The Paula’s Choice RESIST Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 was our overall has many benefits in one formula, and is lightweight yet hydrating.
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. Below, we used our own experience with moisturizers for combination skin, as well as interviewed three dermatologists for the specific moisturizers that they recommend to their patients.
Best Overall: Paula’s Choice RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
Why We Like It: It protects skin from sun damage, is lightly tinted, and hydrates skin without leaving it oily.
It’s Worth Noting: It leaves a slight white cast and might not be ideal for those with darker skin tones.
One of Paula’s Choice’s most-beloved products, the RESIST Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 does many things in one tube. This pick not only treats signs of aging, but it also provides SPF protection from the sun and contains antioxidants to protect against environmental aggressors.
The formula is not too heavy and not too light either—an ideal texture for combination skin. Plus, it has mattifying ingredients that will help reduce oiliness and shine in your T-zone. This pick features a slight tint, which is ideal for those with red, irritated skin looking to balance the appearance of their complexion.
We love this product because it offers so many incredible skin benefits in just one formula. The downside is that the light tint will not look great on darker skin tones. It does leave a slight white cast, so that’s something to consider if you have dark skin.
Product Details:
- Bottle Size: 2 fl. oz.
- Ingredients: Zinc oxide, antioxidants
- Benefits: Mattifying, anti-aging, sun protection
Best Budget: Byoma Moisturizing Gel Cream
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.
The brand boasts its “Tri-Ceramide Complex,” which is a marriage of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. This complex works to build up the skin barrier and reduce irritation. Other notable ingredients in this formula are niacinamide (helps to brighten dull skin) and green tea (works to calm the skin and improve tone).
We love the gel-cream texture of this product, and the fact that it’s alcohol-free, fragrance-free, vegan, and cruelty-free. That being said, we’re not in love with the pump in the packaging. It doesn’t really get all the product out of the bottle, so you might have to unscrew the cap and scrape out the formula to really empty the bottle out.
Product Details:
- Bottle Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
- Ingredients: Tri-Ceramide Complex, niacinamide, green tea
- Benefits: Hydrating, soothing
Best Anti-Aging: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
Why We Like It: It has anti-aging ingredients and looks great under makeup.
It’s Worth Noting: Some might find the formula too thick for their combination skin.
The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream is a fan favorite amongst dermatologists and makeup artists. This pick works to plump the skin, and does a great job of prepping your skin for makeup, too.
“The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream is a hyaluronic acid-based moisturizer that’s perfectly suited for people with combination skin,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “Since hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge, it pulls in hydration to the outer skin layer. The light formula contains a combination of antioxidants and peptides that also provides brightening and anti-aging benefits.”
Some folks with combination skin might find this formula too thick. If that’s the case, consider trying the Magic Cream Light, which is a lighter formulation than the original.
Product Details:
- Bottle Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
- Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, peptides
- Benefits: Hydration, anti-aging, makeup primer
Best Lightweight: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream with Hyaluronic Acid for Extra-Dry Skin
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 is formulated with hydrating hyaluronic acid for a healthy moisture boost for the skin.
Many dermatologists are fans of this pick, including 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. “This light, daily gel cream can be used year-round on both the drier and oilier zones of combination skin,” she explains. “It rubs in quickly and feels airy like a gel but provides long-lasting hydration and moisture like a cream.”
Because this pick is on the lighter side, it might not feel as hydrating as some of the other options on this list. “During colder months, an extra moisturizer layered on top of the drier zones like cheeks may help to avoid dry, irritated skin,” suggests Dr. Murphy-Rose. If you love this moisturizer but feel it’s not heavy enough for cold weather, consider layering another option on top to really lock in hydration.
Product Details:
- Bottle Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
- Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
- Benefits: Lightweight hydration
Best with SPF: RoC Multi Correxion Hyaluronic Acid Anti Aging Daily Face Moisturizer
Why We Like It: It’s lightweight yet hydrating, and offers sun protection, too.
It’s Worth Noting: It’s not ideal for those with sensitive skin, as it contains fragrance.
The RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plump Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 is a lightweight moisturizer that’ll effectively hydrate your skin while protecting it from sun damage, too.
“This moisturizer is a go-to recommendation for all my patients, but especially if you have combination skin,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “It has an ultra-light consistency that delivers hyaluronic acid to the skin, which helps hydrate and plump without leaving the skin feeling greasy. The formula can be worn on the full face every morning to give broad-spectrum UV protection.”
This product isn’t ideal for those with sensitive skin or those sensitive to fragrance, as it does contain a scent. We love that it’s widely available and provides anti-aging and hydrating benefits, too.
Product Details:
- Bottle Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
- Ingredients: Octocrylene, ethylhexyl salicylate, homosalate, avobenzone
- Benefits: Sun protection, anti-aging, hydration
Best for Day: Glo Skin Beauty Bio-Renew EGF Cream
Why We Like It: It does many things at once, and looks great under makeup.
It’s Worth Noting: It’s more expensive than other options on this list, but we think it’s worth the price.
There’s nothing worse than discovering a great day cream only to find out how much it pills underneath your primer or makeup. Thankfully, that isn’t the case with the Glo Skin Beauty Bio-Renew EGF Cream. This cream is ideal for those with combination skin because it’s hydrating but not too heavy.
“The Bio-Renew EGF Cream is a great moisturizer option, especially for those targeting signs of aging,” explains Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in NYC. “This cream contains a phyto-retinol complex to support cellular renewal and strengthen the moisture barrier to lock in hydration without the greasiness.”
The biggest downside to this pick is the price—it costs $166 per tub, which is a lot for a face cream. However, it contains vegan epidermal growth factors, which is an expensive ingredient that works to boost elastin and collagen production for a more youthful glow.
Product Details:
- Bottle Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
- Ingredients: EGF, peptides, phyto-retinol complex
- Benefits: Anti-aging
Best for Night: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Why We Like It: It’s a lightweight cream that hydrates and balances skin overnight.
It’s Worth Noting: It’s not as thick as your traditional night cream.
The CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion has a cult-following and is beloved by many. This pick is lightweight yet hydrating and contains very soothing and moisturizing ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
“Cerave PM is a slightly richer moisturizer but still not heavy, non-comedogenic, and oil-free,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “It’s a nice choice for combination skin that can be both dry and oily. I find that those with combination skin respond nicely to Cerave PM when the humidity drops.”
Unlike your traditional, thick night cream, CeraVe PM is light and relatively thin. It’s ideal for combination skin since you don’t want to apply a moisturizer that’s too thick and heavy.
Product Details:
- Bottle Size: 3 fl. oz.
- Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides
- Benefits: Lightweight yet effective hydration overnight
Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra-Sensitive Skin Face Moisturizer
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 those with sensitive, combination skin because it’s not too heavy and it features soothing ingredients ideal for easily-irritated skin.
Dr. Zeichner recommends this pick for those with combo skin. “The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra cream can be used not only in people with combination skin, but even in those who are ultra-sensitive,” he says. “The air-free delivery system means that it doesn’t need the same type of preservatives that other moisturizers use, so it doesn’t cause irritation, even in people with the most sensitive skin. The combination of shea butter, glycerin, and thermal spring water provides light, effective hydration.”
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 go through rigorous testing for any irritation, so it shouldn’t cause any issues.
Product Details:
- Bottle Size: 1.35 fl. oz.
- Ingredients: Shea butter, glycerin, thermal spring water
- Benefits: Hydration, irritation-free
Best Splurge: Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Replenishing Hydragel Complex
Why We Like It: It’s an oil-free water gel that feels lightweight.
It’s Worth Noting: It’s on the pricier side at $60 per tub.
Elizabeth Arden is a timeless brand with an array of anti-aging products for mature skin. The Visible Difference Replenishing HydraGel Complex is one of Dr. Engelman’s favorite moisturizers to recommend to her patients with combination skin. “Elizabeth Arden’s Visible Difference Replenishing HydraGel Complex uses tree mushroom extract to refine and tighten pores while also including vitamin E to soften the skin’s lipid barrier,” she explains.
Product Details:
- Bottle Size: 2.6 fl. oz.
- Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
- Benefits: Lightweight hydration
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Avene Cleanance Mattifying Emulsion Lotion
Why We Like It: It’s hydrating, mattifying, and acne-fighting, all in one.
It’s Worth Noting: It’s not ideal for people who prefer a rich, thick cream.
The Avene Cleanance Mattifying Emulsion Lotion is a mattifying moisturizer that offers lots of hydration while also treating blemishes, too. As the name suggests, this lotion feels like a lightweight emulsion on the skin, and contains ingredients like mattifying powders and milk thistle extracts to reduce the appearance of acne.
Avene is well-known for its products that treat sensitive, easily-irritated skin. This pick won’t exacerbate breakouts while simultaneously hydrating and balancing your combination skin.
While we love the formula, those who prefer a thicker, richer consistency won’t want to reach for this pick—it’s very lightweight.
Product Details:
- Bottle Size: 1.3 fl. oz.
- Ingredients: Milk thistle extract, Avene thermal water
- Benefits: Mattifying, acne-fighting
How We Selected
We used our own experience of using some of these moisturizers for combination skin to recommend them to readers. We looked for moisturizers that were lightweight yet effectively moisturizing and had anti-aging, calming, or protective factors.
We interviewed three board-certified dermatologists for their recommendations on the best moisturizers for combination skin. 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
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.
