The best cleansers for combination skin in 2023 (2023)

FAQs

Does combination skin need cleanser? ›

If you have combination skin that is mostly dry, you'll need a hydrating cleanser to combat it. This gentle cleanser from La Roche-Posay may be a good choice for you as it contains skin-nourishing ceramides. It's noncomedogenic, so it won't clog pores and contribute to excess oil production.

Gel and foaming cleansers are typically suited to people who have more oily and acne prone skin. They can be quite harsh on dryer skin types, as these formulas have stripping properties. Cream cleansers are the ideal formula texture for dry skin.

For combination skin, some dermatologists recommend using two different moisturizers to treat your separate skin woes. The Derm Review suggests treating dry skin areas with an emollient-rich moisturizer, while treating oily skin areas with a moisturizer that contains acne-fighting ingredients.

CeraVe is the safer bet for anyone with dry or sensitive skin. It's the one I use most often. If you want something for normal, combination, or oily skin, Cetaphil is a better place to start.

For that reason, gel face washes are best for those with oily or combination skin. While gel face washes can be effective in removing excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural oils, some gel cleansers may still remove too much oil, depending on your specific skin type.

Because facial cleansers gently clean your skin without stripping away too much oil, they're considered an ideal product for many skin types, including normal, sensitive, dry, and combination.

Best Overall:The Face Shop Rice WaterBright Cleansing Foam

It is the best Korean water-based cleanser. It also contains soapwort extract, a gentle cleanser for sensitive and dry skin types. The cleanser minimizes moisture loss and leaves your skin refreshed without feeling stretchy or tight.

Avoid products with excessive fragrance or other irritants. Any product that includes harsh ingredients like fragrance or alcohol can irritate both dry and oily skin. Dry areas may become drier, while oily parts may produce more oil, potentially leading to breakouts.

How often should I wash my face if I have combination skin? ›

Combo skin types are seen as the lucky ones. In this case, you can take your pick of the cleansers on offer. It's still advisable to wash twice a day and use a gentle formula “that removes impurities, deep cleans pores, helps remove makeup, and leaves the skin feeling refreshed, clean, and hydrated,” says Tim.

For those with combination skin, balancing the two skin concerns is key to maintaining a healthy and radiant complexion. We recommend the CeraVe Hydrating Cream-To-Foam Cleanser which targets both oily and dry skin by restoring the skin's natural barrier, gently cleansing and locking in moisture throughout the day.

Certain products and lifestyle habits can contribute to combination skin type; using harsh products that contain dry ingredients can trigger your skin to produce excess oil, which can worsen breakouts in the T-Zone while drying out other parts of the face.

Combination Skin Type

Your skin can be dry or normal in some areas and oily in others, such as the T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin). Many people have this type. It may need slightly different care in different areas.

The most noticeable difference between the two cleansers is that CeraVe is a gel cleanser while Cetaphil is a cream cleanser. If you have normal to oily skin and prefer a gel-based foaming cleanser, CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser will be the best choice.

The beauty of CeraVe is that it works across all skin types and tones — normal, oily, acne-prone or sensitive. Praised for its gentle and restorative qualities, all CeraVe formulas are made without fragrances, a common irritant for those with sensitive skin.

Apply toner

A well-formulated toner for combination skin really can help nourish dry skin and minimize oiliness at the same time—and it won't make the dry areas drier or the oily areas oilier. Don't skip this step, it's incredibly beneficial for this skin type.

Hyaluronic Acid can quench even the driest of complexions and works equally well for people with oily and combination skin types. Unlike some skincare products, hyaluronic acid gets quickly absorbed into the skin, meaning you lose less product.

Is toner necessary for combination skin? ›

No, toning is not necessary for skin health. Toners were originally developed to remove soap scum from the face when lye-based soaps combined with hard water left a sticky residue post cleansing.

When choosing good moisturizers for combination skin, the key is to go for products with mattifying ingredients and oil-free base. This means Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin among others. If you are looking for a natural way to hydrate skin, apply Aloe Vera gel for best results.

CeraVe's dermatologist-developed cleansers and face washes for combination skin help address both of these concerns simultaneously—with options including a foaming gel formula, exfoliating salicylic acid cleanser, and more.

Oily or combination skin

That said, regardless of your skin type, if you're squeezing in a morning workout, it's a great idea to wash your face right after to remove excessive sweat, bacteria, and dirt, says Dr. Stephens.

Best for acne and blackheads: Bioré Charcoal Acne Daily Cleanser. Best for combination skin: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. Best for teenage acne: Humane Acne Face Wash, 10% Benzoyl Peroxide. Best for adult acne: Simple Micellar Cleansing Water.

Philosophy's Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser Is Officially America's #1 Facial Cleanser.

Peach & Lily Power Calm Hydrating Gel Cleanser

After her skin is clean, Kardashian follows with Peach & Lily Hydrating Gel Cleanser to make sure every last bit of makeup and oil is gone.

What is a simple skincare routine for combination skin? ›

Tips for Combination Skin

Gently exfoliate and deeply moisturize. This will help get rid of dry patches while also nourishing and replenishing your skin. Try a clay mask on your T-zone to get rid of excess oil, and apply a moisturizing mask to your cheeks to hydrate dry areas.

This can make it bewildering to know which products to use to get the best results for combination skin. WHAT TO DO: The best step is to use a gentle cleanser, like Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser and stick with a moisturizer with oil-free hydrators such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

The benefit of La Roche-Posay is its high-quality formulations that address specific skin concerns, including sensitive skin, dryness, acne, and rosacea. The products are well-researched and tested for efficacy and safety. La Roche-Posay is also a widely available and generally affordable brand.

If you have combination skin, exfoliating dead skin cells is key to keeping your complexion smooth and glowy. Whether that be with a serum, a toner or a face scrub, routine exfoliation will help to buff away the layer of dead skin, revealing a velvety and radiant complexion.

Who should use a foaming cleanser? While all skin types can benefit from foam cleansing, oily, combination and normal skin types will likely reap the best results. For these skin types, foaming cleansers are likely to leave the skin feeling clean and refreshed, without being stripped of its natural oils.

For combination skin

“Cleansing twice a day is ideal unless you're noticing your skin getting flaky, dry, or irritated, then it's ok to take a break,” she advises. “Combination skin will need a thicker moisturizer than oily skin, especially in dry winter weather.

For those with combination skin, balancing the two skin concerns is key to maintaining a healthy and radiant complexion. We recommend the CeraVe Hydrating Cream-To-Foam Cleanser which targets both oily and dry skin by restoring the skin's natural barrier, gently cleansing and locking in moisture throughout the day.

Typically, the combination skin type is characterized by dry, flaking skin on the cheeks, while excessive oil and shine appears on other areas of the face. Those with combination skin are in a constant battle with their T-Zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin.