13 Gel- and Water-Based Moisturizers For Combination Skin

WHAT IS COMBINATION SKIN?

Before we get into our best gel-based and water-based moisturizers for combination skin, it’s important to know what the visible signs of combination skin are to help determine whether or not you have it. Combination skin is exactly how it sounds—having skin that is both oily and dry. Typically, the T-Zone (nose, forehead, chin) is the part of the face that’s oily-looking, 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 dealing with a fickle 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.

GEL-BASED AND WATER-BASED MOISTURIZERS FOR COMBINATION SKIN

All skin types need hydration—even oily and combination skin! Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. Promise? There’s no shortage of moisturizers out there to choose from, which makes finding the best one for your skin’s needs all the more difficult. Lucky for you, we went ahead and conquered the hard part so you don’t have to.  Ahead, discover our picks of the best gel-based and water-based moisturizers for combination skin from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands. When it comes time to restock your arsenal’s moisturizer, you’ll be happy to have this list handy—trust us.

GARNIER MOISTURE BOMB THE ANTIOXIDANT SUPER MOISTURIZER  

This water-light gel-cream formula boasts hyaluronic acid as well as goji berry, vitamins C and E, and pomegranate to help strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier and provide parched skin with much-needed hydration. The non-greasy formula is suited for all skin types eager for a burst of hydration and a more youthful look day after day!

Garnier Moisture Bomb The Antioxidant Super Moisturizer, $16.99 MSRP

SKINCEUTICALS HYDRATING B5 GEL

This oil-free hydrating gel is formulated with vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid—an ingredient known to hold up to 1000x its weight in water—to help skin retain moisture. The result? Skin that looks supple and smooth. Use it daily as your oil-free moisturizer.

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel, $82 MSRP

L’OREAL PARIS HYDRA GENIUS DAILY LIQUID CARE - NORMAL/OILY SKIN 

For combination skin that is hydrated, fresh, and visibly mattified, look no further than this fast-absorbing moisturizer by L’Oreal Paris. Specifically developed for normal to oily skin, the water-based formula combines aloe water and hyaluronic acid and provides dual-action results. This product boasts instant and continuous hydration, and can help you achieve skin that looks fresh and mattified.

L’Oreal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Oily Skin, $17.99 MSRP

L’OREAL PARIS CELL RENEWAL ROSY TONE MOISTURIZER

As skin matures, cell renewal slows causing a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface. Over time, skin can begin to lose its natural rosy tone of youth underneath a dulled complexion. If this is your reality, smooth on this moisturizing cream to reveal a healthy, youthful look once again. It’s enhanced with rosy pigments to instantly revive skin’s rosy tone. The non-greasy formula—with imperial peony and LHA—gently exfoliates dull skin and stimulates surface cell renewal every day. Immediately, skin is hydrated and looks healthier. In four weeks, notice skin that appears renewed and visibly younger.

L’Oreal Paris Cell Renewal Rosy Tone Moisturizer, $24.99 MSRP

KIEHL’S ULTRA FACIAL MOISTURIZER SPF 30

This no-frills moisturizer—formulated for all skin types—absorbs quickly to leave the skin’s surface soft, smooth and nurtured. What’s more, it is formulated with broad-spectrum SPF 30 to help protect against damaging UVA and UVB rays*. 

*when use as directed with other sun protection measures. 

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 30, $21 MSRP

KIEHL’S ULTRA FACIAL OIL-FREE GEL CREAM 

Formulated with a refreshing texture, this oil-free gel-cream—formulated with imperata cylindrica root extract and antarcticine—intensely hydrates and conditions skin while providing long-lasting moisture. You’ll love the instant cooling effect upon application! 

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream, $27.50 MSRP

VICHY MINÉRAL 89

Minéral 89—which is formulated with a combination of 89 percent of Vichy’s exclusive Mineralizing Thermal Water and hyaluronic acid—helps to fortify skin and helps protect it against external aggressors, while delivering a boost of hydration for a healthy-looking glow. Best of all, the formula is suitable for all skin types since it’s free of parabens, silicones, fragrance, colorants, and alcohol. 

Vichy Minéral 89, $29.50 MSRP

LANCÔME ÉNERGIE DE VIE DAY CREAM

This water-infused moisturizing cream helps nurture and hydrate skin. Thanks to its cooling effect upon application, skin will feel fresh and energized! 

Lancôme Énergie de Vie Day Cream, $55 MSRP

GARNIER SKINACTIVE MOISTURE RESCUE REFRESHING GEL CREAM

Daily stress and pollution can wreak havoc on your complexion, stripping the skin of its vital hydration. With this refreshing, oil-free gel-cream, you’re able to lock in 24-hour hydration that blocks out dryness.Formulated with vitamin E and fruit water, you can expert your skin to feel fresher and look smoother upon use. Over time, the moisture barrier is strengthened, revealing skin that looks healthier and more radiant.  

Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream, $5.99 MSRP

URBAN DECAY COSMETICS REHAB MAKEUP PREP HOT SPRINGS HYDRATING GEL

Applying makeup to rough, dry skin is never a good experience. The goal is to create a clean, moisturized canvas. Turn to a hydrating gel moisturizer that’s made for prepping the skin before makeup, like Urban Decay’s Rehab Makeup Prep Hot Springs Hydrating Gel. Enhanced with encapsulated water sourced from a hot spring, this low alkaline moisturizer preps the skin for a seamless makeup application. 

UrbanDecay Cosmetics Rehab Makeup Prep Hot Springs Hydrating Gel, $28 MSRP 

LA ROCHE-POSAY HYDRAPHASE INTENSE LIGHT MOISTURIZER 

Treat your parched combination skin to La Roche-Posay’s Hydraphase Intense Light Moisturizer. Powered by hyaluronic acid and the brand’s beloved Thermal Spring Water, this formula helps the skin retain moisture all day with its light and non-greasy texture. The results will leave you with skin that’s visibly plumped, softer and more radiant. 

La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Light Moisturizer, $35.99 MSRP 

GARNIER SKINACTIVE CLEARLY BRIGHTER BRIGHTENING & SMOOTHING DAILY MOISTURIZER SPF 15

Antioxidants and SPF are the ultimate duo when it comes to skin care, and not so often do you find them making cameos in the same product. If you’re lacking a well-rounded moisturizer in your routine, look no further. This daily vitamin C-enhanced moisturizer with SPF 15 will give you visibly brighter, more polished-looking skin as a result. 

Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Brightening & Smoothing Daily Moisturizer SPF 15, $14.99 MSRP

GARNIER SKINACTIVE MOISTURE RESCUE ACTIVELY HYDRATING DAILY LOTION SPF 15 

Protect and defend your skin against moisture loss with a daily hydrating lotion that can helps strengthen your skin’s barrier. Formulated with SPF 15 and glycerin, you’ll notice how soft and fresh your skin feels after just one use. After one week, expect to see skin that feels strengthened and looks healthier. 

Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Actively Hydrating Daily Lotion SPF 15, $12.99 MSRP

No matter what moisturizer you use, try to apply it up to twice daily. After cleansing your skin, follow up with moisturizer while your skin is slightly damp, to help lock in moisture. Your skin will thank you!