Here Are the 10 Best Cleansers for Combination Skin

When it comes to the characteristics of each skin type, identifying dry and oily skin is simple.

Those with combination skin, however, might find it a little harder to pinpoint *exactly* what their skin type is.

‘Simply put, combination skin is having some areas of your face oily and some areas dry,’ explains Madona El Nachar, facialist and founder of Kaelon Atelier Beauté.

‘This usually shows up as an oily T-zone—forehead, nose, and chin—and dry skin on the cheeks, jawline, and hairline.’

If you’re in the market for a new cleanser for combination skin, you’re in luck.

We’ve rounded up the best cleansers for combination skin that also address skin concerns such as sensitivity, acne, and even dryness (yep, dry combination skin is a thing!).

If your combination skin is also acne-prone

1. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel

We have to mention La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel, especially if you’re after an acne cleanser for combination skin. Not only is it alcohol- and paraben-free. The gel-based formula lathers up to take away grime *and* excess oils, which may congest your skin and cause little breakouts to occur.

If you have combination skin with dry patches

2. Alpha-H Liquid Gold Resurfacing Cleansing Cream

A cream cleanser is perfect for combination skin that tends to have dry patches. One of the best cream cleansers for combination skin we’ve come across is Alpha-H Liquid Gold Resurfacing Cleansing Cream, which utilises Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid to gently lift away dead skin cells. Your complexion is left absolutely glowing—not to mention seriously soft post cleanse. We’re calling it now: it’s also a great anti-aging cleanser for combination skin to try.

3. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

Another hydrating cleanser for combination skin worth noting is The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser. As the name suggests, the formula heroes Squalane, an ingredient known to nourish skin without feeling heavy or sticky. We’re big fans of the gel-to-oil texture, which feels like a silky massage when rubbed onto the skin.

If your combination skin is also sensitive

4. Medik8 Calmwise Soothing Cleanser

Medik8 Calmwise Soothing Cleanser is one of the best gentle cleansers for combination skin, hands down. Expect a formula that’s free from artificial fragrances, soaps, and sulphates (the leading culprits in setting off reactive sensitive-combination skin), which can clean skin minus the irritation.

5. Avène Cleansing Foam

Another one of the best cleansers for sensitive combination skin is Avène Cleansing Foam, which contains Avène’s signature Thermal Spring Water from France, no less. The texture of this cleanser is foamy to mop up excess oils and leftover makeup. Yet it’s gentle enough to balance your skin instead of aggravating it.

If you have normal to combination skin

6. SkinCeuticals Simply Clean

One of the best daily cleansers for combination skin has got to be SkinCeuticals Simply Clean. The product name says it all! It’s one of the best cleansers for combination skin, as the hard-working formula is boosted with exfoliating Hydroxy Acids and botanical extracts. Expect it to not only wash off all your makeup, dirt, and debris but also leave your skin feeling really smooth. Psst! This cleanser doubles as a top fragrance-free cleanser for combination skin.

7. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser

Could Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser be one of the most iconic face washes on the market? We definitely think so. This is one of the best foaming cleansers for combination skin because it can deep-clean your pores without stripping moisture from the surface of your skin.

8. Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

Another ‘culty’ face wash you should know about is Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel. One of the best cleansers for combination skin, it has a soap-free formula that shows off calming Lavender and soothing Balm Mint. It’s a gel-based cleanser for combination skin that nobody should give a miss.

9. innisfree Green Tea Foam Cleanser

Obsessed with Korean skincare? Who isn’t? A top-rated Korean facial cleanser for combination skin from Adore Beauty is innisfree Green Tea Foam Cleanser, which smells just as glorious as it performs. Besides having Green Tea at its heart, the formula is rich in Vitamin C and Amino Acids to brighten your skin in the long run.

If you prefer natural products

10. EmerginC Pomegranate Gel Cleanser

If you prefer your cleanser to feature more botanical ingredients, then one of the best natural cleansers for combination skin is EmerginC Pomegranate Gel Cleanser. Powered by natural plant extracts to care for your skin, this foaming wash comes highly recommended by the team here at Adore Beauty.

So, which cleanser is best for combination skin? There’s no way we can whittle the answer down to just one product.

It really depends on any complexion concerns you may have and the product textures you prefer.

You can find more in our Cleanser category by filtering your skin type and concern.

Find more of the best skincare for combination skin in the guides below...

• How to Care for Combination Skin with Alpha-H Skincare

• Keen on K-Beauty? Try this innisfree Skin Care Routine for Combination Skin

• Estée Lauder Skin Care for Combination Skin

• The Best Skincare for Teens Starts With a Good Cleanser (Here's Our Top 6)

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.