15 Best Moisturizers for Combination Skin That Promise Utmost Hydration

Bid adieu to dry patches and oily T-zone effortlessly! It’s time to analyze your skincare regime and indulge in the best moisturizers for combination skin.

Anoushka Sinha
Written by Anoushka Sinha , Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Oct 26, 2023 | 02:40 PM IST | 3.4M
Best moisturiser for combination skin
Best moisturiser for combination skin
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process
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In order to protect your combination skin from dirt, grime, and other pollutants, you need to innovate your skincare routine and indulge in the best moisturizers for combination skin. Be it dry skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin, sensitive skin, or a combination skin type, you need only one skincare product in your hands — a moisturizer! Right from serums, and face scrubs to face masks, they also change your skincare game. Moisturizers are protective shields that you should never ignore. They fetch you a plethora of skin benefits. They leave your skin glowing, radiant, and rejuvenated like never before.

The combination skin type is the most common skin type. Someone who possesses a combination skin type experiences high sebum secretions on the forehead, nose, and chin as compared to on both cheeks (1). In the other parts, the skin feels dry and normal. Another way of figuring out a combination skin is the presence of large pores and patches. So for taking good care of your combination skin, you must vouch for the best face moisturizer for combination skin. 

Most women love to choose a moisturizer that is lighter and non-greasy on the skin. Well, all moisturizers hydrate the skin from the inside out as they seep into the layers of the skin and provide utmost nourishment. Your moisturizer can also act as a great primer. It is believed that its consistency and texture prepare your skin and set a base for your makeup. It clears the complexion with anti-oxidant concentration levels and helps in slowing down the aging process. Keep scrolling for investing in a simple, hydrating, lightweight moisturizer to suit your combination skin. 

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Our Top Picks:

1. plum green tea mattifying moisturizer - Best Overall

2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost WATER GEL - Most Hydrating

3. OLAY REGENERIST RETINOL 24 MAX NIGHT  HYDRATING - Best for Night-Time Regime

4. CLINIQUE Dramatically Different™ Moisturizing Lotion+ - Beautiful Texture

5. TATCHA THE WATER CREAM - Best for Pore-refining Hydration

 15 Best Moisturizers for Combination Skin to Stay Hydrated

1. plum green tea mattifying moisturizer

plum green tea mattifying moisturizer

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Get ready to awaken your senses and feel refreshed! This plum moisturizer has a mesmerizing scent of green tea. It is a mattifying moisturizer crafted especially for women and is meant for those possessing acne-prone, combination, and oily skin. The green tea extracts of the moisturizer aid to fight acne and control the hydration levels of your skin. This moisturizer can be awarded as the best moisturizer for combination skin that gently keeps the skin clear and oil-free.

Key Ingredients: Green tea, and glycolic acid

Pros 

- Vegan

- Lightweight

- Non-greasy

- Exfoliates pores

- Contains natural oils

- Recyclable packaging 

- Comes with an aloe vera gel

- Provides moisture for up to 6 hours

Cons 

- None

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2. Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST HYALURONIC ACID WATER GEL

Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST HYALURONIC ACID WATER GEL

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This moisturizer is widely appreciated for its powerful skin-benefiting key ingredients. It is recommended by dermatologists as it offers non-stop hydration for attaining supple skin instantly. The gel locks hydration within the skin cells straight for up to 24 hours. It is an oil and fragrance-free moisturizer that also works as one of the best moisturizers for sensitive skin. The best part — this gel absorbs into your skin within minutes.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C

Pros 

- Purified formula

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- Very light on the skin

- Best for everyday use

- Strengthens skin barriers 

- Non-comedogenic formula

- Provides hydration for 72 hours

Cons 

- Unsatisfactory packaging 

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3. OLAY REGENERIST RETINOL 24 MAX NIGHT HYDRATING Moisturizer

OLAY REGENERIST RETINOL 24 MAX NIGHT HYDRATING Moisturizer

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With commendable hydrating abilities, this face cream for combination skin from Olay smoothens and brightens the skin just the way you have always wanted. Since it is meant for PM use, this cream visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The rich and creamy texture glides onto your skin and penetrates quickly. It doesn’t leave greasiness and leaves behind a matte finish. Take care of your skin with this hydrating moisturizer and undergo a flawless transformation overnight.

Key Ingredients: Retinoid complex, and niacinamide 

Pros 

- Fragrance-free

- Also suits dry skin

- Dermatologically-tested

- Deeply replenishes the skin

- Improves the appearance of pores

Cons 

- Might not suit sensitive skin

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4. CLINIQUE Dramatically Different™ Moisturizing Lotion+

CLINIQUE Dramatically Different™ Moisturizing Lotion+

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Here is the moisturizing cream for combination skin that works wonders because it is developed by dermatologists themselves. This moisturizing lotion dramatically strengthens your skin barrier by 34% in just 4 hours. Be it dry, combination, or very dry skin, this lotion softens, smoothens, and hydrates them all effectively. Incorporate this into your regime and we bet you need not look for anything else to take better care of your skin. Plus, the lotion leaves behind a youthful-looking glow that you just can’t stop drooling over.

Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed cake, hyaluronic acid, barley, and cucumber fruit extracts

Pros 

- Sulfate-free

- Alcohol-free

- Silky texture 

- Easy to spread

- Retains skin’s moisture levels

- Can be applied to the entire body 

Cons 

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- Expensive 

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5. TATCHA THE WATER CREAM

TATCHA THE WATER CREAM

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Let your skin soak itself into the burst of hydration with this clarifying water cream from Tatcha. For all those patrolling the internet to invest in an effective cream for smooth and balanced skin, grab this one and end your search right away. Its Japanese nutrients, botanical ingredients, and other secrets make it an apt skincare product to deal with oily and combination skin. The non-greasy texture glides easily on your skin and helps you attain a radiant glow. 

Key Ingredients: Japanese wild rose, Hadasei-3 complex, and leopard lily

Pros 

- Tightens the pores

- Non-sticky formula

- Imparts shine-free glow

- Controls excess oil production 

- Encourages natural skin turnover

Cons 

- Pricey 

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6. mamaearth Vitamin C FACE MILK 

mamaearth Vitamin C FACE MILK

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This Mamaearth Vitamin C Face Milk promises maximum moisturization with its fresh and long-lasting results. It quickly absorbs into the skin and helps you attain a luminous glow. This cream for combination skin is gender-neutral and leaves no space for any disappointments. It has no harmful chemicals and has the power to cure fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, pores, and pigmentation. With excellent antioxidant properties, this face milk not only suits combination skin but also works beautifully on dry, normal, and acne-prone skin. 

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide, and peach

Pros 

- Sulfate-free

- Silicone-free

- Rejuvenates the skin

- Lightweight formula

- Reduces skin’s dullness

- Shrinks enlarged pores

- Fights against free radicals 

Cons 

- Not meant for sensitive skin 

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7. VENUSIA MAX MOISTURISER INTENSIVE LOTION

ENUSIA MAX MOISTURISER INTENSIVE LOTION

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This lotion is one of the moisturizers that you should add to your combination skincare routine. It soothes the skin and leaves no space for inflammation and irritation. It is enriched with ingredients providing 12 hours of intense hydration to your combination skin. It helps in forming a desired barrier that locks in moisture throughout the day and leaves your skin soft and supple. Moreover, it is free from alcohol, paraben, sulfate, dye, and mineral oil. 

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Key Ingredients: Shea butter, cocoa butter, aloe vera, and mango butter

Pros 

- Non-irritant

- Non-comedogenic 

-  Provides long-lasting moisturization

- Can also be applied to the body 

Cons 

- Unsatisfactory packaging 

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8. BIODERMA - Hydrabio Gel-Cream

BIODERMA - Hydrabio Gel-Cream

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No skincare regime is complete without the application of a day cream for combination skin. And, this fast-absorbing day cream from Bioderma comes with a hydrating efficacy of up to 8 hours. The gel-like texture penetrates deeply and nourishes it to the fullest. It is one such cream that is crafted for adults as well as teens. This cream also acts as an excellent makeup base. The best part — it is a mild fragrance that makes you feel refreshed. 

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, aquagenium complex, salicylic acid, niacinamide, and squalene 

Pros 

- Targets skin lipids 

- Safe for sensitive skin 

- Best for AM to PM use

- Smoothens skin’s texture

- Eliminates dead skin cells

Cons 

- Poor quality dispenser 

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9. AUSTRALIAN Goats Milk REPLENISHING MOISTURISING CREAM

AUSTRALIAN Goats Milk REPLENISHING MOISTURISING CREAM

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This moisturizer for combination skin types helps to soften, nourish and rejuvenate your skin. It contains potent ingredients for utmost skin hydration. If you ask us, this is one the best creams for combination skin that delivers what it claims. It is a 100% Australian natural and vegan cream that promotes a naturally healthy complexion. This cream includes essential proteins, vitamin A, B6, B12, and E that stimulate healthy skin. 

Key Ingredients: Manuka honey, amino acids, minerals, natural lactic acid, and goat milk cream

Pros

- Soothes irritation

- Rejuvenates the skin

- Suits sensitives skin

- Regulates skin’s pH levels

- Anti-inflammatory properties 

Cons 

- Unpleasant fragrance 

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10. iS CLINICAL MOISTURIZING COMPLEX

iS CLINICAL MOISTURIZING COMPLEX

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Look what we found for you — an excellent AM to PM moisturizer for daily use. Packed with powerful antioxidants, this moisturizing complex from iS Clinical promotes a healthy skin barrier. It has skin-enhancing properties and hydrates the skin inside out. This cream not only seals your skin with a sufficient amount of moisture but also protects it against skin-damaging environmental pollutants. It is a versatile moisturizer for combination skin that suits all skin types and is designed for all ages. 

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Japanese green tea, and vitamin A, and E

Pros 

- Non-greasy formula

- Diminishes the signs of premature aging

- Protects against the effects of photodamage

- Fades the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Cons 

- Very expensive 

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11. Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine™ Oil-Free Moisture Cushion

Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine™ Oil-Free Moisture Cushion

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For even and maximum hydration, get your hands on this gel-like cream from Dr. Deniss Gross. Its marine-enriched moisture paves way for a smooth, soft, and healthy complexion. This cream suits all skin types and especially alleviates dry skin woes. It doesn’t clog pores and makes your skin a lot more radiant and dewy. Plus, it enhances the elasticity of your skin and quenches the thirst of your dehydrated skin. 

Key Ingredients: Japanese marine algae, and hyaluronic acid

Pros 

- Oil-free

- Paraben-free

- Fragrance-free

- Hypoallergenic 

- Calms inflammation 

- Also suits sensitive skin

Cons 

- None

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12. Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion

Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion

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This Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion is extremely gentle on the skin. For all those who wish to rapidly hydrate their combination skin, this is a good moisturizer to invest in without any second thoughts. It quickly gets absorbed into the skin and shows desirable results. The lotion leaves your skin soft and supple. In addition, it protects your skin from harmful environmental irritants. Lastly, it is also enriched with the goodness of sweet almond oil and deserves to be your skin’s forever companion. 

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Key Ingredients: Macadamia nut oil, and vitamin E

Pros 

- Doesn’t clog pores

- Safe for sensitive skin

- Provides 48 hours of hydration

- Recommended by dermatologists 

- Comes with a moisturizing cream 

Cons 

- Little pricey 

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13. BIOTIQUE SAFFRON YOUTH DEW VISIBLY AGELESS MOISTURIZER

BIOTIQUE SAFFRON YOUTH DEW VISIBLY AGELESS MOISTURIZER

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This moisturizer from Biotique is a combination skin moisturizer that is enriched with powerful ingredients and ayurvedic properties. You can use it as a face moisturizer, day cream, or night cream. This cream revitalizes your skin cells and also retains the youthfulness of your skin. With the power to prevent the signs of premature aging on your face, this moisturizer is also suitable for the body. All you have to do is cleanse your face and body, and apply this cream using gentle circular massage motions until absorbed. Tada! You are ready to go!

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, saffron, and aloe vera

Pros 

- Alcohol-free 

- Firms the skin

- Softens the skin 

- Mesmerizing scent

Cons 

- None

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14. The derma co Ceramide + HA Intense Face Moisturizer & 30% AHA + 2% BHA Face Peeling Solution 

The derma co Ceramide + HA Intense Face Moisturizer & 30% AHA + 2% BHA Face Peeling Solution

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This moisturizer for combination skin offers a deep multi-level exfoliation. It fights dullness and minimizes the appearance of large pores. With the ability to control excessive sebum production, this combo helps you attain glowing skin in just 10 minutes. This intense face moisturizer is dermatologically designed for anyone looking to resolve skin roughness, clogged pores, blemishes, and other concerns of combination and acne-prone skin. Don't waste too much time, buckle up and add this rich face moisturizer to your combination skincare routine in a jiffy.

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid

Pros 

- Paraben-free

- Free from mineral oil

- Gently exfoliates the skin

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- Treats acne and pigmentation

Cons 

- Might not suit dry skin 

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15. Indulgeo Essentials Moisturizer Gel

Indulgeo Essentials Moisturizer Gel

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This premium moisturizer gel from Indulgeo Essentials is the apt skincare product to tighten and brighten your skin and balance its moisture levels especially when you possess a combination of skin. This 24K gel is enriched with potent key ingredients that are indeed high-grade superfoods for your skin. Furthermore, it quickly sinks into the skin making it soft and supple immediately upon application. This moisturizer is a must-have beauty product for a 100% effective combination skincare routine. The bonus — it is non-greasy and non-sticky.

Key Ingredients:  Aloe vera, squalane, cucumber, licorice, green apple, papaya, sea buckthorn, ashwagandha extracts, and vitamin E oil

Pros 

- Fixes discoloration

- Boosts skin’s elasticity 

- Slows the aging process

- Reduces uneven skin tone

- Fights acne-causing bacteria 

- Protects against UV and radical damage

Cons 

- None

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It's time to bid farewell to skin issues and go filter-free in your next selfie. No matter how hard you pamper your skin with the best toner, scrub, cream, or cleanser for combination skin, you must never ignore a moisturizer. It is clearly the best beauty product to add to your combination skincare routine. Don’t worry! We are here to serve you with all the necessary information that you need at the moment before finalizing the best face cream for combination skin.

How to Choose the Best Moisturizers for Combination Skin?

Here are a few of the aspects that you should consider before sliding a good moisturizer for combination skin into your shopping cart.

Analyze Your Skin: Before kickstarting a brand new skincare routine for your combination skin type, make sure that you examine your skin thoroughly. Magnify all the areas of your face. Gently touch your skin in the morning, midday, and at night to understand your skin better. If you come across any skin irritation or redness, always approach a dermatologist.

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Ingredients: Your cream should contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, mineral oil, dimethicone, amino acids, essential proteins, and nutrients. A moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid is ideal for combination skin types. It not only hydrates your skin but also prevents greasiness. Another superfood for your combination skin is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid plays a major role in controlling the oiliness of your face by regulating oil production. It also unclogs the pores that annoy you way too much. On the other hand, moisturizers that are enriched with vitamin C and vitamin E have multiple healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Type of Moisturizer:  A moisturizer is a beauty product that prevents flaky, cracked, and camouflaged skin. It can be in a form of balm, lotion, cream, or ointment. Moisturizers are available in mainly three types: lotions, creams, and gels. Every type of moisturizer has distinctive properties to suit your skin. You should first analyze your skin type and then choose the best.

Formula: A moisturizer that is chemical-free and can hydrate your skin for up to 24 hours is always the best choice for your combination skincare routine. From the above comprehensive list of 15 best moisturizers for combination skin, you may pick any that suits your skin.

Now, get to know about the advantages of using a moisturizer for combination skin on an everyday basis.

1. It helps to treat acne. 

2. It reduces the visibility of blemishes. 

3. It makes your skin look younger and healthier.

4. It refreshes your skin and hydrates it to the fullest. 

5. It is a superfood for your skin to fight against face wrinkles. 

6. It helps in replenishing the water content of your skin when applied at night. 

7. Moisturizers act as a protective shield for your skin. They help to prevent skin issues and sunburn. 

8. It acts as a barrier and controls excessive oil production. Your skin generally produces excess oil at midday and during the night. 

Nothing can beat the goodness of a moisturizer. Be it dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, or combination skin, a moisturizer is a perfect fit for all personalized skincare routines. Remember! Moisturizers serve you with positive and healthy effects when used in the long run. 

How to Use the Best Moisturizers for Combination Skin?

Combination skin is neither too oily nor too dry. Hence, you need to follow a certain skin care regimen to take good care of your combo skin. In order to nourish your skin barrier and seal moisture, make sure you use beauty and skincare products that prevent moisture loss. If you are still in a fix and pondering where to start, here we are with a blueprint for your combination skincare routine and the steps to use a moisturizer for combination skin on an everyday basis.

Step 1: Cleanse your face with a gentle face wash for combination skin. Damp your face with a towel. A gentle cleanser is a recommended beauty product to treat and get rid of the oiliness that you experience excessively in the T zone of your face. This cleanser will remove the dead skin cells and debris. It will also clear the path for the moisturizer to sink in well. If your T zone is very oily and sticky, use a cleansing brush. 

Step 2: The next step is to apply a toner for combination skin. Then use an antioxidant serum, if any. 

Step 3: Apply an eye cream. If your combination skin has scars or spots, use a spot treatment cream.  

Step 4: Begin applying a moisturizer for combination skin. You may also rely on a moisturizer with SPF for ultimate skin protection and care. 

Step 5: After an even application of moisturizer, seal your skin with sunscreen. 

Step 6: At night, you can rely on a chemical exfoliant before sealing your skin with the moisturizer.

Here Are 10 Flawless Tips to Take Good Care of Your Combination Skin:

Tip 1: Use a moisturizer that gives your skin a matte finish.

Tip 2: Rely on oil-absorbing beauty products for everyday use. 

Tip 3: Treat the parts of your skin differently. Split your face into multiple parts and then treat them according to their respective conditions. 

Tip 4: Let your skincare routine for combination skin undergo unavoidable changes. 

Tip 5: Always know your beauty product’s nature and its direction for usage. 

Tip 6: Begin with products that are thinner in consistency and end with the thicker ones.

Tip 7: Ditch highly fragrant products as they might irritate your skin. 

Tip 8: Always pamper your skin at a slow pace. Don’t attack your skin in one go.

Tip 9: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated naturally. 

Tip 10: Keep smiling and accept your skin as it is.

If you spend an unhurried and leisurely afternoon, then pamper your combination skin a little more. You can try your hands on clay masks and treatment oils. Before you engage yourself too much in a highly beneficial skincare routine for combination skin, you should take note of the fact that it is the weather that decides the condition of your T zone.

These best moisturizers for combination skin play a major role in helping you bid adieu to dry patches and an oily T-zone with ease. Moisturizers are enriched with emollients that keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Thus, it is a mandatory barrier that your skin needs to keep environmental pollutants, dirt, and grime at bay. We are sure you can't wait to see your skin healthy, radiant, rejuvenated, oil-free, and hydrated. Hurry and add the best of all into your skincare regime now!

 

Sources

1. Regional and seasonal variations in facial sebum secretions: A proposal for the definition of combination skin type

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7746659_Regional_and_seasonal_variations_in_facial_sebum_secretions_A_proposal_for_the_definition_of_combination_skin_type

 

 

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About The Author
Anoushka Sinha
Anoushka Sinha
Skincare Coach & Writer

Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As an experienced

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Credits: Pexels, Amazon
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