How to Find the Right Ingredients for Your Specific Skin’s Needs
Yads Cauchi is a Dermal Clinician, Nutritionist (BHSc, MSc) and Beauty Journalist. She's also a mum of four. Evidence based skin health and nutrition are her thing and she works from her own skin clinic based in Canberra - you can find her there, or on Instagram and TikTok @yadscauchiskin.
Ever feel like you need a chemistry degree just to buy a moisturiser? Between the buzzwords, miracle claims, and endless “must-haves,” skincare can get overwhelming.
Although the truth is, skincare shouldn’t be about chasing the latest trend, it’s honestly about finding the right ingredients for your concerns.
Because here’s the thing: what your best friend swears by...might be totally wrong for you; because dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin each has its own wishlist.
That’s where this guide comes in. I’m going to break down some hero ingredients for every skin type and explain why they work.
Promise your skin will thank you.
Dry/Dehydrated Skin: Hydrate and Restore.
- Ceramides: Replenish the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.
- Squalane: Lightweight oil that deeply hydrates.
- Glycerin: Humectant that draws water into the skin.
- Shea Butter: Emollient that softens and protects.
Why it works: These ingredients work to rebuild the barrier and trap in hydration so skin feels plump and comfortable.
Normal Skin: Keep It Balanced.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Draws water into the skin for deep, lasting hydration.
- Niacinamide: Strengthens the barrier, calms redness, and keeps skin tone even.
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid or Derivatives): Antioxidant, brightens, protects against environmental damage.
- Peptides: support collagen and keep skin firm.
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (Lactic + glycolic acids): Exfoliate dead cells to reveal brighter, smoother, more even skin.
Why it works: Normal skin thrives on maintaining balance. Focus on ingredients that support hydration alongside your actives.
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Clear and Calm.
- Salicylic Acid (BHA): Exfoliates inside pores, prevents congestion.
- Niacinamide: Regulates oil production, reduces redness.
- Sulphur: antibacterial and helps reduce breakouts.
- Zinc: Calming, reduces sebum activity.
- Mandelic acid: A gentle AHA that exfoliates, brightens, and targets breakouts without irritation.
Try: Aspect Extreme B 17
Why it works: Acne-prone and oily skin benefit from ingredients that decongest, calm inflammation, and balance oil without stripping.
Sensitive/Reactive Skin: Soothe and Strengthen.
- Aloe Vera: Soothing, hydrating, anti-inflammatory.
- Colloidal Oatmeal: Reduces irritation and redness.
- Centella Asiatica (Cica): Calms inflammation, promotes healing.
- Ceramides: Rebuild barrier to protect from external irritants.
Why it works: These ingredients are gentle, reduce irritation, and support the barrier, helping skin become less reactive over time.
Pigmentation-Prone / Uneven Tone: Brighten and Protect.
- Vitamin C: Manages dark spots, protects against UV-induced pigmentation.
- Niacinamide: Evens skin tone.
- Alpha Arbutin: Targets melanin production without irritation.
- Liquorice Root Extract: Naturally brightens and soothes.
- Kojic acid: Fades pigmentation by slowing melanin production, leaving skin brighter and more even.
Why it works: Pigmentation needs gentle pigment inhibitors plus strong antioxidants to prevent and correct uneven skin tone.
Mature / Ageing Skin: Maintain Skin Health.
- Retinol (Vitamin A): Boosts cell turnover, stimulates collagen.
- Peptides: Support firmness and elasticity.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and plumps fine lines.
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid or Derivatives): Antioxidant, brightens, protects against environmental damage.
- Growth factors: Signal skin cells to repair and regenerate, boosting collagen, elasticity, and overall skin renewal.
Why it works: Mature skin benefits from ingredients that boost cell renewal, rebuild firmness, and hydrate to soften lines.
Finally, before you purchase any skincare here are a a few extra golden rules to follow:
- Don’t overdo the actives. Pair your heavy-hitters with barrier-loving basics so your skin stays happy, not stressed. Your skin loves to be balanced!
- One new ingredient at a time. That way, you actually know what’s working (and what’s not).
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Every skin type, every day, end of story.
And remember, at the end of the day, the best routine is the one that is targeted to your skin and your concerns!
Read more of Yad's expert skincare advice below:
