11 Best MUA-Approved Face Cleansers For Combination Skin
Keep your skin free of oiliness and dryness and offer that much-needed balance!
Shawnda Dorantes, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is the founder and Master Injector at Beauty Lounge Medical Spa. She has 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and 13 years as a registered nurse. Dorantes began her career as a Beauty Advisor for Estee Lauder.
Read full bio of Shawnda Dorantes
Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
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Maintaining a combination skin is meekly challenging as it is the togetherness of oily skin in the T-zone and dry skin in the cheeks. Usually, such skin is prone to clogged pores and accumulation of dirt. This is where the best face wash for combination skin comes to the rescue.
Using products specifically made for oily skin or dry skin may not give the desired result. For example, moisture-rich products may break your skin, while sebum-controlling can shed off the natural oils. So, you need a formula crafted to do it all in balance. In this article, we bring you a list of the 11 best face washes suitable for combination skin. Scroll down to grab a facial cleanser and get clean, healthy, and flawless skin!
In This Article
11 Best Face Cleansers For Combination Skin
Best Hypoallergenic:Gentle Water-Soluble Cleanser – BIODERMA Sébium Foaming Gel
The BIODERMA Sébium Foaming Gel gently cleanses your skin of dust and grime while normalizing sebum quality. It is made with an allergen-free Fluidactiv complex that doesn’t strip away the natural oils and dry out combination skin. Active ingredients containing copper and zinc give the foaming gel a pleasant blue color. This scientifically formulated cleanser also contains Ginkgo extract, fructooligosaccharides, and seaweed extract that increase your skin’s tolerance and impermeability by tightening unclogged pores. Its dermo-patented technology protects your face against daily pollution and keeps it clear and supple.
Key Ingredients: Mannitol, Xylitol, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, Fructooligosaccharides
- Does not dry out the skin
- Paraben-free
- No residue
- Soap-free
- Can be used as shaving foam
- Hypoallergenic
- Refreshing scent
- Expensive
- Watery consistency
"I've been using this on my dry Milia skin and it honestly works! It gently cleanses my skin without making it overly dry. With regular use, I have noticed soft and refined skin that I love."
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 8,657 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
Best Dermatologist-Tested Cleanser:Bioré Blue Agave + Baking Soda Balancing Pore Cleanser
The Bioré Blue Agave + Baking Soda Balancing Pore Cleanser deeply cleans and naturally exfoliates your skin. It contains baking soda that clears clogged pores and gently removes impurities to reveal smooth, healthy-looking skin. This liquid face cleanser also removes dry, flaky, and dead skin by easily penetrating the skin pores. Its oil-free formula does not strip the natural oils off your face. Therefore, it suits combination skin the best. Also, it is dermatologically tested to be hypoallergenic and suitable for daily use. If you are still unsure, check out this honest review of the tester’s experience.
Key Ingredients: Agave leaf extract, Sorbitol, Jojoba esters, Sodium bicarbonate
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Prevents dryness and flaking
- Lathers well
- No residue
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 535 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
Best Alcohol-Free Formula:Best Daily Face Wash For Combination Skin – Clinique Liquid Facial Soap
The Clinique Liquid Facial Soap forms a soft, non-drying lather to remove dirt and makeup that accumulates every day on combination skin. It loosens surface flakes and protects the skin’s natural moisture balance. This quick-rinsing formula leaves your skin feeling clean, comfortable, and refreshed – and never taut or dry –because it is free of alcohol. It contains sucrose, aloe leaf juice, and menthol that condition and prep your face for the next steps of your skin care routine. This liquid facial soap is dermatologically-tested to be allergen-free. It is also free of parabens, phthalates, SLS, mineral oil, artificial fragrance, and dyes. It also comes in eco-friendly, recycled packaging. Click this video of the reviewer’s experience to learn more about the product.
Key Ingredients: Sucrose, Menthol, Aloe leaf juice
- Softens the skin
- Mineral oil-free
- Gluten-free
- SLS-free
- Alcohol-free
- No synthetic compounds
- Phthalate-free
- Dermatologist-developed
- Fragrance-free
- Sustainable packaging
None
"The product cleans my skin gently and leaves it feeling soft and prepped for the next day. After using it consistently, I my dark spots reduced. It is a blessing for my oily skin as it controls excess oil production without making my skin overly dry."
Pro TipGentle Water-Soluble Cleanser – BIODERMA Sébium Foaming Gel Best Hypoallergenic | Bioré Blue Agave + Baking Soda Balancing Pore Cleanser Best Dermatologist-Tested Cleanser | Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Best Alcohol-Free Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Oily and combination skin | Combination | Oily |
| Dimensions | 1.57 x 1.57 x 5.9 inches | 1.54 x 2.57 x 6.5 inches | 4 x 4 x 5 inches |
| Weight | 1.76 Ounces | 8.64 Ounces | 7.05 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 8,657 | 535 | 1,753 |
| Price | $8.99 | $5.64 | $21.49 |
Best Organic: Beauty By Earth Facial Cleanser
This facial cleanser from Beauty By Earth is packed with super fruits like cranberry and acai that leave your face feeling fresh and clean. Its lightweight formula gently clears makeup and dirt from the skin pores and spreads a lingering and refreshing fruity scent. This cleanser is enriched with moisture-restoring contents such as aloe leaf juice, acai fruit oil, and extracts of pomegranate, cranberry, and green tea leaves to give you a boost of hydration. These nourishing ingredients naturally improve your complexion, restore radiance, and condition your skin for your makeup/skincare regimen. This organic face wash is free of parabens, synthetic compounds, and animal-origin products and has not been tested on animals.
Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, Cranberry fruit extract, Acai fruit oil, Green tea leaf extract, Pomegranate extract, Olive oil
- Gentle on the skin
- Clears build-up
- Preserves moisture balance
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- No artificial fragrances
- Cruelty-free
- No residue
- Strong fragrance
"I completely enjoy using this face wash as it gently cleans my face without causing any stinging sensation. Its excellent ingredients improve my skin’s health. The formula leaves my skin feeling refreshed and naturally moist. It also removes makeup effortlessly."
Best Skin Softening:Neutrogena Skin Balancing Gel Cleanser
Purify and soften your skin with the help of Neutrogena Skin Balancing Gel Cleanser. With a 2% Polyhydroxy acid formulation, the gel cleanser is best suitable for normal to combination skin. The exfoliating action unclogs the pores of impurities. The dermatologist grade PHA is also an active humectant that moisturizes the skin without disturbing the natural pH or moisture barrier of the skin. This dermatologically-approved cleanser has a milky formula with minimal foaming to cleanse away dirt and dead skin cells gently. The hypoallergenic formula makes it safe for daily use.
Key Ingredients: Polyhydroxy acid, Aloe vera extract, Glycerine
- Paraben free
- Soap-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Free of alcohol and dyes
- Hypoallergenic
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
"This face wash keeps my skin soft and clear. It controls oiliness in the T-zone without harming the oil balance of my face. I love how easily it cleanses my skin and offers a glow post-double cleanse. It removes leftover makeup without settling on the lines and creases of my face. I'll certainly continue to use it as a part of my morning routine."
"This face wash keeps my skin soft and clear. It controls oiliness in the T-zone without harming the oil balance of my face. I love how easily it cleanses my skin and offers a glow post-double cleanse. It removes leftover makeup without settling on the lines and creases of my face. I'll certainly continue to use it as a part of my morning routine."
Best Hydrating:Glo Skin Beauty Hydrating Gel Cleanser
The Hydrating Gel Cleanser from Glo Skin Beauty is formulated with hydrating ingredients that help in cleansing and brightening combination skin. With its light foaming action, this gentle yet effective formula helps maintain moisture balance while exfoliating and calming your skin. Exotic and nourishing extracts from Egyptian lotus, amaranth, moringa seeds, and sandalwood along with lactic acid bring out your natural, clear, and radiant complexion. This dermatologist-recommended cleanser contains natural ingredients safe for all ages and genders – especially pregnant women. It is also dermatologist-recommended as an allergen-free cleanser for sensitive skin or post-procedure care.
Key Ingredients: Amaranth protein, Egyptian lotus extract, Lactic acid, Sandalwood oil, Moringa seed extract
- Allergen-free
- Softens the skin
- Safe for pregnant women
- Soothes acne
- Gives visible results
- Unscented formula
- Long-lasting
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Runny consistency
Best Skin Barrier Repairing:CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is a dermatologist-developed face wash suitable for normal, dry, and combination skin. When dispensed first, the formula appears to be creamy, which later foams up and removes dirt, oil, and SPF residue without stripping the skin’s moisture. Amino acid and hyaluronic acid content make the product suitable for combination skin retaining natural moisture. The ceramides encapsulated with MVE technology restore and nourish the skin’s natural barrier.
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Amino acid, Hyaluronic acid
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Allergy tested
- pH balanced
- Dermatologist-tested
- Safe for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers
None
"It is a handy cleanser that lastes me several months. It leaves my skin hydrated and reduces breakouts drastically. It balances out my skin tone and fades my dark spots. It doesn't foam much but is very effective in deep cleansing my skin. The best part, it doesn't sting my eyes."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 14,587 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
Best Anti Aging:SkinMedica Exfoliating Cleanser
Infused with naturally derived AHAs and BHAs, SkinMedica Exfoliating Skin Cleanser is your solution to clear bright skin. The product is suitable for combination skin as it contains ultra-fine jojoba beads that gently scrub the skin to slough away dead skin and impurities. The exfoliating acids polish the skin, thus improving the skin texture and combating the appearance of wrinkles. Lavender extract tones the skin, while the citrus elements provide mild exfoliation and brighten the skin. The deep cleansing action of the cleanser aids in removing makeup and SPF residue from the skin. It is safe for use in your AM and PM daily routine.
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, Glycolic acid, Citric acid, Malic acid, Jojoba oil
- Ideal for all skin types
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Improves skin texture
- Reduces excess oil production
- Not suitable for daily use on sensitive skin
Best Allergen-Free: Specific Beauty Daily Gentle Cleanser
The Specific Beauty Daily Gentle Cleanser thoroughly yet gently removes dirt and oil from skin pores without disrupting the delicate skin barrier. Its ingredients penetrate deep into the skin to rejuvenate and brighten combination and oily skin. Soothing botanical extracts and salicylic acid work on areas of concern like blemishes, inflammation, pigmentation, and scars and minimize open pores. They refine the complexion and texture of sensitive skin to give a smooth, youthful, and air-brushed look. This dye-free and paraben-free face wash has a light, fresh fragrance and is perfect for anyone who is sensitive to strong scents.
Key Ingredients: Chamomile extract, Aloe leaf juice, Salicylic acid
- Lightens dark spots and blemishes
- Paraben-free
- Brightens the skin
- Hydroquinone-free
- Fragrance-free
- No synthetic dyes
- Refreshing fragrance
- Watery consistency
Best Non-Comedogenic:Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D 4-In-1 Cleanser
The Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D 4-In-1 Cleanser contains the proprietary, patent-pending Age Minimize 3D Complex along with highly-effective skin-renewing ingredients. These molecules remove complexion-dulling impurities and leave your skin feeling clean, exfoliated, and bright. This multitasking, vitamin-rich cleanser clears makeup without stripping away your skin’s natural moisture and oils. It is dermatologist-tested and free of allergens, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrances. Since it is a non-comedogenic and anti-inflammatory formula, it is safe for use on acne-prone, inflamed, or treated skin.
Key Ingredients: Resveratrol, Vitamin-B3, Age-defying peptide
- Offers mild exfoliation
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Dries out sensitive skin
"This face wash leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed. It has a fresh, minty scent that is not overpowering. The small exfoliant beads help deep clean my skin, without making it too oily. For me, it's a reliable skin care product."
Best Organic Cleanser:Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser
Treat your skin to luxurious, organic juice cleanse with Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser. The shine-free face wash comprises cold-pressed Kale, spinach, and green tea extracts. The antioxidant superfood extracts give the skin the ultimate yet gentle cleanse daily. It removes stubborn makeup, deep cleanses pores, and maintains the skin’s natural pH. The organic formula makes it safe for normal to combination skin types. The phytonutrients with antioxidant power help combat aging signs. The foaming gel cleanser with the plant extracts leaves your skin fresh with its herbaceous scent.
Key Ingredients: Kale, Spinach, Green tea
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dimethicone-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- Innovative skincare technology
- Made from plant extracts
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 795 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
The Bottom Line
Combination skin is too tricky to understand. It needs both hydration and sebum control to ensure a flawless look. You have to provide the combination skin a lot of extra attention to keep it healthy and nourished. Products that are formulated especially for such skin types should be the ideal choices. There are plenty of products to choose from including the BIODERMA Sébium Foaming Gel which retains the skin’s natural oil content and tightens clogged pores. The Clinique Liquid Facial Soap replenishes the skin and reduces flakiness while the CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser offers deep cleansing and restores the skin’s natural texture. In addition, you must consider formulas that do not break your skin or strip it of its natural moisture. So invest in products that can clear all the impurities over the skin and hydrate it while preventing excessive sebum production. The active ingredients infused in the cleansers give you clear skin and keep it active. However, say no to products that are sensitive to your skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, a certified skincare coach, is an expert at reviewing skincare products. She applies her knowledge and expertise to understand the ingredients in beauty and skincare products and what they can do for the skin. She appreciates the challenges that combination skin type offers and advocates using face cleansers that have been designed specifically for it. After a thorough review and extensive research into the ingredients, she has shortlisted a handful of the best facial cleansers that work well for this skin type. The products she recommends can unclog pores in the T-zone without excessively drying out the other face areas as they have a balanced formulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you use a facewash for combination skin?
Use a face wash daily to wash the extra oil and sebum of your combination skin while balancing the moisture level.
Which ingredient is the best for combination skin?
Lactic acid is the best ingredient for combination skin. It hydrates the dry areas of your skin and balances the oil production in the oily areas.
How often should combination skin be washed?
Wash your combination skin twice daily to remove bacterial buildup, oil, and dirt.
Is it possible to change the combination skin to normal?
Yes. Combination skin can eventually develop the characteristics of normal skin type due to environmental factors, stress, age, and hormones. But, it does not change with skin care or treatments.
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