Level 4: How to Choose Products

Learn selection criteria by category and how to read ads and reviews. (Not a brand list)

1
Choosing the Right Cleanser
Choose gentler formulas first, judging by tightness and oiliness 30 seconds after cleansing.
- Dry/Sensitive: Low-irritant cream or milk types. Oily: Gel or foam types. Combination: You can choose by area, using different types for your T-zone and cheeks.
- Judge by your skin 30 seconds after cleansing: If tight, choose a gentler formula; if shiny, maintain your current formula or adjust the amount.
- If fragrance or SLS (strong surfactant) content is high, sensitive skin should avoid it.
Try This
- · Try samples or mini sizes first for 3-7 days.
- · Check the position of 'fragrance' and 'Alcohol Denat' in the first part of the ingredient list.
It's Better to Avoid
- · Don't choose based on popularity ranking or review scores alone.
- · Don't use exfoliating products that emphasize only advertising daily.
Usage Methods by Product
Tap to view usage method
Cleanser· UsageFragrance-Free· UsageSensitive Skin· UsageDry Skin· UsageOily Skin· UsageAlcohol (Ingredient)· Usage
2
Choosing the Right Moisturizer
Understand the texture differences between lotions, creams, and balms, and how to choose by skin type and season.
- Lotion: Light and hydrating. Cream: Medium moisture. Balm: Rich with high oil and emollient content.
- Dry: Cream or balm. Oily: Gel or lotion. Sensitive: Fragrance-free with ceramide and hyaluronic acid focus.
- You can change textures by season. Light in summer, richer in winter.
Try This
- · Apply within 3 minutes of cleansing and check if the dewy feeling lasts.
- · If 'ceramide,' 'glycerin,' or 'hyaluronic acid' appear in the first part of the ingredient list, they help with basic hydration.
It's Better to Avoid
- · Don't choose only based on oiliness; 'definitely light balm' can worsen dryness.
- · Start with products focused on hydration rather than 'all-in-one' products listing 10 functions.
Usage Methods by Product
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Moisturizer· UsageCeramide· UsageHyaluronic Acid· UsageDry Skin· UsageOily Skin· UsageCombination Skin· Usage
3
Choosing the Right Sunscreen
Check SPF and PA ratings, mineral vs. chemical filters, and feel (whitecast and heaviness).
- SPF 30+ and PA+++ as a baseline. SPF 50+ for outdoor activities and prolonged sun exposure.
- Mineral (physical/mineral): May leave whitecast but usually gentle on sensitive skin. Chemical: Less whitecast but some sensitive skin should be cautious.
- Daily feel (heaviness, stickiness, whitecast) matters most. SPF 30 applied well beats SPF 50+ applied lightly.
Try This
- · Apply indoors or near a window and check for whitecast and heaviness after 30 minutes.
- · Save tone-up or tone-correcting formulas for makeup or outdoor use; regular formulas are often easier for daily wear.
It's Better to Avoid
- · Don't ignore feel just because of the SPF number.
- · Don't skip separate moisturizers when using a dual-purpose sunscreen.
Usage Methods by Product
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Sunscreen· UsageSPF· UsagePA· UsageMineral Sunscreen· UsageChemical Sunscreen· UsageWaterproof· UsageOil-Free· Usage
4
Choosing the Right Base Products
Choose base products that match your undertone, skin type, and desired finish (matte or dewy).
- Match both undertone (warm, cool, neutral) and depth (light/dark) for a natural look.
- Oily: Matte and long-wear. Dry: Dewy and hydrating. Sensitive: Fragrance-free and low-irritant.
- At the counter, test the shade on your jawline and neck in both natural and indoor light. Don't just test on your hand.
Try This
- · Use samples or testers to check longevity throughout the day.
- · Test the combination of primer, foundation, and powder together.
It's Better to Avoid
- · Don't just follow trending shades or influencer recommendations.
- · Online photo colors may differ from actual undertones.
Usage Methods by Product
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Foundation· UsageUndertone· UsageConcealer· UsageSkin Depth· UsageMatte· UsageDewy· UsagePrimer· Usage
5
How to Read Claims and Reviews
Understand what labels like 'hypoallergenic' and 'patch tested' mean, and what to filter out from reviews.
- 'Patch tested': Means irritation testing was done at a specific dermatology clinic. It doesn't guarantee safety for all skin types.
- 'Hypoallergenic' and 'additive-free': Have legal standards; check alongside the ingredient list.
- 'Non-comedogenic' and 'fragrance-free': Good reference points, but individual reactions vary.
Try This
- · Look for skin type, duration of use, and companion products in reviews.
- · Check the beginning of the ingredient list for alcohol and fragrance.
It's Better to Avoid
- · Don't ignore the full ingredient list just because something is 'free of' something.
- · Don't judge based only on extreme praise or criticism.
Usage Methods by Product
Tap to view usage method
Fragrance-Free· UsageNon-Comedogenic· UsagePatch Test· UsageSPF· UsagePA· UsageAHA / BHA· Usage