How to Choose the Skincare Products Best Suited for Your Skin, According to Dermatologists
Unless you have a background in Latin or a degree in chemistry, reading the ingredients list on skincare products can be like reading a foreign language. That language actually has a name—it's the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. If you remember back to early science classes where you learned about the scientific method, it's a bit like that. The INCI exists to help create a standardized language of ingredient names to be used on labels around the world. Unfortunately, it's not super consumer-friendly.
Sometimes manufacturers will throw the everyday consumer a bone, putting the more common name in parentheses next to the scientific name, like this: Tocopherol (Vitamin E). But without that little nudge, the ingredients list often just looks like a string of long unfamiliar words separated by commas.
Instead of doing detective work on our skincare products, it's a lot easier to follow the popular vote and opt for products with a cult following, especially in the age of beauty influencers. But that's not always the best route. As simple as it would be, there's no one-size-fits-all skincare solution. As Jennifer David, MD, a dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology and skin of color dermatology, explains, "What works for your best friend may not work for you."
An individualized approach is crucial to finding the right skincare products with the right ingredients for your skin. This takes a little extra time, and yes, it involves reading the ingredients list, but it's worth it.
Luckily for you, we talked to dermatologists to make the whole process a little less intimidating. With some of this information in your back pocket, you can be a more confident consumer, and hopefully avoid reactive skin disasters when trying out new products in the future.
Know your skin type
According to cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD, skin type is the most important factor in determining what skincare products will work best for you. “There are no bad products necessarily, but sometimes people with different skin types use the wrong product for their type of skin,” Dr. Green says.
You might have guessed it already, but those with acne-prone and sensitive skin need to be the most cautious with different ingredients in their skincare products. To all the oily skin types out there, you’re actually the winners here: Oily skin can handle a wider range of ingredients that can sometimes trigger breakouts or irritation to other skin types.
These are the ingredients Dr. Green suggests for different skin types:
For oily skin: Look for products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic acid or salicylic acid), benzoyl peroxide, and hyaluronic acid. “These ingredients are effective at controlling excess sebum production while hyaluronic acid will produce hydration only in areas needed,” Dr. Green says.
For dry skin: Look for products containing shea butter and lactic acid. “These ingredients provide hydration and mild exfoliation to keep dry skin looking radiant,” Dr. Green says.
For sensitive skin: Look for products containing aloe vera, oatmeal, and shea butter. “They’re good moisturizers and they usually don’t break anyone out,” Dr. Green says.
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