The best moisturisers for combination skin to control oil *and* hydrate
Ah, the joy of having combination skin. Possibly one of the hardest skin types to navigate, it's not always easy to seek out products that'll successfully get oiliness under control while also targeting the dry patches you have.
Some might say it's impossible, but we beg to differ: finding the best moisturisers for combination skin really doesn't have to be as difficult as it may seem on the surface. It goes without saying that combination skin feels like it's something only ever associated with teenagers, but believe us when we tell you you're not alone. In fact, it's actually a skin type that can occur in pretty much anybody of any age, at any time in life.
Sound familiar? If you're nodding along then chances are you'll need a moisturiser that's been formulated specifically for combination skin – and we're here to help make finding the one perfect for you super easy.
Meet the experts:
- Daniel Isaacs, Director of Research at Medik8
- Lucy Partington, Freelance Beauty Journalist
The best moisturisers for combination skin at a glance:
- Best moisturiser for combination skin overall = Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream, £13.50 Boots
- Best day moisturiser for combination skin = Antipodes Manuka Honey Skin-Brightening Light Day Cream, £39.99, Sephora UK
- Best mattifying moisturiser for oily skin = Caudalie Vinopure Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid, £24, Cult Beauty
- Best affordable moisturiser for combination skin = Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid, £14.50, Boots
- Best dermatologist-recommended moisturiser for combination skin = Aveeno Calm and Restore Oat Gel Moisturiser, £11.59, Boots
Of course, the biggest question is this: how do you know if your skin actually falls somewhere in the middle, rather than just being straight up dry or straight up oily? We asked Daniel Isaacs, Director of Research at Medik8, to explain.
“Combination skin is characterised by areas of oily skin – typically in the T-zone area – as well as other areas of dry/normal skin,” he says. "Pore size is typically smaller in combination skin types, too, and interestingly, the product you use can exacerbate areas of either oiliness or dryness, so that's why it’s important to select the right products in the right formulations.”
It's a complex matter.
In short, that basically means trying your best to avoid using face moisturisers and ingredients that could be too harsh on skin. As a general rule, it's best to keep your daily skincare routine simple and consistent – switching things up and incorporating too many products will throw your skin out of whack and end up causing more issues than you started with.
However, it's worth noting that when it comes to picking a moisture cream for combination skin, it’s important to take a slightly different approach to other skin types, which means bypassing the best moisturisers for dry skin and the best moisturisers for oily skin or acne-prone skin. Instead, look for a moisturising lotion that is specifically designed to tackle an oily T-zone while simultaneously working to hydrate the skin.
When it comes to the texture, personal preference plays a part here – so if you prefer something thicker and more cocooning, opt for a moisturiser that won’t leave skin feeling greasy, but if you want something that’s thinner, choose a lightweight gel formula.
Choosing products that are non-comedogenic – meaning they won’t clog pores – and that are oil-free is something we'd also recommended. The other products in your routine are key, and as Isaacs mentioned earlier: keep it simple. Avoid stripping cleansers or strong acids as they can wreak havoc with your skin barrier, and adding a bout of avoidable sensitivity is the last thing you want to do. Trust us on that one.
After more skincare content? Shop the best eye cream, best face toner, best retinol serums, best sunscreen for your face and the best face masks.
Scroll for our full edit of the best moisturisers for combination skin in 2023.
1. Best moisturiser for combination skin overall
Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream, £13.50 Boots
Why we love it: Satisfyingly lightweight with a gel-like texture, this moisturiser absorbs instantly and works to instantly hydrate without leaving any residue on skin. It’s packed with sodium hyaluronate, a humectant that helps draw moisture and retain moisture, along with hydrating aloe vera life juice and green tea, a natural antioxidant that soothes and calms inflammation.
Save when you shop for the best moisturisers for combination skin with these Boots discount codes.
2. Best natural moisturiser for combination skin
Antipodes Manuka Honey Skin-Brightening Light Day Cream, £39.99, Sephora UK
Why we love it: Manuka honey is an incredible ingredient, acting as a natural humectant, it draws moisture deep within the skin while simultaneously working its antibacterial magic to help target breakouts and blemishes. Its texture is thicker than most, but it’s not heavy or greasy – and instead it’ll leave skin looking bright and feeling nourished.
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser for combination skin with these Sephora discount codes.
3. Best mattifying moisturiser for oily skin
Caudalie Vinopure Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid, £24, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: A cream that works to intensely moisturise skin without leaving any oily or greasy residue, it's formulated with a powerful blend of naturally-derived ingredients that promise to mattify the skin and improve its overall texture without stripping it of much-needed moisture.
4. Best affordable moisturiser for combination skin
Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid, £14.50, Boots
Why we love it: Cetaphil is an affordable brand that’s loved and recommended by dermatologists and skin experts alike – for extremely good reason. This light daily moisturiser might fast-absorbing but it’s still packed with hydration-boosting ingredients, it works to immediately relieve dry skin while also balancing any excess oil production.
Save when you shop for the best moisturisers for combination skin with these Boots discount codes.
5. Best dermatologist-recommended moisturiser for combination skin
Aveeno Calm and Restore Oat Gel Moisturiser, £11.59, Boots
Why we love it: New to the UK last year, Aveeno’s gentle skincare range was a hit in the US before it launched over here. Formulated with colloidal oat, it’s soothing and restorative, working to nourish the skin’s moisture barrier. It’s a good choice for anyone who suffers from sensitive skin or has perhaps gone a little too OTT with the acids or retinoids.
Save when you shop for the best moisturisers for combination skin with these Boots discount codes.
6. Best planet-friendly moisturiser for combination skin
REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream, £40, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: With its pledge to be zero waste by the end of last year (which it achieved, btw), Ren is the go-to brand when you want products that are as kind to skin as they are to the planet. This day cream is super gentle, making it ideal for sensitised, combination skin. It’s nourishing without being heavy, and it’s packed with skin-softening sea buckthorn oil along with replenishing camellia oil.
Save when you shop for the best moisturisers for combination skin with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
7. Best moisturiser for combination skin with SPF
Clinique Smart Custom Repair SPF15 Moisturizer for Dry/Combination Skin, £63, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Specifically formulated for combination skin, this clever moisturiser from Clinique hydrates, brightens and comforts skin while minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – all whilst helping to strengthen the all-important skin barrier. It’s got added UVA and UVB protection to shield against the sun’s harmful rays – although in an ideal world we’d still recommend you wear a minimum of SPF30 on top of this for ultimate protection.
Save when you shop for the best moisturisers for combination skin with these LookFantastic discount codes.
8. Best drugstore moisturiser for combination skin
Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel Moisturiser, £25.25, Boots
Why we love it: Formulated with innovative Japanese methods and French manufacturers, you know this moisturiser is going to be good. It contains the brand's ‘cohederm complex’ along with thermal spring water to hydrate skin for 24 hours, while also soothing any irritation without being overly heavy or greasy.
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser for combination skin with these Boots discount codes.
9. Best daytime moisturiser for combination skin
Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturiser, £29, Boots
Why we love it: Oil-free and bursting with coffee and ginseng, this moisturiser will wake up tired faces, working to hydrate and energise skin. It’s super lightweight so it won’t sit heavy under makeup, and skin will instantly look revived, refreshed and ready to face another day – we promise.
Save when you shop for the best moisturisers for combination skin with these Boots discount codes.
10. Best cheap moisturiser for combination skin
The Inkey List Omega Water Cream, £9.99, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: A new addition to The Inkey List family, this day and night moisturiser is a lightweight, gel-based formula that optimises skin's hydration levels without being sticky or oily. It contains the brand's omega ceramide complex which works to prevent water loss while boosting skin's elasticity, plus glycerin to pull in moisture and niacinamide to target oil production and redness.
Save when you shop for the best moisturisers for combination skin with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
11. Best gel-cream moisturiser for combination skin
Bioderma Hydrabio Gel Cream, £16, Sephora UK
Why we love it: A brand known and loved for its micellar water, Bioderma actually has a whole lesser-known range of hardworking, affordable products in its line-up – including this gel cream. Alongside its hydrating properties, it also helps smooth skin texture without being greasy while providing a slightly glowy finish (but don’t worry, it won’t ever be mistaken for excess oil).
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser for combination skin with these Sephora discount codes.
12. Best night moisturiser for combination skin
Augustinus Bader The Cream, £225, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: OK, we know this is expensive but believe us when we tell you that it’s worth every. Single. Penny. Formulated with the brand’s patented TFC8 complex, The Cream not only stimulates your skin’s own renewal process, but it also keeps it hydrated and plump – all while protecting against harmful free radicals. It’s the ultimate one-and-done cream, and once you try it you’ll never look back.
Save when you shop for the best moisturisers for combination skin with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
13. Best under makeup moisturiser for combination skin
Glossier Priming Moisturiser Balance, £23, Glossier
Why we love it: If you’re yet to try any skincare from Glossier, make this your first port of call. A moisturising, shine-controlling, pore-refining wonder product, it’ll hydrate and balance skin with a blend of marine extract, niacinamide and willow bark extract – but the best part is that it’s not drying and neither will it leave a flat, powdery finish like some similar products can.
14. Best high-end moisturiser for combination skin
StriVectin Re-Quench Water Cream, £45, Sephora UK
Why we love it: A combination of replenishing electrolytes and hyaluronic acid, this smart moisturiser specifically targets the parts of skin that need moisture the most, promising to balance out the complexion to leave it looking healthier, glowy and energised.
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser for combination skin with these Sephora discount codes.
15. Best balancing moisturiser for oily skin
Nivea 24H Moisture Mattifying Day Cream, £4.19, Boots
Why we love it: Cheap, cheerful but very effective, Nivea's lightweight moisturising cream works to balance combination skin. Infused with aloe vera and minerals, it reduces oil levels to reduce unwanted shine while hydrating skin.
