7 best moisturiser for combination skin that are perfect for any budget

Perfect if you're neither oily nor dry...

best-combo-skin-moisturiser

by Emma Richardson |
Updated on

Finding the best moisturiser for combination skin sounds fairly straightforward on paper, but it's actually more of a challenge than one may think. That's why we've done you the service of scouting high and low for the best moisturisers that will make caring for combination skin that much easier.

From Cerave to Cetaphil, Aveeno to Byoma and La Roche-Posay, there is a range of combination skin moisturisers that will provide your skin with the most care and attention without breaking the bank (or breaking you out, for that matter). You can even get moisturisers with SPF for combination skin, too. Win-win.

With the winter months in full swing, finding a moisturiser that will ensure your skin stays supple and soft even with skin-drying weather conditions is definitely a must. Winter weather is no joke, no matter what skin type you have, and ensuring that dry skin doesn't get drier is an important part of any skincare routine. Luckily, though, winter moisturisers are also available for combo skin.

Closer's pick of the best moisturisers for combination skin, at a glance

Take a look below at our top picks of moisturisers for combination skin that are perfect for any budget. We absolutely love skincare that A) saves us some hard-earned cash and B) leaves us satisfied knowing our skin is getting the TLC it needs.

SHOP: The best moisturisers for combo skin

Editor's choice

Cetaphil Daily Defence Moisturiser
Price: £12.38 (was £16.50)
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=c84bfba7fb9057c609599595b4f5e218&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=C0xAEhVYThgRFU4eRkITU0JdR0xeG1paDxsVXgxcHg1RUwoSTwJFAwNUQxpUBkJRSV1QVRhLXAFcS1sMVVkXFVcQAwMMGlNSXh9FGFQPBg0CAQ%3D%3D&x=v1&prdId=11332230750&barcode=Uw0EUFZWVwJUUgsJAwA%3D
Alternative retailers
Boots£12.75View offer
Lookfantastic£13.60View offer
Sephora£17.00View offer

A perfectly hydrating moisturiser for combination skin, complete with UVA/B photoprotection, Cetaphil's Daily Defence moisturiser is one for any basket. A win for combination skin.

Pros

  • SPF 50
  • Does not block pores

Cons

  • Small tube

Best budget-friendly moisturiser for combination skin

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser
Price: £13.99
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=c84bfba7fb9057c609599595b4f5e218&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=C0xAEhVYThgRFU4eV1gMQkMXVlZUGldQF0AUWgJXXwIVXBsCEA4aBA1WQ0EaFFdEXEcUXlBVGA9bD0YRR0MKS1EQS1NRBVdUDgIC&x=v1&prdId=11278047420&barcode=UwsBVVJUVwZUWg4CBQY%3D
Alternative retailers
Superdrug£13.99View offer
Sephora£14.10View offer
Lookfantastic£35.10View offer

Neutrogena's Hydro Boost formula is perfect for combination skin as it hydrates without leaving skin too oily. Containing hyaluronic acid and electrolytes, you can enjoy a high-end-feeling product at a budget-friendly price.

Pros

  • Six times more hydration
  • Leaves perfect dewy finish

Cons

  • Some reviews say it takes longer to sink in than other creams

Best natural moisturiser for combination skin

Aveeno Calm And Restore
Price: £8.69 (was £11.59)
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=c84bfba7fb9057c609599595b4f5e218&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=C0xAEhVYThgRFU4eV1gMQkMXVlZUGlhDB1EIWkhUUABdGQEHDgwaBwxdHUdSEEJfS1AUVlRNGAVRChgIXVgQTEEQDxEERUtXCV1ZGlIGAwkFDg4N&x=v1&prdId=10129602331&barcode=UwsBVVJUVwZRVgEHDQ8%3D
Alternative retailers
Superdrug£11.59View offer
Sephora£15.99View offer
Lookfantastic£31.80View offer

A gel moisturiser with a formula containing soothing oats, Aveeno's Calm and Restore moisturiser is perfect if you're looking for a product that plumps and balances moisture levels in your skin.

Pros

  • Lightweight formula
  • Hypoallergenic

Cons

  • Not recommended to be used as a standalone product

Best combination skin moisturiser for all skin types

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturiser
Price: £21.50
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=c84bfba7fb9057c609599595b4f5e218&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=C0xAEhVYThgRFU4eUEQAU15NQFhVG1paDxsNXABaXRAXXwsDCg1EVlEKHw%3D%3D&x=v1
Alternative retailers
Liberty London£31.00View offer
Kiehls UK£32.00View offer
John Lewis & Partners£32.00View offer
Boots£32.00View offer

Well, what can we say about Kiehl's? They are some of the best in the business. Their Ultra Facial moisturiser is perfect for anyone looking for a no-brainer skin product with maximum impact. This one contains glycerin and squalene for that added touch of luxury without the high-end price tag.

Pros

  • Lightweight formula
  • Contains squalene

Cons

  • Slightly on the greasy side

Best lightweight moisturiser for combination skin

Byoma Moisturising Gel
Price: £12.99
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=c84bfba7fb9057c609599595b4f5e218&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=C0xAEhVYThgRFU4eRlITXl9LVBdaWhdACRsWGidLXg5ZGS8JCxJDExBQQ1xZBBt3XFkUekdcVA8ZUwUIXg%3D%3D&x=v1&prdId=9543119210&barcode=Uw0EVFZWWQ5RWwsDAQY%3D
Alternative retailers
Space NK - UK£12.00View offer
Cult Beauty£12.99View offer
Boots£13.99View offer
Cult Beauty Global£14.99View offer

Byoma is known for its ultra-hydrating and skin-rejuvenating products, and its moisturising gel cream is absolutely no exception. Plus, their aesthetic packaging always looks good on any bathroom counter or cupboard.

Pros

  • Ultra lightweight gel formulation
  • Prevents breakouts

Cons

  • Isn't made specifically for combination skin

Best high-end moisturiser for combination skin

Vichy Minéral 89 72HR Moisture Boosting Cream
Price: £24.50
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=c84bfba7fb9057c609599595b4f5e218&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=C0xAEhVYThgRFU4eRkITU0JdR0xeG1paDxsVXgxcHgVZVwdLEQpeCE9aUUdSTFNISVBLTRhKXgtaSVAdQlQRTBkRAwwSXhILT1UYRAhfXhZDUFpdQBgPXQhQF1NdTgANT1FQCUVLD1ZZRkMWRFUUVktcVFQYVwQLWUpCHlsKAlpfVA%3D%3D&x=v1&prdId=10226836608&barcode=UwsHUVFaVgJeUQAGBwM%3D
Alternative retailers
Escentual£20.40View offer
Sephora£24.50View offer
Boots£24.50View offer
Lookfantastic£51.00View offer

Vichy Mineral 89 72-Hr Hyaluronic Acid Moisture-Boosting Cream is suitable for all skin types, dry, oily or a combination, and provides intense hydration and skin rejuvenation. It's a great moisturiser for winter months ahead.

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Contains hyaluronic acid, squalane and vitamins B3 and E

Cons

  • More suitable for colder climates

Best year-round moisturiser for combination skin

La Roche Posey Effaclar Moisturiser
Price: £20.90
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=c84bfba7fb9057c609599595b4f5e218&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=C0xAEhVYThgRFU4eUEQAU15NQFhVG1paDxsKVEhAXgBQUU8WDRJWH01VUUdYAF5VSVpKWEwJDFUb&x=v1
Alternative retailers
Sephora£20.90View offer
Lookfantastic£20.90View offer
Cult Beauty£20.90View offer
Boots£20.90View offer

If you don't know La Roche Posay, all we can say is: get to know. Their products are specifically formulated to help out with acne-prone skin, so if you suffer from that, the Effaclar Moisturiser is the perfect product for you - especially if breakouts are a common occurrence.

Pros

  • Perfect for year-round moisture
  • Mattifying to calm down oiliness of skin

Cons

  • May run out sooner than others

Talking with the experts: BYOMA

To find out more about combination skin, we spoke to Marc Elrick, CEO of leading skincare (and aesthetically pleasing brand) BYOMA and asked for some expert advice on the topic.

What are the signs of combination skin?

"If you see signs of oiliness in your t-zone (your forehead, down the nose, and to the chin), while your cheeks are dry or tight feeling, then it's most likely that you have combination skin," says Marc.

He continues, saying that "signs of oiliness can include shiny skin, larger-looking pores, blackheads or whiteheads in the t-zone, and signs of dryness on the cheeks can include flaking, red or rough/tight feeling skin."

Should you use separate moisturisers for combination skin?

If you're dealing with both a dry and oily skin type, you might wonder whether or not you should opt for separate moisturisers in your daily routine.

Thankfully, though, this is not necessary. Marc says that a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser is perfect for combination skin. He suggests using BYOMA's Gel Cream (as seen above) to tackle this issue. However, moisturisers for dry skin are available if you're looking to address the concern directly.

Emma Richardson is a Beauty & Fashion Product Writer for Closer. She covers shopping, lifestyle, celebs and anything trending.

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