enough moisture for drier areas. Many people with combination skin benefit from using different products on different zones (multi-masking, for example).
4. Sensitive Skin
Key characteristics:
- Redness, flushing, or visible broken capillaries
- Itching, burning, or stinging sensations after using certain products
- Tendency to react negatively to weather changes, pollution, or fragrances
- Easily irritated by common skincare ingredients (acids, retinoids, essential oils, etc.)
- May have underlying conditions like rosacea, eczema, or dermatitis
What's happening: Sensitive skin has a compromised or weakened skin barrier, making it more reactive to external stressors. This can be genetic or triggered by over-exfoliation, harsh products, environmental factors, or allergies.
What sensitive skin needs: Gentle, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products with minimal ingredients. Focus on barrier-repairing ingredients (like ceramides, centella asiatica, and panthenol) and avoid anything harsh or potentially irritating.
Common Misconceptions About Skin Types
Before we dive into product recommendations, let's clear up a few myths:
Myth #1: All oily skin is the same. Not true. Some oily skin is resilient and can tolerate strong actives, while other oily skin is sensitive and reactive. You can have oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin at the same time.
Myth #2: Dry skin is always visibly flaky. Some dry skin types don't show visible flakes but still lack moisture internally, leading to tightness, dullness, and premature fine lines. This is called dehydrated skin.
Myth #3: Sensitive skin is rare. Actually, many people have sensitive skin without realizing it. If you frequently experience redness, stinging, or breakouts after trying new products, you likely have sensitive skin.
Myth #4: Your skin type never changes. Your skin type can shift over time due to age, hormones, climate, diet, stress, and product use. It's a good idea to reassess your skin type every season or after major life changes (pregnancy, menopause, moving to a new climate, etc.).
The Best Korean & Japanese Products for Each Skin Type (Available Now at Kiyoko)
Now that you've identified your skin type, here are the best products from Kiyoko's curated selection — verified in-stock and ready to ship.
For Oily Skin: Lightweight Hydration + Oil Control
Oily skin needs products that hydrate without adding grease, control excess sebum, and keep pores clear.
Toner: ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Toner (200ml)
This lightweight, watery toner is formulated with 80% Jeju-sourced green tea and ISNTREE's patented Anti Sebum P(HD) for exceptional oil control and pore care. Centella asiatica reinforces the moisture barrier, while hyaluronic acid hydrates without heaviness. Perfect for oily and combination skin, but gentle enough for sensitive skin too.
Alternative Toner: SKIN1004 Centella Tea Trica Purifying Toner (210ml)
A gentle exfoliating toner that targets excessive sebum production, unclogs pores, and refines skin texture. Contains tea tree water (12%) and centella asiatica extract (9.8%) to purify and soothe oily, acne-prone skin.
Moisturizer: Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel (100ml)
This light gel moisturizer maintains the skin's oil-water balance while locking in moisture. Red bean extract (44%) contains saponins that help absorb sebum, while three types of peptides improve skin texture and minimize oiliness. Customers love how it hydrates without the greasy feeling.
Alternative Moisturizer: numbuzin No.1 Pantothenic B5 Active Soothing Cream (80ml)
This K-beauty cult favorite reduces sebum production, moisturizes for 130 hours, and combines soothing extracts with pantothenic acid, niacinamide, and zinc PCA to brighten skin and control acne. The non-sticky formula is ideal for oily skin that needs excess sebum control.
Cleanser: Banila Co Clean It Zero Tri-Peel Acid Cleansing Balm (100ml)
Perfect for oily and acne-prone skin, this cleansing balm contains jojoba oil to keep pores clear and a Tri-Peel Acid blend (AHA, BHA, LHA) to gently exfoliate. It removes waterproof makeup and impurities without disturbing the skin's natural moisture barrier.
For Dry Skin: Rich Hydration + Barrier Repair
Dry skin needs deep moisture, barrier-strengthening ingredients, and occlusive creams that prevent water loss.
Moisturizer: Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream (50ml)
A hydrating powerhouse enriched with 2.3% ceramides and panthenol. This cream replenishes moisture, strengthens the skin barrier, and provides 100 hours of hydration after one application. Ideal for dry and sensitive skin types — customers with super dry, super sensitive skin report total absorption with no pilling.
Customer review: "I have super dry super sensitive skin, and it just drinks this stuff up, total absorption no pilling. ❤️❤️❤️"
Alternative Moisturizer: COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream (100g)
Intensely hydrating cream concentrated with hippophae rhamnoides water and hyaluronic acid. Boosts and retains moisture, prevents water loss, and plumps the skin. Non-greasy, non-heavy finish suitable for combination or dry and dehydrated skin types.
For Very Dry Skin: Abib Jericho Rose Crème Nutrition Tube (75ml)
Rich creamy texture formulated with Jericho rose extract (30,380ppm) and shea butter to deeply moisturize fatigued skin. The Jericho rose is known for its ability to rebloom even in barren deserts — feel that same revitalizing hydration and nutrition in this cream.
Japanese Option: Hada-Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Cream (50g)
Features 4 types of hyaluronic acids including anti-inflammatory fermented hyaluronic acid. Additive-free and pH-balanced, it restores and locks in moisture without extra ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin. Ideal for normal to dry skin.
Alternative: KIKUMASAMUNE Japanese Sake Cream (150g)
Made with real Japanese sake, three types of ceramides, and four types of amino acids. Hydrates, soothes, smooths, and brightens skin. Suitable for face and body with a lightweight, non-sticky formula.
For Combination Skin: Balanced Hydration Without Greasiness
Combination skin needs lightweight products that hydrate dry zones without clogging oily areas.
Gel Moisturizer: ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream (100ml)
A lightweight gel cream that moisturizes from the inside out without leaving a sticky, heavy, or oily feeling. Contains 5 types of hyaluronic acid plus natural moisturizing factors like Betaine, Sodium PCA, and Vegetable Squalane. Centella asiatica, green tea extract, and licorice root provide soothing properties. Most recommended for oily and dehydrated skin (oily on the outside but tight and dry on the inside).
Alternative: Naturie Skin Conditioning Gel (180g)
An award-winning Japanese gel moisturizer with coix seed extract. When applied, it transforms into a liquid with a fresh, oil-suppressing sensation. Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and alcohol-free — great for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Toner for Combination Skin: ANUA Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
Packed with 77% Heartleaf Extract to calm inflammation, strengthen the barrier, and deliver lightweight hydration. Layers beautifully under serums and sunscreen without heaviness.
For Sensitive Skin: Gentle, Soothing, Barrier-Repairing
Sensitive skin needs fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products with minimal ingredients and maximum barrier support.
Moisturizer: Curél Intensive Moisture Care Moisturizer Cream (40g)
An award-winning bestseller in Japan designed specifically for sensitive skin. This light-as-air cream intensely nourishes and comforts while filling up the skin's ceramide reservoir and improving the natural barrier function. Perfect for dry and sensitive skin types.
Alternative: PURITO Oat-in Calming Gel Cream
A lightweight gel cream formulated with 77% oat seed water and panthenol. Melts into the skin, soothes hypersensitivity, and keeps skin balanced. Fragrance-free and gentle enough for reactive skin.
Barrier Repair Ampoule: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
100% Centella Asiatica Extract from Madagascar — one of the most studied barrier-repairing and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and gentle enough for eczema-prone skin. A Kiyoko customer with eczema noted it "helps to soothe those patches" and "helps with redness."
Your Complete Skin Type Routine at a Glance
| Skin Type | Cleanser | Toner | Treatment | Moisturizer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oily | Banila Co Tri-Peel Acid Cleansing Balm | ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Toner | SKIN1004 Tea Trica Purifying Toner | Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel |
| Dry | Gentle cleansing balm or oil | ANUA Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner | SKIN1004 Centella Ampoule | Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Cream |
| Combination | Banila Co or gentle cleanser | ANUA Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner | Lightweight serum or essence | ISNTREE HA Aqua Gel Cream |
| Sensitive | Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser | Minimal-ingredient toner | SKIN1004 Centella Ampoule | Curél Intensive Moisture Cream |
Quick FAQ
How often should I reassess my skin type? Your skin type can change due to age, hormones, climate, and lifestyle. Reassess every season or after major life changes (moving, pregnancy, new medications, etc.).
Can I have oily AND dehydrated skin? Yes! Dehydrated skin lacks water (not oil), so your skin can produce excess oil on the surface while being dehydrated underneath. This is common in combination and oily skin types.
What if my skin type changes throughout the day? If your skin feels balanced in the morning but becomes oily by afternoon, you likely have combination or oily skin that needs lightweight, oil-controlling products.
Is sensitive skin a skin type or a condition? Sensitive skin is technically a skin condition (not a type), but it's treated as a type because it requires a completely different approach to product selection. You can have oily sensitive skin, dry sensitive skin, etc.
Build Your Routine at Kiyoko
Now that you know your skin type and the products that work best for it, you're ready to build a personalized routine. Kiyoko Beauty carries 100% authentic Korean and Japanese skincare with fast shipping to Canada and the US.
Still not sure which products are right for you? Take the Kiyoko Skincare Quiz for personalized recommendations based on your skin type and concerns.
Shop All Skincare → Shop for Oily Skin → Shop for Dry Skin → Shop for Sensitive Skin →
All products and prices are in USD and subject to change. Availability verified at time of publishing. Check kiyoko.com for current stock.
