Let’s be honest—skincare can be a little overwhelming at first.

We all want to know how to care for our skin the right way. So today, we’re gonna tell you how to do just that.

It’s important to know your skin type before diving into new skincare products. Which is why we’re gonna help you figure that out, too (and recommend the best vegan and cruelty-free skincare products based on your skin type!).

This one’s a bit of a doozy, so let’s get started.

How to determine your skin type:

Some of us have an idea of what our skin acts like on a regular basis. But if you’re totally lost, don’t worry! We’ve got your back. 

What’s an oily skin type?

Oily skin can be a little tough to figure out. However, there are some key signs you can look for.

If:

• Your skin is prone to acne and breakouts
• Your pores are visibly enlarged
• Your face is constantly shiny or greasy-looking
• Blackheads are very common for you

... you probably have oily skin. 

How to know if you have dry skin:

Now, this one might seem obvious. But again, our skin can be tricky to figure out, so why not cover all the bases, right?

If your skin:

• Feels tight and uncomfortable, especially after bathing 
• Is flaky and rough
• Develops rough dry patches
• Is often itchy
• Cracks and/or peels

... you have dry skin in desperate need of some hydration!

What does combination skin look like?

Combination skin is actually the most common skin type. It’s both oily and dry, but at the same time. 

Here are a couple of ways to tell if you have combination skin: 

• Your T-zone—your forehead, nose, and chin—is oily, but your cheeks are dry (especially in the spring and fall)
• Your skin is dry in the winter and oily in the summer
• Your T-zone is more acne-prone

If these points sound familiar, you likely have combination skin.

Sensitive skin characteristics:

Sensitive skin can be a pain in the you-know-what. But the trick is knowing how to care for it.

If you have sensitive skin, you probably already know it. But if you’re unsure, look for these signs:

• Your skin is reactive (you often experience redness, rashes, and irritation)
• Your skin burns and stings
• You’re very prone to breakouts
• You get sunburnt easily

Sound like you? You most likely have sensitive skin.

Normal skin types:

If you’re one of the lucky ones, your skin type is considered normal. However, normal skin needs a little TLC sometimes, too.

Your skin is normal if you have:

• Little to no imperfections (acne, blackheads, etc.) and you’re not prone to breakouts
• Bright, radiant skin
• Small, almost invisible pores
• Little to no sensitivity
• Smooth skin with little to no texture

Although it seems easy-breezy, keeping normal skin balanced and healthy is just as important as with any other skin type!

The best vegan skincare products for each skin type

Something to note before we get into your new routine: 

Since skincare isn’t a one-size-fits-all kinda business, it’s hard to know what products will work for you right off the bat. That’s why it’s so important to know your skin type beforehand!

Skincare is usually categorized in these three categories: normal to oily, normal to dry, and sensitive. So, to keep it as clear as possible for you, that’s exactly how we’re gonna organize these vegan product recs.

The best vegan cleansers:

Normal to oily skin:

For normal to oily skin, use Nourish Mantra Ratrani Moroccan Lava Clay Cleanser. Kinder Beauty sent this in the November 2020 boxes, and it was a hit for these skin types. 

This cleanser is formulated to remove toxins, freshen up your skin, and keep breakouts at bay. It also soaks up any extra oil, leaving your skin cleaner, more balanced, and more toned than before.

Normal to dry skin:

Those with normal to dry skin should try the Herbal Dynamics Beauty Youth Refresh Hydrating Strawberry Antioxidant Cleanser (found in the Herbal Dynamics Bundle in our marketplace).

Formulated with strawberries and wheat protein, this cleanser will hydrate, balance, and purify without irritating or stripping your skin.

Sensitive skin:

If you have sensitive skin, use Willing Beauty Do Over Cleanser we featured in our March 2020 box.

This gentle plant-based cleanser effectively clears out gunk and grime without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Its soothing, hydrating, and strengthening formula leaves your skin feeling fresh and gorgeous—permanently! This is vegan beauty at its finest.

P.S.—also try out these other cleansers for sensitive skin.

The best vegan toners:

Normal to oily skin:

An exfoliating toner, like Youth To The People’s Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner, is great for normal to oily skin types.

Exfoliating toners like this one are able to penetrate and clear out your pores in a way that doesn’t irritate or inflame your skin. This is especially important for oily skin, as it helps to clear up and balance your complexion.

Normal to dry skin:

The Herbal Dynamics Beauty Rose Water Calming Face Toner (this one’s also in the Herbal Dynamics Bundle) works like a charm on normal to dry skin.

Brightening, soothing, and (most importantly) hydrating, this toner plumps and evens out your skin tone to promote a calmer, more glorious complexion overall.

Sensitive skin:

For sensitive skin, use Earth Harbor Natural’s Tidal Rose Crystal Hydration Toner. 

Gentle and soothing, this toner refreshes and revitalizes your skin by hydrating, softening, and balancing with just a couple of sprays.

The best vegan serums:

Normal to oily skin (and sensitive skin):

A Kinder Beauty fave is the Earth Harbor Naturals Luna Rain Phyto-Resurfacing Night Serum (sent in the October 2020 box). Since our Beauties loved this so much, we've included it in our marketplace!

This serum evens out your skin’s texture, brightens your skin tone, and clears up excess oil on your skin—all while you get some z’s. 

This night serum is also the top choice for sensitive skin types!

Normal to dry skin:

To soothe normal to dry skin, try the final product in the Herbal Dynamics Bundle—the Herbal Dynamics Vitamin C 25% Rejuvenating Serum.

Powered by ingredients like hyaluronic acid, green tea, aloe, and, of course, vitamin C, this serum moisturizes your skin and locks in hydration like nobody’s business.

The best vegan moisturizers:

Normal to oily skin:

The Dear Self “I Am Gleaming” Face Moisturizer we had in the June 2019 box is perfect for normal to oily skin types.

Lightweight and non-greasy, this moisturizer gets your skin the healing it needs without overdoing it. Used morning and night, this cream will brighten, tighten, and give your skin a healthy, dewy radiance.

Normal to dry skin:

For the hydration your skin is craving, use the Timeless Organics Intense Moisture + Vitamin E Facial Cream, which was featured in The Sunflower Collection in September 2020.

Not only does this cream hydrate your skin, but it also heals and protects it from past and future dryness. Meaning you get softer, healthier skin overall (even in the driest spots).

Sensitive skin:

A staple in many Kinder Beautie’s routines is the Earth Harbor Naturals Mermaid Milk Moisturizer (sent in The Rose Collection in July 2020).

Creamy, light, and non-greasy, this moisturizer hydrates and brightens your skin while treating irritation, breakouts, and enlarged pores. A bonus: it gives you a mermaid glow you’ll absolutely love.

The best vegan sunscreen:

Sunscreen is the most important part of your vegan skincare routine.

Our current fave for all skin types is the Honua Skincare Malu Day Cream SPF 30, which we’ll be sending in the July 2021 box this month.

It’s lightweight, creamy, and melts right into your skin, giving you awesome protection you can’t see or feel. Plus, it doesn’t leave a white cast (we know, unbelievable, right?) and is 100% reef safe.

On behalf of your skin and health overall, never forget your sunscreen. And always remember to re-apply every 2 hours!

With this cheat sheet, you can finally get your skin the care it needs (and treat yourself in the process!).

It’s important to remember that not all products work for everyone. But by knowing your skin type and exactly what your skin needs, you’re one step closer to nailing down your perfect vegan skincare routine.

Sign up for Kinder Beauty today!