The 10 Best Moisturizers for Combination Skin of 2023

If you’ve ever noticed that your T-zone gets super oily while your cheeks are as dry as the Sahara desert, then you probably have combination skin. This skin type can be tricky to deal with because different areas of your face need different methods of care.

When it comes to combination skin, choosing a moisturizer can be a challenge. The goal is to find a product effective enough for dry areas, but not too heavy for the T-zone. According to Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, Director of Clinical and Cosmetic Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, and medical advisor for JORI Skincare, it’s a myth that oily skin does not need a moisturizer because skin hydration and skin oil levels are two separate issues.

“It’s just important to find the right moisturizer for your skin needs—I recommend looking for a moisturizer that is oil-free, which means that it does not contain petrolatum,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Petrolatum is an occlusive ingredient that’s great for people who are dry, but can leave the skin feeling heavy or sticky if you are oily to begin with.” In some cases, it‘s okay to apply moisturizer only to the areas that need it, like the cheeks, while not applying any to the nose or forehead.

Thankfully, there are many moisturizers on the market that have been specifically formulated to treat combination skin. Our editors personally tested each of the products on this list to ensure their effectiveness and suitability for combination skin. We also interviewed three dermatologists for the specific moisturizers that they recommend to their patients and had a board-certified dermatologist on our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Estee Lauder Soft Creme/Mask Moisturizer at Ulta

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Best Budget:

Byoma Moisturizing Gel Cream at Target

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Best Anti-Aging:

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore at Dermstore

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Best Lightweight:

Neutrogena Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gel-Cream at Amazon

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Best for Day:

REN Clean Skincare Day Cream at Amazon

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Best for Night:

JOSIE MARAN Face Butter Moisturizer at Amazon

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Best for Sensitive Skin:

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra-Sensitive Skin Face Moisturizer at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

La Mer Crème de la Mer at Sephora

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Best for Acne-Prone Skin:

Tatcha The Water Cream at Amazon

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Best for Dry Skin:

SK-II Skinpower Cream at Sephora

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Estee Lauder

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Our Ratings

Feel

4.9/5
Absorption

4.8/5
Hydration

5/5

Why We Like It

It’s a lightweight cream that hydrates and balances skin with silky coverage.

It’s Worth Noting

It’s not as thick as your traditional hydrating moisturizers.

Estée Lauder's Nutritious Melting Soft Creme/Mask Moisturizer is a skincare powerhouse ideal for acne-prone, sensitive-prone, or grumpy skin. It’s enriched with nourishing ingredients such as sweet kelp and red algae and free of parabens, phthalates, sulfites, and other acnegenic.

In our tests, we were impressed by this moisturizer's ability to hydrate without being overly heavy or lightweight—it struck the perfect balance. Its water-based feel melted effortlessly into the skin, leaving it soft and silky. While we appreciated its quick absorption and refreshing sensation, we noted that intense hydration might require more product, potentially making it less budget-friendly.

During application, we were delighted by the cooling and lightweight sensation, complemented by a pleasant coconut and rose water scent that wasn't overpowering. The moisturizer's thin, natural feel made it barely noticeable and blended flawlessly with makeup, providing a seamless, skin-like appearance. We encountered no issues with pilling or greasiness, and it was easy to remove.

Over the four weeks of testing, we observed a modest improvement in our skin's hydration. We were particularly impressed that this product caused no breakouts or red spots on our sensitive, acne-prone skin.

We absolutely recommend this moisturizer for daily use, particularly for individuals seeking lightweight, hydrating, and practically invisible skincare. The only slight drawback is its relatively higher price for the quantity, potentially requiring more frequent repurchasing. Nonetheless, we thoroughly enjoyed using this moisturizer despite this minor issue.

Price at time of publication: $48

Product Details:

Bottle Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Ingredients: Niacinamide, pomegranate extract, sweet kelp
Benefits: Lightweight, soothing hydration

Target

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Our Ratings

Feel

4.8/5
Absorption

4.7/5
Hydration

5/5

Why We Like It

It’s the perfect consistency for folks with combo skin—plus, it’s a great price point.

It’s Worth Noting

The pump dispenser can be difficult to use when there’s not much product left in the bottle.

This UK-based brand has taken TikTok by storm and is now available in multiple stores in the United States. The BYOMA Moisturizing Gel Cream is an oil-free moisturizer that feels lightweight on the skin but still adds the perfect amount of moisture that people with combination skin are looking for.

We were pleasantly surprised by the lightweight feel of the moisturizer, as it applied silkily to the skin despite its viscous consistency. It had a gel-like feel, not too thick but not too loose either, with a lightweight and almost airy sensation.

The application went smoothly, although there was a slightly sticky feeling on the face for about 10 minutes, eventually subsiding, leaving our skin smooth. We were excited to see how well makeup would go on top of it, as it seemed like a good base.

In just 10 minutes, the product absorbed incredibly well into our skin, leaving almost no trace of its application. It sank into the skin quickly, provided a dewy look, and required minimal blending effort. Despite its lightweight feel, the moisturizer didn't get greasy, likely due to its oil-free formula. It spread smoothly and evenly, making the application a breeze.

It effectively combated breakouts, leaving us with clear skin. We highly recommend it, especially for those seeking a lightweight option, but it may not be ideal for very dry skin. Our only minor complaint is that it could absorb slightly quicker, but overall, it's an excellent product.

Price at time of publication: $17

Product Details:

Bottle Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Ingredients: Tri-Ceramide Complex, niacinamide, green tea
Benefits: Hydrating, soothing

4.6

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

Dermstore

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Our Ratings

Feel

4.5/5
Absorption

4.8/5
Hydration

4.8/5

Why We Like It

It's formulated with antioxidants that can help combat free radical damage and combat premature aging.

It’s Worth Noting

Some might find the formula too thick for their combination skin.

After trying out the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 242, we were impressed by how quickly it gets absorbed and how a little goes a long way. Despite looking thick at first, it actually feels light and cool when applied, without making our skin greasy, leaving any residue, or feeling heavy. Within 10 minutes, we noticed our skin felt more hydrated and smoother. It left our skin feeling soft, not tight, and we saw better moisture levels across different parts of our face and we liked its subtle scent.

We found it to work consistently in different settings, sinking into our skin well without any transfer onto clothes. It keeps our skin hydrated throughout the day. It's easy to remove and doesn't cause any irritation to our eyes or skin. We found it was good for daily use, especially for those who like lighter moisturizers, and its matte effect might be helpful for oily skin. Although it's effective, it doesn't provide an intense boost of moisture, and while it leaves our skin hydrated, considering its price, it might not be the best option for those looking for an everyday moisturizer.

Price at time of publication: $150

Product Details:

Bottle Size: 1.6 fl. oz.
Ingredients: Natural Cholesterol, Pure Ceramides, Fatty Acids, Vitamin E, Sunflower Seed Oil,
Benefits: Hydration, anti-aging

4.7

Ulta

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Our Ratings

Feel

5/5
Absorption

4.7/5
Hydration

4/5

Why We Like It

It’s the ideal moisturizer for combination skin because it has a lightweight, gel-cream formula with hydrating ingredients.

It’s Worth Noting

It’s not super moisturizing.

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer is an award-winning gel-cream formula that feels incredibly lightweight on the skin yet still moisturizes effectively. It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic, and formulated with hydrating hyaluronic acid for a healthy moisture boost for the skin.

We found applying the moisturizer to be a pleasant experience, as it wasn't too heavy or too light and had a cooling sensation. On some days, we needed to add a second layer for extra hydration, but overall, it absorbed fully into the skin.

The product has a mild, clean fragrance with a viscous texture but spreads thinly and absorbs quickly while providing moisture. It feels like a combination of a serum and moisturizer and was a perfect blend of a cool gel and cream, which we really like. The moisturizer sinks into the skin within 10 minutes, making our skin feel smoother and hydrated.

Although some areas might have had slight residue, it didn’t bother us. After using it, our skin feels smoother to the touch, but there are mixed feelings about tightness or dryness in some areas while being oily in others.

Our skin looked about the same overall, but we noticed some dryness intermittently. Despite this, the product performed well, reducing end-of-day oiliness on the forehead and not requiring frequent makeup setting. We like how our skin feels when using this moisturizer, even after the first use.

Price at time of publication: $20

Product Details:

Bottle Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Benefits: Lightweight hydration

Sephora

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Our Ratings

Feel

4.5/5
Absorption

4.5/5
Hydration

4.5/5

Why We Like It

It provides hydration and soothing benefits to the skin, which is particularly useful for those with dry and sensitive skin.

It’s Worth Noting

Some users prefer a dewy finish, but this cream tends to leave a more matte finish on the skin.

During our tests, the REN Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream stood out for its dryness-preventing quality when worn all day and its smooth, even spreadability. Our immediate impression was enhanced moisturization and relief from dryness, without any tightness. The cream's texture, while rich, remained on the lighter side and wasn't overly thick, ensuring easy application. We appreciated how this product catered to our dry and sensitive skin, delivering both hydration and soothing benefits. Even during a flare-up of eczema, we experienced no stinging or irritation, unlike some other moisturizers. Within about 10 minutes, the cream was effectively absorbed into our skin without any greasy residue. Upon touch, our skin felt smoother, softer, and well-moisturized without any unwanted oiliness.

This moisturizer notably improved the texture of rough patches caused by eczema, although they weren't completely resolved. The product's pleasant scent, akin to a sweet green candy, was subtle and delightful. The pump dispensed a small but buildable amount of cream, catering to our dry skin's needs. For those with sensitive skin, we highly recommend this slightly more premium choice, especially for those seeking an eco-conscious, vegan, and cruelty-free brand.

Price at time of publication: $52

Product Details:

Bottle Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Ingredients: Blackcurrent Seed Oil, Seabuckthorn Berry Oil, Camellia Oil
Benefits: Calming, Hydrating

Target.

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Our Ratings

Feel

4.9/5
Absorption

4.4/5
Hydration

5/5

Why We Like It

The use of argan oil provides deep hydration and nourishment to the skin, making it suitable for combating dryness.

It’s Worth Noting

The richness of argan oil might not be suitable for those with oily or acne-prone skin, potentially causing breakouts.

We tried out the JOSIE MARAN Whipped Argan Oil Face Butter Moisturizer and were pleasantly surprised by its thick and creamy texture that strikes a balance between being rich and not too oily. We primarily used it at night due to its weight and although we were initially worried it might feel heavy, it actually settled onto the skin without any greasiness. While absorption took a bit longer than expected, the moisturizer provided instant hydration and protection.

We did think a milder scent could have been nice, but we appreciate its neutral nature. It had a slightly heavier-feeling during humid evenings but it absorbed effectively and left our skin soft and supple in the mornings. Despite some transfer, it didn't soil pillowcases or pajamas. Over time, our skin's condition improved, becoming smoother with a potential reduction in fine lines. We think it would be best suited for those seeking a substantial, creamy moisturizer for sensitive, acne-prone skin. Additionally, it's a great option for a night cream due to its richness and hydrating effects.

Price at time of publication: $45

Product Details:

Bottle Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Ingredients: Argan Oil, Watermelon Seed Oil, and Aloe Nectar
Benefits: Lightweight yet effective hydration overnight

4.9

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra-Sensitive Skin Face Moisturizer

Amazon

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Why We Like It

This pick is non-irritating and is ideal for those with sensitive, combination skin.

It’s Worth Noting

The bottle is relatively small for the price.

La Roche-Posay is a skincare brand beloved by many dermatologists for its gentle yet effective formulations. The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallegro Ultra Soothing Repair Face Moisturizer is great for sensitive, combination skin because it’s not too heavy and features soothing ingredients ideal for easily-irritated skin.

Upon trying the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Face Moisturizer, we were pleased with its gel-cream texture and consistency. It spread easily upon application, offering a satisfying weight that felt good on the skin. Notably, it had a cooling effect during application and its quick absorption within a minute or two left our skin with a matte finish, which was quite surprising given its initially thicker and dewy appearance. While our skin appeared matte, it retained hydration without plumping fine lines. Although there might be a chance of pilling under your foundation if not fully absorbed. We appreciate its user-friendly squeeze tube packaging, making product application quick and convenient. Also, the price seemed reasonable for the product's quantity and ingredients.

Some folks with super sensitive skin have reported irritation from this product, so it’s always a good idea to do a patch test on your wrist or neck before applying it to your entire face. That being said, all La Roche-Posay products undergo rigorous testing for irritation, so it shouldn’t cause any issues.

Price at time of publication: $30

Product Details:

Bottle Size: 1.35 fl. oz.
Ingredients: Shea butter, glycerin, thermal spring water
Benefits: Hydration, irritation-free

4.2

Bloomingdales

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Why We Like It

The cream is praised for its luxurious, velvety texture that feels indulgent and pleasant on the skin.

It’s Worth Noting

Some users find that while the cream is effective, the results may not justify the steep price tag, especially when compared to other more affordable options.

During our experience with La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream, we found it to exude luxury and possess a creamy texture that spreads effortlessly onto the skin. While initially feeling lightweight and slightly oily, it dries down to a remarkably smooth and soft finish.

The moisturizer absorbed well, leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth. The product's scent was pleasant, and it layered well with other products. Over time, it enhanced skin texture and provided a radiant look, although it required patience during absorption. While it helped with signs of aging, it might not be suitable for younger individuals. Despite its steep price, we recommend it for its hydrating performance on dry combo skin, though its cost remains a drawback.

Price at time of publication: $380

Product Details:

Bottle Size: 2 fl. oz.
Ingredients: Proprietary Miracle Broth, Lime Tea, Moisturizing Spheres, Sesame Seed Oil, Shea Butter
Benefits: Smoothing, restoring hydration

Amazon

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Why We Like It

An oil-free, anti-aging water cream that offers optimal hydration for poreless-looking skin.

It’s Worth Noting

The price tag is higher than most moisturizers.

Tatcha The Water Cream Moisturizer is a luxurious, lightweight moisturizer that delivers intense hydration to the skin. Infused with nourishing Japanese botanicals, it's the perfect choice for those seeking a non-greasy, hydrating moisturizer that creates a smooth and radiant complexion.

We adored this moisturizer —it was soothing and hydrating and positively changed our opinion after a month of testing. It effectively moisturizes without clogging pores or causing breakouts.

The lightweight formula quickly sinks in and doesn't transfer to clothes or silk pillowcases, even during sweaty moments. Though the moisturizer had a thin and watery consistency, we were pleased to find that it still provided adequate hydration and a healthy glow after application without leaving a greasy appearance.

The moisturizer's pleasant scent and seamless layering with other skincare products impressed us. It's an excellent everyday choice for acne-prone combination skin, reducing t-zone shine by day's end.

Despite the price, we highly recommend it for its excellent performance on acne-prone combination skin, though we wish the packaging were more environmentally-friendly.

Price at time of publication: $70

Product Details:

Bottle Size: 1.3 fl. oz.
Ingredients: Japanese wild rose, Japanese leopard lily, Tatcha's Signature Hadasei-3
Benefits: Clarifies and refines

SK II

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Our Ratings

Feel

5/5
Absorption

4.9/5
Hydration

5/5

Why We Like It

The cream contains Pitera™, the brand's proprietary ingredient known for its potential skin-rejuvenating properties.

It’s Worth Noting

It’s not ideal for those with sensitive skin, as it contains fragrance.

During our trial of the SK II SKINPOWER Cream, we found it to be great for dry, combination skin because the texture was remarkably creamy without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin. Its consistency was smooth, thick, and luxurious, yet light upon application which is ideal for easily-dry skin.

The moisturizer fully absorbed within 10 minutes, leaving no residue on the skin. It delivered instant hydration, making the skin smoother and treating dry patches effectively. The moisturizer layered well, and even with the faint fragrance, it remained pleasant. Our skin felt consistently soft throughout the day, without any stinging or heavy sensation. Additionally, it blended seamlessly with other products in our routine.

Over time, our skin became notably softer and more radiant. If the budget permits, we highly recommend this product for improving complexion and achieving smoother, softer skin. Despite its steep price, we still recommend it for its hydrating properties and positive effects on our complexion and dry skin.

Price at time of publication: $225

Product Details:

Bottle Size: 2.7 fl. oz.
Ingredients: Pitera, Calla Lily Extract, Dokudami Extract, Peony Extract, and Niacinimide
Benefits: Advanced hydration, less visible fine lines & wrinkles

Our Testing Process

To find the best moisturizers for combination skin, we interviewed three board-certified dermatologists for their recommendations. The doctors we spoke to included:

Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College
Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, Director of Clinical and Cosmetic Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, and medical advisor for JORI Skincare
Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in NYC
Dr. Ava Shamban, Harvard Educated, Board Certified Dermatologist, researcher clinician founder of AVA MD, SKINFIVE and ALTHAEA SKIN [Summer 2023]

In addition to the products the experts suggested, we also used our own experience of using some of these moisturizers for combination skin to recommend them to readers. Then we set out to test some of the top products on the market in The Health Lab and at home. With expert input from Dr. Ava Shamban, a group of Health team members with combination skin tested a total of 19 facial moisturizers for over 228 hours. Each tester was instructed to take a “before” photo of their skin. Then, testers used the designated facial moisturizer on their skin for four weeks, according to manufacturer instructions.

During the four-week period, our team noted how the product applied to their skin and how it felt—whether it went on smoothly and felt comfortable. After the testing period, our team took “after” photos to determine the effectiveness of the products. We mentioned any differences that we could see or feel and whether the product was effective enough to become part of our everyday skin care regimen. At the end of the test, we rated the products on consistency, hydration, appearance, and value.

What to Know About Moisturizers for Combination Skin

What Causes Combination Skin

Genetics often play a role in skin type. Additionally, hormones can also be responsible for oil regulation, whether that be overactive or under-producing sebaceous glands. “For instance, during your menstrual cycle, you will experience fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels,” explains Dr. Engelman. “This can catalyze excessive oiliness that leads to breakouts, or on the other hand, you might undergo dryness and flakiness depending on how your body handles hormones.”

Ingredients to Look for in Moisturizer for Combination Skin

When on the hunt for a great moisturizer for combination skin, you want to look for humectants like hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, glycerin, and aloe. These are excellent ingredients for combination skin because they attract water to the skin’s surface to provide hydration without any occlusive properties. “Oil-free moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides and squalane that are less likely to clog pores are ideal for combination skin,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose.

Ingredients to Avoid in Moisturizer for Combination Skin

Avoid occlusive ingredients like rich butters and oils. “Generally, lighter moisturizers like face lotions are packaged in pumps, while richer moisturizers like creams are packaged in jars,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “Look for the lighter moisturizers to avoid rich butters and oils—keep in mind, though, that is not a hard and fast rule.”

How to Use it in Your Skincare Routine

A nice, simple skincare routine for combination skin is to start with a high-quality face wash and then to apply a targeted serum or toner to the oily zones. “The best of these will gently exfoliate and clear pores without excessively drying or stripping,” explains Dr. Murphy-Rose. “Salicylic acid (BHA) improves the appearance of pores by dissolving oils and debris inside pores and by exfoliating the skin around pores, making them less likely to get clogged. The next and last step is to apply a light moisturizer to the entire face and perhaps a richer moisturizer to any particularly dry areas.”

Your Questions, Answered

What does combination skin look like?

According to Dr. Engelman, combination skin is exactly what it sounds like. “A common indicator is when there are two or more textures on your face—this is often presented as an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) with dryness in raised areas like the apples of your cheeks or areas with thin skin, like the lips and around the eye area,” she explains. “These conflicting textures can change with seasonality, as combination skin tends to be oilier in the summer and dryer in the winter.”

What skincare is best for combination skin?

There are multiple ways to treat combination skin—you can use one product on your entire face, or you can treat different zones of your face with different products. “Remember, you can treat your dry zones like dry skin and your oily zones like oily skin—there is no requirement, of course, to use the same products on your entire face,” explains Dr. Murphy-Rose. “This is my favorite way to treat combination skin, particularly during winter when the dry zones may be especially dry.”

Seasonal adjustments to your skincare regimen are often beneficial. “If you prefer to use every product everywhere on your skin, the goal is to use products that are well-balanced for both dry skin and for oily skin and will not aggravate either zones or cause breakouts,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose.

Who We Are

Daley Quinn is a freelance journalist, specializing in beauty and health, who has contributed to numerous publications, such as Elle, Real Simple, Allure, The Cut, WWD, and more. She used her personal experience with testing moisturizers for combination skin, as well as interviewing multiple dermatologists for their recommendations for the best moisturizers for combination skin.