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Achieving a healthy complexion is a constant balancing act. For those with combination skin, it can be especially challenging. Slather on the best skincare products for dry skin and you’ll be left looking greasy—and worse, pimply—yet lean too far into oily-skin formulas and you may end up feeling dry as the Sahara. Adding even more confusion to the equation, it can seem like your skin is constantly in flux. “Skin that is categorized as combination means that it is dehydrated in some areas and excessively oily in others,” explains dermatologist Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson. “Typically, the T-zone is prone to oiliness while the cheeks might be dry/normal. Combination skin is also more sensitive to changes like seasons, stress, hormones, diet, and other environmental factors, so you may need to switch up your routine periodically.”
Thankfully, the best moisturizers for combination skin make addressing your finicky complexion a whole lot easier. These lightweight formulas help replenish necessary moisture without packing on the shine, giving you an all-around even-toned finish. And you shouldn’t have to worry about breakouts, either, since many top formulas are oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores.
Speaking from experience, I can confirm the best moisturizers for combo skin are worth their weight in gold. Below, I’ve included some of my tried-and-true favorites. I also sifted through customer reviews and tapped Dr. Robinson, as well as fellow dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur, to curate this list of must-haves. Scroll on to shop them.
innisfree Dewy Glow Jelly Cream
Pros
- Melts into skin
- Great for summer
- Brightening and soothing
Cons
- Some may prefer a slightly heavier moisturizer for winter
Gel, or water-based, moisturizers are known for being some of the best hydrators for combination skin as they offer plumping perks while melting into pores within seconds. This K-beauty gem is one of my favorites, namely to use during brutally humid New York summers. Equal parts hydrating, soothing, and brightening, it instantly absorbs to reverse dry spots and even out tone. And since it’s free of silicones and mineral oil, it never makes me look overly shiny. The cherry on top? Its subtly fruity scent smells almost good enough to eat.
Best skin type: Dry, normal, oily, combination
Active ingredients: Cherry blossom extract, niacinamide, betaine, glycerin
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer
Pros
- Wears well under makeup
- Hydrating yet fast-absorbing
Cons
- Some may prefer a heavier formula in the winter months
I’ve tried many hydrating face creams that ultimately sit atop my skin and cause my makeup to pill, but this silky Laneige formula does quite the opposite. It has a weightless finish that leaves me with a perfectly supple, slightly tacky base for seamlessly blending in foundation. And in the rare cases I go au naturale, it creates a healthy-looking glow I’m actually proud to show off to the world. Per the brand, it contains micro-sized molecules of hyaluronic acid that allow for faster absorption and longer-lasting hydration. Squalane and glycerin also help keep flaky patches at bay, while ceramides offer additional barrier-boosting benefits.
Best skin type: Dry, combo, normal
Active ingredients: Blue hyaluronic acid, squalane, glycerin, ceramides
Size: 1.6 oz.
Tower 28 SOS Daily Barrier Recovery Cream
Tower 28 SOS Daily Barrier Recovery Cream
Pros
- Super calming
- Fragrance-free
- Hydrating
Cons
- Some may not prefer a silkier texture
Like the rest of Tower 28’s thoughtfully-formulated makeup and skincare products, this moisturizer is designed to suit even the most sensitive complexions. (FYI, it’s from the same line as the brand’s popular facial mist, beloved by Hailey Bieber and countless TikTok influencers.) Aptly named the SOS Daily Barrier Recovery cream, it boasts four types of hydrating hyaluronic acid, strengthening ceramides, and calming allantoin to help keep skin balanced. It’s also fragrance-free, backed by the National Eczema Association, and said to be fast-absorbing and non-greasy.
A Tower 28 reviewer says: “I absolutely love this moisturizer! I’ve had a few dry patches on my face, and this product makes my skin so much smoother. I’ll definitely purchase this in the future!”
Best skin type: Sensitive, all
Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, allantoin
Size: 1.86 oz.
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin
Pros
- Affordable
- Multi-purpose
- Super gentle
Cons
- May not be the most effective for acne-prone skin
This classic CeraVe lotion is a number one bestseller on Amazon for good reason: It’s affordable, extremely gentle, and versatile enough to be used on the face and body without clogging pores or feeling greasy. Inside is a mix of hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides made to lock in moisture and keep skin looking healthy.
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have uber-sensitive/combination skin and I live in a dry climate with not a lot of natural moisture in the air. This lotion is creamy but not too heavy and I genuinely believe my skin will not survive without it. We love CeraVe over here.”
Best skin type: Normal, dry, combination
Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II)
Size: 19 fl. oz
Skinbetter Science Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment
Skinbetter Science Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Lightweight
- Deeply hydrating
Cons
- Pricey
Dr. Robinson recommends Skinbetter Science’s Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment for combination skin types because “it packs a ton of moisture, without the weight,” she says. “The science-backed formation helps support deep hydration using hyaluronic acid, squalane, and actives like urea and glycerin. Additionally, it has linolenic acids, cholesterol, and ceramides to support a healthy skin barrier.”
Best skin type: Combination, dry, aging
Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, urea, glycerin, linolenic acids, cholesterol, ceramides
Size: 1.7 oz.
fresh Rose Deep Hydration Moisturizer
fresh Rose Deep Hydration Moisturizer
Pros
- Great for dry patches
- Soothing
Cons
- Some may not prefer the scent
Fresh’s Rose Deep Hydration moisturizer is my go-to when my combo skin feels especially dry and irritated. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid as well as rosewater and damask rose extract to effectively soothe skin and help strengthen it in the process. The rich formula is super nourishing yet absorbs so well, I can still get away with wearing it year-round.
Best skin type: Dry, combo, normal
Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, rosewater, damask rose extract
Size: 1.6 oz.
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen
Pros
- Good for sensitive skin
- Minimizes pores
- Nourishes
Cons
- Some users noticed some pilling after application
Streamline your skincare routine with this dermatologist-backed moisturizer featuring an essential daily dose of sunscreen. Anyone with combination skin will love its lightweight texture and blend of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help nourish, shrink pores, and minimize excess shine. Not to mention, the mineral-based formula is oil-free and non-comedogenic. “I just ran out of this sunscreen. I bounce between this one and two others but EltaMD always stays in my rotation because this left my skin not only protected, but also feeling moisturized. It helps fight hyperpigmentation with UVA/UVB protection and overall, keeps my skin looking even (with the help of my other serums, of course), especially in Summer months,” shares Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director, ELLE.
Best skin type: Sensitive, acne-prone, combination
Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide, niacinamide, vitamin E
Size: 1.7 oz.
Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight
- Reduces inflammation
- Helps clear pores
Cons
- Some may not prefer the scent
Biossance’s gel moisturizer is especially ideal for anyone with combo, acne-prone skin. Not only should it feel featherlight and refreshing thanks to squalane, but it’s also packed with microbiome-restoring probiotics, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and P. acnes bacteria on the skin that causes acne. With consistent use, expect to see visibly smaller pores and a calm, clear complexion.
Best skin type: Oily, combo, normal
Active ingredients: squalane, probiotics, bisabolol
Size: 1.6 oz.
Augustinus Bader The Cream
Augustinus Bader The Cream
Pros
- Brightens
- Hydrates
- Helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
- Pricey
Augustinus Bader’s luxurious offerings have plenty of hype, with the brand’s signature, The Cream being the buzziest in its lineup. Using a proprietary blend of amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, the lightweight moisturizer helps balance hydration levels, smooth fine lines, and boost elasticity and brightness. Included is L-Ascorbic Acid, a powerful, stable form of vitamin C that can effectively target stubborn dark spots and hyperpigmentation. “This cream always gives my skin what it needs to get glowing. There’s hyaluronic acid, evening primrose, and this tiny breakthrough molecule called TFC8—“trigger factor complex”—which trains your skin to regenerate and become healthier in the long term just like a session at the gym,” shares Margaux Anbouba, Beauty Editor, ELLE.
Best skin type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily
Active ingredients: TFC8 complex, vitamin A, vitamin C
Size: 1 oz.
ISDIN Age Contour Face and Neck Anti-Aging Benefits Cream
ISDIN Age Contour Face and Neck Anti-Aging Benefits Cream
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Nourishing
- Helps fight signs of aging
Cons
- Pricey
Dr. Robinson suggests ISDIN’s Age Contour daytime cream for those with mature, combination skin.“It contains cross-linked hyaluronic acid that helps the skin retain water for an intense boost of hydration,” she explains. “It also features alteromonas ferment extracts, derived from fermentation of marine bacteria, that help protect the skin from wrinkle-inducing free radical damage.”
To complete your routine, you can also grab the cream in a potent nighttime version. It also features cross-linked hyaluronic acid, plus antioxidant-rich melatonin, which “works with the body’s natural circadian rhythm to repair the skin while you sleep,” adds Dr. Robinson.
Best skin type: All
Active ingredients: Cross-linked hyaluronic acid, alteromonas ferment extracts
Size: 1.81 oz.
What to look for in the best moisturizers for combination skin
“Seek out moisturizers with adaptive ingredients to reduce redness, great humectants like hyaluronic acid, and soothing ingredients like niacinamide—which has a potent anti-inflammatory effect, helps fade hyperpigmentation, and minimizes pore size by increasing elasticity in the skin,” says Dr. Marmur. “Moisturizers with pre/probiotics are also great for combination skin types, as they help keep the protective microbiome in sync and prevent inflammation that leads to acne, rosacea, and eczema.”
Dr. Robinson also calls out ceramides and peptides as key ingredients for “supporting a healthy skin barrier and regulating hydration levels.”
According to Dr. Marmur, you’ll want to look for silky yet moisturizing textures. And those with acne-prone skin should always reach for oil-free formulas that are non-comedogenic. “These won’t clog pores in areas that are oil-prone,” she explains.
Remember, combination skin types can vary by season and due to factors like stress or hormone fluctuations, so you may need to switch up your moisturizer accordingly. “For example, summertime humidity can make your skin feel more oily, so switch to a lighter moisturizer that mattifies the skin,” suggests Dr. Marmur. “In the winter months, the skin dries out and needs a moisturizer with more humectant.”
How often should I use a moisturizer for combination skin?
“Many think they should cut back on moisturizing if they have any oiliness to the skin, but that is not the case,” says Dr. Marmur. “Combination skin thrives with moisturizers twice daily–every morning and night,” she says.
During the day, Dr. Robinson suggests applying your moisturizer over any prescription topicals or serums and underneath a mineral sunscreen of at least SPF30 for proper sun protection.
Meet the Experts
- Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist. She is president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale New Haven Hospital.
- Dr. Ellen Marmur is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Marmur Medical in New York, New York.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
Sam Peters is a seasoned commerce writer and editor with over five years of experience covering fashion, beauty, and lifestyle topics. For this story, she tested a range of hydrators, interviewed two dermatologists, and sifted through customer reviews to find the best moisturizers for combination skin. Each product has been analyzed based on factors like texture, finish, and ingredients offered.
Sam Peters is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Her writing has appeared in WWD, Footwear News, Real Simple, PopSugar and Bridal Guide, among others. She enjoys unpacking the latest trends and testing and reviewing some of the most innovative, emerging products on the market.
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