When your skin is oily, even just around your chin or T-zone, you might have the impulse to skip moisturizer altogether, to avoid breakouts or clogged pores. However, most dermatologists and skin experts will argue that omitting moisturizer is counterproductive to maintaining healthy, hydrated skin. Instead, choose one of the best moisturizers for combination skin.
Shop the Best Moisturizers for Combination Skin
“Combination skin needs a good moisturizer,” stresses Heather D. Rogers, dermatologist and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Seattle. “Skipping this step for fear of looking greasy is hard on your drier areas, like cheeks, under-eyes, and neck.” While you could apply moisturizer sparingly on areas where you’re dry, Rogers recommends an alternative strategy: Switch to a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer for summer.
Rachel Westbay, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical, agrees, explaining that the proper moisturizer will provide hydration to areas of dryness while mattifying areas where you might have excess oil. “Consider a mattifying moisturizer to regulate excessive oil production, yet ensure it contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, B5 (pantothenol), glycerin, and squalane to assist with the areas more in need of hydration,” she says.
After testing and reviewing dozens of top-rated options, what follows is our list of the best moisturizers for combination skin recommended by expert dermatologists and estheticians.
Pros
Doubles skin’s moisture level- Refines pores
Cons
- May be too light for super-dry skin
- Over $80
Pore size is a common complaint among those with combination skin, according to Westbay. This oil-free gel cream contains Japanese botanicals, like wild rose, green tea, and fermented rice, which help minimize pore growth. The derm likes this moisturizer because the texture is super light, while still adequately hydrating the areas of the face that tend to be drier.
One reviewer says: “I have been using [this mosturizer] for five years. My skin is combination type and acne-prone—no other cream can compare to this one. It doesn’t break out my skin and it provides hydration. It leaves my skin very balanced.” —Angela
Pros
- Cooling on the skin
- Affordable
Cons
- Has a light fragrance
According to Muneeb Shah, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Remedy, one of the best moisturizers for combination skin is available at the drugstore. “This water-gel formula is perfect for combo skin,” says Shah. “It features hyaluronic acid to help the skin retain moisture, leaving you hydrated without [excess] oils.”
One reviewer says: “I have used this moisturizer for years. I like that it is light and very effective. Feels cool as you put it on and is not greasy.” —Pamela
Best for Long-Term Hydration
Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Lotion
Pros
- Allergy-tested and pH-balanced
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- For best results, should be used with complete Skinfix Barrier+ regimen
For combination skin, Westbay likes Skinfix—specifically, the Barrier+ line, because the formulas are formulated to treat both oiliness and dryness. “This non-comedogenic lotion is a great option for combination skin that isn’t quite as lightweight as a gel cream, but not as thick as a cream,” she explains. “As is true of the entire Skinfix Barrier+ line, this lotion contains skin-similar good fats like squalene, jojoba, and macadamia oils that mimic the structure of the skin’s vital natural lipids, and a hydrating red seaweed blend boosted with sodium hyaluronate, to easily retain moisture for long-term hydration.”
One reviewer says: “I’m pretty acne-prone. I use prescription retinol and exfoliate regularly, and this is the only [moisturizer] I’ll use. Winter or summer. I have combo skin for reference.” —Sofia
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Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream
Pros
- Strengthens skin’s moisture-barrier function
- Rich in phytonutrients
Cons
- Has a light fragrance
Youth to the People’s Superfood moisture cream helps mattify oily areas and hydrate dry areas, and contains antioxidants to brighten and improve skin texture and tone. As a bonus, many with acne-prone skin find the ingredient profile helps heal acne breakouts faster, says Westbay.
One reviewer says: “Keeps my skin hydrated and moisturized all day, and perfect for the summertime! It’s more cream than gel, but still, I like it a lot!” —Sarah
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Under $30
Cons
- Has a light fragrance
Don’t let the “pudding” texture fool you—this cream is weightless, but delivers deep hydration, making it ideal for combination skin. Westbay likes it because it contains antioxidants to protect the skin from pollution and free-radical damage. Plus, it’s one of the least expensive options on this list, at only $25.
One reviewer says: “The pudding consistency absorbs into the skin quickly without a greasy residue. Its smooth texture instantly hydrates the skin. This moisturizer has alleviated the dry and inflamed patches on my skin.” —Carolyn
Best for Mature Skin
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream
Pros
- Reduces visible signs of aging
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Packaged in a glass jar some people find fragile
This moisturizer contains collagen, peptides, and niacinamide to help promote a healthy skin barrier. According to Shah, the soothing ingredient profile makes it ideal for combination skin. Plus, you get plumping and firming benefits.
One reviewer says: “I’ve been using this at night for several months now and have noticed great improvement in my skin. I’m in my late 40s with very dry, and acne-prone skin. This is one of the few moisturizers I’ve tried that hydrates well and doesn’t clog my pores—it seems to help clear out blemishes.” —Alice
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Pros
- Awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
Cons
- Has a light fragrance
Kinship’s Supermello gel cream is a light gel-like moisturizer with plant-based probiotics that help strengthen the skin barrier to restore a more balanced complexion. Rogers recommends it to many of her patients with combination skin.
One reviewer says: “This is my favorite moisturizer! It cools, hydrates, and is very soothing for my sensitive skin. I love it!” —Jessica
Pros
- Contains a natural form of vitamin A
Cons
- Over $200
Celebrity facialist and skincare expert Mimi Luzon designed a gel-to-oil moisturizer made with rosehip seed oil, naturally high in vitamin A. It melts into the skin and works on a deeper level to minimize inflammation and regulate sebum production, which makes it a great moisturizer for those with a combination skin type looking for a matte glow.
Pros
- Protects against sun damage from UVB/UVA rays
Cons
- Over $190
Luzon often recommends the RéVive day cream to clients with combination skin. It’s non-comedogenic and safe for sensitive skin types, plus it contains a broad-spectrum SPF 30 to protect skin against UV damage and premature aging.
One reviewer says: “I [find] this day moisturizer with SPF 30 to absorb quickly. It is not heavy or greasy and protects my face from the bright sun of Florida in summer. I would highly recommend this to anyone who needs both moisturizing and sun protection.” —Ilene
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Pros
- Dermatologist-created
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Extremely dry skin may require an additional hydration layer underneath.
Rogers recommends her own Doctor Rogers Face Lotion to patients needing a simple, lightweight, effective daily moisturizer. With anti-inflammatory ingredients—like niacinamide, adenosine, and Centella asiatica to fight redness—it’s great for combination and sensitive skin types.
One reviewer says: “I have sensitive skin and react to many face lotions, but not this one. It feels wonderful, nourishes my skin, and is just the right weight. Plus, my foundation goes on smoothly over it.” —Linda
Best for Dry Skin
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Pros
- Allergy-tested
Cons
- May take a minute to fully absorb into skin
Another great choice from the drugstore is this La Roche-Posay oil-free daily moisturizer. “This is a lightweight cream that packs a hydration punch,” says Shah. “Key ingredients like ceramide-3, niacinamide, glycerin, and La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water make this one ideal for combo skin.”
One reviewer says: “My favorite daily moisturizer! Never greasy, never dull. Leaves my skin feeling and looking smooth and soft.” —Stacey
Meet the experts
- Heather D. Rogers, M.D., is a dermatologist and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Seattle.
- Rachel Westbay, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City.
- Muneeb Shah, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Remedy.
- Mimi Luzon is a celebrity facialist and skincare expert.
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Should combination skin types use moisturizer?
In short, yes. According to dermatologists and estheticians, combination skin types require moisturizer. “Don’t be fooled by the misconception that drying out oily areas will help,” says Luzon. “It stimulates oil production, worsening the problem.”
What are the best moisturizer ingredients for combination skin?
When it comes to finding a moisturizer for your combination skin, Shah recommends searching labels for the word non-comedogenic (which indicates the moisturizer doesn’t contain pore-clogging oils) and barrier-supporting ingredients, like ceramides and other lipids. Pore-minimizing ingredients, such as the fermented rice found in the Tatcha Water Cream, may also effectively address texture. Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane are also key ingredients in many lightweight moisturizers suitable for combination skin.
What is the best way to apply moisturizer to my combination skin?
A great tip from Rogers is to almost spot-treat your skin when applying daily moisturizer. “When applying the moisturizer, use a thicker layer on dry areas and a thinner layer on oilier areas,” recommends Rogers. That way, you’re giving those thinner skin areas, like your under-eyes and forehead, a little bit of extra hydration while not overwhelming the areas of the skin that have adequate oil production. In the morning, always follow with sunscreen.
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Shop more of our favorite moisturizers:
- The 15 Best Drugstore Moisturizers
- The 15 Best Moisturizers With SPF
- The Best Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin That Won’t Break You Out
- The 15 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin
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