Finding the best moisturiser for combination skin can be difficult because it’s hard to find one that can do the job of hydrating your dry patches without making your oily areas even more greasy. Use these tips to find the perfect moisturiser, and you’ll never need to stress about oily skin again!
What Is Combination Skin?
Your skin is combination if it is oily in some places and dry in others. While there isn’t one specific formula to target every single combination skin type, there are some products that work better than others. If you have combination skin, you want a moisturiser that will hydrate your dry areas without making your oily spots even oilier. The trick is finding a moisturiser with ingredients that won’t clog pores or make your face feel too shiny or oily.
How to Pick the Right Moisturiser
When choosing the best moisturiser for combination skin focus on one that’s lightweight and oil-free. Opt for a lighter formula that doesn’t contain ingredients like paraffin, which can make your skin feel overly greasy. Be aware of inactive ingredients as well—look out for alpha hydroxy acids, which can increase photosensitivity; chemicals that help emulsify products; and dimethicone, another name for silicone. Also be wary of fragrance: Some fragrances are comedogenic (they clog pores) and should be avoided if you have acne-prone skin. Look for hypoallergenic products with soothing botanicals instead.
5 Handpicked Recommendations
The best moisturiser for combination skin is largely dependent on whether you’re looking to hydrate your skin or protect it from acne-causing bacteria. For hydrating, try Avène’s Light Cream ($20) —it’s light enough to keep sensitive-skinned types from feeling greasy and heavily perfumed, so it won’t irritate skin. If your main issue is clogged pores, Sisley’s Post-Pump Exfoliating Treatment Oil ($240) works double duty by both scrubbing off dead cells while also penetrating deep into pores to bust out dirt and oil.
- Liz Earle’s lightweight moisturiser is a treat for sensitive skin. It has a pleasant, subtle fragrance and it absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue behind. It’s ideal if you have combination skin or oily patches because it won’t clog pores or make your face feel greasy. The formula contains natural ingredients such as chamomile and lavender to soothe inflamed skin, which is particularly useful if you suffer from redness or rosacea.
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a hydrating moisturiser with natural ingredients that won’t irritate sensitive skin. It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive ones, and its formula includes hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate skin and boost collagen production, which helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles over time.
- If you have combination skin and are looking for a lightweight moisturiser that will both hydrate and protect your skin, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser is an excellent choice. It has a gel-like texture that feels refreshing on skin and it absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue behind.
- Clinique’s Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly is a lightweight moisturiser that contains hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate skin and boost collagen production, which helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles over time. It has a jelly-like texture that feels refreshing on skin and it absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue behind.
- Origins GinZingTM Oil-Free Energy Boosting Gel Moisturiser is a lightweight moisturiser that contains caffeine to help wake up tired skin and reduce puffiness around your eyes. It has a gel-like texture that feels refreshing on skin and it absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue behind.
Final Thoughts
If you have combination skin, it’s important to maintain a balance in your skincare routine. Too much of any one ingredient can cause irritation or dryness, so make sure to choose ingredients that will compliment each other to create a natural-looking glow. Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide are both naturally occurring substances found in human skin cells, and they work together to boost moisture levels and fight against signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. Hyaluronic acid is an especially effective humectant, meaning it draws water from its surroundings into your skin cells; niacinamide helps prevent moisture loss by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent on damaged cells. These two ingredients are often used together because they complement each other perfectly: hyaluronic acid provides long-lasting hydration while niacinamide maintains hydration levels over time. Another great moisturiser for combination skin is glycerine, which not only hydrates but also acts as a natural emollient—meaning it softens and smooths out rough patches on your face without clogging pores.
