Finding a good moisturizer can be challenging, and even more so when you have combination skin. Combination skin is when you have some oily spots as well as dry spots on different parts of your face. The T-zone is usually where it gets oily for combination skin, and when you use products that counteract the oiliness and acne on your whole face, it can worsen the dry spots. But anything thick that would actually provide benefits to the dry parts will probably make the oily part of the skin feel heavy and maybe even make it worse. That’s why you need to find the best moisturizer for combination skin.
So, if you have combination skin, you’ll want something that’s moisturizing but not greasy, light but not too light, and will balance and clarify your skin, leaving it soft, healthy, and happy. We have rounded up the best moisturizer for combination skin for you.
Our Picks for the Best Moisturizer for Combination Skin
1. Overall Best Moisturizer for Combination Skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost
This moisturizer has been suggested for practically every skin type: oily, dry, mature, sunburned, acne-prone, and now, combination. Because of its accessibility and affordability, it has become a cult favorite. hyaluronic acid and glycerin are used in this light yet moisturizing product to draw water into the skin’s layers. It is also oil-free, so it won’t irritate any oily spots. It’s perfect for combination skin because of these factors. It can, however, be used with another moisturizer made for oily skin because of its oil-free nature.
2. Best Budget Moisturizer for Combination Skin
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30
In choosing a moisturizer for combination skin, it’s important to look for those that are oil-free, non comedogenic moisturizers that can treat dry skin without causing additional oil production and clogging pores. This perfectly describes the CeraVe lotion as it’s oil-free, so it won’t make oily spots worse, and it’s also cream-based, with non-occlusive chemicals like dimethicone so it won’t clog pores. It also contains SPF, obviating the need for yet another step in your skincare routine.
3. Best Drugstore Moisturizer for Combination Skin
Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid
You can use this Cetaphil daily hydrating lotion as another lightweight, efficient, all-in-one cream-based moisturizer (without SPF). It’s available at most drugstores and is designed specifically for combination skin, with ingredients like hyaluronic acid providing just enough hydration. Furthermore, it’s oil-free, fragrance-free, and noncomedogenic, it shouldn’t aggravate any greasy areas.
4. Best Moisturizer for Combination Skin with SPF
Clinique Smart SPF15 Custom-Repair Moisturizer
Clinique’s smart moisturizer for combination skin nourishes, brightens, and comforts skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – all while assisting in the strengthening of the vital skin barrier. It has extra UVA and UVB protection to protect against the sun’s harmful rays, yet in an ideal world, you should still wear a minimum of SPF30 on top of this for maximum protection.
5. Best Moisturizer for Combination Skin for Sensitive Skin
Bioderma Hydrabio Gel Cream
Because of their soft approach and basic formulations, French beauty goods typically work well on sensitive skin. Bioderma is a top brand, and the Hydrabio Gel Cream is suitable for combination skin types that are prone to irritation. Niacinamide soothes, salicylic acid resurfaces, and glycerin hydrates lightly but effectively and it gives a faint glow to the skin, but don’t worry, it won’t be confused for oil.
6. Best Under Makeup Moisturizer for Combination Skin
Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance
Make this your first stop if you haven’t tried any Glossier skincare yet. It’s a hydrating, shine-controlling, pore-refining miraculous product that uses a blend of marine extract, niacinamide, and willow bark extract to hydrate and balance skin. But the best thing about this product is that it’s not drying and won’t leave a flat, powdery result like some similar products.
7. Best Moisturizer for Combination Skin for Redness
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
This Aveeno light gel formula contains oat extract, which has been shown to alleviate redness, relax the skin, and maintain healthy barrier function. Glycerin, which is a humectant, and panthenol are also included to help with moisture levels. But it’s the texture that we adore. It’s light and refreshing, it glides onto the skin with ease, offering fresh moisture without causing shine.
Find out in our review whether the Aveeno Face Moisturizer really does give positively radiant skin.
What Should You Look for in a Moisturizer for Combination Skin?
A few components are especially good for combination skin because they may be used on the entire face and work well on both oily and dry areas. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts collagen production while also lightening the complexion. It is particularly useful to all skin types, especially combination skin, because it is among the most multifunctional skin care substances.
In order to maintain skin health, both oily and dry skin requires appropriate hydration. Hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrates the skin without adding any oil, which can cause breakouts and greasiness in the T-zone. It has also been shown to aid in the preservation of skin suppleness. Peptides are a great element to consider for anti-aging skin treatment, so consider an anti-aging moisturizer too. Peptides tell the body to make more collagen and elastin, which are two proteins that keep our skin looking tight and smooth and decrease wrinkles.
For more moisturizer options for your skin type, you can also check out our lists for the: