11 best moisturisers for combination skin that really work

Best: Overall

Especially good for oily, acne-prone skin in both adults and teenagers, this is dubbed as an "anti-blemish moisturiser". With minimalist formula that's dermatologist approved, this French pharmacy moisturiser gets results that are hard to believe from something that feels so gentle. It unclogged our pores and helped existing spots to heal, and ingredients like zinc controlled sebum while glycerin helped with hydration. We love it for its consistent results, and we fully recommend it to the young people in our lives experiencing hormonal breakouts but are also keeping it stocked for ourselves. 

Best: Gel moisturiser

This is the lightweight gel version of Clinique’s signature dramatically different moisturiser. We love the space age look of this clear formula in its silver packaging. Described as "water-jelly", it does feel as if you’re applying nothing more than water to your face. The "clean-shield technology" acts as a filter against pollution to protect the skin’s barrier, while hyaluronic acid and glycerin combine to attract and retain moisture, both immediately and for 24 hours after applying. The oil-free formulation made us feel we weren’t wearing moisturiser at all and yet kept our skin comfortable all day.

Best: For hydration

This moisturiser is a three in one, offering hydration, shine control and refining the look of pores. Containing niacinamide, willow bark extract and marine extract, it smooths over the skin leaving it feeling matte without the drying, powdery feel of traditional mattifiers. Its gel-cream texture glides on, making skin feel super-soft and providing the perfect base for make-up.

The claim that the marine extract will help to control shine all day long stood up to our testing and removed the need for a mid-day powder application to blot excess oil. We felt that it immediately improved the look of our skin, keeping it moisturised, healthy-looking and avoiding that dull, matte look that oil-control products can be guilty of.

Best: For sensitive skin

This French pharmaceutical brand started life in a Parisian hospital in 1950 and has built up something of a cult following ever since. This moisturiser is particularly good for those whose combination skin is also sensitive. We love it for doing what it says on the label: it is a gentle emulsion which hydrates and keeps skin matte. Packed with natural ingredients including shea butter, apricot oil and vitamin E for moisture and tapioca starch powder to control shine, it also contains active ingredients including hyaluronic acid and collagen. Dermatologically tested, this kind lotion worked wonders on our dry/oily/sensitive skin. 

Best: For under make-up

Fans of this Korean brand praise it for being particularly good on skin that’s prone to acne or breakouts. Birch sap is the main ingredient in this lightweight lotion which we love for its balancing effect on oily/dry skin. It feels equally comfortable on drier cheeks as it does on an oily T-zone and even felt light and gentle enough to go over spots without causing any discomfort or provoking further flare-ups. The gel sinks straight into the skin leaving a smooth surface primed for make-up. We felt it controlled moisture and oil levels brilliantly.

Best: Budget moisturiser

This simple, affordable moisturiser has legions of fans who love it for its soothing and calming effect on the skin. We love the way it moisturises with minimum fuss, leaving skin feeling comfortable and refreshed both on oily and dry areas. Developed by dermatologists, it not only hydrates but also protects the skin’s barrier with three naturally occurring ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. There is also a night version (same packaging but it says PM on the bottle) without SPF.

Best: Day moisturiser

Science-backed and well-respected, Paula’s Choice has a no-nonsense philosophy based around ingredients that are proven, tried and tested. This "ultra-light daily hydrating fluid", to give it its full name, is packed with plant-based anti-oxidants which have been developed to keep oily, spot prone skin moisturised and matte. We found the light lotion kept our skin beautifully hydrated and felt fresh and clean to apply. After a week of use, spots were less angry and skin definitely calmer.

Best: For summer

Honest Beauty is Jessica Alba’s organic, ethical beauty range which has proved itself to be more than a celebrity vanity project, winning plaudits and awards. Hydration is supplied by hyaluronic acid and squalane in a "bouncy" formula that moisturises and adds a dewy glow. We were pleasantly surprised by the unusual texture: it starts off as a thick cream that takes a while to sink in but then suddenly changes to a watery, refreshing gel on the skin producing a cooling sensation that made our face feel rejuvenated. This refreshing effect would make it a perfect summer moisturiser.

Best: For shine control

Aimed at teenagers and young adults, this unisex brand was set up by a father for his children after a shopping trip for face wash revealed the shortcomings of gender-specific skincare. The range is simple to navigate, easy to use and affordable.

Squalane, shea butter and vitamin E hydrates and protects while active ingredient butyl avocadate (from avocado) works to control shine. The light formula balances hydration and oil production and made our tester’s skin very happy. It felt gentle on the skin, absorbed quickly and left skin looking glowy not oily. It's also, reportedly, a favourite among professional film and TV make-up artists who use it as a base for make-up thanks to its ability to control on-camera shine.

Best: For glowing skin

This brand prides itself on natural, organic skincare based around the principles of Ayurveda. We found it had a calming effect on our skin. Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredients including lemon oil and neem leaf extract work to detoxify and oxygenate skin, helping to reduce breakouts. Amino acids boost microcirculation resulting in a healthy glow (and fulfilling the "I will make you blush" assertion printed on the bottle). The clear gel is very watery so watch out for it going everywhere when you pump it out. 

Best: For dull skin

Korean dermatologist brand Dr.Jart+'s slogan is "powered by science, inspired by art" and this moisturiser is a vision in in its mirrored silver packaging. Aside from its looks, we were seriously impressed with the smoothing, soothing formula inside.

Hyaluronic acid, glycerin and niacinamide moisturise and protect the skin’s barrier while nourishing bergamot, sandalwood and lemon add a subtle fragrance. The gel contains water droplets which burst when applied to the skin, refreshing the complexion and delivering brightening hydration. We loved the effect it had, perking up tired, lacklustre skin and imparting a healthy glow.