Are you tired of scrolling through countless pages of skincare products, only to be left feeling confused and overwhelmed? We know what that feels like too, and we also know that there are many better ways to spend your time.
We have a solution for the complex and often unpredictable world of combination skin. Here in one place is a curated list of the finest face moisturizers for those individuals who struggle to balance their oily T-zone with their dry cheekbones.
Whether you're looking for a moisturizer that can tame your shine or hydrate your dry patches, you'll find it in this list. So sit back and relax as we take you through the 17 best face moisturizers for combination skin 2023. Hopefully, you'll find the moisturizer that is just right for you.
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We’re starting off with the Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer. Blu Atlas is an amazing brand with a focus on bringing you the highest quality products while being sustainable, natural, and clean - both for you, and the planet.
The Face Moisturizer is an ultra-hydrating moisturizer that nourishes and conditions dry and dull skin. It's long-lasting and sure to brighten your skin so that you can brighten the day.
Blu Atlas formulates all of their products with the expertise of medical advisors to ensure that they only contain what is necessary and are of the highest quality. Mango seed butter is rich in vitamin E and vitamin C that nourish the cells of the skin. These vitamins also strengthen the skin barrier to protect you from environmental factors such as sunlight, pollution, and even blue light that we are constantly surrounded by from phones and computers screens.
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Mango seed butter is accompanied by seaweed extract and an extra portion of vitamin C. Seaweed extract is a plant derived antioxidant that will help your skin feel healthier as well as regulate oil production so that you won’t ever have to worry about shiny, oily skin.
We'll also put a mention for Blu Atlas's use of vitamin C in their moisturizer. We all know that vitamin C is good for us, and that applies to our skin as well. It's a powerful antioxidant, is beneficial to the overall health of the skin, quickens the healing process, and improves skin tone.
This Face Moisturizer from Blu Atlas is sure to blow you away. A small, dime-sized dollop is enough to bring deep, comfortable hydration to your face. Not sure? Well, Blu Atlas is so confident in its product that they even offer a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied.
This is a non-irritating, gentle, and effective moisturizer that will deliver hydration where the skin needs it. We can’t wait to see you falling in love with Blu Atlas the same way we have.
2. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture - Combination Skin
Finding a moisturizer that tames the oily shine of skin while deeply hydrating the dry patches can be a frustrating journey. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin is exactly what you need and deserves to be on our list of the best face moisturizers for combination skin in 2023.
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Oil-free, this moisturizer has been clinically proven to moisturize dry areas while controlling oil production and reducing oily shine for a smoother, softer skin. With a microsponge system, oils are more easily absorbed without clogging the pores so that your skin stays healthy with a natural, matte finish - all day long.
Neutrogena's moisturizer is fragrance-free, has been allergy tested, and is alcohol-free because safety is paramount at Neutrogena. Without any harsh ingredients and only using those that are safe for you and the planet, we are sure your skin will thank you for it.
Neutrogena Oil-free Moisture for Combination Skin is clinically proven to normalize combination skin by moisturizing dry areas while controlling shine elsewhere for softer, smoother skin.
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3. Clinique Moisture Surge Intense
Clinique have made self-care products since 1968, so they have all the know-how and expertise to formulate a face moisturizer that works.
An intense, ultra-hydrating boost is instantly delivered to your skin with just one application of this rich, cream-gel that will keep your skin hydrated for 72 hours. Even washing your face won’t compromise the exceptional moisturizing properties of the Clinique Moisture Surge Intense moisturizer.
Cica, a plant-based extract, has been widely used as a medicinal treatment in various cultures. It has many properties as a soothing, anti-inflammatory agent that will help ease and smooth dry and dehydrated skin. Aloe vera and caffeine help activate the skin so that oil production can be managed and moisture can be absorbed to create long-lasting hydration.
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This also includes hyaluronic acid which is ideal for hydration as it can bind moisture to it up to 1000 times its own weight. You'll get intense hydration that combats dry skin while leaving it smooth, healthy, plump and beautiful.
Clinique even tested their Moisture Surge Intense moisturizer on women in Siberia during the winter. Despite these harsh environmental conditions, more than 90% of women said that their skin immediately felt glowing, more hydrated, plump, and less irritated, and within four weeks, they reported their skin felt healthier and deeply hydrated.
4. Bioderma Hydrabio Gel-Crème
Bioderma pride themselves on their ecobiology principles: Respecting the skin's natural ecosystem while preserving its health in a lasting manner.
With their Hydrabio Gel-Crème, Bioderma have created a moisturizer that smooths the skin texture, revealing its natural radiance without an oily shine. Their patented Aquagenium complex penetrates the skin deeply and in a more targeted manner allowing the skin to regain its ability to sufficiently hydrate the skin.
With a fresh and light fragrance, this moisturizer is wonderful on its own but also as an excellent makeup base that allows your skin to feel fresh and comfortable all day long.
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Bioderma have formulated a well-balanced moisturizer that encourages the dynamic ecosystem of the skin to respond smartly and healthily to its environment. We like how lightweight this moisturizer is and that it provides a great foundation that is able to help restore our skin's natural abilities.
5. Aveeno Calm + Restore™
When looking for a face moisturizer for combination skin, do you look for it to be lightweight, providing hydration that is long-lasting, healthy for the skin, and by a brand that is committed to the environment? The answer is almost certainly yes! Well, Aveeno Calm + Restore Moisturizer has you covered.
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The Calm + Restore Moisturizer is lightweight and fast-absorbing so that your skin feels refreshed and not weighed down. The gel formulation allows the moisturizer to deliver an intense and instant hydrating effect that is perfect for dry skin, while also soothing inflammation that can arise with dry, itchy, sensitive, skin. Feverfew nourishes the cells of the skin, helping it to retain moisture more efficiently.
But not only does Aveeno create premium products, they also understand that our environment is just as vulnerable as our skin. Both require special care and restoring our planet and our skin to a natural, healthy state is combined in their brand philosophy. By reducing the footprint of their products, caring for animal welfare, and using recyclable packaging, Avenoo checks many of the ethical boxes too.
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6. Paula’s Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer
Paula’s Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer is definitely one of our favorite choices. Packed to the brim with vitamin C, this antioxidant rich moisturizer visibly nourishes the skin, counteracting free-radical damage, and restoring the skin's most essential function.
The product revives the skin's structure and has a barrier-repairing formulation containing lipids and peptides to help keep it hydrated where it needs it most.
Vitamin C helps brighten dull skin and protects against environmental stressors we’re faced with each day. Hexapeptide-5 and polyglutamic acid aid in creating a natural skin barrier that allows the skin to control its moisture levels in the most ideal way so that your skin stays hydrated all day long.
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Your skin is going to look visibly firmer and brighter after the very first application.
7. Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Milky Lotion
Clarins have found inspiration from the “Leaf of Life”. More commonly known as the aloe vera plant, this natural ingredient has been widely used for its moisturizing and hydrating properties.
Aloe Vera contains a gel-like substance that is brimming with antioxidants, vitamins, amino-acids, and minerals, as well as anti-inflammatory and healing properties. When applied to the skin, this gel hydrates, transforming dry and dull skin to soft, smooth, and refreshed. Its anti-inflammatory properties make aloe vera an amazing ingredient to help soothe and treat minor skin concerns, such as sunburns, small cuts, or skin irritations.
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Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Milky Lotion is non-greasy and melts into the skin in an instant. It enhances the skin's natural glow, even in the harshest climates.
With this moisturizer, your skin is sure to feel and look refreshed, so that you can feel revitalized and face the day in your most confident, natural way.
8. Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream
The brilliant minds at Darphin have created the Hydraskin Light Gel Cream – a game changer when it comes to providing deep moisturization for your skin while controlling oily shine.
This lightweight gel cream is formulated with Hydra-Structure Technology that is specifically designed to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier that helps it to keep moisture in.
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Powerful natural ingredients, such as saliconia herbacea and butterfly lavender, form a hydrating complex that allows the skin to retain moisture day long, rehydrating areas that are dry and flaky.
Squalane, cucumber, and kiwifruit extract are plant-based ingredients rich in moisturizing molecules that also give the Hydraskin Light Gel Cream a fresh, light fragrance that will uplift your senses so that you can feel refreshed, inside and out.
Darphin source more than 80% of their ingredients from natural origins and this moisturizer is free from parabens, phthalates, formaldehydes, and mineral oils which make it perfect for sensitive and combination skin types.
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Dermatologically tested, we love the more luminous glow that the skin receives with this hydrating gel.
9. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion has become a non-negotiable essential for our morning routine. Whether you’re out and about or just enjoying a relaxing day, you will want your skin to be protected against environmental stressors and from moisture loss.
The AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is the perfect way for your skin to start the day. With a broad spectrum SPF, your skin is protected from damaging UV rays, while hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides all help to heal dry skin by gradually restoring the skin's barrier.
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This morning moisturizer is a true multi-tasker. Its lightweight formulation is strong on dryness but gentle on your skin without clogging your pores. Three essential ceramides work in unison to both lock in and release moisture slowly over time so that your skin stays hydrated for hours. Niacinamide soothes inflammation and prevents acne flare ups.
The broad spectrum SPF features zinc oxide which doesn’t leave a chalky residue and also acts as a free-radical scavenger to create a protective shield. Who wouldn’t want all of these benefits in a single moisturizer?
10. Nivea Naturally Good Radiance Day Cream
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We don’t think we need to introduce Nivea to you because they've been established since 1882! With over 100 years of expertise, Nivea are true experts in skin care and deliver premium products with the highest quality ingredients.
Nivea Naturally Good Radiance Day Cream contains 99% ingredients from natural origins because what’s good for nature is also good for you. Organic aloe vera brings your skin a smooth feeling and nourishes thoroughly for a supple, rested feeling that lasts for up to 24 hours. Precious jojoba and almond oil help restore the skin's natural oil balance and reduce the greasy, shiny feel of combination skin.
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Nivea Naturally Good Radiance Day Cream is dermatologically tested and skin safe. Free from parabens, silicones, mineral oils and phenoxyethanol, the Naturally Good Radiance Day Cream will have your skin back on track again in no time.
11. Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturizer
You know when you’ve heard your alarm ringing in the morning but hit the snooze button and end up rushing to get ready for the day? Well, a skin-care routine that has everything you want shouldn’t take hours. No, it should be easy, which is why we are absolute fans of the Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturizer and why it is one of the 17 best face moisturizers for combination skin 2023.
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An easy to use, vitamin-rich formulation that is ultra-hydrating; dry skin will soon become a thing of the past. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and without any artificial colors or harsh chemicals, the moisturizer brings a fast absorbing, highly hydrating effect to your skin that lasts for up to 12 hours.
Niacinamide, vitamin B5 and vitamin E, help restore the skin's natural balance, softening, soothing, and boosting the skin’s ability to create a stronger barrier. Simple’s Pro Amino Acid technology acts on the cells of the skin to boost the levels of naturally occurring amino acids for a fuller, more radiant appearance.
No matter what the day ahead has in store for you, with this moisturizer, your skin can handle it.
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12. Sukin Facial Moisturizer
How do you ensure that the skin is receiving the moisture it requires to counteract dryness and flakiness while combating oil and shine? The exceptional people at Sukin have formulated their Facial Moisturizer to solve exactly that problem.
As a hydrating cream, it softens the skin through a magical combination of rosehip, avocado, and jojoba oil, restoring the skin’s ability to regulate its oil production and reduce build-up.
Aloe Vera soothes the skin and gives you a refreshed feeling, while vitamin E and wheat germ act on your skin cells structures to build up your skin’s moisture barrier from deep within. A perfect combination that will leave your skin feeling nourished, nurtured, and naturally healthy.
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Sukin designs all of their products with nature in mind, so it is not surprising that their products are all natural, using ingredients that are plant-based and clean.
13. Trilogy Mattifying Moisturizing Lotion
Trilogy is a New Zealand company that was founded in 2002 by two sisters who couldn’t believe how powerful and potent rosehip seed oil is for natural, healthy skin.
In this formula, omega-rich, rosehip seed oil softens the skin and rehydrates dry skin cells, while the addition of jojoba and grapeseed oil give the skin a refreshed and smooth finish.
Lemon myrtle improves the skin's appearance and salicylic acid acts as a natural exfoliant to restore its natural complexion, all making the Trilogy Mattifying Moisturizing Lotion a perfect preparation for make-up application. The two sisters behind Trilogy have truly created a harmonizing moisturizer that balances the skin’s moisture, oil, and water content for a healthy complexion.
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More than 99% of the ingredients here are sourced from natural origins so it is certified natural. Vegetarian-friendly, the moisturizer is GMO free, free of petroleum, and the brand is committed to performing no animal testing.
Made locally in New Zealand, Trilogy is loved globally. Happy and healthy skin shouldn’t cost the world and Trilogy can back up their commitment with making more improvements year after year for a positive difference - for you, your skin, and mother earth.
14. Okana Vegetable Garden Day Moisturizer
Do you want your skin-care routine to uplift you, invigorate you, and bring you joy, besides enriching the skin with the nutrients it needs for a natural, healthy look? Of course you do, so check out Okana Vegetable Garden Day Moisturizer.
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With plant-based, natural ingredients, Okana have designed a moisturizer that combines the best ingredients that nature has to offer.
A combination of apricot kernel and olive oil, as well as carrot and tomato juice, this moisturizer combines the highly absorbing and deeply penetrating properties of vegetables with the hydrating and nourishing properties of natural oils. Even though this moisturizer contains oils, it is non-greasy and restores the skin’s natural oils to a healthy, natural level.
The wonderful people at Okana believe that skin-care routines should be simple and that less is more. Preservative, fragrance, and alcohol free, this wholesome moisturizer brings a light, fruity scent that will uplift you, your skin, and your day.
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Committed to safety and the planet, Okana Vegetable Garden Day Moisturizer is effective while being sustainable and reef safe. So, your skin can enjoy the benefits of nature, and nature can enjoy the benefits of you looking after mother earth.
15. Ethique Quench™ Lightweight Solid Face Moisturizer
A moisturizer that comes in a solid bar? We know, we know, it sounds odd but hear us out!
The conscious minds at Ethique have created Quench, a lightweight solid face moisturizer that will quench the skin's thirst for moisture. Non-greasy and lightweight, Ethique Quench Lightweight Solid Face Moisturizer boosts hydration without feeling heavy.
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The solid moisturizer is a harmonizing blend of niacinamide, jojoba, and vitamin B5 that is massaged over the skin,
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that is versatile and a beneficial ingredient for a variety of skin types. It improves the skin's hydration by increasing its natural production of ceramides - these are lipids that help maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier. It also brightens the skin as well as reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 control oil production to reduce the shiny appearance excess oil can cause, while drawing moisture to the skin. The addition of jojoba helps to promote a smooth, healthy complexion.
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We love that Ethique offers a money-back guarantee. While more than 90% of users were amazed by the results that the solid face moisturizer brought to their skin, the people at Ethique know that trying new products can be scary. So, if you’re not 100% sold on their solid moisturizer, they’ll give you a full refund.
16. Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer
The Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer has its secret in the name. Containing a high percentage - 10 % to be precise - of vitamin B5, this moisturizer acts as an excellent hydrating agent that penetrates the skin’s deepest levels and repairs its protective barrier. This combination helps the skin to regulate its moisture level and remain sufficiently.
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The Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer is also formulated with zinc, copper, and magnesium. We know you may be wondering why a moisturizer would contain these elements, but don’t be fooled! The combination of zinc, copper, and magnesium have strong scavenging effects against free radicals, protecting the skin cells from free radical damage, and boosting the skin towards a healthier, clearer, and fresher look.
In a survey among people who have used The Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer, more than 90% of participants agreed that the skin remained hydrated throughout the day without a greasy feel and that skin irritations were reduced after 2 weeks of usage.
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17. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer is designed for all skin types but will especially be a dream come true for anyone with combination skin.
This selection contains squalane, a botanical lipid derived from olives. Because of its affinity to skin, it is easily absorbed by the epidermis, strengthening its structure and supporting its natural barrier to keep moisture in for more than 24 hours.
Glycerin, which naturally occurs within the skin, is a powerful humectant, and with the extra boost it gets from Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer, your skin is going to be softer, and healthier in no time.
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Lightweight, smooth, and nourishing, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer has become one of our favorite skin-care products and we couldn’t help but include it as one of the 17 best face moisturizers for combination skin 2023.
