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Byrdie / Lecia Landis
Finding a great moisturizer is hard at the best of times, but when you factor in a combination skin type, things get even more tricky. You need a formula that’s hydrating but non-greasy, lightweight but still comforting—something that will balance and clarify your complexion, leaving it soft, healthy, and happy. Formulas that work best on combination skin include those that mimic the skin's own make-up, and natural moisturizing systems.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Our best overall pick is Dr. Dennis Gross' Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion, formulated with a blend of hyaluronic acid and algae to plump skin full of moisture. It absorbs easily and works effectively without breaking skin out. For a more affordable pick, consider CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, a drugstore pick packed with nourishing ceramides that's surprisingly lightweight.
“Combination skin is generally shiny around the t-zone but dehydrated elsewhere, so a light, water-based moisturizer is important to restore balance within the complexion,” says esthetician and skin expert, Melanie Grant. “I tend to recommend fluids, gels, and lotions as these provide the skin with essential hydration without stimulating excess shine.”
We conducted hours of research on the best moisturizers for combination skin, evaluating top-rated formulas on their active ingredients, type and texture, and the types of skin concerns targeted. We considered moisturizers with and without SPF protection as well as how quickly the moisturizer absorbed into skin. We tested a couple of bestsellers, our product testers trying out the moisturizers for weeks at a time and noting their insights. After considering dozens of options and consulting with an esthetician for her recommendations, we landed on these picks.
Keep reading for the best moisturizers for combination skin.
Best Overall
Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion
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Nordstrom
Lightweight
Oil-free
Packed with humectants
Pricey
Who else recommends it? The Strategist also picked the Dr. Dennis Oil-Free Moisture Cushion.
The texture of this product is something else. A unique water-gel cream, it’s super fresh and cooling—as if tiny water droplets were bursting all over your face (just trust me on this one). The formula is also full of hyaluronic acid and Japanese marine algae (from the Blue Zone of Okinawa), meaning it delivers soothing moisture without shine. Expect plump, balanced skin.
Price at time of publish: $60
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Japanese marine algae | Skin Type: Balanced, oily, combination, dry, sensitive | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Budget
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
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Amazon
Affordable
Non-greasy
Lightweight
Need to reapply often
Thanks to hyaluronic acid (a molecule that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water), this lotion is super lightweight and moisturizing. It's one of our favorites because it's gentle, non-greasy, hydrating, and generally just really efficient at calming and balancing combo skin.
Price at time of publish: $11
Active Ingredients: Ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II), hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination | Size: 8, 12, or 16 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Drugstore
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel
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Amazon
Lightweight
Affordable
Non-comedogenic
Contains fragrance
Thank you, Neutrogena, for providing us with drugstore skincare that still feels luxurious. This cream is like a tall drink of water for the skin thanks to high levels of hyaluronic acid, a molecule that can draw water into the superficial layers of the skin. The fresh gel consistency is great under makeup, too.
Price at time of publish: $20
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Balanced, oily, combination | Size: 0.5 or 1.7 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
What Our Testers Say
"Despite its lightness, it seems to soak into the skin and hydrate it from the inside out." — Joline Buscemi, Product Tester
Best Lightweight
Boscia Green Tea Oil-Free Moisturizer
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Courtesy of Sephora
Slows down the aging process
Clears complexion
Reduces sebum production
Lightweight
Might be drying for some
Green tea slows down the aging process (thanks to its high antioxidant concentration) while hydrating skin and reducing sebum production. This oil-free moisturizer also uses burdock root to keep skin matte and blemish-free. In other words, your complexion will feel clear and fresh after using this regularly.
Price at time of publish: $38
Active Ingredients: Japanese green tea, burdock root | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Mature Skin
Augustinus Bader The Cream
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Nordstrom
Doctor-developed
Streamlines any skincare routine
Slows down the aging process
Pricey
When Hailey Beiber, Victoria Beckham, and Lili Reinhart all confess their love for a single product, you know it’s got to be good. Augustinus Bader’s The Cream contains a signature trigger factor complex: a combination of natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins, and synthesized molecules to activate the body’s stem cells. The result is skin that’s smoother, stronger, and more youthful in appearance. But the super light texture means it won’t exacerbate shine. Yep, it seems you can have it all.
Price at time of publish: $175
Active Ingredients: TFC8, vitamin A (retinyl palmitate), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin B5 (panthenol), hydrolyzed rice protein, aloe vera juice, shea butter | Skin Type: Combination, oily, acne-prone | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
What Our Testers Say
"Despite trying out many moisturizers, this was the first time I was actually noticeably shocked at the immediate difference in my skin." — Joline Buscemi, Product Tester
Best for Minimizing Pores
Tatcha The Water Cream
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Tatcha
Lightweight
Oil-free
Refines the look of pores
Pricey
This stuff is legendary in the world of skincare, and for good reason. The oil-free gel-cream is formulated with Japanese botanicals and Tatcha’s Hadasei-3 blend of algae, green tea, and fermented rice. Also, the texture is incredibly fresh, so it will refine the look of pores without scrimping on hydration. The gold applicator wand is a nice touch, too.
Price at time of publish: $66
Active Ingredients: Japanese wild rose, Japanese leopard lily, Hadasei-3 Complex | Skin Type: Combination, oily | Size: 0.34 or 1.7 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
What Our Testers Say
"After each application, my face felt really hydrated but light at the same time. There is a freshness you feel upon applying The Water Cream, almost like a cooling sensation in a way. I continued to enjoy how it felt on my skin during the day and at night." — Ashley Rebecca, Product Tester
Best for Sensitive Skin
Bioderma Hydrabio Gel Cream
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Gentle formula
Affordable
Non-comedogenic
Contains fragrance
French beauty brands often work well for sensitive skin thanks to their gentle approach and minimalist formulations. Bioderma is one of the best, and the Hydrabio Gel Cream is an ideal pick for combination types that find their complexions easily irritated. There’s niacinamide to soothe and salicylic acid to resurface, plus glycerin for light but comforting hydration.
Price at time of publish: $25
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, glycerin | Skin Type: Dry, combination, sensitive | Size: 1.33 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Splurge
La Mer The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream
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Luxurious
Lightweight
Could be quicker to absorb
Crème de La Mer lovers will be pleased to learn that the brand’s Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream has all the nourishing benefits of the brand’s Miracle Broth but in a light, fresh gel format. From the weighty pink and green packaging to the melting texture, this is pure luxury. Expect skin that feels fresh, soft, and balanced. Although this is an expensive cream, we think the proprietary fermented Miracle Broth makes this formula extraordinary in the truest sense of the word, and worth the spend.
Price at time of publish: $100, $380
Active Ingredients: Miracle Broth, lime tea, micro oil gel capsules | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Size: 0.05, 1, and 2 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Under Makeup
iS Clinical Moisturizing Complex
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Dermstore
Wears well under makeup
Provides antioxidant protection
Some reviewers note slight tackiness
“This is a wonderful moisturizer for all complexions, including combination,” Grants tells us. “It’s formulated with natural vitamins, potent antioxidants, and essential bionutrients, which work synergistically to support a moisturizing, protective barrier against environmental aggressors.”
Fun fact: This moisturizer was also designed in collaboration with makeup artists to ensure a smooth, even, luminous—but not greasy—base under makeup. Consider us sold.
Price at time of publish: $95
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Japanese green tea, vitamin A, vitamin E | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Biologique Recherche Creme Dermopurifiante
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Shop Rescue Spa
Calms redness
Lightweight
Mattifying
Strong smell
Another one of Grant's top recommendations, this cream from Biologique Recherche is made with oily, congested, unbalanced skins in mind. “It works to purify the complexion and reduce the redness that comes with breakouts,” Grant explains. Packed with niacinamide (vitamin B3), horse chestnut, onion (really), and Centella, it’s a great way to improve skin clarity without skimping on moisture.
Price at time of publish: $139
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, horse chestnut, onion, centella | Skin Type: Acne-prone, oily, combination | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Redness
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin
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Amazon
Affordable
Calms redness
Fragrance-free
Not gluten-free
Simple but effective, this light gel formula from Aveeno contains oat extract, which is proven to reduce redness, calm the skin, and restore healthy barrier function. There’s also glycerin (a humectant) and panthenol to assist with moisture levels. But what we love is the texture—light, and cooling, it glides onto the skin effortlessly, delivering fresh moisture that doesn’t exacerbate shine.
Price at time of publish: $17
Active Ingredients: Prebiotic Triple Oat Complex, glycerin, panthenol | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive, combination | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Gel
Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
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Amazon
Lightweight
Restores skin barrier
Pricey
Biossance is known for its hero hydrating ingredient, squalane, and this gel moisturizer has it in spades. Derived sustainably from sugar cane, it’s a close match to our skin’s natural moisture (called squalene), so it can help support a plump, comfortable complexion. It’s also rich in the probiotic lactococcus ferment lysate for a strong, healthy barrier that works to retain water within the skin. Also, the light, airy gel is ideal for combo skin.
Price at time of publish: $52
Active Ingredients: Probiotic (lactococcus ferment lysate), squalane, red seaweed, ginger extract, swiss garden cress sprouts | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily | Size: 0.51 or 1.6 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Final Verdict
Turns out, there’s a stack of effective moisturizers for combination skin out there. Our top pick is Dr. Dennis Gross' Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion for its beautiful texture that absorbs easily and works effectively to plump skin with hyaluronic acid and algae. For a more affordable pick, consider CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, a drugstore pick packed with nourishing ceramides that's surprisingly lightweight.
Meet the Expert
Melanie Grant is an esthetician, facialist, skin expert, and the founder of Melanie Grant Skin Health, a clinic with outposts in Sydney, Melbourne, and Los Angeles.
What to Look for in a Moisturizer for Combination Skin
Humectants
Grant says that it's important to seek out a moisturizer formula packed with humectants as these will bind water to the skin, increasing hydration without triggering oil overproduction. “Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, and panthenol are all great,” Grant explains.
On the opposite end of the scale, she advises steering clear of heavy occlusives like shea butter, lanolin, coconut, and mineral oil as these are too heavy and will contribute to oil production and thus congestion.
Light Textures
On that note, Grant suggests that combination skin types seek out a light gel or fluid moisturizer. “Rich creams, balms, and butters are better suited towards extremely dry skin.”
How We Researched & Tested
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust Byrdie
Emily Algar is an experienced writer who covers all things beauty. Her work has appeared in many big-name publications, including Popsugar, Vogue Australia, Grazia, Cosmopolitan, and more.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any moisturizers for combination skin from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
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