The best moisturisers for combination skin to control oil and hydrate

It might seem like an impossible feat, but finding the best moisturisers for combination skin doesn’t have to be as hard as it first seems. Combination skin is a skin type that’s mostly associated with teenagers, but it’s actually something that can occur in any person of any age. So how do you know if your skin actually falls somewhere in the middle, rather than just being dry or just being oily?

“Combination skin is characterised by areas of oily skin – typically in the T-zone area – as well as other areas of dry/normal skin,” explains Dan Isaacs, director of research at skincare brand Medik8. “Pore size is typically smaller with this skin type, too, and interestingly, the product you use can exacerbate areas of either oiliness or dryness, so it’s important to select the right products in the right formulations.”

In short, that means ensuring you avoid anything too harsh and it’s remembering that it’s best to keep your routine simple and consistent. And when it comes to choosing a moisturiser, it’s important to take a slightly different approach in comparison to those with dry or oily skin types. Bypass the best moisturisers for dry skin and the best moisturisers for oily skin. Instead, you need to look for a product that is specifically designed to tackle both an oily T-zone while simultaneously working to hydrate skin. 

When it comes to the texture, personal preference plays a part – if you want a thicker consistency, opt for something that won’t leave skin feeling greasy, but if you want something that’s thinner, choose a lightweight gel formula.

Products that are non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog pores) and oil-free is also recommended. The other products in your routine are key, and as Isaacs mentioned earlier, keep everything 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.

Here, we’ve pulled together our favourite moisturisers for combination skin to help you build a routine right for you…

The best moisturisers for combination skin at a glance.

• Best moisturiser for combination skin = Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream, £13.50 Boots
• Best night moisturiser for combination skin = Augustinus Bader The Cream, £215, Cult Beauty
• Best day moisturiser for combination skin = Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturiser, £27, Boots
• Best planet-friendly moisturiser for combination skin = REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream, £38, Cult Beauty
• Best drug store moisturiser for combination skin = Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid, £12.99, Boots
• Best dermatologist-recommended moisturiser for combination skin = Aveeno Calm and Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer, £10.99, Boots
• Best moisturiser for combination skin with SPF = Clinique Smart Custom Repair SPF15 Moisturizer for Dry/Combination Skin, £55, LookFantastic
• Best gel-cream moisturiser for combination skin = Bioderma Hydrabio Gel Cream, £16, FeelUnique
• Best natural moisturiser for combination skin = Antipodes Manuka Honey Skin-Brightening Light Day Cream, £39.99, FeelUnique
• Best under makeup moisturiser for combination skin = Glossier Priming Moisturiser Balance, £23, Glossier
• Best high-end moisturiser for combination skin = StriVectin Re-Quench Water Cream, £45, FeelUnique
• Best cheap moisturiser for combination skin = The Inkey List Omega Water Cream, £9.99, Cult Beauty
• Best drugstore moisturiser for combination skin = Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel Moisturiser for Dehydrated Skin, £21, LookFantastic

Scroll for our full edit of the best moisturisers for combination skin in 2022.