15 Best Skincare Products For Combination Skin – 2023
Try the special formulas designed to cater to the unique needs of combination skin.
Monomita ChakrabortyCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care
Experience: 2 years
Monomita 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 Unive... more
Medha DebCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Beauty, Health, & Wellness
Experience: 5 years
Medha 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
Expertise: Skin & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Kirtana 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 re... more
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If you are here looking for the best skincare products for combination skin, we got you covered. Figuring out your skin type is essential in deciding what skincare products would suit you best. While oily and dry skin types can have easily segregated sections in your drugstore aisles, combination skin beauties might find themselves confused about what to choose. To help make it easier for you, we have shortlisted the 15 best skincare products for combination skin for you to choose from.
In This Article
What Is Combination Skin?
Combination skin types have oily, dry patches and might even have some acne and blackheads. Mainly caused by genetics, other factors like stress, hormones, and the environment can lead to this skin type. To target concerns, products free of irritants like dyes, fragrances, and alcohol must be used. Products with light consistencies that do not strip natural oils can help in inflammation and redness reduction in combination skin.
15 Best Skincare Products For Combination Skin That Work
1. Best Herbal Blend:New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask
Image: New York Biology The Ultimate Cosmeceuticals New York Biology’s Dead Sea Mud Mask uses an advanced mineral mud formula that works gently to clear out and purify clogged pores. One of the best skin care products for combination acne-prone skin, this clarifying mask refines skin texture and enhances blood microcirculation. A powerful herbal blend of calendula oil, aloe vera, sunflower seed, vitamin E, and jojoba oil is used to cleanse the skin for a smooth feel and exfoliate it to draw out all toxins and reduce oil production. With pimples and blackheads gone, your skin is tightened for a fresh and healthier-looking complexion. Take a look at this video for a reviewer’s experience and to know more about the product.
Pros
- Minimizes the appearance of pores
- Draws out toxins from the skin
- Refines texture
- Gently exfoliates skin
- Cruelty-free
- Free of alcohol, parabens, and sulfates
Cons
- Might have a stinging sensation right after application
StyleCraze Trivia2. Best For Sensitive Skin:Cetaphil Pro DermaControl Purifying Clay Mask
Image: Cetaphil Cetaphil’s Amazonian clay mask glides onto skin luxuriously, uses bentonite to absorb excessive oil and kaolin to kick dead skin cells to the curb. One of the best face products for combination skin, apple fruit extract is also present for much-needed hydration, while cucumber seed extract brightens skin tone. The non-drying formula of this clinically-tested clay mask is creamy and does not dry out the skin. It can also fight against a weakened barrier, tightness, roughness, dryness, and irritation with regular use. The mask works to minimize shine and buildup while simultaneously improving skin texture, giving you balanced skin.
Pros
- Dermatologically tested
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Some may find removal to be messy
3. Best For Combination Skin:InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner
Image: Insta Natural One of the most natural skin care products for combination skin, InstaNatural’s Vitamin C toner delivers all-in-one hydration in your skincare routine for combination skin. Vitamin C combines with witch hazel and other botanical extracts to renew and brighten the skin by warding off environmental stressors and offering sun protection. With a single spritz, you can notice your skin getting soothed and better at absorbing other serums and creams. To purify the skin, rid it of excess oil, and reduce pore size, sulfur-derived MSM works hard while also reducing signs of aging like dark circles. Lavender and geranium essential oils help nourish skin deeply while also adding a light scent. They reduce the feeling of irritation and redness and soften the skin for a moisturized appearance, making this the best soothing toner for combination skin types. Also, this product has multiple positive reviews on Amazon and reviewers have vouched for its efficacy.
Pros
- Contains anti-aging benefits
- Cruelty-free
- Doesn’t contain parabens or SLS
- Free of mineral oil, synthetic dye, and petroleum
- Free of formaldehyde releasers and polyethylene glycol
- Pleasant scent
Cons
- Some may find it to have a tingling sensation
ProTip4. Best Oil-Free:Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream
Image: Garnier Garnier offers the best affordable skincare products for combination skin, and this lightweight moisturizer packs a punch with hydration. Oil-free and filled to the brim with vitamin C, Antioxidant Fruit Water, and other moisturizing elements like glycerin, this gel blocks out dryness for 24 hours. You can enjoy the radiant glow that follows your skin texture, feeling smoother and plumper with this daily moisturizer for combination skin by Garnier. You may check more about this product in this video.
Pros
- Lightweight texture
- Oil-free formula
- Delivers 24-hour hydration and antioxidant protection
- Restores skin’s protective barrier
- Has a soothing effect
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Might not eliminate shine
ProTip5. Best Dermatologist-Tested:L’Oreal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Day/Night Cream
Image: L'oreal Paris L’Oreal Paris’ face cream for combination skin is a pro at delivering top-notch hydration that smoothes down wrinkles and fine lines for younger-looking skin. It contains collagen, a protein present in our delicate skin but reduces with age and causes sagging and looseness. With this cream, you can help restore plumpness and firmness along with its cushion and bounce. Even sensitive skin types will do well with this product, absorbing it quickly without leaving behind any greasy residue.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Fragrance-free
- Non-greasy
- Dye-free
- Paraben-free
- Quick-absorbing
Cons
- Some may find the consistency to be thick
6. Best For Sensitive Skin:TruSkin Vitamin C Brightening Face Cleanser
Image: Truskin Naturals The best cleanser for combination skin comes from TruSkin, which foams up to deeply clean pores, remove makeup, and prep skin for other products. It uses 15% vitamin C, potent antioxidants, organic aloe vera, MSM, and rosehip oil for the excellent cleansing action. Additionally, plant extracts of oregano, tea tree, orange peel, and borage work to protect the barrier and lend skin a healthy tone. This tried-and-tested, gentle cleanser makes the skin look truly healthy. It offers a refined texture and a dewy glow with lesser breakouts, sun damage, and acne scars.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Clinically-tested
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Gentle on sensitive skin types
Cons
- Some may find the scent to be unpleasant
7. Best Cruelty-Free:Heritage Store Rosewater Toner Moisturizing Essence
Image: Heritage Store Heritage Store’s toner uses Damask Rose oil to soften and soothe skin with hyaluronic acid providing a youthful glow and deep hydration. One of the most essential skincare products for combination skin, it prepares your skin to absorb other formulas better and increase their effectiveness. The unique Vor-Mag Water is also used for increased energy and vibration. It vows to clear away impurities while delivering a generous dose of moisture owing to its humectant properties. With gentle exfoliation, pores are refined and minimized for a natural-looking glow while irritated skin is curbed. Check out this video to learn more.
Pros
- Clinically-tested
- Dermatologist-tested
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Dye-free
- Alcohol-free
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- Removes skin impurities
Cons
- Might have a sticky consistency
8. Best For Oily Skin:Era Organics Tea Tree Cream For Oily, Acne Prone Skin
Image: Era Organics This cream uses 7 powerful and food-grade ingredients, including salicylic acid, pomegranate seed oil, zinc, dandelion and burdock root, goldenseal, and St. John’s wort. These elements help nourish and moisturize while also fighting off acne-causing bacteria. Clogged pores are cleansed, minimized, and opened, along with redness and irritation being reduced especially in oily skin types. You will also find oil levels in your skin to be more balanced, and blood flow is regulated for a healthy-looking complexion. Cystic acne, inflamed skin, rosacea, blemishes, and blackheads can all be a story of the past with regular use of Era Organics’ Tea Tree Cream.
Pros
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Perfume-free
- Contains no harsh chemicals
Cons
- Some may find the consistency to be too thick
9. Best Against Clogged Pores:Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner
Image: Bioderma With the help of the exclusive FluidActiv patent complex, this pore minimizer targets sebum quality to keep the pores from enlarging or becoming clogged. Bioderma’s Sébium Pore Refiner also uses agaric acid, an astringent, and other calming ingredients to refine the texture of your skin. The formula also contains mattifying powders of silica that reduce shine in oily patches and help tighten your pores for up to 8 hours. For further enhanced radiance, salicylic acid does its part.
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Mattifies skin
- Reduces pore size for up to 8 hours
- Refines skin texture
- Unclogs pores
- Imparts radiance
Cons
- Some may find it to have a drying effect
10. Best Paraben-Free:Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask
Image: Glow Recipe Glow Recipe’s award-winning sleeping overnight mask is breathable, bouncy, and luxurious for an at-home spa feeling. For smoothened skin overnight, this formula is pillow-proof and boosts radiance with the help of hyaluronic acid. Soothing and amino acid-rich extracts of watermelon and AHAs to refine pores are present aplenty to give you an envy-worthy texture. Pumpkin extract in the ingredient list repairs skin with the help of antioxidants and rids it of free radical damage. The Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask works while you sleep to exfoliate and clarify so that you can wake up with a fresh glow.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Doesn’t contain synthetic dyes or mineral oils
Cons
- Some may find the fragrance to be overpowering
11. Best Hydration:Clinique 3-Step Travel Size Set
Image: Clinique This Clinique travel set includes the Liquid Facial Soap Oily Skin Formula, Clarifying Lotion 3, and the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. With the soap, you can clear away surface-level dirt without any feeling of tautness. As the second step, the lotion works to exfoliate skin by removing dull flakes to reveal brighter and glowing skin. The final step requires you to use the gel for oil-free hydration that balances natural oils and absorbs quickly.
Pros
- Dermatologist-developed
- Clinically-tested
- Fragrance-free
- Allergy-tested
- Paraben-free
- Protects natural moisture balance
Cons
None
12. Best Anti-Aging:Urban Skin Rx Combination Skin Cleansing Bar
Image: Urban Skin Rx Formulated with coconut oil and resorcinol, Urban Skin Rx’s bar in a jar restores the moisture levels of dry and rough skin types. The key ingredients in this exfoliator for combination skin include salicylic acid for oil absorption and hibiscus flower extract for antioxidant-laden benefits. You will also find licorice root extract for brightening and soothing with the help of coconut oil that reduces irritation. As it lends a hydrating hand, wrinkles and fine lines are softened on aging skin while the ClearTone Advanced Technology works to minimize uneven skin tone and dark spots. This 3-in1 treatment acts as a daily facial cleanser, exfoliator, and mask to give you the ultimate age-defying glow.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Anti-aging benefits
- Absorbs excess oil
- Provides intense moisturization
- Evens out skin tone
- Pleasant fennel scent
Cons
- Some might find the product to cause purging
13. Best Brightening:SKINCEUTICALS C E Ferulic With 15% L-Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C Serum
SKINCEUTICALS’ vitamin C serum for combination skin is patented for added environmental protection. Best used on aging, dehydrated, sensitized, and discolored skin, this potion contains antioxidants that repair oxidative damage caused by the sun. Along with brightening your complexion, this anti-wrinkle serum also restores firmness and reduces the appearance of lines. After being absorbed into the skin, the formula acts for up to 72 hours, keeping you protected from UVA/UVB rays, pollution, and other free radicals.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Clinically-proven
- Stops premature signs of aging
- Protects against photodamage
- Brightens skin tone
- Restores firmness
- Evens out skin tone
Cons
- Some may find the scent to be unpleasant
14. Natural Outcome Combination Skin Cleanser – Green Tea & Acai Berry
Image: Natural Outcome Stripping away unnecessary oils from the skin and gently working on dry spots, this cleanser by Natural Outcome works like a charm. Green tea helps ward off all impurities and acai berry that is rich in vitamins helps revive your tired-looking complexion. To keep your skin amply hydrated and extend supple balance, the oils of jojoba and grapeseed come into play. With a refreshing outcome, this cleanser reduces sebum, signs of aging, and all kinds of skin damage by repairing the barrier.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Dye-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Delivers hydration
- Heals skin damage
Cons
- Might have a stripping feeling
15. Best For Hypersensitive Skin:Eucerin UltraSENSITIVE Soothing Care
Image: Eucerin Eucerin’s non-comedogenic day and night cream helps rescue sensitive skin types from irritation, inflammation, and redness. It absorbs quickly and is light enough to be used as a makeup base and has high tolerability. Tightness, dryness, and unevenness in skin are taken care of with the help of the SymSitive formula designed especially for hypersensitive skin. You can enjoy a calmed-down and strong skin barrier that can withstand almost anything with regular usage of Eucerin’s cream.
Pros
- Free of parabens and preservatives
- Alcohol-free
- Emulsifier-free
- Colorant-free
- Fragrance-free
- Paraffin-free
Cons
- Might require you to use a lot of product
Now that we have looked at some good skincare products for combination skin types, let’s learn the criteria for choosing them for yourself.
How To Choose The Right Skincare Products For Combination Skin
- Skin concerns
Combination skin is a mix of oily, acne-prone, and dry skin. Depending on what issues you most suffer with, you should pick out products to target that exact concern. Dry patches with skin irritation call for soothing ingredients like aloe vera and honey while cystic or hormonal acne can be treated with salicylic acid and tea tree oil formulations. If you face discoloration or uneven skin tone, vitamin C-laden products work the best for hyperpigmentation. You can use these ingredients in the form of moisturizers, cleansers, serums, and toners after trial and error.
- Formulation
No matter what skincare products you purchase, look for textures that are generally lightweight and not thick. Combination skin is delicate and needs to be handled with gentle care so you should keep an eye out for consistencies that absorb easily and quickly without clogging your pores. Also, try choosing the ones that are dermatologist-recommended or expert-recommended for the best results.
- Ingredients to avoid
Products with fragrance can easily irritate combination skin and those containing alcohol can dry it out immensely. Other elements like dye, parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, preservatives, colorants, and sulfates can wreak havoc on your skin.
Infographic: Discover the Best Skin Care Routine For Combination Skin
Combination skin is a mix of both oily and dry skin types. As a result, the face produces more sebum in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), and the cheeks, eyes, and mouth regions remain dry. You need to look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol, and vitamins E and vitamin C to treat oily and dry skin areas. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Check out the following infographic to understand the proper skin care routine for combination skin.
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The Bottom Line
Every skin type needs products specially designed to cater to its needs. Combination skin needs special attention as it is often prone to concerns caused by oiliness or dryness or sometimes even both. So, the skincare products chosen must be a balance of both. These products should have the capability to gently exfoliate without stripping the skin of its natural oils. For example, the New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask improves skin texture and stimulates blood microcirculation, the Cetaphil Pro DermaControl Purifying Clay Mask strengthens the natural skin barrier and brightens the skin tone, and the L’Oreal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Day/Night Cream treats the aging signs and firms the skin. Invest in products that are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, chemical-free, zero or less fragranced, and dermatologist-tested. However, you must leave the skincare products that make your skin greasy, trigger acne, or make your skin extremely dry. A patch test and thorough review of product specifications can help you avoid unnecessary breakouts.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Kirtana Divakar, has a deep interest in skin care and loves to review various skin care products. She went through numerous feedback on multiple forums and brand websites to curate a list of the best skin care products for combination skin. These products are made of natural, skin-safe ingredients that help improve the skin barrier, tighten the pores, and prevent roughness, dryness, and irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you take care of combination skin?
You can care for combination skin by moisturizing regularly with a non-greasy formula, cleansing twice daily with a non-stripping face wash, and using SPF amply.
What causes combination skin?
Apart from genetics, combination skin can also be the cause of stress, hormones, environmental pollution, and irritating ingredients used in skin care.
What should you avoid if you have combination skin?
If you have combination skin, avoid using heavy products, parabens, and phthalates on the skin. You may also avoid products with drying alcohols and fragrances.
How can I get glowing skin for combination skin?
Besides following a regular skin care routine of cleansing-toning-moisturizing-SPF, use a chemical exfoliant twice weekly and apply serums to achieve a healthy glow.
Is Vitamin C good for combination skin?
Yes, vitamin C brightens and even tones the skin. It also helps fade hyperpigmentation and blemishes.
Is toner good for combination skin?
Yes, toner helps balance the dry and oily parts of the face.
Which cleanser is the best for combination skin?
The TruSkin Vitamin C Brightening Face Cleanser and the Natural Outcome Combination Skin Cleanser are the best products for combination skin. They hydrate the skin while aiding in oil control to keep the skin clean and clear.
Which acid is the best for combination skin?
Hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and mandelic acid are the best for combination skin types.
Does combination skin need moisturizer?
Yes, combination skin needs a moisturizer, preferably something lightweight and oil-free.
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