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COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream for combination skin

Average

  • HighCombination Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

Works for combination skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Offers moderate hydration for your combination skin, as glycerin and sodium hyaluronate provide humectant action to plump and moisturize without feeling heavy. Arginine and panthenol further support skin barrier function and hydration.
  • While it addresses general hydration needs, it lacks specialized ingredients to directly target oily shine concerns.
  • The product is safe for your combination skin, with no harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing agents like sodium hyaluronate and panthenol.

How to apply

  • Use this moisturizer in your AM and PM routine every day to control shine. Always pair with SPF in the morning.
  • Apply this moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your morning SPF.
  • Gently press a small amount of the moisturizer into your skin and avoid harsh rubbing. Let it ⏳absorb for a minute.
  • Apply the moisturizer on slightly damp skin to help it lock in moisture better. This keeps your combination skin balanced.
  • Avoid the eye area when applying the moisturizer. Do a patch test before your first use.

People Say

★4.7Overall rating based on 4.0k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, this cream is widely praised as a "sip of water" for dehydrated and dry skin, offering deep moisture without feeling overly heavy. It creates a plump, glowing complexion for most users. However, those with acne-prone skin report mixed results, with some experiencing breakouts or closed comedones.

Highlights

  • Deeply hydrating Mostly Mentioned
    • “Sip of water”
    • “plumps fine lines”
    • “eliminates flakiness”
    • “locks in moisture”
  • Lightweight texture Often Mentioned
    • “absorbs quickly”
    • “not greasy”
    • “gel-cream hybrid”
    • “doesn't feel heavy”
  • Gentle & soothing Sometimes Noted
    • “great for sensitive skin”
    • “no irritation”
    • “calms redness”
    • “fragrance-free”
  • Caused breakouts Sometimes Noted
    • “cystic acne”
    • “closed comedones”
    • “clogged pores”
    • “bumps on forehead”
  • Good makeup base Rarely Noted
    • “smooth canvas”
    • “no pilling”
    • “works well under foundation”
  • Jar packaging Rarely Noted
    • “unhygienic tub”
    • “wish it had a pump”
    • “dip fingers in”
  • Not rich enough Rarely Noted
    • “need more for winter”
    • “too light for very dry skin”
    • “dried out quickly”
  • Sticky residue Rarely Noted
    • “tacky finish”
    • “feels sticky”
    • “takes time to dry”
    • “greasy film”

Sources: lovi.care, iherb.com, ulta.com, dermstore.com, skinsort.com, yesstyle.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream work for combination skin?

This moisturizer works moderately well for combination skin by delivering hydration without feeling heavy, though it lacks ingredients to target oily shine. A product of this type needs effective brightening and moisturizing ingredients to reduce oily shine while keeping skin balanced.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for combination skin?

Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate make this cream a good fit for your combination skin by drawing in moisture to plump and hydrate without feeling heavy. Panthenol and arginine also support your skin barrier, while a moisturizer for this skin needs ingredients that additionally target oily shine.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

What does Hyaluronic Acid do for combination skin?

Hyaluronic acid is a great fit for combination skin because it quenches dry areas with a boost of hydration while keeping oily zones balanced. Regular use helps smooth out fine lines and makes your skin feel soft and plump without causing irritation.

Dermatology and Therapy, 2021Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011

What does Glycerin do for combination skin?

Glycerin helps keep combination skin soft and smooth by pulling moisture in and keeping it there. It improves hydration and supports your skin barrier, which is unlikely to cause irritation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This moisturizer goes toward the end of your morning and evening skincare routines, after any toners and treatments. A consistent daily routine with a moisturizer helps improve overall skin hydration and barrier function.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Can I use this cream with retinol, and in what order?

Yes, you can use this cream with retinol by applying the retinol first, letting it absorb, and then following with the cream to keep your skin soft and calm. Using a gentle moisturizer like this helps support your skin barrier and may reduce dryness and irritation from retinol.

Cutis, 2006

How often should I use this cream?

You can use this moisturizer daily in both your morning and evening routines to keep your skin soft and hydrated. Regular application helps maintain moisture and supports your skin barrier without feeling heavy.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Health Science Reports, 2021

Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream may cause breakouts for combination skin, as some reviewers report. A product for this skin type needs ingredients that balance oil and shine while providing lightweight moisture.

Can I use this cream around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this cream on the thin skin around your eyes and on your body because its gentle formula provides safe, moderate moisture without feeling heavy. However, a moisturizer for combination skin also needs ingredients that help balance oily shine.

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

What the research says

  • A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
  • A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability.

    The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
  • Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment.

    American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
  • A panthenol-enriched mask significantly decreased erythema and hyperpigmentation, increased sebum and stratum corneum moisture, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to a saline dressing in 60 subjects undergoing facial laser treatment.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
  • Hyaluronic acid extracts are safe and efficacious products for skin repair when used in tissue regeneration alone or in combination with herbal or Western medicine.

    Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015
  • Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011
  • Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.

    Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022
  • Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.

    BMC Oral Health, 2019
  • The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
  • Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001
  • Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012
  • Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
  • Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans.

    Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000
  • Hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol, and isotonic saline nasal sprays all significantly improved dry nose symptoms over four weeks in 240 patients, with hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol providing superior nasal moisturisation compared to the other two.

    Auris, Nasus, Larynx, 2020
  • Topical gel containing chitosan, 0.2% chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol did not improve postoperative comfort regarding swelling and pain, but improved the wound's aesthetic appearance following impacted lower third molar extraction compared to no gel.

    Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2016
  • A topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin, and dexpanthenol significantly reduced postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, and analgesic consumption, while improving wound healing after third molar surgery compared to a placebo.

    Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020
  • An overnight patch containing Allium cepa extract and allantoin safely promotes scar healing after dermatologic surgery, resulting in significantly greater reductions in observer- and patient-assessed POSAS scores compared to no treatment.

    Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2018

Ingredients

Hippophae Rhamnoides Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Betaine, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Sunflower Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine, Panthenol, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

How does it fit your skin?

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How does it fit your skin?

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