Finding the best moisturiser for combination skin sounds fairly straightforward on paper, but it's actually more of a challenge than one may think. That's why we've done you the service of scouting high and low for the best moisturisers that will make caring for combination skin that much easier.
From Cerave to Cetaphil, Aveeno to Byoma and La Roche-Posay, there is a range of combination skin moisturisers that will provide your skin with the most care and attention without breaking the bank (or breaking you out, for that matter). You can even get moisturisers with SPF for combination skin, too. Win-win.
With the winter months ahead, finding a moisturiser that will ensure your skin stays supple and soft even with skin-drying weather conditions is definitely a must. Winter weather is no joke no matter what skin type you have, and ensuring that dry skin doesn't get dryer is an important part of any skincare routine. Luckily though, winter moisturisers are also available for combo skin.
Closer's best moisturisers for combination skin at a glance:
Editor's choice: Cetaphil Daily Defence Moisturiser, £14.50, on LookFantastic
Best budget-friendly moisturiser for combination skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser, £12.99, on Boots
Best natural moisturiser for combination skin: Aveeno Calm And Restore Moisturiser, £11.59, on Boots
Take a look below at our top picks of moisturisers for combination skin that are perfect for any budget. We absolutely love skincare that A) saves us some hard-earned cash and B) leaves us satisfied knowing our skin is getting the TLC it needs.
SHOP: The best moisturisers for combo skin
Editor's choice
www.lookfantastic.com
A perfectly hydrating moisturiser for combination skin, complete with UVA/B photoprotection, Cetaphil's Daily Defence moisturiser is one for any basket. A win for combination skin.
Review: "Great moisturiser with spf leaves skin feeling and looking great, non-drying or greasy brilliant, would recommend."
Pros
- SPF 50
- Does not block pores
Cons
- Small tube
Best budget-friendly moisturiser for combination skin
on sale
www.boots.com
Neutrogena's Hydro Boost formula is perfect for combination skin as it hydrates without leaving skin too oily. Containing hyaluronic acid and electrolytes, you can enjoy a high-end-feeling product at a budget-friendly price.
Review: "Having combo skin some moisturisers can take ages to absorb making it difficult to apply make-up in a hurry this Moisturiser is very easily absorbed leaving my skin make-up ready straight away and moisturised enough to stop make up clogging in dry areas."
Pros
- Six times more hydration
- Leaves perfect dewy finish
Cons
- Some reviews say it takes longer to sink in than other creams
Best natural moisturiser for combination skin
on sale
www.boots.com
A gel moisturiser with a formula containing soothing oats, Aveeno's Calm and Restore moisturiser is perfect if you're looking for a product that plumps and balances moisture levels in your skin.
Review: "I'm a huge fan of Aveeno, particularly the Skin Relief wash, because I love they are made from oats. I bought this last week in a store in London after seeing it on a display. I knew my face would flare up after suddenly being back in the city after a looong time away. I've been using it over the weekend. I LOVE how gentle this is. It's a light moisturiser with a gorgeous gel texture which is super smooth."
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Not recommended to be used as a standalone product
Best combination skin moisturiser for all skin types
on sale
www.lookfantastic.com
Well, what can we say about Kiehl's? They are some of the best in the business. Their Ultra Facial moisturiser is perfect for anyone looking for a no-brainer skin product with maximum impact. This one contains glycerin and squalene for that added touch of luxury without the high-end price tag.
Review: "I have oily/combination and sensitive skin. This is for when I have really sensitive dry days and my skin is in need of more moisture. It gives a beautiful glow and doesn't feel restrictively heavy. All in all a great moisturiser!"
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Contains squalene
Cons
- Slightly on the greasy side
Best lightweight moisturiser for combination skin
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Byoma is known for its ultra-hydrating and skin-rejuvenating products, and its moisturising gel cream is absolutely no exception. Plus, their aesthetic packaging always looks good on any bathroom counter or cupboard.
Review: "This moisturiser is very hydrating. My wife and I both have been using it daily. It's more of a gel consistency, which I like because I feel like it goes on smooth and absorbs quicker than a cream. It says it's oil free which I appreciate, I tend to break out a lot and I haven't had any issues with this."
Pros
- Ultra lightweight gel formulation
- Prevents breakouts
Cons
- Isn't made specifically for combination skin
Best high-end moisturiser for combination skin
on sale
www.boots.com
Vichy Mineral 89 72-Hr Hyaluronic Acid Moisture-Boosting Cream is suitable for all skin types, dry, oily or a combination, and provides intense hydration and skin rejuvenation. It's a great moisturiser for winter months ahead.
Review: "It feels very nice on my skin. It is quite an oily cream but that bodes well for my skin as it is very dry. Sits nice underneath my makeup."
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Contains hyaluronic acid, squalane and vitamins B3 and E
Cons
- More suitable for colder climates
Best year-round moisturiser for combination skin
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
If you don't know La Roche Posay, all we can say is: get to know. Their products are specifically formulated to help out with acne-prone skin, so if you suffer from that, the Effaclar Moisturiser is the perfect product for you - especially if breakouts are a common occurrence.
Review: "I bought this to try for my combination, spot prone skin & so glad I did! It's really good at dealing with the combination, has reduced my spots and provides a good smooth base if applying make up. All round winner!"
Pros
- Perfect for year-round moisture
- Mattifying to calm down oiliness of skin
Cons
- May run out sooner than others
Talking with the experts: BYOMA
To find out more about combination skin, we spoke to Marc Elrick, CEO of leading skincare (and aesthetically pleasing brand) BYOMA and asked for some expert advice on the topic.
What are the signs of combination skin?
"If you see signs of oiliness in your t-zone (your forehead, down the nose, and to the chin), while your cheeks are dry or tight feeling, then it's most likely that you have combination skin," says Marc.
He continues, saying that "signs of oiliness can include shiny skin, larger-looking pores, blackheads or whiteheads in the t-zone, and signs of dryness on the cheeks can include flaking, red or rough/tight feeling skin."
Should you use separate moisturisers for combination skin?
If you're dealing with both a dry and oily skin type, you might wonder whether or not you should opt for separate moisturisers in your daily routine.
Thankfully though, this is not necessary. Marc says that a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser is perfect for combination skin. He suggests using BYOMA's Gel Cream (as seen above) to tackle this issue. However, moisturisers for dry skin are available if you're looking to address the concern directly.
Emma Richardson is a Beauty & Fashion Product Writer for Closer. She covers shopping, lifestyle, celebs and anything trending.