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SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer for combination skin

High

  • HighCombination Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

A great choice for combination skin; a few moisturizers 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

  • Highly suitable for your combination skin, this moisturizer effectively controls oily shine with dimethicone and provides excellent hydration through sodium hyaluronate and panthenol, enhancing barrier resilience.
  • The formula is safe for your combination skin, as it lacks harsh ingredients and is designed to avoid irritation.
  • It offers moderate benefits for oily shine and combination skin, with a good balance of oil control and hydration.

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

★4.8Overall rating based on 500+ reviews

This moisturizer is highly regarded for its ultra-lightweight, oil-free formula, making it an excellent choice for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin types as it hydrates without clogging pores. It also provides a smooth, matte finish ideal for makeup application and offers antioxidant benefits. However, users with dry skin or those in dry climates may find it insufficient for their hydration needs.

Highlights

  • Lightweight feel Mostly Mentioned
    • “vanishes into skin”
    • “completely evaporated”
    • “weightless feel”
    • “no residue”
  • Acne-safe formula Often Mentioned
    • “zero new breakouts”
    • “doesn't clog pores”
    • “clear skin”
    • “safe for acne-prone”
  • Good for oily skin Often Mentioned
    • “controls oil”
    • “matte finish”
    • “perfect for summer”
    • “balances combination skin”
  • Not enough hydration Often Mentioned
    • “not moisturizing enough”
    • “too light for winter”
    • “skin felt tight”
    • “need to layer”
  • Gentle and soothing Sometimes Noted
    • “good for sensitive skin”
    • “no irritation”
    • “calms redness”
    • “feels cooling”
  • Makeup base Sometimes Noted
    • “perfect smooth base”
    • “no pilling”
    • “sits well under foundation”
    • “primer-like finish”
  • High price point Sometimes Noted
    • “expensive for size”
    • “pricey”
    • “small bottle”
    • “costly daily use”
  • Rare reactions Rarely Noted
    • “caused breakout”
    • “skin reaction”
    • “rash”
    • “stinging”
  • Thin consistency Rarely Noted
    • “very runny”
    • “watery texture”
    • “too thin”
    • “pours out fast”

Sources: lovi.care, lovelyskin.com, dermstore.com, influenster.com, walmart.ca, skinmedica.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes Ultra Sheer Moisturizer a great fit for combination skin?

This moisturizer is a great fit because it controls oily shine using dimethicone while keeping combination skin hydrated with sodium hyaluronate and panthenol. It also has a safe formula that avoids harsh ingredients, helping to keep your skin calm and balanced.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

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

This moisturizer is a great fit for your combination skin because sodium hyaluronate and panthenol provide hydration while dimethicone helps control oily shine. These ingredients work together to balance moisture and keep your skin feeling smooth and comfortable without irritation.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

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 Vitamin C do for combination skin?

Vitamin C helps brighten combination skin, smooth out uneven texture, and protect against daily environmental stress while keeping it balanced. It may also improve hydration and reduce redness in areas that tend to be dry or irritated.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2021

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

This moisturizer goes toward the end of your morning and evening routines. It follows your toner and treatment steps, providing balanced hydration and oil control to keep your skin feeling smooth.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022

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

You can use this moisturizer with retinol by applying your retinol treatment first and following it with the moisturizer. This helps keep your skin comfortable and supports your skin barrier while you use active ingredients.

Cutis, 2006

How often should I use this moisturizer?

You can use this moisturizer twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine. Regular daily use helps keep your skin balanced, hydrated, and protected against dryness.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Health Science Reports, 2021

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

SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores on combination skin, as it lacks harsh ingredients and is designed to avoid irritation. Dimethicone helps protect the skin while balancing oil control and hydration without feeling heavy.

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

You can safely use this moisturizer around the eyes and on the body because it has a gentle formula designed to avoid irritation. Sodium hyaluronate and panthenol help hydrate and smooth delicate areas without heavy oils.

Polymers, 2023The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

Is this moisturizer 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 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Wearing an N95 mask alone compared to using dimethicone cream or hydrocolloid dressing caused more adverse skin reactions among 73 military health care workers, with no significant differences in fit test failure rates between groups.

    Military Medicine, 2024
  • Treatment with a moisturizer containing dimethicone and glycerine increased epidermal thickness by 0.019 mm, improved barrier function by decreasing transepidermal water loss by 13%, decreased melanin intensity, and induced keratins 6 and 16 in fifteen women with moderately photoaged forearms.

    Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2007
  • Externally applied substances such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, licorice extracts, dimethicone, petrolatum, and paraffin wax treat skin disease resulting from damage to the skin barrier.

    Clinics in Dermatology, 2012
  • Topical application of an antioxidant serum containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented particulate matter-induced degradation of extracellular matrix components, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the skin of 15 female volunteers compared to untreated controls.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
  • Dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate showed non-comedogenic potential with less than a 50% increase in microcomedones in 12 healthy male subjects compared to octyl palmitate.

    Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
  • Topical application of an antioxidant mix containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented PM and UV-induced skin barrier perturbation, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers, MMP9 activation, and Type I collagen loss in 15 healthy females compared to untreated exposed skin.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

Ingredients

Water, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Sorbitan Stearate, Methyl Gluceth-20, Polysorbate 60, Dimethicone, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Aminomethyl Propanol, Carbomer, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben

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?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.