The Fitzpatrick skin type quiz classifies your skin into one of six phototypes (I through VI) based on your natural complexion, eye and hair color, and how your skin reacts to sunlight. Developed by Harvard dermatologist Thomas Fitzpatrick in 1975, this scale is used worldwide to guide sun protection, laser treatments, and skin cancer risk assessment. Answer six quick questions to discover your type.
Skin Type Assessment
Answer each question — one at a time
How to Use the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Quiz
Understanding your skin type is one of the most practical steps you can take toward better sun protection and skin health. The Fitzpatrick skin type scale, developed in 1975 by Harvard dermatologist Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, classifies skin into six phototypes based on its inherent response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Dermatologists around the world use this classification to recommend sunscreen strength, estimate skin cancer risk, and determine safe settings for cosmetic procedures such as laser hair removal and chemical peels.
Step 1: Answer Each Question
The quiz presents six questions one at a time. Each question addresses a different aspect of your skin, eyes, hair, and sun response. Read each question carefully and select the answer that best describes your natural, unexposed characteristics — not a current tan or hair dye. The progress bar at the top shows how far along you are, and you can go back to change previous answers at any time.
Step 2: Review Your Skin Type Result
After answering all six questions, click "See My Results" to discover your Fitzpatrick skin type. You will see your type number (I through VI) along with a visual indicator on the skin tone spectrum. The stats cards summarize your recommended SPF, burn risk level, tanning ability, and vitamin D production efficiency — all personalized to your phototype.
Step 3: Read Your Personalized Sun Safety Tips
The results include a detailed description of your skin type and specific sun safety recommendations. Whether you have very fair skin that burns easily (Type I) or deeply pigmented skin that rarely burns (Type VI), the tips are tailored to your phototype. Everyone needs some level of sun protection, but the intensity and strategies differ by type.
Step 4: Compare All Six Types
A reference table at the bottom of the results compares all six Fitzpatrick types side by side. This helps you understand the full spectrum and see how your type compares to others. It is especially useful if you have family members with different skin types and want to understand their sun protection needs as well.
Tips for Accurate Results
For the most accurate skin type quiz result, base your answers on your natural, year-round skin tone rather than a seasonal tan. Consider how your skin reacted to sun exposure before you started using sunscreen regularly. If you are unsure between two options, choose the one that describes your most common reaction. Remember that this quiz is a screening tool — a dermatologist can confirm your phototype and provide personalized skin health advice.
FAQ
Is this Fitzpatrick skin type quiz free?
Yes, the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Quiz is completely free. Answer 6 questions and get your results instantly. There is no signup, no email required, and no hidden costs.
Is my data private?
Yes, everything runs locally in your browser. Your answers are never sent to any server, stored in a database, or shared with anyone. When you close the page, your responses are gone.
What is the Fitzpatrick skin type scale?
The Fitzpatrick scale is a classification system developed by dermatologist Thomas B. Fitzpatrick in 1975. It categorizes skin into six types (I through VI) based on how skin responds to ultraviolet light, particularly its tendency to burn or tan after sun exposure.
Why should I know my Fitzpatrick skin type?
Knowing your Fitzpatrick skin type helps you choose the right sunscreen SPF, understand your risk for sunburn and skin cancer, and determine safe sun exposure times for vitamin D production. Dermatologists also use it to guide laser treatment and chemical peel settings.
Can my Fitzpatrick skin type change over time?
Your Fitzpatrick skin type is determined by genetics and does not change. However, your baseline skin color can temporarily darken with tanning. The quiz measures your inherent response to UV exposure, which remains constant throughout your life.
Is this a medical diagnosis?
No. This is an educational self-assessment based on the Fitzpatrick classification system. It is not a substitute for professional dermatological evaluation. If you have concerns about sun sensitivity, skin cancer risk, or skin conditions, please consult a board-certified dermatologist.
How accurate is this skin type quiz?
This quiz follows the standard Fitzpatrick classification criteria used by dermatologists worldwide. For most people, it provides an accurate result. However, a dermatologist can offer a definitive assessment, especially for individuals with mixed heritage or unusual sun reactions.
What SPF should I use for my skin type?
Skin types I and II should use SPF 50 or higher. Type III benefits from SPF 30 to 50. Types IV through VI can typically use SPF 15 to 30 for daily protection. Regardless of skin type, dermatologists recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours during sun exposure.