13 Best Drugstore Moisturizers For Combination Skin, As Per A Makeup Artist
Bid adios to skin care woes with lightweight products from your neighborhood drugstore!
Shawnda DorantesMSN, APRN, FNP-C
Shawnda Dorantes, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is the founder and Master Injector at Beauty Lounge Medical Spa. She has 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and 13 years as a registered nurse. Dorantes began her career as a Beaut... more
kirtana divakarMA (Journalism & Mass Communication)
Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after read... more
medha debIntegrated MA
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in ... more
monomita chakrabortyMA (Journalism & Mass Communication)
Experience: 4 yearsMonomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global Univers... more
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Those with combination skin may find it hard to find products that work best for their skin. However, several best drugstore moisturizers work really well to manage the issues faced by combination skin. It may be the case that your nose, upper lip, and forehead area may produce too much oil, and other parts like your cheeks become dry and appear patchy and you get flaky skin there. It is natural to get confused when constantly looking at skin care products that work well with this skin type. But the answer is quite simple. An affordable drugstore moisturizer is enough to work that magic on your skin.
Mostly, people with this kind of skin type should focus on looking for moisturizers that are not too oily and feel lightweight on the skin. In addition, they should do a good job of imparting deep hydration to your skin. Sometimes, these moisturizers heal the skin so that your blemishes and dark spots can also lighten and disappear over time. If you are wondering which product is best for you, take a look at these 13 drugstore moisturizers that can work wonders on combination skin. Scroll down.
In This Article
13 Best Drugstore Moisturizers For Combination Skin That Really Work
1. Best Lightweight Gel-Cream:Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream
Kickstarting our list is this Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream, which is considered to be a good face moisturizer for combination skin for more reasons than one. Firstly, it is a lightweight gel-cream formulation that provides instant hydration to your skin, leaving it refreshed for all of 24 hours. Formulated with antioxidant fruit water and vitamin C, it offers long-lasting moisture locking properties that restores your skin’s protective barrier and safeguards it from external aggressors. It is also an oil-free moisturizer, making your skin soft and supple sans the greasiness.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Affordable
- Non-comedogenic
- Locks in moisture
- Has a soothing effect
- Suitable for normal skin too
Cons
- Might have a strong chemical smell
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 11,275 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
2. Best Oil-Free Formula:Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture
Skincare doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive to work! Case in point: Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture. This affordable moisturizer for combination skin does the work without burning a hole in your pocket. With a dual-action function, this oil-free formula moisturizes the dry areas while also controlling shine and oil on your T-zone, leaving your face smoother and with a natural matte finish that lasts all day long. This dermatologist-tested product is also hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, which makes it a great pick for people with sensitive and combination skin. For best results, use it both in the morning and night. The product has received outstanding reviews owing to its incredible performance and efficacy.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Alcohol-free
- Does not clog pores
- Features an oil-absorbing system
Cons
- May not work well for acne-prone skin
Pro Tip3. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Era Organics Tea Tree Cream
If smooth, acne and blemish-free skin is your goal, then this drugstore moisturizer for combination, acne-prone skin should be part of your affordable skincare routine. Featuring tea tree oil as the active ingredient, which has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and pore-minimizing properties, this facial cream will combat acne-producing bacteria, oil, and other impurities to reduce blemishes and prevent future breakouts. This formula also contains other skin-loving ingredients such as aloe vera, salicylic acid, pomegranate seed oil, white willow extract, and St John’s Wort. All of these work together to nourish, hydrate, and soothe your skin. What’s more? Well, this non-comedogenic formula is a tested plant-based product that is formulated without sulfate, paraben, dye, perfume, and other harsh chemicals. Also, several reviewers have noted that the product works well on oily skin.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Organic and vegan-friendly
- Reduces redness
- Minimizes pore size
- Evens out skin tone
- Heals irritated skin
Cons
- Might take longer to absorb into the skin
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 5,160 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
| Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream Best Lightweight Gel-Cream | Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Best Oil-Free Formula | Era Organics Tea Tree Cream Best For Acne-Prone Skin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.48 x 2.48 x 3.63 inches | 1.97 x 1.97 x 5.91 inches | 2.25 x 2.25 x 2 inches |
| Weight | 1.7 Ounces | 5.6 Ounces | 2 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 11,275 | 4,202 | 5,160 |
| Price | $15.98 | $13.8 | $19.2 |
4. Best Anti-Aging:InstaNatural Vitamin C Moisturizer
A good rule of thumb to adhere to when looking for a moisturizer for combination and mature skin is to choose products that are oil-free and packed with anti-aging properties such as this one by InstaNatural. Keep your skin hydrated and super soft with this moisturizer that contains vitamin C, which boosts collagen production and minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles. All while the combination of other ingredients like niacinamide, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and sunflower seed oil provide intense hydration while improving skin tone and giving skin its elasticity and firmness. This formula feels incredibly light on the skin and penetrates deeply to eliminate oil spots and dry patches while offering anti-aging benefits.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Lends a radiant skin
- Reduces the signs of aging
- Protects against environmental aggressors
Cons
- May not work well for sensitive or acne-prone skin
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 1 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
5. Best Long-Lasting Hydration:LAVO Daily Moisturizer Cream
If your skin is flakey, full of oily spots, and irritated, you will love this non-greasy, soothing, calming, and lightweight moisturizer cream by LAVO. This can be used as a daily moisturizer for combination skin, thanks to its lightweight texture and its ability to provide long-lasting hydration. Made with rosemary, ginseng, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and avocado oil, it will help tighten pores, block out bacteria, and lock in moisture. It moisturizes your skin without it getting oily or clogging your pores. The best part about this vitamin-rich formulation is that it contains chamomile, which is one of the best skin calmers. Plus, the lovely blue color of the cream comes from Azulene derived from the same plant. But don’t worry, it goes on colorless when applied.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Not tested on animals
- Ideal for daytime use
- Rich in vitamins A, B, C, and D
- Heals and calms irritation
- Lends a smooth mattifying effect
Cons
- Might be slightly sticky
6. Best Gluten And Cruelty-Free:MaryAnn Organics Naturals Moisture Cream
Want to keep your skin looking youthful and radiant? What you need is a formula loaded with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients. We present to you MaryAnn Organics Naturals Moisture Cream! This drugstore cream is made with sunflower oil, extra virgin coconut, olive oil, cocoa butter, and almond oil, which hydrate and deeply nourish the skin. It restores the moisture level and softness of the skin, rejuvenating it. Plus, you can use it on your face, neck, and chest to achieve soft and nourished skin.
Pros
- Nourishes skin
- Restores softness
- Gluten and cruelty-free
- Contains natural ingredients
- Non-toxic and paraben-free
- Recommended for all skin types
Cons
- Might feel heavy on the face
"This moisturizer soothes my dry patches and treats my oily areas. It restores my skin’s natural balance. It glides smoothly on my skin and absorbs into it swiftly. It does not have any harsh chemical scent. I love that it does not cause breakouts."
7. Best For Sensitive Skin:Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion
The Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion consists of acne-fighting ingredients. It is an ultra-light lotion that keeps your skin well-hydrated and nourished throughout the day. The dermatologist-tested formula contains hyaluronic acid and powerful moisturizing agents that help retain your skin’s moisture level and maintain the moisture barrier. With the ability to fight against dryness, irritation, and tightness, its oil-free formula helps prevent acne and is especially suited for everyday use as it is extremely gentle on sensitive skin. This non-irritating lotion also works well as a moisturizer under your makeup.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fast-absorbing
- Intensely hydrating
- Clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin
- Oil-free
- Non-greasy
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for combination and sensitive skin
- Dermatologist recommended
Cons
- None
8. Best For Skin Irritation And Redness:Paula’s Choice RESIST Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid
The name says it all! This moisturizing formula absorbs into your skin quickly and instantly hydrates, lending your skin a youthful appearance. Enriched with oat extract, green tea, and antioxidants, it will make your skin firm and even-toned and pores refined and smaller. It is hailed as a multi-benefit product as it also features broad spectrum SPF 50 that provides excellent protection from UVA/UVB rays. This will allow your skin to heal and prevent further damage. Suitable for daily use for most skin types, including combination, normal, and oily skin, this water-light fluid gives your skin a smooth satin matte finish and reduces redness.
Pros
- Not greasy
- Fragrance and cruelty-free
- Prevents premature aging
- Soothes skin irritation and redness
- Protects against environmental stressors
Cons
- Slightly expensive
9. Best Skin Tone And Texture:belif The True Cream – Aqua Bomb
If you thought your combination skin does not become dehydrated, then you’re in the wrong. As you age, your skin becomes uncomfortably tight and fine lines become prominent, especially around your forehead and cheeks. This face cream combines antioxidants, nutrient-rich minerals, and apothecary herbs such as lady’s mantle to fight damaging free radicals, decrease the look of pores, and restore your skin’s elasticity. It is designed to provide your skin with a burst of extra moisture upon application and is clinically proven to boost your skin’s hydration level to 70%. Also, the texture of this gel-cream is incredibly light, refreshing, and oil-free, leaving your skin feeling healthy and supple.
Pros
- Dermatologically tested
- Clinically-tested formula
- Enhances skin tone and texture
- Sulfate, phthalate, dye, and fragrance-free
- Does not contain animal origin ingredients
- Works for oily, combination, and normal skin types
Cons
- Contains silicone
10. Best Fast-Absorbing Formula:Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Oil-free, lightweight, and full of hydrating properties— what’s not to love about this drugstore skincare product with a gel-based formula designed for combination and oily skin types? It is a perfect way to gently moisturize your skin without the heavy feeling or greasy residue. It features hyaluronic acid, which is one of the best humectants for skin. This wonderful ingredient will help retain moisture and hydrate the dryer areas, making your skin supple and bouncy. All the while, the other nourishing ingredients, namely barley extract, cucumber fruit extract, and sunflower seed cake, strengthen your skin barrier and leave the oily spots of your face with a refreshing feeling. Plus, you will be glad to know that this gel moisturizer is formulated without denatured alcohol, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and fragrance as a result of which peoples’ experiences have been largely positive.
Pros
- Vegan
- Dermatologist-developed
- Fast-absorbing formula
- Lends a radiant complexion
- Offers 8-hour hydration
Cons
- Some may find it expensive.
11. Best Non-Greasy Formula:Luxiny Vitamin C Cream
Looking to bring back life into your dull and extra dry skin? Try this Luxiny Vitamin C Cream, which has moisturizing and youth-boosting benefits. The jojoba oil in the formula and other high-quality emollients take care of your skin’s hydration needs by quickly absorbing and penetrating deeply into your skin and providing moisturization and nourishment. But this lightweight, non-greasy finish formula does more than just moisturize, and this is where vitamin C comes into play. This potent antioxidant can fade away wrinkles, lighten dark circles and age spots, and even out skin tone, helping you achieve a brighter and healthier complexion. With this cream, a little goes a long way to give you impressive results.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Minimizes the signs of aging
- Provides antioxidant protection
- Contains naturally-derived ingredients
- No paraben, sulfate, phthalate, dyes, and drying alcohol
Cons
- May not be suitable for extremely dry skin
"I have noticed fewer fine lines and wrinkles with the consistent use of this moisturizer. It conditions my skin and improves its elasticity. I love how it makes my skin soft and bouncy. The formula treats my sun-damaged skin. It also does not leave residues on my skin."
12. Best For Holistic Cycle Care:Rael Beauty Miracle Clear Barrier Cream
The Rael Beauty Miracle Clear Barrier Cream offers holistic care to make you look and feel your best all cycle long. It works great as a daily moisturizer and contains potent ingredients like succinic acid, vitamin B5 Panthenol, and minerice enzyme complex that strengthens your skin barrier and provides balanced hydration. The dermatologist-tested cushiony cream helps reduce excess oil and sebum, acne inflammation, and redness while improving your skin’s clarity and tone. The non-irritating and gentle formula is suitable for all skin types, especially acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Non-irritating
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Silicone-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Safe for oily and acne-prone skin
- Clinically and consumer tested
Cons
- May not be suitable for severe acne
- May be a bit heavy for sensitive skin
"I love how refined my skin looks after applying this product. It does not make my skin greasy. The formula fades the blemishes on my skin and prevents it from breaking out. It absorbs quickly into my skin and offers lasting moisturization."
13. Best For Blemish Skin:LEROSETT by Gunilla Moisture Matte
Is your combination skin prone to breakouts? Or does your skin need a little help in the hydration department? If so, you can’t go wrong with this clear skin moisturizer that’s gentle, oil-free, and suitable for blemish and problem skin. Recommended by board-certified dermatologists, this unique skincare formula contains 100% organic and greenhouse-grown aloe vera, which is rich in nutrients and is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This ingredient can seep into your skin’s dermis layer to heal and treat skin irritation, acne blemishes, small cuts, sunburns, and tiny sores while also adding a feeling of freshness. This formula also prevents radical damage, sloughs away dead skin cells, and softens skin with potent ingredients like elder tree, cucumber extract, English Ivy, mallow, and Arnica Montana.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Lends a matte finish
- Promotes collagen production
- Has water-binding capacity
Cons
- Contains EDTA
"This product feels lightweight on my skin. It treats my inflammations and soothes itchiness. It has faded my acne marks and reduced the development of pimples on my skin. The formula also reduces the excess grease from my skin. It protects my skin against radical damage."
Infographic: Key Ingredients In Drugstore Moisturizers For Combination Skin
Moisturizing combination skin can be a little tricky since it does not behave uniformly. Therefore, knowing what goes into your combination skin moisturizers is crucial to ensure your skin gets adequate hydration. Check out the infographic below to discover the key ingredients present in moisturizers for combination skin to find one that suits your skin’s needs.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
While it is definitely a difficult task to search for skincare products for combination skin, there are many moisturizers available in the market nowadays that work well with several aspects of combination skin. These moisturizers help in controlling the excess oil and sebum production while hydrating the dry patches, so they are ideal for oily, dry, and even combination skin types. Try the Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream for its quick-absorption and lightweight formula, the Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for the oil-free formula, and the belif The True Cream for the gel-cream hydrating formula. Many drugstore moisturizers can also remove stubborn dark spots and blemishes and make acne scars disappear over time. They help in improving the skin’s natural texture by offering a glow to your face. Many moisturizers on our list are even oil-free so that they don’t form unnecessary grease in your skin. However, it is always better to avoid moisturizers that give off an overpowering smell.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you apply moisturizer to combination skin?
Take a generous amount of moisturizer on your palm and apply it with your fingertips. After evenly distributing the moisturizer on every part of your face, smoothen it with upward strokes. Make sure to use more product on the dry parts of your face and less on the oily areas.
Are hyaluronic acid moisturizers good for combination skin?
Yes, hyaluronic acid hydrates your skin and retains moisture. Moisturizers that contain this ingredient are suitable for the dry parts of combination skin.
Which type of moisturizer is best for combination skin, gel or cream?
Gel moisturizers combine the properties of both gel and cream. Also, they come with skin essentials like vitamin F and phospholipids. Therefore, gel moisturizers are more suitable for combination skin.
What ingredients should I avoid in moisturizers for combination skin?
Avoid fragrances and alcohol if you have combination skin. You must also avoid combinations of physical and chemical exfoliants, and vitamin C with AHA/BHA and benzoyl peroxide.
How can I make my combination skin glow?
Along with your skin care routine, use a chemical exfoliator and an alcohol-free toner to make your combination skin glow.
What should you not do with combination skin?
Do not use products that are harsh or harmful to your skin. However, do not skip moisturizing your face with products suitable for dry and oily parts of your face.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar, the author of this article, is a skincare enthusiast who loves experimenting with different skincare products. She has read many product reviews online to carefully compile this list of moisturizers you can find in your neighborhood drugstore. These moisturizers lock the moisture in your skin, heal dark spots, and improve your overall skin health over time.
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