There are plenty of ways we like to self-identify: horoscopes, Myers-Briggs, and, in beauty, skin type. For those with combination skin, things can feel a little muddled: The skin is oily in some areas, like the T-zone, but dry in others, which can make skin-care shopping tricky. Fortunately, the best moisturizers for combination skin are designed with this balance in mind, offering lightweight hydration and nourishment in just the right areas.
Vogue’s Favorite Moisturizers for Combination Skin
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Below, and edit of the best options well-regarded by three board-certified dermatologists who reveal their favorite moisturizers for combination skin, from gel-creams to lightweight lotions. Each one is formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide, and ceramides to hydrate, support the skin barrier, and keep oil production in check.
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Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
- Why We Love It: Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessie Cheung describes this gel cream as “pure hydration,” thanks to its hyaluronic acid and glycerin-packed formula, which draws in moisture and locks it into skin. The weightless gel texture makes it ideal for combination and oily skin, absorbing instantly without residue or heaviness. “I love the cooling sensation upon application, which refreshes the skin,” she explains. “This versatile moisturizer has a mild scent that makes it approachable for all skin types.”
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin
- Texture: Gel cream
- Size: 50 mL
Best With Peptides: Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream
- Why We Love It: Safe for sensitive skin types, even those with eczema, Dr. Cheung explains that this cream blends ceramides and hyaluronic acid to reinforce the skin barrier while hydrating at multiple levels. “What sets it apart is the inclusion of prebiotic peptides, which nurture a healthy skin microbiome for long-term resilience,” she says. “This is smart skincare with a smooth texture and a mild scent that’s great for daily use.” Plus, when you run out, you can refill the container with a recyclable pod, cutting down on waste.
- Key Ingredients: Prebiotic peptides, hyaluronic acid
- Texture: Cream
- Size: 1.6 oz
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Clearstem Hydraglow
- Why We Love It: Formulated for acne-prone skin, Clearstem’s HydraGlow is a moisturizer you can feel confident using on combination skin without fear of breakouts. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kseniya Kobets, it provides hydration through hyaluronic acid and squalane, while stem cells and vitamin C actives add anti-aging and plumping benefits. Plus, it has a very lightweight texture that feels weightless on the skin and pairs well with makeup.
- Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, squalane, collagen stem cells
- Texture: Cream
- Size: 60 mL
Best Rich Texture: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream
- Why We Love It: If you’re looking for something a bit more heavy duty but still safe for combination skin, Dr. Engelman recommends this formula. It has a richer texture but absorbs well, giving dry areas the support they need without overly coating oily zones. “It’s a classic for a reason—simple, effective, and fragrance-free,” she says. With winter on the horizon, this is one we’ll be stocking our medicine cabinets with.
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, urea, barley extract, cucumber fruit extract
- Texture: Cream
- Size: 1.7 oz
Best Soothing: The Outset Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer
- Why We Love It: Dr. Cheung explains that this clean moisturizer is built around squalane to replenish and reinforce the skin barrier. “It’s packed with botanical extracts that soothe irritation while providing antioxidant defense against daily environmental stressors,” she says. “I love that it’s fragrance-free and feels lightweight yet nourishing, making it a versatile choice for even the most sensitive skin types.” It’s especially great if redness is one of your chief concerns.
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, avocado oil, plum oil
- Texture: Lightweigh lotion
- Size: 50 mL
Best for Everyday: EltaMD AM Restore Moisturizer
- Why We Love It: A great everyday option, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman describes this moisturizer as “lightweight, fragrance-free, and packed with ceramides and niacinamide to strengthen the barrier.” She explains that it hydrates without feeling greasy, making it a reliable choice for both sensitive and combination skin. Pair it with the brand’s sunscreen and consider your morning routine complete.
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Texture: Cream
- Size: 1.7 oz
Best Texture: Blue Lagoon BL+ The Cream Light
- Why We Love It: For those in the know, Blue Lagoon has been on our radar for its bioactive minerals sourced from the namesake Icelandic lagoon, combined with moisturizing agents that leave skin refreshed with a clean, marine-inspired finish. Dr. Engelman describes it as a “great option” for anyone seeking both efficacy and a sensorial experience. While it errs on the pricier side, it delivers a bouncy glow without the sticky or tacky feel that some moisturizers can leave behind.
- Key Ingredients: BL+ Complex, niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, panthenol
- Texture: Cream
- Size: 0.5 oz, 1.7 oz
Best Korean: Belif The True Cream
- Why We Love It: We’d be remiss not to include a K-beauty favorite on this list. According to Dr. Kobets, the True Cream contains glycerin and squalane for hydration and has a gel-cream texture that works well for individuals with combination skin. However, she notes that it does contain fragrance, which is something to be cautious about if you are sensitive to scented products.
- Key Ingredients: Panthenol, squalane, peptides, ceramides
- Texture: Cream
- Size: 25 mL, 50 mL, 100 mL
Best Luxury: La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream
- Why We Love It: A cult-favorite, La Mer’s Moisturizing Soft Cream harnesses the power of nutrient-rich fermented sea kelp, known for its soothing properties. “The cream itself feels indulgent—silky and cushiony—yet melts into the skin for deep hydration without heaviness,” adds Dr. Cheung. “There’s a subtle, oceanic scent that feels luxurious and grounding, elevating the experience into something truly multi-sensorial.”
- Key Ingredients: Miracle broth, lime tea concentrate
- Texture: Cream
- Size: 15 mL, 30 mL, 60 mL
Best Under Makeup: Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer
- Why We Love It: Touted as a moisturizer-primer hybrid, this formula works seamlessly under makeup and layers well with the rest of your skin-care routine. “I love the innovative water-locking technology—hyaluronic acid paired with pomegranate spheres creates long-lasting hydration,” says Dr. Engelman. “It has a lightweight gel-cream feel and a naturally fresh scent that makes it enjoyable to apply daily.”
- Key Ingredients: Orange peptides, pomegranate spheres, hyaluronic acid
- Texture: Cream
- Size: 1.7 Fl oz.
Best Gel Cream: InnBeauty Project Recharge Gel Cream
- Why We Love It: New to the brand’s lineup, the Project Recharge Gel Cream delivers hydration with niacinamide and barrier repair through ceramides, explains Dr. Kobets. It also includes peptides to support collagen stimulation, making it a formula that works year-round, even during colder months when skin tends to dry out. “Its gel-cream texture makes it especially suitable for combination skin,” she adds.
- Key Ingredients: Orchid stem cells, peptides, niacinamide, ceramides
- Texture: Gel cream
- Size: 50 mL
What is the best type of moisturizer for combination skin?
Because combination skin can feel oily in the T-zone and dry on other areas of the face, Dr. Engelman recommends a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that hydrates without overwhelming. “Gel creams, water-based lotions, or oil-free moisturizers with humectants like hyaluronic acid are excellent because they balance the skin without leaving heaviness or shine,” she explains. She adds, “The goal is to maintain hydration while controlling excess oil in more active areas.”
Do I need a moisturizer if I have combination skin?
Yes. All skin types, from super dry or compromised (like eczema or atopic dermatitis) to oily and acne-prone, benefit from a moisturizer, says Dr. Kobets. “A good formula includes a balance of hydrators (humectants) and emollients, with occlusives added in for very dry skin to maintain a healthy barrier. Light oils that provide antioxidants and gentle occlusion without greasiness can also be a good addition for combination skin.”
Dr. Engelman adds that skipping moisturizer can actually backfire. Oilier zones may produce more sebum as compensation, while drier patches become more irritated. A well-formulated moisturizer keeps the skin barrier balanced and healthy, which in turn reduces breakouts and sensitivity over time.
What to Look for in a Moisturizer for Combination Skin
According to Dr. Kobets, the best moisturizers for combination skin balance hydration with barrier support. She recommends lightweight ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and glycerin, paired with emollients such as ceramides and squalane. Niacinamide, a B-vitamin antioxidant, can also help with redness and pigmentation. Dr. Kobets adds that combination skin may benefit from gentle hydroxy acids, particularly polyhydroxy acids like gluconolactone, which support mild exfoliation and anti-aging. She also points to vitamin C and its derivatives for brightening and antioxidant protection, as well as retinols to address both aging concerns and acne prevention. For those prone to breakouts, she notes that benzoyl peroxide can help unclog pores and clear blackheads or whiteheads.
- Dr. Kseniya Kobets is a board-certified dermatologist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in Westchester, NY.
- Dr. Dendy Engelman is a New York City board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Jessie Cheung is a board-certified dermatologist and the Director of Jessie Cheung MD Dermatology & Laser Center.
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