Facial
Cleansers
for Combination Skin

Combination skin is one of the five primary skin types, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).¹ The other types are oily, dry, normal, and sensitive skin. Combination skin is characterized by skin that is oily in some areas and dry in others.

Combination skin can be caused by many factors, including genetics, hormones, stress, and seasonal climate changes. Regardless of what may be causing or influencing your combination skin, it’s possible to support a healthy-looking complexion with the right daily skincare regimen. For help identifying why you have combination skin and how to best care for it, seek the help of a board-certified dermatologist.

The best way to know if you have combination skin is to properly identify your skin type. This can usually be done at home through simple observation. If you notice two or more different textures on your face, you likely have combination skin. This is especially true if you tend to experience shiny, greasy skin around your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) coupled with non-oily areas. You may also notice dry, tight-feeling skin around your cheeks or jawline with blackheads and more visible pores around the nose area.

People with combination skin may struggle to find a balancing skincare routine that addresses the needs of both the dry and oily areas on their face. For example, some might find that certain face washes formulated for an oily T-zone contain harsh ingredients and feel too drying on their cheeks and jawline. The best cleansers for combination skin are typically dermatologist-formulated with gentle ingredients to help maintain moisture balance and refresh the skin without over-stripping it.

Combination skin can be acne-prone but this varies from person to person. This skin type tends to have an oily T-zone, which is caused by an overproduction of sebum (your skin’s natural oils) in this area. When your pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, it can lead to various types of acne blemishes. While excess sebum in combination skin may make some prone to acne breakouts around the oily T-zone area, it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different. Learn more in our guide to understanding and treating different types of acne.

Managing the unique needs of combination skin begins with a consistent morning and nighttime skincare routine using products that are specially formulated for this skin type. Individuals with combination skin often experience an oily T-zone (nose, chin, and forehead) combined with drier areas on other parts of the face (like the cheeks and jawline). The key to managing combination skin is to balance these opposing skin concerns. For tips and advice on how to care for your combination skin, consult with a board-certified dermatologist.

Choosing the best cleanser for combination skin is a personal decision and depends on your preferences and other skin concerns. However, there are a few tips to keep in mind. We recommend choosing face washes for combination skin that effectively remove excess oil and dirt, while also hydrating areas in need. Look for oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic combination skin cleansers that have been developed with dermatologists to help maintain your skin’s protective barrier.

1. “Skin Care Tips Dermatologists Use.” American Academy of Dermatology Association, 2022.