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Finding the best skincare products for combination skin is tough.

How are you supposed to find products that cater to your dry and oily skin at the same time? Luckily for you, I’ve just spent a few hours online so you find out exactly what to do if you have combination skin. After comparing loads of products and hundreds of reviews, I’m pretty sure this is the best skincare products for combination skin, so you get products that have been tried and tested.

If you struggle dealing with combination skin, you might find that some products are just to heavy and leave your whole face oily, while others are harsh and can leave it too dry. How to find the balance? Every skin type needs a moisturizer, cleanser and serum in a skincare routine for combination skin to stay hydrated. How can you find the right products for combination skin?

Right here.

I’ve made sure that every product on this list contains oil-absorbing properties as well as hydrating formulas that help to even out your skin whilst providing the moisture it needs. What is the best moisturizer for combination skin?

I love all of the products on this list all of the products on here are worth a shot, but I’ll tell you right now number 3 is perfect for combination skin, with a hydrating formula and nourishing ingredients that can provide gentle moisture without over hydrating your skin.

Here’s a tip- If you have very severe combination skin, for example with dry patches of eczema in some areas, you might find it useful to have two products. Have one set as a ligther, all over moisturizer or cleanser and another just for your drier areas.

Let’s dive in.

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Top Picks For Best Skincare For Combination Skin

1.

Cerave Hyaluronic Acid Serum

I love this drugstore serum for combination skin.

The Cerave Hyaluronic Acid Serum is ideal for all skin types. Designed to replenish for instant results and smooth skin, especially for dry skin. The Cerave is perfect if you want all-day hydration with patented technology and a brand that has been dermatologist-approved. It’s a drugstore favorite so you can save your coins.

This serum comes with hyaluronic acid which helps to retain the skin’s natural moisture. This in turn contributes to the barrier function of the skin, so you get a healthy glow and reduced fine lines. Add to that vitamin B5 for the dream team when it comes to soothing the skin.

Wait till you hear this.

The best part about Cerave apart from being the number 1 dermatologist-recommended skincare brand it has essential ceramides that are found in the skin and in the lipid barrier. That means you know you can trust what’s in the product, knowing it has exactly what your skin needs to maintain and restore the barrier.

Whether you have sensitive, or oily, acne-prone skin, the Cerave hyaluronic acid serum is a gamechanger. It contains everything your skin needs to lock in moisture and help to reinforce the protective skin barrier. Plus none of the nasty irritants and is fragrance-free and paraben-free.

Check out the 5-star reviews!

Pros
  • Essential ceramides and B5
  • Affordable
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Free from irritants
Cons
  • Doesn’t absorb right away

Latest deal: Cerave Hyaluronic Acid Serum

2.

Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturizer

Looking for the best moisturizer for combination skin? Look no further.

Neutrogena is ideal if you are on a budget but want oil-free, everyday hydration. I’m talking about moisture with a light, non-greasy feel that you can wear under your makeup. It provides everyday hydration without clogging your pores or leaving your skin shiny.

I love that this moisturizer has been dermatologically tested to keep shine at bay, including mattifying the skin and refining pores. It contains oil absorbing technology, so you can say goodbye to excess oil, without drying out your skin.

But let me tell you about this.

A great feature of this is that it doesn’t contain oil, and is non-comedogenic providing lightweight moisture that leaves your skin matte. It’s perfect if you have blemish-prone skin and clogged pores. This moisturizer will help to tighten your pores after cleansing, to prevent breakouts.

What more can I say? Neutrogena is also fragrance free and alcohol free so you won’t be irritating your skin or drying it out. If you’re looking for an all day matte finish that nourishes your skin with all the right ingredients in their products so you can keep your skin hydrated. It’s a winner!

Click on the blue button below to take a look for yourself!

Pros
  • Non comedogenic
  • Oil free and alcohol free
  • All day matte finish
  • Oil control system
Cons
  • Can leave skin shiny in warm weather

Latest deal: Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture Glycerin Face Moisturizer 

3.

Paulas Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Coco & Eve Hair Towel Wrap

This is one of the best products for combination skin.

Paula’s Choice is long known for its transparent formulas with no hidden harmful ingredients, and this one is no exception. Their Skin perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is directly formulated for all skin types including acne prone combination skin. It’s ideal to improve skin texture and get smaller pores for healthier skin overall.

This liquid exfoliant is best to use after cleansing and toning, and before using a treatment and moisturizer. It’s the perfect addition to your skincare routine. spray fights acne using natural ingredients. It helps to build up use to it if you’ve never used an exfoliant, by using it every other day at first, then later you can even use it twice a day if you wish. You can apply it using your hands or a cotton pad, and pat it gently on your face.

But that’s not all.

The best part about Paula’s choice is that this BHA exfoliant is free from harmful and irritating ingredients to give you healthier skin from the get-go. It goes deep into pores to clean out dirt and oil, as well as shedding dead skin cells. You’ll notice brighter skin right away, and an even skin tone. Look up other products by Paula’s Choice so you can build a skincare routine for your specific skin type. The Clear moisturizer is oil free so is ideal to use twice a day, incorporated into your own skin routine.

Whether you have sensitive, or oily acne skin Paula’s Choice BHA Exfoliant is a lightweight formula that aims to exfoliate your skin to give you a brighter, healthier complexion. It helps your skin be healthy by preventing breakouts and uneven skin tone.

Overall, I’d say this is the best chemical exfoliant for combination skin.

Pros
  • Contains natural extracts
  • Cleans dead skin cells and dirt
  • Free from fragrance
  • Cruelty free
Cons
  • Slightly pricey

Latest deal: Paulas Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

4.

Doctor Rogers - RESTORE Natural Face Wash

If you have combination skin, then a restoring face wash is a good place to start.

The Doctor Rogers Natural Face Wash is ideal if you want to maintain the moisture whilst getting rid of bacteria from the day. It’s perfect for those who have damaged their skin’s natural barrier, for example in sunburn, or who have very dry, sensitive skin in some areas.

I love that Dr Rogers face wash is gentle, but effective. It is glycerin-based which makes it moisturising whilst being non-comedogenic. It won’t clog pores and you can use this to remove makeup, as well as cleanse your face. It gently washes away dirt without overly stripping those dry, sensitive areas such as around the eyes.

But wait.

An extremely important feature of the Dr Rogers face wash is that it is vegan and fragrance-free to help the planet and your skin. This plant based face wash has biodegradable ingredients and can be used on all skin types. It is also free from irritating ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, and sulfates and will nourish the skin without irritating it.

What more can I say? Dr Rogers face cleanser is a gentle cleanser that promises to promote moisture retention from dry, sensitive skin and clean the skin gently. I’d say it does the job pretty well. Enriched with botanical extracts and value for money, it’s a winner!

Click on the blue button below to take a look for yourself!

Pros
  • Natural ingredients
  • No irritating ingredients
  • Cruelty free
  • Hypoallergenic
Cons
  • Not strong enough to target acne

Latest deal: Doctor Rogers – RESTORE Natural Face Wash

5.

CETAPHIL Daily Hydrating Lotion for Face

If you’re looking for a moisturizer that does it all, stop here.

The Cetaphil Moisturizing cream is ideal if you want the moisture with a light, non greasy feel. It’s perfect for those who have damaged their skin’s natural barrier, for example in sunburn, or who have very dry, sensitive skin.

I love that the Cetaphil cream has an all-in-one approach, meaning you can use this for your body and your face. It gives extra hydration to those dry parts such as elbows and knees that can sometimes become cracked and painful.

But wait let me tell you about this.

An extremely important feature of the Cetaphil is that it is fragrance-free and paraben-free, so it won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts. This makes it great if you have sensitive skin as well. No wonder it is recommended by dermatologists!

What more can I say? Cetaphil is a strong hydrating cream that promises to deliver 24-hour relief from dry skin and restore the skin’s barrier. From the over 50,000 five-star reviews, I’d say it does the job pretty well. Enriched with sweet almond oil and vitamin E, A clean formula your skin will love, and value for money, it’s a winner!

Click on the blue button below to take a look for yourself!

Pros
  • Paraben and fragrance-free
  • Suitable for body and face
  • 24-hour relief from dry skin
  • Clinically tested for sensitive skin
Cons
  • Doesn’t smell much

Latest deal: CETAPHIL Daily Hydrating Lotion for Face

6.

L'Oreal Paris Hydra Genius Moisturizer

If you’re looking for a dermatologically tested moisturizer that does it all, then this one is for you.

The L’Oreal Paris Hydra Genius Moisturizer is a lightweight water based moisturizer that is perfect for combination skin. To replenish the skin, it has a variety of good ingredients in it and hyaluronic acid so you can reach for this every day.

One of the unique things that I love about this L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius, is that it has aloe water and hyaluronic acid so it can hydrate your skin and give it that glow without over moisturizing or clogging your pores. Whether you have combination skin or oily skin that quickly gets shiny, this one will do the job.

Now, wait until you hear this.

This moisturizer is perfect for those who don’t want a shiny face or a rich moisturizer. This water based, oil free moisturizer can absorb oil, reduces shine, to give your skin a matte finish you’ll love. Hydrating whilst mattifying your oily areas, it’s ideal if you struggle to balance combination skin so you can get that non-greasy, lightweight feel.

With these ingredients, you can expect matte skin and moisture for 72 hours. It’s great for sensitive skin too as it has been clinically tested is hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic. Try out this quick-absorbing moisturizer that absorbs oil, reduces shine, and hydrates your skin all in one go!

It’s worth being on here.

Pros
  • Hyaluronic acid and aloe water
  • 72hrs moisture
  • Oil free
  • Fast absorbing
Cons
  • Results take time

Latest deal: L’Oreal Paris Hydra Genius Moisturizer

Best Skincare For Combination Skin – A Buyer’s Guide

Have both oily and dry skin?

Combination skin can be a struggle, but with the right products and a skin care routine, you can have healthier skin. That includes getting rid of dark circles and fine lines, as well as reducing dark spots.

Combo skin can cause a whole host of issues, such as an oily t zone, enlarged pores, and irritated skin. With the right products for combination skin types, you can get healthy skin. My favorites include lactic acid and glycolic acid to regulate oil production and gently exfoliate, an emollient-rich moisturizer with green tea for your dry areas. You can also include natural oils and fruit extracts, eye creams, a hydrating face mask such as clay masks or a sheet mask.

It’s a good idea to include a broad spectrum sunscreen with antioxidant protection with zinc oxide. Look out for products that are free from oil to prevent additional oil production. Try to include fruit enzymes to exfoliate and for anti aging properties. A makeup remover that removes makeup without stripping dry cheeks or clogging oil parts can be hard to find.

Find a skin care routine that works for your skin type, tailoring to oily areas in your t zone as well as dry patches. This will help to smooth fine lines and reduce oil production. To boost the skin health try salicylic acid and green tea.

What was your favorite product?

How can you tell if you have combination skin?

Are you wondering if you have combination skin? Before you go ahead and shop the right products for combination skin type, you need to double check that this is truly your skin type.

Combination skin refers to skin that has areas that are different. For example, some areas are oily, maybe the forehead, nose and chin, but your cheeks and eyelid skin are very dry.

Everyone has combination skin to some extent, since we all have different sized oil glands on our faces. You’ll probably find this changes throughout the year, with winter season bringing drier skin and summer season being more oily. Larger oil glands are found in our t zone, but this varies with everyone. The point is, if you can notice bigger differences between dry skin areas and oily skin areas.

Skin concerns for combination skin

When your skin is a mixture of oily and dry, it can be tough to find a good balance. One struggle you may have is finding skincare products that control oil production but won’t dry out your skin.

You probably don’t need to have a hydrating product for one part of your face, and a different oil absorbing product for the rest. Many people can end up purchasing double the products trying to accommodate dry skin and oily skin, but in reality it’s not always necessary. For example, if you strip your oily skin too much by using harsh cleansers and toners, it ends up producing more oil to compensate what it has lost. The result is even more oil.

How to take care of combination skin

You might be wondering, how can you treat the oily parts of your face as well as the dry parts? Dermatologists suggest treating your skin as if it were dry all over. Focusing on drier sensitive skin you can ensure you give them enough hydration. Go easy on the antioxidant serums and retinol treatments that can trigger dry skin. If you have parts that are very oily, try using less moisturizer and a little bit of treatment. You can use the same products but in different quantities depending on what your skin needs.

Dont be tempted to go overboard with products, a simple skin care routine is better. Its important to not wash excessively and not overdo rhe toners and exfoliators which can make your skin more oil. One step you should always include however is sunscreen. No matter your skin type or age, using sunscreen is key, preferably a mineral based with zinc oxide and a broad spectrum of spf 30 minimum. This will help keep your skin healthy and protect form harmful uv raditation.

Ingredients to look out for and avoid for combination skin

When you’re out shopping for new skincare products, it’s a good idea to check the label for yourself and select products with the right ingredients for you.

Go for products with Hyaluronic acid. Its a moisturizing serum that hydrates combination skin, without clogging pores. It hydrates very well and can help balance oil production without overly drying your skin.

Go for ingredients with clean ingredients, that means no irritating ingredients such as fragrance or drying alcohols. Some good options include squalane, niacinamide, vitamin C and glycerin. If you want to gently exfoliate your skin try chemical exfoliants such as AHA’s and BHA’s to help against oil production.

Avoid any ingredients that cause inflammation or are harmful to the skin. This is important regardless of your skin type. I’m talking about fragrance, PEGs, essential oils and even chemical sunscreens. Do a bit of research into the worst ingredients for your skincare, and most importantly the brands that are known for being free from irritating ingredients.

You want to be careful with abrasive ingredients such as chemical exfoliants eg glycolic acid and also alcohols. They are good in small doses, but if you overuse them they can strip your skin of natural oils and even lead to excess oil production. Don’t go near very heavy moisturizers, especially on your oily t zone.

Final Thoughts

Combination skin doesn’t have to be a struggle, but you do need to have the right ingredients. Balancing oil production and hydrating dry skin is a challenge, but you can probably get it to a level where you can use the same products all over.

What is your skin care routine for combination skin?

Summary

jess rowley

Jess Rowley

Cheif Editor & Nail Technician Expert

ABOUT

Jess Rowley, a veteran nail tech, has been studying beauty over the last 11 years and has completed the nail technology program in California. Watching the latest trends in beauty, Jess searches for the highest quality products that make your nails feel loved.