When shopping for moisturizers for the face, keeping in mind the type of skin type you have is an important deciding factor. Each of us has a different skin type that can range anywhere from dry to oily. But what happens when your skin type is a combination of both extremes? Combination skin is skin that is dry or normal is certain areas while oily in others. The most common part of the face to be oily is the t-zone, which consists of the forehead going down to the nose and chin. Those with combination skin need a moisturizing product that is versatile and has the ability to moisturize without being too heavy. Those with combination skin would also benefit from a moisturizer that doesn’t leave behind a greasy feel or any residue, which can contribute to the appearance of shine.
The type of recommended moisturizers for those with combination skin is one that is both lightweight and oil-free. Added bonuses can be moisturizers that mattify skin, protect against UV rays, or contain ingredients that work to increase skin vibrancy and texture. Many products also contain various vitamins or other antioxidants that lead to various results. Products below have been rated by customers who have given their opinions on the results of using them, and assembled is a list of some of the best options. Options below include moisturizers in all price ranges and with all different benefits, so you are bound to find one that may work for your skin best.
Top Five
#1. Belief the True Cream Moisture Bomb
This creamy, indulgent moisturizer offers up to 26 hours of moisture to keep skin hydrated all day long. The formula contains a unique blend of natural ingredients such as comfrey leaf, which is known to hydrate skin effectively. The moisture bomb provides proper hydration without leaving behind a sticky feeling on the skin. Moisture bomb also contains no synthetic preservatives, petrolatum, or dyes and fragrances, so it is a good choice for those who also have sensitive skin.
Consumer Review: Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars, customers loved the light scent of this product, with one even calling it their “Holy grail” product. The moisturizer works effectively for combination skin as it helps to moisturize dry patches of the skin as well as provide lightweight moisture that absorbs quickly to not make oily parts of the skin worse. Customers liked that the moisture level lasted all day, and felt it was especially good for dry patches around eyes and lips.
Price: $36.99
#2. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
This lotion, good for a multitude of skin types including combination skin, helps to restore moisture and vitality to skin that needs hydration. The hydration helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and assists with helping skin increase vibrancy and elasticity.
Consumer Review: Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars, customers enjoyed that this product worked well on their sensitive skin. The product was noted to be great for moisturizing, smoothing, and hydrating the skin. It could be used alone or with the other products in this regimen. The moisturizer has a creamy texture, making it luxurious, and comes in a pump bottle that lasts for a good amount of time.
Price: $34.98
#3. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin
This affordable option is specifically formulated for combination skin and offers the ability to moisturize dry areas while controlling oil and shine in other areas. The moisturizer leaves a matte finish to minimize shine caused by oil. The ability to absorb excess oil is due to its unique microsponge system. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture is lightweight and non-greasy, and won’t leave your pores clogged after use.
Consumer Review: Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars, this product was rated highly due to its ability to last throughout the entire day. Users felt it moisturized their skin without leaving excess oil behind and that it was especially good for those with oily t-zones. Users loved that it kept their skin hydrated and moisturized throughout the day.
Price: $9.49
#4. Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
If your skin has gone through the use of harsh products or chemical and laser treatments, this product is a wonderful option to reset and help replenish the skin. Containing no chemicals or fragrances, this product is also gluten-free and vegan, making it a great product for those whose skin is prone to irritation. The product also works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while helping to reduce redness and uneven skin tone. An added benefit is that it also works to improve skin’s elasticity.
Consumer Review: Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars, customers raved about how this oil was incredibly helpful for their combination skin and it suited both the oily zones as well as the dry patches. Customers used the product once or twice a day, and felt the bottle was long lasting making it worth the higher price tag. The product was noted to be a game changer and have the ability to restore the appearance and suppleness of skin.
Price: $72.00
#5. Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with Super 7 Complex
This moisturizer is a unique option for those with combination skin as it specifically works to help fight aging. The product provides up to 24 hours of moisture and works to make signs of aging less noticeable, utilizing maca root extract to help improve the vibrancy of skin. The product aims to provide smoother and clearer skin while improving the natural elasticity and provide deep hydration.
Consumer Review: Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars, this face cream was great for customers with combination skin, with some noticing a difference in a matter of days after beginning use of the product. Customers said the cream kept their skin fresh and firm, wasn’t irritating, and helped keep their face moisturized and smooth. The lightness of the cream helps to hydrate dry areas without leaving oil behind.
Price: $60.18
Other Great Options
Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H2O Hydrating Boost
This hydrating boost is a vegan product, offering an extremely moisturizing formula is the form of a gel. Containing no sulfates, parabens, or other potentially irritating ingredients, it gives the skin the boost it needs and leaves behind no greasy feel. To hydrate the skin, the hydrating boost contains both hyaluronic acid as well as sea salts. Other unique ingredients include algae that work to help skin fight free radicals while also reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Consumer Review: Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars, customers who used this product found it thoroughly moisturized their patchy and dry skin while leaving no greasiness behind. Customers liked that the product was quick to absorb into the skin and felt refreshing and light upon application. Customers also liked that the jar was long-lasting, making it worth the slightly higher price tag.
Price: $57.99
Skinmedica Dermal Repair Cream
This moisturizer works to restore moisture and smoothness to the skin to allow it to repair it back to its natural state. The cream contains vitamins A, C, E and hyaluronic acid, all known to help moisturize and increase the vibrancy of the skin. The cream can be used on those with easily irritated skin and does not clog pores so will not cause breakouts.
Consumer Review: Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars, customers felt that with regular use the product made a difference in their skin’s appearance and helped specifically to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The product led to more hydrated and smooth skin and does not have an odor, which is good for those with sensitive skin.
Price: $129.00
Yes To Tomatoes Clear Skin Daily Balancing Moisturizer
An affordable option for those with combination skin looking for a moisturizer with natural ingredients, this product is rich in antioxidants and contains powerful sebum that absorbs excess oil to reduce acne. The moisturizer also aims to balance the appearance of the skin and is formulated without parabens and silicones, and contains many soothing and moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil.
Consumer Review: Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars, customers who used this product loved that it helped with both moisturizing skin and treating acne. The lotion was rated to be gentle on skin and customers liked that it reduced oil and kept their skin matte throughout the day. Customers who specifically had combination skin that was acne prone loved that the product not only took care of break outs but also prevented new ones.
Price: $11.87
La Roche Posay Tolerione Double Repair Face Moisturizer
This “allure best of beauty” winning moisturizer offers an oil-free hydration to help create healthy looking skin. Using a prebiotic thermal water as well as ceramide-3 and glycerin, amongst other ingredients, the moisturizer also helps to protect against UV rays and is non-comedogenic so will not cause breakouts.
Consumer Review: Rated 3.8 out of 5 stars, customers called this a “magically repairing” product, adding that it helped moisturize and smooth both oily and dry patches of the skin. The product is lightweight and non-greasy and absorbs quickly to last all day without leaving residue behind. Customers noted that their pores appeared smaller after use, their skin tone evened out, and that it was a great find for those with sensitive skin.
Price: $19.99
Garnier Moisture Bomb
This cooling and refreshing gel-cream contains vitamins C and E as well as antioxidants to hydrate the skin and enhance its appearance. The hyaluronic acid works to make skin soft and help users obtain a more youthful appearance. The cream goes on sheer and helps skin stay hydrated for up to 48 hours.
Consumer Review: Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars, customers liked that this was a very affordable option and easy to use. Users found that it helped to change the appearance of their skin to smooth out roughness and dry patches and liked that it had a fresh and cool feeling upon application. It was also recommended as an option to wear under makeup as it is serum based so goes on light.
Price: $14.39
Too Cool for School Egg Mellow Cream
An international skincare company, Too Cool for School cream offers collagen to help tighten skin and improve its elasticity while simultaneously moisturizing and leaving skin soft and smooth. The brand prides itself on being cruelty free and has a matching face mask amongst other products available in this line.
Consumer Review: Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars, customers found that this cream helped reduce redness in their skin and was great as a light moisturizer for their oily t-zone as it absorbs well. They also felt it worked great on dry patches, making it an ideal moisturizer for combination skin. It was recommended to wear alone or under makeup, and it did not cause breakouts.
Price: $24.98
Clinique Smart Night Custom-Repair Moisturizer
A slightly different option, this nighttime moisturizer is put on at night and left on until morning, allowing it to deeply penetrate the skin. The moisturizer works to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helps create a more evened skin tone, and retain moisture on dry parts of the skin. The moisturizer is oil free and allergy tested and recommended for those with combination skin.
Consumer Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars, customers felt that this made their skin extremely smooth. They found it was a good night cream and worked to penetrate dry skin deeply. Customers also saw results in the product’s ability to help even their skin tone after using. The small jar was a complaint from a few, but overall it was recommended well.
Price: $24.99
Nivea Visage Daily Essentials Light Moisturising Day Cream SPF 15
If you are looking for an option that can also help to protect skin from harmful UV rays, this moisturizer could be a great option. The formula is light and fast to absorb and helps to retain skin’s natural moisture balance. The cream provides moisture to produce fresh, smooth skin in addition to its SPF of 15.
Consumer Review: Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars, some found this product to feel thick on their skin, except it did not leave a white cast behind like some products with sunscreen in them do. Customers liked that the product protected from UV rays while not clogging pores. An added bonus is that the day cream effectively controlled shine caused by oily skin.
Price: $8.12
Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Face Moisturizer Normal/Combo
This oil-free moisturizer for combination skin is formulated with antioxidants and vitamin E and works to deliver 24 hours of moisture to the skin. The moisturizer is lightweight and goes on smoothly.
Consumer Review: Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars, customers found this product worked well to moisturize their combination skin. The product worked to moisturize oily t zone areas and was non-sticky on the skin. Customers liked that the product was a great price, was cool to the touch, and melts into skin.
Price: $8.49
LilyAna Naturals Face Cream Moisturizer
This natural product contains ingredients such as aloe vera, orange extract, vitamin C and rose distillate to deliver moisture while helping skin become more and more radiant. With no residue left behind, the product is so confident that customers will love it that they offer a 30-day money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied.
Consumer Review: Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars, this product had a large number of reviews from happy customers. Those who used the cream loved the texture of this moisturizer and that it was made with natural ingredients. Those with combination skin found it to be a great balance as it was moisturizing without being too oily.
Price: $17.99
Where to buy:
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum
This serum can be used alone or under a moisturizer and contains colloidal oatmeal to help calm skin and hyaluronic acid to help skin retain moisture and appear smoother. The serum also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Good for dry patches as well as oily t-zones, this penetrates skin with its unique water gel consistency.
Consumer Review: Rated 3.8 out of 5 stars, customers liked this for their combination skin as it was great for dry spots as well as oily areas. The serum added hydration without leaving the skin feeling greasy and is fragrance-free. The serum goes on light and is great to use under makeup.
Price: $36.00
Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Face Moisturizer
This moisturizer contains naturally derived ingredients including Vitamins B, C, and E as well as antioxidants. The formula works to replenish moisture in the skin to create healthier, younger-looking skin. This moisturizer also works to improve skin’s texture, smoothing out roughness.
Consumer Review: Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars, customers felt this moisturizer helped keep their skin moisturized while not being too oily or heavy. The bottle lasted a long time, and users had no issues with their sensitive skin. Some customers liked the sweet smell, and some thought it was slightly overpowering, so this may not be a good option for those looking for a fragrance-free moisturizer. Customers also felt this was affordable and helped moisturize their combination skin.
Price: $12.99
Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer
This daily defense moisturizer works to moisturize skin while absorbing oil to decrease shine. The moisturizer leaves skin with a matte finish and contains green tea to calm irritated skin. Recommended to be used for daytime hydration, the product also delivers non-greasy sun protection to help stop premature skin aging.
Consumer Review: Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars, customers felt this moisturizer was true to its oil-free name and helped keep their t-zone from looking shiny and oily. Customers also liked that the product absorbed easily and felt lightweight on their skin, some even stating it felt like “nothing” because it was so light to wear.
Price: $29.00
Youth to the People – Age Prevention Moisture Cream
Those who appreciate vegan products will enjoy this moisture cream as an option for their combination skin, as it contains cold-pressed extracts from kale, spinach and green tea. The product has no fragrance, making it ideal for sensitive skin prone to irritation. The moisture cream also helps fight free radicals and restores skin to be moisturized and protected from environmental stress.
Consumer Review: Rated 3.9 out of 5 stars, customers felt the use of this cream changed the texture of their skin for the better. They found their skin was soft and smooth, goes on like butter, and sinks its moisture into the skin. The product lasts a while and has a gentle and fresh scent that customers liked.
Price: $44.70
Shiseido Pureness Mattifying Moisture Oil-Free Moisturizer
Those with combination skin will appreciate the oil-free and immediate hydration this product provides while absorbing oil throughout the day. The product leaves a matte appearance on the skin to help those dealing with oily skin and provides a lightweight veil of moisture.
Consumer Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars, customers liked that this moisturizer works to nourish skin without leaving a heavy feeling behind. Customers used it under makeup and said it left no residue. The product led to soft and smooth skin, and those with skin that is both oily and dry enjoyed the use of it.
Price: $29.77
