10 Best Moisturizers for Combination Skin, Tested by Experts

A winner in our recent facial moisturizer study, Philosophy's ultra-light moisturizer got great reviews from our combination skin testers. It moisturized skin by 28% over six hours, according to our Corneometer data, which measures skin hydration levels. Almost all (95%) of the testers loved the scent and most (90%) felt it had a nice texture and left skin feeling smooth. "My skin feels more vibrant, and within two weeks, I felt like I had new skin," says one tester. "My T-zone wasn't as oily, and my dry spots disappeared." Another loved that "it was lightweight and did not make my face feel greasy."

Another winner in our recent facial moisturizer study, this cream from Aveeno was loved by those who have combination skin as well as sensitive skin types. All of our testers ranked it the fastest absorbing facial moisturizer and best for making skin feel hydrated. They also really liked the texture and most agreed that the product soothed skin and didn’t cause irritation or redness. "It went on very smoothly and left my face feeling moisturized but not greasy at all and gave a matte finish," shares one reviewer.

A lightweight hydrator with a gel cream texture, Cetaphil's gentle moisturizer "helps hydrate the skin while reducing breakouts, thanks to the 0.5% salicylic acid included," says Dr. Garshick. Plus, botanical extracts and prebiotics soothe skin. She also likes that it leaves the skin with a soft matte finish without drying it out, which many mattifying products tend to do.

"This ultra lightweight lotion from CeraVe is easy to apply and absorbs quickly without leaving the skin feeling greasy, making it a great option for a teenager," says Dr. Garshick. With soothing niacinamide, it can be a great complement to products with other active ingredients — like acne-fighting salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide — in a routine.

A powerhouse product with a laundry list of good-for-you ingredients, La Roche-Posay's matte moisturizer "both hydrates and supports the skin barrier with glycerin, ceramides and niacinamide, in addition to the brand's classic prebiotic thermal spring water," says Dr. Garshick. "It's perfect for combination or oily skin in those hot summer months as it absorbs easily without leaving the skin looking shiny."

Both Danusia Wnek, a chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, and Dr. Garshick are huge fans of this popular moisturizer with sunscreen. "There are very few sunscreens that I like for my combination skin; most are way too oily or just feel heavy on skin," says Wnek. "EltaMD is one of the most lightweight sunscreens that I have ever tried and provides just the right amount of hydration with an ideal combination of mineral and chemical sunscreens." Wnek uses it daily and also appreciates that it works well under her makeup. Dr. Garshick loves that "it's oil-free and noncomedogenic, which is especially important when it comes to finding a good sunscreen for those with combination skin."

This cult classic tinted moisturizer has been around for decades but was updated a few years ago with new ingredients (think antioxidants, super hydrating macadamia and kukui seed oils) and additional shades. It's a personal favorite of Wnek's as she likes the lightweight texture, which is sheer but also provides coverage. "It does a good job of balancing my oily T-zone and not drying out my cheeks, which get a bit dry in the winter," she says.

A current Good Housekeeping Seal holder, RoC's gel cream hydrates and brightens skin simultaneously. A clinical study by the brand showed that this product hydrates for 24 hours and firms skin while reviewers love that that "it absorbs quickly and feels lightweight." It also has both immediate and long-term effects: a study showed that the moisturizer leaves skin visibly glowing instantly (24 hours after application) and also over time.

This current Good Housekeeping Seal holder is formulated specifically for combination skin, making it a top pick in our book. "It is dermatologist tested, great for sensitive skin, non-comedogenic, non-greasy and fragrance- and oil-free," says Wnek. A clinical study showed that this night cream moisturized skin both immediately and over 12 hours after application. Thanks to a combination of powerful ingredients, like Japanese apricot extract, encapsulated resveratrol, vitamin B3 and peptides, "it also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and leaves skin glowing," she adds.

While it is a pricey option, this luxe moisturizer is a protection powerhouse with ingredients that protect skin against against UVA, UVB, blue light and pollution. But it doesn't stop there: peptides help reduce wrinkles and a combo of crambe seed oil, vitamin E and coconut alkanes help to condition, hydrate and soothe skin. "It's ideal for those with oily or combination skin or those who prefer a lightweight option, especially in humid environments," says Dr. Garshick.