16 Combination Skin-Approved Moisturizers That Can Tackle Dry and Oily Areas

SUNDAY RILEY makes so many of our skincare dreams come true, and this product is no exception. It’s made for combination skin and is ultra lightweight and gentle, but powerfully moisturizing at the same time. This oil-free gel cream even contains two forms of advanced hyaluronic acid to infuse your skin with moisture that won't clog pores.

The formula also includes gently exfoliating papaya enzymes to smooth and refine your skin and alpha-arbutin to brighten your skin tone and fade dark spots. Add in horse chestnut seed extract as a natural toner, and you've got yourself a winning moisturizing cream for any skin type. Pro tip: Try patting it on under your foundation for instantly glowing skin.

"This stuff is SOOOO moisturizing! It's super lightweight and not at all oily, and it smells good, too. I wish I had more," says Ipster hlynncoupons. 

When your dry patches are extra dry and your oily patches are extra oily, it can be enough to drive you skincare-crazy—but that’s where this sensitive-skin-approved formula comes in. Free of parabens and sulfates, this fragrance-free moisturizer is able to provide deep hydration with a matte, oil-controlled finish. Heavy-hitting hydrators like hyaluronic acid and oat extract keep your skin soft and smooth while oil-absorbing microspheres and niacinamide keep excess sebum in check. Two problems with one solution? Total skincare relief. 

"This is the only moisturizer that claims oil control and DELIVERS on oil control literally all day for my anxiety-ridden oily pores," exclaims Ipster meeshrox.

Rather than using a base of water or petroleum, this moisturizer uses a blend of antioxidant and vitamin-rich botanical juices to provide faster, more visible results. The formula has so much goodness inside: Organic aloe, shea butter, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid hydrate your skin without leaving it feeling greasy. Peptides also firm your skin while vitamin A and vitamin C reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and free radical damage.

Also included in this moisturizer are alpha-hydroxy acids, which gently exfoliate and even out your skin tone. Dr. Emer explains that AHAs can also be great for mature skin types. "Alpha hydroxy acids help hydrate the skin while giving it anti-aging benefits like decreased redness, pigmentation, and pores," he says. What’s not to like?

"My new fave moisturizer," says Ipster cboyachek. "Perfect scent, perfect texture, and really works!"

One of Dr. Akhavan's top moisturizer recommendations for combination skin is "a very lightweight lotion or gel lotion containing hyaluronic acid," and this formula meets the mark. This ultra-lightweight gel moisturizer absorbs in seconds, making it an ideal base for makeup. It also uses hyaluronic acid to give your skin a major moisture boost while trusted ingredients like ceramides, lipids, and amino acids fortify your skin barrier to keep that essential hydration locked in all day long.

"This stuff is so light and airy," one Ipster says. "My skin really soaks it up and there's no powder or greasy after-effects."

Loving the oil-free gel moisturizers? Here’s another one that deserves a spot on your skincare shelf. The weightless formula absorbs into the skin almost instantly, providing intense hydration as well as a number of other skin-loving benefits. A primary ingredient here is cactus flower extract, a favorite among oily skin types thanks to its antimicrobial properties and ability to flush out excess sebum from pores. 

"Leaves skin feeling deeply moisturized but not greasy—truly long-lasting," says Ipster rmtwork12. Another adds, "IT Cosmetics hits it out of the park again with this gel lotion. Every product they make feels great on my skin and produces instant, flawless results while remaining light and blending naturally."

Save some extra minutes in your mornings with a moisturizer that doubles as your sunscreen. This daily-use moisturizing lotion hydrates and revitalizes your skin, using vitamin C to brighten and broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield you from sun damage and environmental aggressors. Finally, potent ginkgo biloba leaf extract protects you from free radicals and keeps your skin looking healthy and youthful. Bonus: This light, citrus scent gives you an energizing boost in the a.m.

"The formula is lightweight and sheer. It lasts a while and doesn't feel heavy or sticky on my face," one Ipster writes. Another adds, "Smells great and very light moisturizer. It makes your skin feel amazing."

Sensitive skin types will love this nutrient-rich moisturizer that contains plant-derived squalane, safflower, and nourishing rose extract. The non-greasy formula quickly sinks into the skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. It’s also formulated without parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, or synthetic fragrance or colors, making it significantly less likely to irritate your skin while it keeps you hydrated.

"I really liked how light this lotion was" says one Ipster. "I felt like it absorbed quickly and did not leave any type of residue."

Do you love keeping your skincare routine clean? If so, take one look at this moisturizer's ingredient list—you’re gonna love what you see. Aloe vera provides your daily dose of hydration while a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide protects against sun damage (without leaving a white cast behind). Plus, nourishing ingredients like fruit stem cells, green tea, and kola nut extract help to defend against visible signs of aging like sun spots and discoloration. Finally, antioxidant-rich sage extract and birch bark extract are included for their natural brightening properties.

"Loved this light sunscreen," says Ipster peters_k. "My face is very sensitive and I had great results with this." 

Here's another formula that puts quality, natural ingredients at the forefront. This vegan moisturizer is packed with mineral-rich water from the Dead Sea, hydrating and smoothing amino acids, and skin-conditioning vitamin E and vitamin B5. The light, fast-absorbing texture makes it a great everyday choice for combination skin types. Lather it on every morning for a daily dose of hydration that leaves zero residue behind. 

One Ipster describes this moisturizer as "light but moisturizes wonderfully without feeling oily or thick." Another says, "It really feels weightless and leaves my skin super smooth."

Not only does this oil-free moisturizer smell heavenly (like watermelon candy!), it's also perfect for providing the balance that combination skin needs. Made with vitamins A, B, and C, this lightweight moisturizer hydrates combination skin without leaving your skin feeling (or looking) shiny or greasy. Aloe vera, a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient, reduces any puffiness, while white tea protects your skin from cellular damage, and cucumber firms and soothes. Finally, watermelon extract, the moisturizer's hero ingredient, hydrates, brightens, and regenerates skin cells while also providing a boost of vitamins A, C, and E. It's the ultimate balancing moisturizer for a sweet-smelling burst of freshness and a natural-looking glow.

One Ipster says she found this to be a "refreshing moisturizer for summer. Used this on hot days and it was a nice pick me up." Another adds, "This product lived up to its every word."

If your combination skin is feeling all out of whack, this gel moisturizer from TikTok star Addison Rae's new beauty line essentially acts as a topical chill pill. The formula pairs combination skin faves like hydrating glycerin, non-comedogenic murumuru butter, and moisture-locking ceramides with tiger grass extract (aka centella asiatica), a unique ingredient packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe upset or irritated skin.

"Was so pleasantly surprised to finally find a moisturizer that doesn’t leave my oily skin feeling overly greasy! So glad I got this in my [Glam Bag] because I’ll be purchasing this moisturizer from ITEM BEAUTY for years to come. It’s become a staple in my morning and nighttime skincare routine."

In addition to balancing out oily and dry areas, this holy grail hydrator works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also boosting skin's suppleness. The formula features three (yes, three!) different types of hyaluronic acid to create plump, soft, supple skin. To further amplify those firming benefits, you'll also find a blend of activated sugar copper and essential amino acids in this addictively lightweight moisturizer. 

One Ipster says, "I have oily skin and this moisturizer is the best I've ever used! It also smells nice."

If your combination skin tends to veer closer to the dry skin side of the spectrum, gel moisturizers may not provide quite enough hydration for you. Instead of moving straight into a thick cream, try this in-between moisturizing cream. It's a bit more robust than a gel moisturizer but still light enough not to send your oily areas into overdrive. 

Made with banana, chia seed, and turmeric, this moisturizer resets and replenishes without clogging pores to reveal a healthy, hydrated glow.

"I actually really enjoyed this moisturizer," says Ipster tmarin831. "It had a pleasant smell and hydrated my skin nicely. A little goes a long way with this product whereas, with some other moisturizers, I would have to use a greater amount to feel like my skin was moisturized."

Dealing with combination skin that's also blemish-prone? This face cream is uniquely qualified to tackle both skin types. While time-released ceramides keep your skin's moisture levels balanced throughout the day, aloe calms, kaolin clay control excess oil, and salicylic acid actively fights breakout while also preventing new ones from forming. Talk about an ingredient dream team. 

"I was surprised how much I liked PIXI Clarity [Lotion]. I use it in place of my toner," says Ipster aimicans33. "Pores be gone!"

Did you know that air pollution can actually increase oil production in the skin? That's in addition to this environmental aggessor's ability to also cause signs of premature aging. One of the best pollution defenses for your skin are antioxidants, which can neutralize and protect against these harmful air particles. This whipped facial moisturizer goes all in on pollution-blocking ingredients with a formula that's packed with antioxidant-rich superfoods like kale, green tea, and alfalfa. With your skin properly protected, you may just notice your oily areas becoming a little less shiny over time. 

"My skin loved this! It's a nice thick cream, did not leave my skin oily, and left my face feeling soft," one Ipster writes. Another adds, "Absolutely in love! Smells amazing and it's so light and fresh. No greasy after effect."

For those with oily or combination skin, night creams can be tricky. These thick moisturizers are sometimes too heavy for this skin type, causing clogged pores or irritation. This night cream option from LAB FOR YOU, however, features an ingredient that is particularly great for those prone to oiliness. In addition to ultra-hydrating faves like shea butter and ceramides, this facial moisturizer also features witch hazel, an ingredient known to effectively tighten pores and minimize oil production. Finally, you can have deep, overnight hydration without waking up with skin that's shining as bright as the morning sun. 

"My only complaint is that I wish I got MORE," says one Ipster. "It smells kind of medicinal but honestly, it works medicinal grade miracles on my skin! I have a bad habit of picking at my skin and over-drying it with acne medicines and this stuff helped ease that healing process and basically cured the dry patches from said product use."

Want to try out all the best skincare for your unique skin type? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

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