10 Water-Based Moisturizers for Combination Skin

May 26, 2022
Jessica Khorsandi
By: Jessica Khorsandi | skincare.com by L'Oréal
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 too 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. It contains powerhouse hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to refresh, revive and comfort your skin in one simple step.

garnier green labs hyalu aloe super hydrating serum gel

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.

vichy mineral 89 prebiotic

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.

lancome hydra zen gel cream

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.

skinceuticals hydrating B5 gel

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.

kiehls calendula serum infused water cream

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.

biossance squalane and probiotic gel moisturizer

Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Gel Cream Moisturizer

This lightweight formula is hands down the most comfortable moisturizer you’ll ever apply on your skin. It has a creamy, cloud-like texture that sinks in upon contact and leaves your skin looking dewy but never shiny.

summer fridays cloud dew gel cream moisturizer

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer

Weightless and creamy, this moisturizer is chock full of hyaluronic acid and ceramides. It absorbs into the skin for a boost of hydration that will keep dryness at bay and tame your oily spots.

peter thomas roth water drench hyaluronic cloud cream hydrating moisturizer

Boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer

This lightweight formula is a must-try thanks to its soothing cactus and aloe vera extracts. It helps replenish dehydrated skin, is suitable for sensitive complexions and will help keep you moisturized for up to 48 hours.

boscia cactus water moisturizer

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream

Quick absorbing and non-greasy, this formula plumps and nourishes the skin like nothing else. It contains a combination of plum extracts, polyglutamic acid and hyaluronic acid to visibly refresh your complexion.

glow recipe plum plump hyaluronic cream
Design: Hannah Packer

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