What if we told you the same heavy-hitting hydration from rich creams could come in a light, water-like formula that won’t weigh skin down or add excess oil? Here, our 10 top gel moisturizer picks.
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Tata Harper Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer ($116)
In true Tata Harper fashion, the latest glass-bottled elixir doesn’t skimp on good-for-skin actives. Created for oily and combination skin types, this gel formula bottles 14 sources of hydration and 10 sources of antioxidants.
Tatcha The Water Cream ($68)
Somehow whipped but undoubtedly lightweight, this luxe, oil-free option saves all skin types from dryness and tightens pores without the worry of excess shine peeking through.
Tula Aqua Infusion Oil-Free Gel Cream ($48)
This probiotic-powered gel is about as close as it comes to splashing water on your face: light, cooling and free of any harsh ingredients. The only thing better? Probiotic technology that meets skin’s every need, also bottled here.
Erno Laszlo Hydra-Therapy Gel Cream ($126)
About as luxe as a gel moisturizer can get, this deeply hydrating formula is brimming with Roman chamomile floral after, flaxseed oil and cottonseed oil, a rich natural source of hydrating vitamin E.
First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Oil-Free Mattifying Gel Moisturizer ($30)
Noncomedogenic so it won’t clog sensitive pores, this blackhead-busting gel delivers refreshing moisture to oily and blemish-prone skin while keeping breakouts at bay.
Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb ($38)
Lady’s Mantle delivers a “moisture explosion” in this herb-infused, oil-free gel that instantly cools the skin and creates a supple canvas both morning and night.
Juice Beauty Prebiotix Hydrating Gel Moisturizer ($52)
Whether your skin is sensitive, bone dry or on the oily side, this antioxidant-rich gel balances skin’s microbiome to keep everything even keeled. And thanks to lavender, clary sage and juniper essential oils, our mood gets a boost too.
Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer ($52)
Natural squalane helps support the skin’s fragile barrier in this lightweight, water-like gel. What you can expect: a decrease in redness, a boost in hydration and more even-looking tone.
Dermalogica Calm Water Gel ($48)
Dual hyaluronic acid technology works on multiple layers of the skin to boost and lock in necessary moisture as cactus pear extract soothes skin that’s easily exacerbated.
Ole Henriksen C-Rush Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer ($45)
The latest power duo we can’t get enough of? This freshly scented, vitamin C-infused hydrator that takes a step out of our morning routine without skimping on the benefits—something we can always get behind.
