19 best moisturisers for combination skin, tested and reviewed
Ah, the daily drama that is combination skin. One part of your face is happily producing enough oil to rival a frying pan, while another part is quietly flaking like it’s living in an entirely different climate. It’s chaotic, it’s confusing, and honestly? It can make choosing the best moisturiser for you feel like trying to please two completely different people at once.
But despite how impossible it might seem, there are products that can actually keep both sides happy. And just so you know, combination skin isn’t something reserved for the teenage years - it can show up at any point in life, so consider yourself very much in good company.
As Dr Yuliya puts it, “The best textures for combination skin are lightweight and non-greasy formulations. Gel-based moisturisers are often recommended as they provide hydration without feeling heavy or clogging pores in oily areas. They absorb quickly into the skin, making them suitable for oily or acne-prone zones while still offering adequate moisture for drier patches.” Basically: your skin wants something refreshing, quick-absorbing and absolutely not gloopy.
If you’re thinking yes, that’s literally my face, then you’re in the right place - we’ve rounded up the moisturisers that genuinely get the balance right. And if you’re shopping for other skin types too (or building a routine that actually works together), we’ve got guides to the best moisturisers for dry skin, the best moisturisers for oily skin, and even the best serums to help tie it all together and keep your skin behaving.
Meet the experts:
- Daniel Isaacs, Director of Research at Medik8.
- Dr Yuliya Krasnaya, Dermatologist and Medical Director at Evolution Aesthetic Clinic.
- Dr Catriona Maybury, Medical Lead at Dermatica.
How we test moisturisers for combination skin & why you can trust us:
Glamour's editors who have combination skin themselves endeavour to test as many of the moisturisers for combination skin that land on the Glamour beauty desk as they can. They do so for a period of at least a month, assessing the texture, value for money and whether the packaging is recyclable. The products featured in this edit really deliver on promised results. Find out more about how we test.
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 to shop our full edit of the best moisturisers for combination skin in 2026.
Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream
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 LookFantastic discount codes.
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.
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Why we love it: Elemis took its world-famous moisturiser and made it even better by adding an SPF30 rating to give you the sun protection you need. This SPF moisturiser has a lightweight, gel-cream consistency that glides across the skin on application (and dries really quickly). It works perfectly under makeup, and the formula is packed full of powerful marine and plant actives to improve firmness (hence why this product is also known to be one of the best moisturisers for mature skin, too) and hydration. We also love the infusion of rose and mimosa, which mean the product has a delicate floral aroma that turns application into a relaxing ritual.
Save when you shop for the best moisturisers for combination skin with these Elemis discount codes.
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 moisturisers for combination skin with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Clarins Extra-Firming Day Cream
Why we love it: Clarins knows its stuff when it comes to firming, and this new version seriously steps things up. It’s powered by the brand’s [COLLAGEN]³ Technology - basically three clever ingredients working together to boost collagen and keep skin looking smoother and more lifted. The texture is rich and velvet, but it melts in like a dream and doesn’t leave you shiny or sticky. Plus, niacinamide adds that subtle glow so your skin looks brighter and more even with every use - what’s not to love?
Caudalie Vinopure Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid
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.
Glossier Priming Moisturiser Balance
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.
Why we love it: With Rhode’s recent launch into Sephora, Glamour’s beauty writer, Shani Cohen put the Hailey Bieber’s whole collection to the test. The star of the show? The Rhode Barrier Butter. “I’ve got the driest skin ever, and this honestly feels like a big glass of water for it,” Shani said. It’s basically the Barrier Restore Cream’s bigger, thicker sister, and it does wonders for repairing and strengthening the skin barrier.
Shani added: “You really don’t need loads either - it’s pretty thick and can take a bit of work to rub in (I definitely overdid it the first time), but a little goes a long way. Texture-wise, think somewhere between Sudocrem and Vaseline - yep, thick, but so glowy once it’s on. It’s amazing for tackling dry patches, and I’ve noticed such a difference in how my makeup sits since using it. It’s that true S.O.S product everyone needs on their skincare shelf, and I even use it as an all-over moisturiser for elbows, hands, and knees when my skin needs a boost of hydration.”
Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid
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.
Aveeno Calm and Restore Oat Gel Moisturiser
Why we love it: 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.
REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream
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.
Nivea 24H Moisture Mattifying Day Cream
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.
Save when you shop for the best moisturisers for combination skin with these Superdrug discount codes.
Clinique Smart Custom Repair SPF15 Moisturizer for Dry/Combination Skin
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.
Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel Moisturiser
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.
Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturiser
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.
Antipodes Manuka Honey Skin-Brightening Light Day Cream
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.
The Inkey List Omega Water Cream
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.
Dermatica Soothing Centella Gel Moisturiser
Why we love it: This comes recommended by the expert thanks to its blend of multiple combo skin-friendly ingredients including niacinamide, squalene, glycerine and ceramides, to protect and hydrate those combination skin.
StriVectin Re-Quench Water Cream
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.
FAQ's
How do I know if I have combination skin?
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.”
Should I moisturise if I have combination skin?
If you have oiliness in your skin it would be fair to wonder if it's even worth using moisturiser, but the answer, according to the experts, is yes. “It's important to moisturise combination skin to maintain good skin health,” insists Dr Catriona Maybury, Medical Lead at Dermatica. “When the dry areas become too dry, the body’s natural response is to promote further oil production that can adversely affect the oilier areas of the skin. Therefore, using combination skin appropriate moisturiser, particularly over the dry areas, will help to balance the hydration of your skin overall. Additionally, moisturisers often contain other nutrients such as vitamins and antioxidants that are beneficial to your skin,” she adds.
“By choosing the right textures and ingredients, you can effectively moisturise combination skin without upsetting its delicate balance,” agrees Dr Yuliya Krasnaya, Dermatologist and Medical Director at Evolution Aesthetic Clinic.
What textures work best for combination skin?
The key to finding a moisturiser that can work across both oily and dry skin is to get the texture right. “The best textures for combination skin are lightweight and non-greasy formulations,” explains Dr Yuliya. “Gel-based moisturisers are often recommended as they provide hydration without feeling heavy or clogging pores in oily areas. They absorb quickly into the skin, making them suitable for oily or acne-prone zones while still offering adequate moisture for drier patches,” she says.
It can be a good idea to choose oil-free formulas, plus, be tactical about where you apply your moisturiser. “Adjusting the amount of moisturiser [you use] by applying less over the oily zones and more over the drier zones would be helpful,” says Dr Catriona.
What ingredients should I watch out for if I have combination skin?
When choosing a moisturiser for combination skin, it's important to watch out for certain ingredients. “Avoid heavy, occlusive ingredients such as mineral oil or petrolatum, as they can be too rich for oily areas and may lead to breakouts,” says Dr Yulia. Meanwhile, “alcohol-based products can strip the skin of moisture, causing dryness and potentially exacerbating oil production in response,” she adds.
“Instead, opt for moisturisers with non-comedogenic formulations that won't clog pores or cause breakouts,” says Dr Yulia. “Non-comedogenic ingredients are key for optimal hydration while minimising the risk of breakouts,” agrees Dr Catriona, so it's a term to watch out for on the packaging. As for the ingredients your skin will love, we've listed some top-hitters below.
- Niacinamide: “Niacinamide improves skin hydration and helps to regulate sebum production with the added benefit of reducing skin inflammation induced by excessive dryness,” says Dr Catriona.
- Hyaluronic acid: “Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin without adding excess oil,” says Dr Yulia.
- Squalene: “Squalene (derived from plants) forms a lightweight moisturiser that does not clog pores,” says Dr Catriona.
- Glycerin and ceramides: Both “are other useful moisture locking ingredients that promote hydration,” says Dr Catriona.
.jpg)
