The right natural product for your skin depends heavily on actually knowing your skin type first — here’s how to figure that out and shop accordingly.
Identifying your skin type
There are five main skin types: normal, dry, oily, combination (oily and dry in different areas), and sensitive. A few simple ways to figure out yours:
- Look at your pores. Larger, more visible pores (especially around the nose) tend to indicate oilier skin; barely visible pores suggest dry or combination skin.
- Pay attention to how it feels. Tightness after washing, or redness when pinched, often points to dry or sensitive skin.
- Try the blotting sheet test. Press a blotting sheet against different areas of your face — heavy oil residue suggests oily skin; little to none suggests dry skin.
Weather and season affect this too — hot, humid conditions tend to push skin oilier, while cold, dry air pulls it drier.
Evaluating ingredients, and reading the label properly
Look for hydrating, skin-supportive ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, and papaya extract, along with antioxidants like vitamin E, which helps counter UV-related free radical damage and can support fading hyperpigmentation over time. For a deeper look at what to avoid and how to spot misleading “natural” claims, see our posts on [Ingredients to Avoid] and [Is It Really Natural?].
One genuinely useful thing to know: legitimate cosmetics sold in the US, EU, and most major markets are actually required by law to list ingredients using the INCI system (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) — so this isn’t just something a few brands choose to do, it’s the mandatory standard. Ingredients must also be listed in descending order by concentration, meaning whatever’s listed first is what the product contains the most of — though ingredients under 1% concentration (and color additives) can appear in any order at the end of the list. Some brands add familiar names in parentheses (like “tocopherol (vitamin E)”) to make the list easier to read, though it’s not required.
Always patch test a new product on your jawline or neck before applying it to your whole face.
A phthalates note, with a caveat
Fragrances (including many perfumes and colognes) can contain phthalates, which research has studied for links to hormonal and reproductive effects. To be clear, though, while these are areas of ongoing research, definitive causation in humans (like the “birth defects” claim) isn’t as settled as it’s sometimes presented. Still, if you have sensitive skin or are pregnant, choosing fragrance-free products is a sensible precaution.
Essential oils by skin type, and a caution
Many essential oils bring antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin. Neroli, geranium, rosemary, lavender, and ylang-ylang are commonly used across skin types. One caution worth repeating from our Essential Oils post: lemon and other citrus oils can increase skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid using on sun-exposed skin. If you have combination skin, a hydrosol (a lighter, water-based version of an essential oil) often works better than a full oil.
Matching products to your skin type
- Oily skin: look for astringent, oil-regulating ingredients, and avoid heavy synthetic ingredients that can worsen clogged pores.
- Dry skin: richer creams or balms with shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera tend to work well — coconut oil is a good fit here specifically, since dry skin (unlike acne-prone skin) generally tolerates it well.
- Sensitive skin: fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient formulas reduce your chances of a reaction.
The best approach is to experiment — try a few options and pay attention to how YOUR skin responds.
Note: This content is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional dermatological or medical advice. Please see our full Disclaimer.
About The Author
