Instep Desk

Moisturizers are an essential part of everyday skin-care routine. Just like our bodies need water to stay hydrated, our skin needs a good quality moisturizer. While there are multiple options for dry or oily skin, finding moisturizers for combination skin (an oily T-zone with drier cheeks) can surely be tricky.  Even though combination skin is prone to looking shiny, it also needs some hydrating love or it can get even oilier and drier. For those with combination skin, it is important to use a face moisturizer that’s specifically designed to work with your skin type. When searching for the best moisturizer for combination skin, experts suggest looking for a product that doesn’t tilt the skin too far towards one side of the spectrum.

Here are 6 moisturizers that are lightweight, sheer, and oil-free, making them ideal for combination skin. The best part is that they are hydrating and will keep the shine at bay.

Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion

A great moisturizer for combination skin, Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion is a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer with hyaluronic acid that locks in moisture to protect skin from dryness throughout the day. This face-hydrating lotion provides immediate and long-lasting use while absorbing quickly and you can even wear it under makeup. It is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and will leave your skin smooth and fresh.

Olay Luminous Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 25

This weightless, whipped formula absorbs into skin in seconds. Olay Luminous Whip delivers lasting radiance and SPF 25 without the shine. It has been formulated with brightening ingredients that actively hydrate to minimize the appearance of pores. And even though it’s packed with hydrating glycerin and brightening niacinamide, it feels like you have nothing on at all.

Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Ultra Sheer Daily Defense SPF 30

This product is ideal for those with normal to combination or oily skin.  Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Ultra Sheer Daily Defense is lightweight, oil-free and targets uneven skin. Infused with antioxidant green tea extract and broad spectrum protection, the fragrance and colourant free formula boosts the skin’s natural defence, while oatmeal and willow bark extract eliminate irritation. The moisturizer regulates oil production and improves skin tone by drying to a smooth, matte finish. It prevents signs of ageing, including wrinkles, brown spots and discolourations, so you can experience a soft, flawless complexion.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

This classic face moisturizer is now available in a lightweight gel-lotion formula that’s perfect for combination skin. This hydrating gel combines skin-strengthening ingredients with oil-free hydration. The lack of oil in the formula means that it won’t make your face greasy or clog it up. It’s non-comedogenic and supremely hydrating, thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which pull moisture from the air and push it into your skin.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

The ultimate multi-tasker for combination skin, this tinted moisturizer for combination skin offers just enough hydration, thanks to tamarind seed extract and macadamia oils, and UV protection. The lightweight formula comes in 20 different shades and helps control oil breakthrough while adding a soft hint of colour that evens and enhances skin without hiding it.

Shiseido Waso Clear Mega-Hydrating Moisturizer

 This clear gel moisturizer with a jelly like texture is ideal for combination skin. Shiseido Waso Clear Mega-Hydrating moisturizer is a 24-hour moisturizing clear cream that hydrates and helps reduce pores and dryness. The product contains hydrating carrot extract and smoothing peony extract to give your skin a soft and dewy (but never greasy) feel.