These Gel Moisturizers to Keep Your Face Hydrated
One of the most unexpected parts of developing a skin-care routine is realizing that it’s best to use different products for different seasons. While your skin might need a super thick and creamy hydrating moisturizer for winter, it most likely needs something a little lighter for warm spring and summer months. And there’s nothing better for 80 and 90 degree days than a water-based or gel moisturizer. They absorb quickly, feel weightless, and keep your skin dewy and hydrated all day long. Shopping for a brand new moisturizer once you’ve found one you love can feel overwhelming, but luckily gel moisturizers are some of the easiest to find at all price points.
Peach Slices
cvs.com
$11.99
This award-winning moisturizer is as hydrating as it gets, and is one of the all-time best sellers on Korean Beauty site Peach & Lily. At only $11.99, this product is perfect for anyone who likes a gel moisturizer that absorbs at lightspeed and won’t break the bank.
Neutrogena
ulta.com
$22.99
If you’re new to gel moisturizers, then you need to get Neutrogena’s Hydroboost moisturizer. It’s sold at most drug stores and has a light, fresh scent that will soothe even the most sunburnt summer skin. Pro tip: Keep this in your fridge for extra relief at the end of a long, hot day.
Biossance
sephora.com
$52.00
Just because a gel moisturizer feels light doesn’t mean it's not packed with active ingredients that are great for skin. Bioassance’s Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer is a little bit pricey, but contains ingredients like squalane that are proven to brighten and smooth the surface of the skin. Plus, you can always start out with the more affordable travel size of the product for a trial.
H2O+ Beauty
dermstore.com
$42.00
This product is called a cream, but it’s more like a giant glass of water for your skin. Similar in texture to Hydroboost, H2O+ Beauty’s Hydrating Cream is a water-based moisturizer that moisturizes and hydrates skin for a full 24 hours, according to the brand’s site.
Patchology
ulta.com
$35.00
Patchology’s Aquaflash moisturizer is known for absorbing into the skin in, well, a flash. It’s ultra hydrating, and is ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a ton of time with products sitting on top of their skin, waiting for them to absorb.
Kiehl's Since 1851
sephora.com
$30.00
If you’re in search of a hydrating, soothing moisturizer that’s somewhere in between a gel and a lotion, try Kiehl’s Ultrafacial. It’s oil-free and from a trusted brand within the industry, meaning its a safe bet for almost anyone, no matter what skin type.
Cremorlab
amazon.com
$64.00
Just because most of us are aiming for hydrated skin doesn’t mean we all like the super dewy look. If you’re going for a matte finish and still want a quick-absorbing moisturizer, try K-Beauty brand Cremorlab’s Fresh Water Gel. If you’re still not sure, check out the product’s dozens of five-star reviews.
Origins
sephora.com
$29.50
Origins Ginzing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer is a lightweight, super hydrating gel moisturizer with a surprising added bonus: It wakes you up. With ingredients like caffeine and ginseng, this product can perk both you and your skin up to start the day.
LANEIGE
sephora.com
$35.00
This gel-like moisturizer comes from a brand famous for its hydrating products, so you know it’s probably going to be a good bet for super fresh, moisturized skin. It also is especially cooling, meaning it might be the right choice if you live somewhere with super hot and/or dry weather.
Glow Recipe
sephora.com
$21.00
Not everyone is a fan of a scented moisturizer, but sometimes it’s refreshing to switch things up for the summer months. There’s nothing that says summertime more than watermelon, and if you are wanting to add a lightly scented moisturizer into your routine, GlowRecipe’s Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer is a great contender.
First Aid Beauty
ulta.com
$30.00
Maybe you’re not totally ready to get rid of a creamy moisturizer in your routine, but you’re still looking for something fast-absorbing and water-based. First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream has the texture of cappuccino foam - light and fluffy, yet still thick enough to feel like a traditional moisturizer.
These Gel Moisturizers to Keep Your Face Hydrated
One of the most unexpected parts of developing a skin-care routine is realizing that it’s best to use different products for different seasons. While your skin might need a super thick and creamy hydrating moisturizer for winter, it most likely needs something a little lighter for warm spring and summer months. And there’s nothing better for 80 and 90 degree days than a water-based or gel moisturizer. They absorb quickly, feel weightless, and keep your skin dewy and hydrated all day long. Shopping for a brand new moisturizer once you’ve found one you love can feel overwhelming, but luckily gel moisturizers are some of the easiest to find at all price points.
Talk about some serious hydration.
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