How accurate is this analyzer?

It uses transparent rule-based scoring aligned with common dermatology guidance. It is for education only and not a diagnosis.

What is the Fitzpatrick scale?

A I–VI classification of how skin responds to sun: lower types burn easily; higher types tan readily.

Do I still need sunscreen?

Yes, every day. Choose SPF 30–50+ depending on phototype and reapply with exposure.

No. The tool runs entirely in your browser and does not send data to a server.

Skin Type Analyzer – Fast, Free Test (Dry, Oily, Sensitive)

Finding the right skincare starts with knowing your skin. Our Skin Type Analyzer helps you accurately identify whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, normal, and whether it’s sensitive, while also estimating your Fitzpatrick phototype (I–VI)—in seconds, privately, on your device. This page explains how the Skin Type Analyzer works, how to use your results to build a routine, what ingredients to look for or avoid, and when to see a dermatologist.

Tip: The Skin Type Analyzer runs entirely in your browser—no sign-ups, no data storage, and no trackers in the tool block. It’s fast, accessible, and built for global users.

Why Your Skin Type Matters (and How the Skin Type Analyzer Helps)

Skincare is not one-size-fits-all. Moisturizers, cleansers, sunscreens, and actives perform differently on dry, oily, combination, or normal skin. Using the wrong routine can lead to irritation, breakouts, flaking, or dullness. The Skin Type Analyzer translates your answers to everyday questions—tightness after cleansing, shine patterns, pore visibility, flaking, sensitivity, and breakouts—into a clear profile you can act on immediately.

What you’ll learn from the Skin Type Analyzer:

Primary skin type: Dry, Normal, Oily, or Combination
Sensitivity flag: whether your skin tends to react to products or the environment
Fitzpatrick phototype (I–VI): how your skin responds to sun exposure, guiding SPF habits
Actionable tips: suggested routines, ingredients, and lifestyle advice

How the Skin Type Analyzer Works (In Plain English)

Our Skin Type Analyzer uses a transparent, rule-based scoring system grounded in widely accepted dermatology heuristics:

Dry vs. Oily signals: A tight feeling 30 minutes after cleansing, flaking, and fine pores push the score toward dry; consistent shine, frequent breakouts, and visible pores tilt it toward oily.
Combination detection: If shine concentrates on the T-zone but cheeks feel comfortable or dry, the analyzer classifies combination.
Sensitivity: Reports of stinging/redness with products, wind, or sun contribute to a sensitivity flag.
Fitzpatrick: Answers about natural eye/hair color, unexposed skin tone, freckles, and sun response estimate your phototype I–VI, a standard used to infer sun sensitivity and tanning behavior.

Educational note: Results guide your routine but are not a medical diagnosis. If you have persistent symptoms, see a qualified professional (dermatologist or GP).

How to Use the Skin Type Analyzer (Step-by-Step)

Cleanse once with your usual gentle cleanser.
Wait 30 minutes with no products. Observe how your skin feels and where it shines.
Open the Skin Type Analyzer above and answer each question honestly.
Hit Analyze. You’ll get your skin type, sensitivity status, and Fitzpatrick estimation with tailored advice.
Save or print your summary with Print / Save PDF and adjust your routine accordingly. Recheck every 6–8 weeks or when seasons change.

Understanding Each Skin Type (with Ingredient Playbooks)

Dry Skin

Signs: Tightness after cleansing, flaking, dullness, fine or barely visible pores.
Routine (AM/PM):

Cleanser: Low-foam or cream cleanser, lukewarm water.
Hydration: Glycerin or hyaluronic acid serum topped with a ceramide or squalane moisturizer.
SPF (AM): Broad-spectrum SPF 30–50+.
Exfoliation: Gentle lactic acid 1–2×/week; avoid over-exfoliating.
Avoid: High-alcohol toners, aggressive foaming cleansers, frequent strong acids.

Oily Skin

Signs: Shine across the face, visible pores, frequent blackheads or breakouts.
Routine (AM/PM):

Cleanser: Gel/foam; consider salicylic acid (BHA).
Balance: Niacinamide (2–5%) to regulate sebum; lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
SPF (AM): Oil-control or gel SPF 30–50+.
Extras: Clay masks 1–2×/week for T-zone.
Avoid: Heavy occlusives; over-stripping (which can trigger rebound oil).

Combination Skin

Signs: Oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), drier cheeks or jaw.
Routine:

Cleanser: Gentle daily; BHA 3–4×/week for T-zone only.
Zone moisturize: Gel on T-zone, cream on cheeks.
SPF: Lightweight SPF 30–50+ you’ll reapply.
Avoid: Treating the entire face as oily or as dry; tailor by zone.

Normal Skin

Signs: Comfortable after cleansing, minimal shine, even texture.
Routine:

Maintain: Gentle cleanser → light moisturizer → daily SPF.
Adjust: Introduce actives (e.g., low-dose retinoid, niacinamide) gradually.
Avoid: Over-treating “just because”.

Sensitive Skin: What If the Analyzer Flags Sensitivity?

If the Skin Type Analyzer marks you as sensitive, lean into barrier-support:

Patch test new products for 24–48 hours (inner arm/behind ear).
Choose fragrance-free, alcohol-free formulas with short ingredient lists.
Start actives (retinoids, AHAs/BHAs) slowly and buffer with moisturizer.
Look for soothing ingredients: centella asiatica, panthenol, ceramides.

If you’re experiencing persistent burning, visible rashes, or sudden changes, consult a professional.

Fitzpatrick Phototype (I–VI): Why It Matters for Sun Safety

The Fitzpatrick scale estimates how skin reacts to sun:

I–II: Burns easily; limited tan → prioritize SPF 50+ daily, hats, shade, and frequent reapplication.
III–IV: Sometimes/mild burns, tan readily → SPF 30–50 daily; still reapply during outdoor exposure.
V–VI: Rarely burns, deep tan → SPF 30+ daily; protect against hyperpigmentation and cumulative UV damage.

Learn more from authoritative sources such as the American Academy of Dermatology and the WHO UV resources for global guidance on sun safety.

Climate, Season, and Lifestyle: Why Your Skin Type Can Change

Your Skin Type Analyzer result is a snapshot. Expect shifts with:

Season & humidity: Cold, dry air → drier; hot, humid climates → oilier.
Hormones & age: Puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and medications can alter oil production and sensitivity.
Routine changes: Over-exfoliation, strong actives, or barrier damage may increase sensitivity.
Re-run the Skin Type Analyzer when your climate or routine changes.

Building a Routine From Your Results (AM/PM Templates)

Morning (all types):
Cleanse (if needed) → Hydrating serum (optional) → Moisturizer appropriate for your type → Broad-spectrum SPF 30–50+

Evening (all types):
Cleanse → Targeted treatment (BHA for oily/T-zone; gentle AHA or retinoid as tolerated; azelaic acid for redness/PIH) → Moisturizer

Weekly boosters:

Dry: Lactic acid or PHA 1–2×/week + rich overnight cream.
Oily/Combination: Clay mask or BHA on T-zone 1–2×/week.
Sensitive: Barrier serum (ceramides/panthenol) and skip exfoliation weeks if irritated.

Ingredients Cheat-Sheet (Use vs. Avoid)

Dry: Use glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane; Limit strong acids and high-alcohol formulas.
Oily: Use salicylic acid (BHA), niacinamide, zinc PCA; Avoid heavy occlusives and comedogenic oils.
Combination: Mix & match by zone; BHA for T-zone, lactic acid or PHA for cheeks.
Sensitive: Use centella, panthenol, ceramides; Avoid fragrance, essential oils, and aggressive actives until tolerance builds.

Common Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)

Over-cleansing: Twice daily is enough for most; consider water-only AM cleanse for dry/sensitive types.
Skipping SPF: UV damage accumulates regardless of weather; SPF is non-negotiable.
Too many actives at once: Add one product at a time; track response for 2–3 weeks.
Treating combination skin uniformly: Zone-treat for best results.
Ignoring irritation: Redness/stinging is feedback—slow down, buffer, or switch products.

When to See a Dermatologist

Sudden, severe acne, cysts, or nodules
Persistent rashes, itching, or burning
Hyperpigmentation that worsens despite SPF
Suspicious moles/lesions, or non-healing spots
A professional can diagnose and treat conditions beyond the scope of the Skin Type Analyzer.

Internal Tools to Use Next (Keep Users On-Site)

Check any related symptoms with our Symptom Checker.
Review a skincare prescription with the Prescription Checker.
Calculate safe medication amounts using the Medicine Dosage Calculator.
Track overall wellness with BMI Calculator and BMR Calculator.
Planning or comparing products? Keep your skin profile handy by printing the analyzer results.

Expert Resources (External Reading)

American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): sunscreen, acne, sensitive skin care, and ingredient guides (aad.org)
World Health Organization (WHO): UV index and sun-safety recommendations (who.int & associated UV resources)
National Library of Medicine / PubMed: peer-reviewed dermatology research (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

FAQs — Skin Type Analyzer

How accurate is the Skin Type Analyzer?

The Skin Type Analyzer uses a clear, rule-based approach aligned with common dermatology guidance. It’s designed to guide product choices and routines—not to diagnose medical conditions.

Can my skin type change over time?

Yes. Seasons, humidity, hormones, age, and product routines can shift oiliness and sensitivity. Re-take the Skin Type Analyzer every 6–8 weeks or when your environment changes.

What is the Fitzpatrick phototype and why is it in the Skin Type Analyzer?

Fitzpatrick types (I–VI) estimate how your skin responds to sun. It helps personalize SPF habits and sun-exposure guidance.

I have acne and redness—what should I select?

Answer based on your typical daily experience (shine, pore visibility, irritation). The Skin Type Analyzer will flag sensitivity and suggest gentle routines. For persistent acne or rosacea-like symptoms, see a dermatologist.

Do I need to create an account to use the Skin Type Analyzer?

No. The Skin Type Analyzer is client-side and private—no sign-ups, no servers, no tracking in the tool block.

Which sunscreen is best for my skin type?

All types need daily broad-spectrum SPF 30–50+. Oily/combination skin often prefers gel or matte finishes; dry/sensitive may prefer cream formulas with ceramides or panthenol.

What if the Skin Type Analyzer result doesn’t match how I feel?

Re-take after a proper cleanse and 30-minute wait with no products. If results still feel off, adjust by season (e.g., choose the drier or oilier routine you experience most days).

Can I use actives like retinoids or acids with sensitive skin?

Yes, but go slowly: patch test, buffer with moisturizer, introduce one active at a time, and increase frequency only if skin tolerates it.

Your best routine starts with the Skin Type Analyzer: a quick, private check that unlocks personalized care. Use your result to choose the right textures, ingredients, and SPF—then revisit as seasons change. If symptoms persist or worsen, partner with a dermatologist for tailored treatment.

Run the Skin Type Analyzer above now and save your profile as a PDF for easy reference.

Skin Type Analyzer (Free, Accurate & Fast)

Skin Type Analyzer (Ultra-Fast, Free)

Fitzpatrick Phototype (I–VI)