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Anyone with combination skin knows just how tough it is to create a skincare routine that targets all of your skin concerns.
Combination skin often gets lumped in with oily skin. However, there are actually many other factors we need to consider when creating a skincare routine for combination skin types. Of course, there’s going to be oiliness around the T-zone, but there might also be a lot of dryness in other parts of the face.
It’s really important to use products that cater to both of these concerns. We don’t want to strip the skin, and we don’t want to overload it with moisture either. That’s why I’ve come up with a list of The Ordinary products that suit my combination skin in the hope that it’ll work for yours too!
Keep scrolling to find out which The Ordinary products work best for combination skin and how you can incorporate them into your daily skincare routine…
Which The Ordinary products are best for combination skin?
Salicylic Acid 2%: Salicylic acid is a BHA that is commonly recommended for combination/oily skin types. Because it is oil-soluble, it penetrates deep into the skin to unclog pores and loosen up dead skin cells. SA has also been shown to decrease the amount of sebum the skin produces, reducing the occurrence of comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads).
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 which is hailed for its anti-inflammatory properties. Like salicylic acid, niacinamide is known to regulate oil secretion and reduce congestion. There’s also some evidence to show that it helps to improve skin barrier function.
Mandelic Acid 10%: Mandelic acid is an AHA that accelerates cell turnover and sloughs off dead skin cells. People with sensitive skin, or combination skin that leans towards the dry side, will likely prefer this to other AHAs. Due to its large molecule size, this tends to be gentler than more intense exfoliants like glycolic or lactic acid.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: Hyaluronic acid is ideal if your skin needs hydration, but can’t cope with thick creams or oils. It’s a humectant so it works by drawing water into the skin, keeping it soft and supple. This TO serum also contains added B5 which further helps restore the skin’s natural moisture balance.
Amino Acids + B5: Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. These reduce inflammation and encourage our skin cells to repair themselves. These are also said to help promote collagen production, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Morning The Ordinary Routine for Combination Skin
STEP 1: Squalane Cleanser
STEP 2: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
STEP 3: Amino Acids + B5
STEP 4: Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
STEP 5: Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
MORNING ROUTINE EXPLAINED:
At the time of writing, The Ordinary only seems to have one cleanser available. Luckily it’s a squalane one so it should work for all skin types! This formula is both oil-free and alcohol-free, meaning it’s not going to dry out or suffocate the skin. This is the neutral cleanser that combination skin needs!
For the second step, I’ve chosen the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum. I prefer to use AHAs/BHAs in the evening which is why I’ve gone for a slightly simpler, gentler morning routine. Combination skin might not react well to morning AND evening acid use, so I think it’s a good idea to substitute this for a less irritating active like niacinamide.
The Amino Acids + B5 solution is amazing because it is compatible with nearly all The Ordinary serums. Applying this in the morning will keep your skin looking hydrated and healthy all day.
Reinforce this moisture by then going in with the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA. This contains (more!) amino acids, ceramides, fatty acids and saccharides which protect and plump the skin.
I’ve included the Mineral UV Filters sunscreen in this morning routine simply because it’s from The Ordinary. However, the reviews of this product are pretty mixed, so I would be tempted to choose another sun cream instead. You can find loads of great mineral sunscreens from other brands that are similarly priced!
Evening The Ordinary Routine For Combination Skin
STEP 1: Squalane Cleanser
STEP 2: Mandelic Acid 10%
STEP 3: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
STEP 4: Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
STEP 5: Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
EVENING ROUTINE EXPLAINED:
Again, the Squalane Cleanser is what I’d use to wash my face in the evening. If you’re wearing sunscreen or makeup during the day though, I would go in with an oil-based cleanser beforehand, just to make sure you’re getting rid of all the impurities.
As mentioned above, mandelic acid is gentler than other AHAs, so this would be my top choice for combination skin. It’ll exfoliate without making the skin feel tight or irritated.
Next, I’d apply niacinamide. For optimal results it’s recommended that you use niacinamide twice a day, you should also use it AFTER your acid.
You can use the Caffeine Solution in both the morning and evening. However, I prefer to use it solely at night because I don’t want to layer too many products during the day. This is generally how I prevent products pilling or creasing under makeup.
Finally we have the Natural Moisturizing Factors. The hydrating ingredients in this cream will help restore the lipid barrier, making your skin less susceptible to transepidermal water loss.
There you have it … The Ordinary products that are most suited to combination skin! What does your current combination skin routine look like? Let me know in the comments!
How many nights a week should you use Mandelic Acid?
Hey! I’d say two or three times a week is a good amount. Mandelic acid is less irritating than other AHAs, but it’s always a good idea to start slow and then increase how often you use it over time 🙂
What is the best combination for retinoid and your peeling solution
The peeling solution has a high acid content so I wouldn’t really recommend using it in combination with retinoids. If you can, try and wait a day or two after using the peel before you apply your retinoid – just to avoid any irritation ☺️
Can I use the ordinary toner at night with these serums?
Hi, it’s generally best not to mix the glycolic toner with other exfoliants (like salicyclic or mandelic acid). It’s also not recommended to use glycolic acid and niacinamide together. But you can use the toner with The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid and Amino Acid + B5 serums. Hope this helps! 🙂
Hi, can i use cerave foaming cleanser instead of Squalane? Thanks.
Hi, the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser would be a good option for combination skin, especially if your skin leans more oily! If your skin is more dry or sensitive, the CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is a really good alternative 🙂
Can I use Salicylic Acid for combination skin on daily basis?
Hi, I wouldn’t recommend using a salicylic acid exfoliant everyday as it can cause some irritation – especially if your skin is sensitive. I would start using it once every few days, you can always take breaks if it feels like it’s drying out your skin. You can use salicylic acid cleansers everyday, but again I would probably use them every other day so your skin doesn’t get too dry 🙂
hey, i m 20.which serum should I use
Hi Khadija, thanks for the message! It depends on your skin type and your current skin concerns e.g. acne, dryness, hyperpigmentation. I like the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum as it’s suitable for all skin types. The Amino Acids + B5 serum is great for dryness. If you have oily skin you might want to try something like salicylic or lactic acid 😊
My skin is combination which serum I use for dull skin please tell me I used hyluronic acid serum but this serum burn my skin my skin got patches how to remove this patches tell me I am very worried please tell me best one serum for combination dull skin my T zone area oily and others parts are dry
Hi Amna, really sorry to hear you had a bad reaction to hyaluronic acid. It shouldn’t normally burn the skin, so I recommend taking a break from all serums and simplifying your skincare routine – a gentle cleanser and moisturiser would be best. I’d also try and see a GP or dermatologist if you can. They will be able to determine what’s causing the dry patches and recommend you products that will suit your skin (especially if you have a sensitivity to ingredients like hyaluronic acid).
Hi just started my skin care journey, using the ordinary aha and bha peeling solution, pei mei retinol c, the ordinary niacinamide, the ordinary natural moisturizing factor and cerave salicylic cleanser and I have a combination skin, the problem is my face is too dried and I have little rash and itching occasionally since I started this journey. Is my skin purging? Should I discontinue any product.
Thank you
Hi, depending on the severity and painfulness of the rash and itching, I would advise speaking to a doctor or dermatologist to make sure you have a skincare routine that works for your skin. I can’t give the same advice a professional would, but personally I would stop using The Ordinary’s peeling solution, the retinol and the salicylic cleanser until your skin starts to recover. It sounds like it’s a bit irritated at the moment, so I would cut down on the actives and try a gentle cleanser instead. You can then start reintroducing the retinol when your skin feels ready 😊 Hope this helps!
Hi! I’ve been needing help and advice on what’s best for my combination skin and i don’t know where to start but i don’t want to go out a buy products that are a lot of money and not have them work and make me break out even more. what’s the best advice and what should i do? or use for my skin/ what time of the day/ order? please help because google confuses me sometimes . Thank You
Hi Nicole, if your skin is prone to breaking out I’d suggest a simple routine both morning and night – you may only need 5 products in total. So in the morning I’d go for a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser and a lightweight sunscreen. Then in the evening I’d use an oil cleanser to remove makeup, a water-based cleanser for the second cleanse, and finally the same moisturiser you used in the morning. You may need to try a few different products/brands to figure out what works for your skin, but I personally find that Byoma and SKIN1004 products work well for my combination skin! Please do reach out to your GP or a dermatologist for professional advice if you’re able to, they’ll be able to give you more tailored recommendations 🥰