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Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Day Cream for combination skin

High

  • HighCombination Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

A great choice for combination skin; a few sunscreens fit it even 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 excellent moisturizing for your combination skin due to sodium hyaluronate and glycerin, which hydrate and plump effectively without causing irritation. The inclusion of 2-O-ethyl ascorbic acid and caffeine provides antioxidant benefits and helps to invigorate the skin.
  • While the formulation is safe and hydrating, it does not specifically target the oily shine on your combination skin, as ingredients like dimethicone and glycerin are primarily for moisture rather than oil control.
  • The product is safe for your combination skin, containing no harsh or prohibited ingredients that would cause irritation.

How to apply

  • Apply this moisturizing sunscreen AM daily to protect your skin and control shine. Reapply as needed throughout the day.
  • Use it as the final step of your morning routine after applying your moisturizer. It combines hydration and sun protection in one.
  • Gently smooth a nickel-sized amount evenly over your face, avoiding harsh rubbing. Let it absorb fully before putting on makeup.
  • Apply it directly to clean, dry skin for the best oil-controlling finish. Ensure your face is completely dry so the product sets properly.
  • Avoid the immediate eye area during application. Do a patch test before your first use to check for any sensitivity.

People Say

★4.6Overall rating based on 3.6k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, users with normal to dry skin types frequently praise this cream for its ability to deliver deep hydration without feeling heavy or greasy, often noting a "dewy" and "plump" post-application look. While the inclusion of SPF 20 is widely appreciated for daily protection, those with sensitive skin or aversion to fragrance sometimes find the floral scent overpowering or irritating.

Highlights

  • Lightweight, non-greasy Mostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs quickly”
    • “airy texture”
    • “no sticky residue”
  • Deeply hydrating Often Mentioned
    • “plumps skin”
    • “eliminates dry patches”
    • “leaves skin soft”
  • Added sun protection Sometimes Noted
    • “SPF 20 included”
    • “no white cast”
    • “convenient for day use”
  • Makeup friendly Sometimes Noted
    • “smooths texture”
    • “acts as primer”
    • “prevents foundation pilling”
  • Strong fragrance Sometimes Noted
    • “overpowering floral scent”
    • “lingers too long”
    • “irritates sensitive noses”
  • Brightening effect Rarely Noted
    • “glowing finish”
    • “radiant look”
    • “healthy shine”
  • Eye irritation Rarely Noted
    • “stings eyes”
    • “migrates when sweating”
    • “sensitive eye area issues”
  • Greasy T-zone Rarely Noted
    • “shiny by midday”
    • “oil breakthrough on combo skin”
    • “too dewy for oily types”
  • Not for very dry Rarely Noted
    • “too light for winter”
    • “requires reapplication”
    • “not rich enough”
  • Price to value Rarely Noted
    • “expensive for amount”
    • “jar runs out fast”
    • “refill cost high”

Sources: lovi.care, ulta.com, sephora.com, macys.com, boots.com, shiseido.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Day Cream a great fit for combination skin?

Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Day Cream is a great fit because sodium hyaluronate and glycerin hydrate and plump combination skin effectively without causing irritation. The formula also includes 2-O-ethyl ascorbic acid and caffeine, which provide antioxidant benefits and help to invigorate the skin safely.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

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

Sodium hyaluronate and glycerin make this cream a great fit for your combination skin by hydrating and plumping effectively without causing irritation. Additionally, 2-O-ethyl ascorbic acid and caffeine provide antioxidant benefits that help to invigorate the skin.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 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 Ethyl Ascorbic Acid do for combination skin?

Ethyl Ascorbic Acid helps brighten dark spots and protects combination skin from sun and environmental damage while supporting an even tone. It is generally well tolerated, though some formulations may cause mild tingling if your skin is sensitive.

Polymers, 2023Free Radical Biology & Medicine, 2025

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

This cream goes in the morning routine after your hydrating toner and before your sunscreen. It provides hydration with sodium hyaluronate and glycerin, while caffeine and vitamin C help to invigorate your skin.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023

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

You can use this cream in the morning before your SPF to keep your skin hydrated while using a retinol routine. It is very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation.

How often should I use this cream?

You should use this hydrating day cream in the morning as part of your daily routine. Daily application helps keep your skin well-moisturized and protected throughout the day.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Health Science Reports, 2021

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

This cream is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on your combination skin because it has a safe formulation with no harsh ingredients that typically cause irritation or blocked pores. It hydrates and invigorates the skin well while remaining gentle.

Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no fragrance and contains drying alcohol (sd alcohol 40-b and alcohol).

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
  • Topical sunscreen formulations containing caffeine combined with UV filters increased in vivo anti-UVB protection by approximately 25% and showed higher SPF values compared to caffeine-free sunscreen, while being well tolerated by the skin of healthy subjects.

    Frontiers in Physiology, 2019
  • 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
  • Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2003
  • Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.

    Journal of Periodontology, 2009
  • Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
  • Enzyme-modified ginseng extract cream significantly reduced the global photo-damage score and various roughness measures including total roughness, smoothness depth, and arithmetic roughness average compared to placebo in 23 human subjects.

    Rejuvenation Research, 2015
  • A red ginseng hydrogel formulation with 1,2-hexanediol promoted selective growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis and decreased Cutibacterium acnes in 20 female subjects.

    Journal of Ginseng Research, 2022
  • A 1% fermented black ginseng cream significantly reduced eye wrinkles and brightened skin color in twenty-three human subjects compared to control cream and baseline.

    Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A, 2020
  • A topical cosmetic slimming product containing tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine, caffeine, carnitine, forskolin and retinol significantly reduced body circumferences and improved skin aspect compared with placebo in 78 women over 12 weeks.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2011
  • Caffeine gel combined with choline geranate showed high skin permeation capacity and superior clinical results in cellulite treatment compared to caffeine gel without ionic liquid.

    AAPS PharmSciTech, 2021
  • Caffeine stimulates metabolic activity in hair follicles and acts as an antioxidant through adenosine pathway interactions, showing potential as an effective and safe management option for hair loss despite current study limitations.

    Molecules, 2025

Ingredients

Water, Sd Alcohol 40-B, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Peg-20, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Erythritol, Peg Ppg-14 7 Dimethyl Ether, Peg Ppg-17 4 Dimethyl Ether, Lauryl Betaine, Xanthan Gum, 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Caffeine, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Angelica Keiskei Stem Extract Leaf, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract, Pyrola Incarnata Extract, Behenyl Alcohol, Silica, Diglycerin, Polysilicone-11, Batyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3, Carbomer, Potassium Hydroxide, Peg-60 Glyceryl Isostearate, Alcohol, Tocopherol, Bht, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Metabisulfite, Isostearic Acid, Disodium Edta, Sodium Metaphosphate, Ppg-3 Dipivalate, Syzygium Jambos Leaf Extract, Alpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Rosemary Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Iron Oxides

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.

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