8 Water-Based Moisturizers for Combination Skin

There’s a common misconception that moisturizers are only meant for dry skin. The truth is that all skin types can benefit from using a moisturizer. But before you slather on any cream or lotion, it’s important to assess your skin type. If you have combination skin, a lighter gel or water-based formula is recommended because they can help hydrate and nourish the skin without feeling heavy. If you’re unsure you have combination skin, keep reading for the most common indicators and some editor-approved moisturizer picks. 

What Is Combination Skin?

Combination skin is exactly what it sounds like — having skin that is both oily and dry. Typically, the T-zone (nose, forehead and chin) is the part of the face that’s oily, with dryness appearing on the cheeks, jaw area and along the hairline. If this sounds like your skin, know that you’re not the only one with this skin type. In fact, according to board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, combination skin is the most common skin type seen amongst his patients. Luckily, there’s no shortage of moisturizers out there to choose from. Below, find some of our favorite water-based moisturizers for combination skin.

Garnier Green Labs Hyalu-Aloe Super Hydrating Serum Gel

Get an ultra-hydrating moisturizer, hyaluronic acid serum and eye cream with this revolutionary three-in-one formula. The formula — which contains powerhouse hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera — works to refresh, revive and comfort your skin in one simple step. 

Vichy Minéral 89 Prebiotic

Formulated with a combination of mineral-rich Vichy volcanic water, vitreoscilla ferment and niacinamide, this serum helps fight the visible signs of aging and accelerates skin barrier repair while helping to retain moisture for a healthy-looking glow. Best of all, the formula is suitable for all skin types because it’s free of parabens, silicones, fragrances, colorants and alcohol.

Lancôme Hydra Zen Gel Cream

Infused with rose extract, moringa seed extract and peony root extract, this bouncy gel-cream provides your skin with 24-hours of hydration and helps to reduce redness, dullness and fatigue. Skin instantly feels soothed and with continued use skin will radiate a healthy, natural glow. 

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel

This oil-free hydrating gel is formulated with vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid to help skin retain moisture. The result? Skin that looks supple and smooth. Plus, it can be used daily as your oil-free moisturizer.

Kiehl’s Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream

The Calendula Water Cream offers a lightweight, hydrating finish thanks to a unique formulation which includes micronized calendula petals and calendula flower extract to visibly even out skin tone and smooth fine lines.

Nu Skin Nutricentials Thirst Fix Hydrating Gel Cream

Give your skin a burst of hydration with this weightless, oil-free gel moisturizer. A blend of bioadaptive botanicals protect against and build resilience towards environmental aggressors while keeping skin feeling soothed and moisturized for up to 24 hours. 

Peach & Lily Glass Skin Water-Gel Moisturizer

Strengthen your skin’s microbiome with this unique formula made with a proprietary vegan prebiotic and probiotic complex as well as three different weights of hyaluronic acid. The finished product brightens your complexion and binds moisture to the skin for long-lasting hydration.  

Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer

It’s no surprise that this formula has a cult following — it’s gentle, hydrating and cooling. It also contains probiotics, ginger extract and red seaweed to help calm irritation and brighten dullness.

Design: Hannah Packer

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