Choosing The Right Skincare for You: Breaking Down the Best K-Beauty Products and Ingredients For Every Skin Type

Using the right skincare for your skin type is vital to keep your complexion healthy, as the wrong ingredients and formulations can cause irritation and stop your skin from looking its best. For instance, if you have very dry skin, an ingredient that primarily works to remove oils from the skin will cause your skin to lack even more moisture, whereas if you have oily skin, a powerful humectant that aims to prevent moisture loss will leave your skin looking even greasier. With so many different products available, however, sometimes it’s hard to know where to start.

That’s why we’ve assembled a limited-edition series of K-beauty Starter Sets: collections of 4-5 skincare products targeting different skin types and concerns, all carefully curated by Team Cupid. Perfect for those just starting their journey into the world of Korean skincare, each set contains everything you need for your basic daily beauty routine, including an oil-based cleanser, a water-based cleanser, a serum or ampoule, and a moisturiser. 

But how do you figure out what your skin type is in the first place? And how can you tell if a product or ingredient is going to be good for your skin type? Here, we’ll break down each of the four major skin types – normal, combination, dry, and oily – and some common skin concerns to help you make the best, most effective choices when it comes to your skincare. 

Let’s start with the first thing you need to do to build the perfect skincare routine - figuring out your skin type. 

How do I identify my skin type?

If you are not sure what your skin type is, there are two easy ways to determine it!

1. The blotting sheet test for skin type

Take two pieces of blotting paper – one for your forehead and nose, the other for the rest of your face – and place them on your skin. Leave them on briefly, then remove, and hold them up to a bright light to see how translucent they have become. 

• If the blotting papers are still opaque (i.e. there has been little to no oil transfer from your face), you probably have dry skin.
• If the blotting paper you applied to your forehead and/or nose is translucent, but the one you applied to your cheeks is opaque, then you probably have combination skin. 
• If the blotting papers are both translucent (i.e., both showing significant oil transfer), then you probably have oily skin.
• If the blotting papers are both slightly oily, but not completely translucent, then you probably have normal skin.

2. The cleansing test for skin type

If you don’t have blotting paper to hand, you can also determine your skin type using this tool-free method. Simply cleanse your face using your regular water-based cleanser, dry it lightly, and leave it for 1 hour (do not apply any products during this time). After an hour has passed, how does your skin feel?

• If your skin feels tight all over, you probably have dry skin.
• If your skin feels tight on your cheeks, but your forehead and nose are already starting to pick up some shine, then you probably have combination skin.
• If your skin feels a little greasy, and already has some shine on all areas, then you probably have oily skin.
• If your skin feels fine all over – not greasy, not tight – then you probably have normal skin.                    

Now that you know your skin type, what does that mean? In the next section, we’ll cover the four major skin types and how best to take care of them!

Skin types

Dry skin

What is dry skin? 

Dry skin is a skin type characterised by a natural lack of moisture and oils. Due to this, it typically tends to display signs of dehydration, appears to have smaller pores, and is more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Although you are born with your skin type, as you age your skin can change to become more dry, as the hormonal changes cause a lack of oils and moisture. 

What type of skincare is best for dry skin?

We recommend opting for an oil cleanser to balance and replenish natural oils, following an extra-gentle, low-pH water cleanser. The low pH ensures the skin is not stripped of moisture or beneficial bacteria that live on the skin. 

As dry skin lacks hydration and struggles to keep moisture in, it is best to opt for a thicker, richer cream with emollients and humectants that will trap moisture, as well as Ceramides that strengthen the skin barrier and lock in natural moisture.

What are the best K-beauty ingredients for dry skin?

Dry skin needs ingredients to provide moisture and hydration, and prevent it from escaping. Some of the best ingredients for dry skin include:

• Squalane: Antioxidant Squalane mimics the skin’s own natural oils to provide deep, layer-penetrating hydration and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Ceramides: A form of fatty acid found naturally in the skin, Ceramides help to hold skin cells together in the outermost layer of your skin, preventing moisture loss and minimising visible damage from environmental stressors such as pollution.
• Centella Asiatica: A favourite ingredient in South Korean skincare, nutrient-rich Centella hydrates your skin, reduces the effects of sun damage, and repairs your skin’s protective barrier.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Famous for its hydrating properties, Hyaluronic Acid pulls water from the air into the top layers of your skin to keep it moisturised and looking dewy.
• Beta-Glucan: Extracted from mushroom yeast, Beta-Glucan soothes irritation, plumps skin, and helps protect against cell damage. 

Find our specially curated K-beauty Starter Set for Dry Skin here! 

Oily skin

What is oily skin?

Oily skin is characterised by the overproduction of sebum, a naturally occurring oil that, in overabundance, can result in shiny, greasy skin, clogged pores, and acne.

What type of skincare is best for oily skin?

We recommend that those with oily skin use sebum-controlling cleansers and lightweight, oil-free moisturisers that offer hydration without suffocating skin. Try using a BHA-based exfoliator 2-3 times a week to reduce excess oils on the skin, and keep an eye out for products that are certified as “non-comedogenic”, meaning that they won’t clog pores.

Beyond the use of specific products, we also advise doing the following to control oily skin:

• Cleansing skin both morning and evening and after exercise, to prevent oil buildup. 
• Moisturising skin twice a day – if oily skin becomes dehydrated, it overcompensates by producing even more oil. 
• Following a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water.

What are the best K-beauty ingredients for oily skin?

Oily skin needs ingredients to control skin sebum production and remove excess oils. Some of the best ingredients for oily skin are:

• Niacinamide: Multifunctional Niacinamide helps to regulate the skin’s sebum production, getting rid of excess oils that can lead to clogged pores, inflammation, and acne.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic Acid works by pulling water molecules from the air into your skin, so it boosts skin hydration levels without causing greasiness.
• AHAs & BHAs: These two exfoliating acids work in tandem to dissolve the bonds holding dead skin cells together on the surface of your skin, for a smoother skin texture, and to remove impurities from pores for a clean, healthy complexion.
• Kaolin: A clay mineral known for its absorbent properties, Kaolin draws impurities like sebum, dirt, and pollution out of the skin without stripping it of its natural oils, for cleaner, clearer skin.
• Grape Seed Oil: Rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants, Grape Seed Oil soothes inflammation, brightens skin, and plumps up skin to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles - and it also helps to remove dead skin cells, making it a great choice for oily skin with easily clogged pores. 

Find our specially curated K-beauty Starter Set for Oily Skin here! 

Combination skin

What is combination skin?

Combination skin is characterised by areas of dryness (often on the cheeks) in combination with oily areas (often on the forehead, nose, and chin, commonly referred to as the T-zone). As such, it is slightly more difficult to treat than normal, dry, or oily skin.  While it is most common to see an oily T-Zone in combination skin, this is not always the case.

What type of skincare is best for combination skin?

We recommend that those with combination skin use gentle products that are suitable for all skin types. Due to its inherent characteristics, however, combination skin may require targeted care for different areas of the face – products that control sebum production for the forehead, nose, and chin, and more moisturising treatments for the cheeks. 

What are the best K-beauty ingredients for combination skin?

Combination skin is best suited to gentle ingredients like Heartleaf and Centella Asiatica that can be used by all skin types. You may require oil-balancing ingredients like Niacinamide and AHAs and BHAs for your T-Zone (see the section on Oily Skin above), and humectants like Betaine, Glycerin, and Allantoin for your U-Zone (see the section on Dry Skin above).

Find our specially curated K-beauty Starter Set for Combination Skin here! 

Normal skin

What is normal skin?

Normal skin is categorised by a perfect balance of oils and moisture, with no excess oils or lack of hydration. While normal skin can feel drier during the winter and oilier in the summer, its underlying skin type remains the same. This skin type tends to experience minimal breakouts and irritation. 

What type of skincare is best for normal skin?

If you have normal skin, you can safely use any skincare products you like – lucky you! Rather than trying to target oiliness or dryness year-round, pay attention to how your complexion’s needs change with the seasons – in the summer, your skin will probably prefer lightweight gel textures, while in the winter, thicker, richer consistencies will aid in preserving your skin’s moisture levels. 

What are the best K-beauty ingredients for normal skin?

Normal skin can tolerate ingredients that may be too harsh for dry skin, and ingredients that might be too suffocating for oily skin, making choosing skincare products a breeze! Here are some classic K-beauty ingredients that help to keep normal skin in tip-top health.

• Hyaluronic Acid: Famous for its hydrating properties, Hyaluronic Acid pulls water from the air into the top layers of your skin to keep it moisturised and looking dewy.
• Ceramides: A form of fatty acid found naturally in the skin, Ceramides help to hold skin cells together in the outermost layer of your skin, preventing moisture loss and minimising visible damage from environmental stressors such as pollution.
• Lactobacillus: This probiotic ingredient helps skin to defend itself against environmental aggressors, nourishing and visibly soothing your complexion.
• Rice Water: Rich in vitamins B and E, Rice Water hydrates, soothes inflammation, improves skin tone, and controls sebum production. 

Find our specially curated K-beauty Starter Set for Normal Skin here! 

Skin concerns

What is the difference between skin type and skin concern?

Your skin type is determined by genetics - you’re born with it! Your skin type will remain largely stable for your entire life.

Skin concerns, however, are conditions that may come and go, and are largely the result of environmental or lifestyle factors. For instance, you may develop wrinkles due to frequent sun exposure, or acne due to time-bound hormonal changes. 

In this next section, we’ll cover three major skin concerns, and how best to care for them. 

Acne

What is acne?

Acne refers to the inflammation inside sebaceous glands (glands within your hair follicles that produce sebum) and their resultant lesions on the skin. Acne can be caused by numerous factors and take on various appearances. There are several types of acne, including common acne, cystic acne, hormonal acne, and fungal acne.

• Common acne, known medically as acne vulgaris, is caused by hair follicles that have become clogged through the overproduction of sebum, the accumulation of dead skin cells, and the presence of bacteria on the skin, and is characterised by both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions.
• Fungal acne is a skin condition that occurs when a yeast that is normally present on the skin, Malassezia, makes its way into hair follicles that have been damaged (e.g. by shaving). Characterised by small, red bumps, or “papules”, that appear in clusters and sometimes evolve into whiteheads or pustules, fungal acne, unlike regular acne, is itchy, and often emerges on the forehead, hairline, and nose, as well as on the body.
• Cystic acne is characterised by painful cysts on the skin that are filled with pus. It is formed when bacteria and oils are trapped deep inside the skin, causing severe inflammation. Cystic acne is often associated with hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty or from PCOS. However, it can also be genetic.
• Hormonal acne is caused by changes in hormonal levels in the body (i.e. during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, or hormonal imbalance), which can cause the skin to produce more oils that get trapped inside the skin. Hormonal acne typically appears on the chin and jawline.

What causes acne?

Acne is caused by trapped bacteria and excess sebum that inflame the skin. This can happen due to insufficient cleansing, a damaged skin barrier, hormonal changes that cause an increased production of oils, and excess oils on the skin.

What type of skincare is best for acne-prone skin?

Use treatment steps such as essences and serums to tackle acne and breakouts with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Ensure effective double cleansing to reduce excess oils and bacteria on the skin. Apply pimple patches to avoid exposing the damaged skin to more bacteria and outside dirt.

What type of skincare is best for treating acne scars?

Acne scars naturally fade away after a few months as the natural skin cell turnover occurs. As we age, this turnover slows down, causing the marks to fade away less quickly. You can speed up this process with ingredients such as AHA, BHA, or Retinol, or fade the pigment that causes the acne mark to be visible with brightening agents such as Vitamin C or Niacinamide. If your acne marks have not disappeared after a year, we recommend consulting a dermatologist. 

What are the best K-beauty ingredients for acne-prone skin?

Acne-prone skin requires ingredients to control skin sebum production, soothe inflammation, and eliminate bacteria on the skin. Some of the best ingredients for acne-prone skin are:

• Heartleaf Extract: Native to Southeast Asia, the Heartleaf herb is abundant in amino acids and fatty acids which help to balance natural oils, repair the skin’s protective barrier, and soothe irritation.
• Tea Tree Leaf Oil: This natural extract is anti-inflammatory, prevents infection, and promotes skin healing - ideal for acne-prone skin.
• Green Tea Extract: Green Tea Extract supports skin health by regulating oil production, stimulating blood circulation, and soothing inflammation.
• Salicylic Acid: A BHA, or exfoliating acid, Salicylic Acid helps to prevent and alleviate acne by encouraging the skin’s natural exfoliation process and removing excess oils.
• Niacinamide: A water-soluble form of Vitamin B3, Niacinamide helps to improve skin health in various ways, including soothing, brightening, hydrating, and evening out texture – most importantly for acne-prone skin, it works to regulate skin sebum levels, which reduces the chances of skin breaking out.
• Honey Extract: Antibacterial Honey Extract helps to fight acne, protect skin from harmful external factors, soothe irritation, and replenish moisture levels.
• Peptides: When applied topically, Peptides – short chains of amino acids – stimulate your skin to increase collagen and elastin production, producing new healthy tissue and speeding up wound-healing.
• Propolis Extract: A resinous material produced by honey bees, Propolis Extract is a versatile ingredient that helps to reduce inflammation, prevent infection, combat acne, and promote cell turnover. 

Find our specially curated K-beauty Starter Set for Acne-Prone Skin here! 

Mature skin

What is mature skin?

As you might expect, mature skin refers to the changes that occur in skin as you get older. As you age, your skin produces less collagen and oils, resulting in dryer, thinner, and less elastic skin. 

Your lifestyle can also impact how fast your skin ages. Frequent sun exposure, for instance, damages skin cells and can cause wrinkles and dark spots, as can smoking and excessive drinking. 

What type of skincare is best for mature skin?

Mature skin is best supported by:

• Hydrating products, to treat dryness and increase skin suppleness, filling in fine lines and wrinkles;
• Products that address elasticity and firming by stimulating the skin to produce more collagen;
• Products that work to strengthen the skin barrier, increasing the complexion’s resilience against harmful external factors. 

What are the best K-beauty ingredients for mature skin?

Mature skin requires nourishing ingredients that work to hydrate, strengthen, and firm the skin. Some of the best ingredients for mature skin include:

• Peptides: When applied topically, Peptides – short chains of amino acids – stimulate your skin to increase collagen and elastin production, for greater skin elasticity and reduced signs of ageing. 
• Collagen: Collagen hydrates and strengthens skin, increases skin elasticity, and slows the skin-ageing process, as well as encouraging the synthesis of collagen in the skin itself.
• Adenosine: Adenosine encourages elastin and collagen production in the skin for increased firmness and elasticity.
• Ginseng Extract: This ingredient works wonders on the skin, improving uneven texture, supplying moisture, and helping to fill in fine lines and wrinkles for a revitalised appearance.
• Snail Mucin: Secreted by snails, this ingredient encourages skin to retain hydration, soothes inflammation, encourages skin collagen production, and speeds up your skin’s healing process, for increased elasticity and diminished appearance of hyperpigmentation and acne scars.
• Vitamin C: Antioxidant-rich Vitamin C keeps your skin looking bright and healthy by boosting collagen production, fading dark spots, and protecting against sun damage. Keep an eye out especially for products that contain Ascorbic Acid, which is the purest form of Vitamin C. 
• Retinol: A form of Vitamin A, Retinol speeds up skin cell turnover and increases your skin’s synthesis of collagen and elastin to fill in fine lines and wrinkles, make your skin feel bouncier, and even out skin texture.
• Bakuchiol: A vegan alternative to Retinol, antioxidant Bakuchiol helps to brighten dull skin, increase skin elasticity, and smooth fine lines by stimulating collagen production.

Find our specially curated K-beauty Starter Set for Mature Skin here! 

Teenage

What is teenage skin?

Teenage skin refers to the skin of people aged between roughly 13 and 17, which is often oily, sensitive, and acne-prone. Women especially experience a lot of hormonal changes during this time that can easily disrupt the balance of the skin and leave it irritated. 

What type of skincare is best for teenage skin?

To best care for teenage skin, we recommend using gentle, fragrance-free formulas that won’t irritate sensitive complexions. Avoid highly concentrated Vitamin C or strong exfoliating acids like AHAs – they’re simply not necessary at your age! Follow a simple routine that is easy to stick to every day – an oil cleanser, a water-based cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen. Consistency is key, and this is a great time to learn healthy skincare habits that you can carry with you for a lifetime. 

What are the best K-beauty ingredients for teenage skin?

Teenagers should stick to gentle ingredients that are suitable for all skin types. Some of the best ingredients for teenage skin include:

• Centella Asiatica: A favourite ingredient in South Korean skincare, nutrient-rich Centella hydrates your skin, reduces the effects of sun damage, and repairs your skin’s protective barrier.
• Mugwort Extract: Rich in niacin and vitamins A and E, Mugwort Extract is a nourishing herb that helps to soothe inflamed skin, promote healing, and deliver hydration.
• Heartleaf Extract: Native to Southeast Asia, the Heartleaf herb is abundant in amino acids and fatty acids which help to balance natural oils, repair the skin’s protective barrier, and soothe irritation. 

Find our specially curated K-beauty Starter Set for Teenage Skin here! 

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