This may sound strange, but hear us out. Consider yourself lucky if you have dry, oily or sensitive skin. Don’t believe us? Just walk down any drugstore and you’ll see countless options for any of the three options. But try finding a handful of decent facial moisturizers for combination skin and it’s like finding a needle in a haystack — basically impossible.
Those with combination skin are usually oilier in the T-zone and drier on the cheeks, making it hard for manufacturers to speak to each issue in one product. Couple that with the fact that combination skin can be both acne-prone and dry (even in the summer) and finding a good moisturizer is virtually impossible. Until now.
We did much research and found several lightweight, oil-free and gel moisturizers that speak to the needs of combination skin. Click through the gallery above for our favorites.
[ Next: 25 Best Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin ]
Combination Skin Moisturizers
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BareMinerals
Smart Combination Smoothing Lightweight Emulsion, $35 at Sephora
With a name like Smart Combination, we were sure this lightweight liquid would be a winner. We were right. Thanks to the amino acids, ceramides and peptides found throughout this sweet-smelling, oil-free cream, it will gently balance and restore moisture to the toughest spots on your face.
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SkinCeuticals
Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, $127 at SkinCeuticals
Those with combination skin can be oilier in some areas (T-zone) and drier in other areas (cheeks and chin), that's why this lightweight and fast-absorbing cream is a dream. Not only is it great for bringing moisture back to dry and irritated skin, but it’s loaded with ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids that improve the appearance of skin evenness and overall radiance.
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Kiehl's
Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream, $58 at Kiehl's
Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream comes loaded with micronutrients, copper PCA and calcium PCA. Sounds complicated, but it’s not. It just significantly reduces wrinkles, smooths skin texture and minimizes pores. And that, in our opinion, is major.
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Simple
Water Boost Skin Quench Sleeping Cream, $9.99 at Target
Any item within the Water Boost range is sure to reverse the symptoms of dehydrated skin, but the sleeping cream is a standout for those with combination skin. This lightweight gel/cream has plant extracts that work hard to replenish skin while you sleep so you can wake up refreshed for the day.
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La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer, $19.99 at La Roche-Posay
This moisturizer is beloved by both dermatologists and editors. For starters, dry skin doesn’t stand a chance because the lightweight cream helps restore skin's natural protective barrier with essential ceramides. And it’s formulated with a high concentration of La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water. One thing is certain: a lit-from-within glow will be yours in an instant.
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Herbivore Botanicals
Pink Cloud Rosewater Moisture Creme, $48 at Herbivore Botanicals
There’s a good reason why this creme is backordered. It’s never greasy, oily or sticky, which basically means it’s perfect for combination skin types. It’s also not packed with synthetics, but rather rose water, aloe water, kukui oil and white tea extract. Yeah, we’re obsessed, too.
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GLAMGLOW
Waterburst Hydrated Glow Moisturizer, $49 at Sephora
Is your skin feeling blah after 24 hours? If so, you’ll love the moisture-lock technology in this moisturizer that’s designed to give you 72 hours of hydration even on the coldest days. Sound too good to be true? It’s not. The formula bursts into water droplets upon contact before fully absorbing into skin. Amazing!
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Farmacy
Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer With Echinacea GreenEnvy Honey, $45 at Sephora
This moisturizer combines Farmacy’s signature ingredient Echinacea GreenEnvy honey with triple hyaluronic acid complex and cupuaçu butter beads, but unfortunately doesn’t cure the cold winter blues. Bonus: The smooth, hydrated finish will last throughout the day.
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Drunk Elephant
Protini Polypeptide Cream, $68 at Sephora
Think of Protini like adding a shot of protein to your smoothie. It’s laced with proteins and nutrients and replenishes combination skin back to a healthy state. Add Protini to a serum, cream or oil for added hydration.
