Staying hydrated is key for healthy, glowing skin. But creams can feel heavy, especially in hot, humid weather. Enter water-based gel moisturizers – the lightweight, oil-free hydrators your skin has been craving!
In this post, we’ll share the top 5 gels that provide hydration without the greasiness. We’ll also discuss how to choose the best formula for your skin type and apply gel moisturizer properly as part of your routine.
An Introduction to Water-Based Gel Moisturizers
Water-based gel moisturizers provide hydration using a high water content and gel texture instead of oils and waxes like traditional creams. The gel formulation allows active ingredients to penetrate easily while giving an instant freshness boost.
The main benefits of gel moisturizers include:
- Lightweight, oil-free formulas that won’t clog pores
- Refreshing cooling effect and quick absorption into skin
- Versatile for use by most skin types, great for oily and acne-prone skin
- Provide hydration, many contain hyaluronic acid
- Layer well under makeup without greasiness
Ready to find your perfect match? Here are the top 5 water-based gel moisturizers to give your skin the hydration it needs.
The Top 5 Water-Based Gel Moisturizers
1. Cetaphil Hydrating Gel-Cream
Cetaphil’s gel-cream hydrates as intensely as a cream while providing a lightweight gel finish. The formula contains hyaluronic acid, a super hydrator that attracts and binds water to skin. It also contains cetyl alcohol to improve skin hydration and barrier function.
The gel-cream texture feels like a burst of freshness on skin and absorbs quickly without any greasy residue. It’s non-comedogenic, fragrance free, and ideal for oily, combination, and sensitive skin types. The affordable price point makes it a drugstore favorite.
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
This oil-free gel cream formula utilizes the power of hyaluronic acid to quench dry skin and provide intense hydration that lasts. The unique gel texture absorbs quickly like a gel, but offers the long-lasting moisturizing power of a cream.
It contains no oil, dyes, or fragrances and is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores. The Hydro Boost line offers options for both face and body. It’s a great choice for all skin types, especially extremely dry skin.
3. Aveeno Calm + Restore Gel Moisturizer
This soothing, fragrance-free gel calms and hydrates sensitive skin prone to irritation and redness. The formula contains oat extract, feverfew, and hydrating glycerin. Oat extract helps soothe and protect, while feverfew combats redness.
The oil-free, non-comedogenic formula absorbs quickly leaving skin comforted and hydrated. It helps strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier against environmental aggressors. It’s ideal for those with easily irritated complexions.
4. Clinique Dramatically Different Oil-Free Gel
This oil-free gel delivers intense hydration without clogging pores, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types. It provides the skin-strengthening benefits of Clinique’s Dramatically Different Lotion in a refreshing gel base.
The oil-free, fragrance-free formula ensures hydration lasts all day. Antioxidants help protect against environmental damage. Even with the lightweight gel texture, skin stays smooth and hydrated without getting greasy.
5. Belif Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser
This unique jelly-textured moisturizer bursts into a watery, refreshing texture upon application. It provides a surge of cooling hydration without stickiness or heaviness.
It contains lady’s mantle leaf extract that forms a protective hydrolipidic film to help retain moisture. Macadamia ternifolia seed oil provides ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier. The Aqua Bomb line offers both a jelly cleanser and sleeping mask.
How to Choose the Best Water-Based Gel for Your Skin
With so many options, how do you choose the right water-based gel for your skin? Here are some tips for finding a formula that fits your skin’s needs:
Consider your skin type
- Oily or combination – Look for oil-free gels that offer hydration without adding shine like Neutrogena Hydro Boost.
- Normal or balanced – Most hydrating gels work well for balanced skin. Prioritize texture.
- Dry – Opt for a more emollient gel-cream and layer a facial oil underneath for very dry skin. Or pick gels with hyaluronic acid.
Look at key ingredients
- Hyaluronic acid – Boosts hydration and helps skin retain moisture. Great for dry or dehydrated skin.
- Ceramides – Help repair the skin barrier and lock in moisture. Ideal for dry and sensitive skin.
- Niacinamide – Helps balance excess oil production making it great for oily, acne-prone skin.
- Peptides – Help firm and smooth skin for an anti-aging effect.
Consider your skin concerns
- Acne-prone – Seek oil-free, non-comedogenic gels like Clinique Dramatically Different.
- Sensitive/irritated – Choose soothing gels like Aveeno Calm + Restore with oat extract and feverfew.
- Anti-aging – Opt for gels containing peptides, antioxidants and retinol alternatives to combat signs of aging.
- Dehydrated skin – Look for hyaluronic acid-containing gels that help skin retain moisture.
Think about texture
The texture or “weight” of the gel also matters.
- True gels feel more watery, absorb incredibly fast, and have a cooling effect upon application.
- Gel-creams offer a hybrid texture with more emollients added. They absorb faster than creams but hydrate deeply.
- Jelly textures burst and transform into an ultra-refreshing, watery texture as you apply them. Fun and cooling!
Pro Tips for Applying Water-Based Gel Moisturizer
Once you’ve found the perfect gel for your skin, be sure to apply it properly to get the most hydration. Here are some pro tips:
- Apply to damp skin – After cleansing, pat your face dry leaving it slightly damp. This helps the gel absorb better.
- Use a pea-sized amount – You only need a small amount. Too much won’t allow it to absorb fully.
- Warm in fingers first – Rub the gel between your fingers to warm it up before patting gently onto skin. Don’t drag or pull.
- Press and pat – Use your fingertips to gently press and pat the gel all over your face until it absorbs. Don’t rub aggressively.
- Avoid eyes – Tap around orbital bone, but avoid getting gel in your eyes.
- Layer if needed – For very dry skin, layer a hydrating facial oil or richer moisturizer on top.
- Give it time to absorb – Let the gel absorb fully before applying primer, sunscreen, or makeup for smooth application.
FAQs About Water-Based Gel Moisturizers
Still have some questions about making gel moisturizers part of your routine? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is it okay to use a gel moisturizer daily?
Yes, water-based gel moisturizers are suitable for daily use for most skin types. They provide hydration without being heavy or clogging pores. Just pick the right formula to suit your skin’s needs.
Should you use a water-based gel if you have dry skin?
Yes, opt for a gel-cream for dry skin rather than a lightweight gel. You may also need to layer an oil or balm on top. Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Can you use water-based gel moisturizers around the eyes?
Most water-based gels are not formulated for the delicate eye area. Look for an eye gel instead and gently tap around the orbital bone with your ring finger.
What’s the best way to apply makeup over gel moisturizer?
Let the gel fully absorb for 2-3 minutes before makeup for a smooth application. Use a primer suitable for your skin, and set makeup with powder to prevent sliding.
How do you know if a gel moisturizer is working for your skin?
Your skin should feel hydrated and fresh, but not greasy. Over time, you should see improved moisture retention, less flaking, and a brighter complexion. Discontinue use if you have a reaction.
Get Refreshing Hydration with a Water-Based Gel
Swap out your heavy creams for an oil-free gel moisturizer this season. Look for a formula that suits your skin type and addresses any skin concerns like acne, redness, or signs of aging. Apply to clean, damp skin and let it fully absorb before layering on other products.
With lighter hydration that won’t clog your pores or feel suffocating, your skin can stay refreshed and glowing all season long. Ditch the greasiness and say hello to your new favorite moisturizer – the water-based gel!
