Not all moisturizers are created equal. However, we often find people going for gel moisturizers. One must be wondering what are the special characteristics of a gel moisturizer for the face that make it everyone’s go-to option. Gel moisturizers are gel or water-based lightweight moisturizers that are specially designed to retain the skin’s moisture. They also prevent dryness and excessive oiliness. They usually work best for oily skin, combination skin and sensitive skin types because of their high water content and the presence of ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.
What are the benefits of a gel moisturizer?
Different moisturizers work differently for varied skin types. Just like there are particular moisturizers for dry skin, a gel-based moisturizer is one that works best on oily and acne-prone skin. Excessive sebum production can turn your skin oily and block pores leading to acne and pimples. The sebum also tends to leave your skin greasy. When you apply a gel-based moisturizer on your oily skin, it induces the moisture-retaining capacity of your skin and prevents it from getting oily for long hours.
The water and gel-based formulation of gel moisturisers is crafted carefully, keeping in mind the needs and special requirements of oily and combination skin types. It also protects the skin from external aggressors and pollutants to keep it fresh and dewy. These moisturizers are non-greasy and lightweight, making them a perfect option for summer.
How to choose the best gel moisturizer?
While purchasing a gel moisturizer, you need to consider several factors. With a variety of products to your rescue, a great deal of effort goes into choosing the right type of moisturizer for your skin. One of the best options to go for is the SHISEIDO White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream (Buy it for SGD 119 on lookfantastic). It gives you a non-oily glow while providing the right amount of hydration.
Before buying skincare products, take a patch test first. Some products cause irritation on your skin. This indicates that a certain product may be allergic to your skin. Another way to pick a suitable product is to know about your skin type. Moreover, you should look for active ingredients mentioned at the back of every product. This will help you know if you’re allergic to any element.
Often, the best gel moisturizers come with hyaluronic acid, which contains skin-hydrating and rejuvenating elements. Such moisturizers get absorbed into the skin quickly and balance your skin’s moisture level, preventing the development of acne or other flare-ups in case you have acne-prone skin.
Also read – A complete guide on moisturizers and finding the best one for your skin.
Here are some of the best gel moisturizers for everyday use in 2023:
Jump To / Table of Contents
- Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
- Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cream
- SHISEIDO White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream
- Tatcha The Water Cream
- Origins Ginzing Gel
- NIP+FAB Hyaluronic Fix Extreme4 2% Hydration Hybrid Gel Cream
- KORRES Pomegranate Pore-lurring Gel-Moisturiser
SGD 59
Perfect for the humidity in Singapore, Kiehl’s lightweight gel moisturizer is great for oily to normal skin and imparts a cooling effect upon application to cool you off from the heat. The reinvigorating product contains sustainable, renewable Glacial Glycoprotein to deeply hydrate the skin, and is non-comedogenic for those with acne-prone skin.
Image: Courtesy Kiehl’s
SGD 25
The Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream has a gel-cream texture that glides on your skin while replenishing moisture leaving you feeling hydrated inside out. It is enriched with the benefits of hyaluronic acid and is effective in diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Not just that, the potent combination of squalane and jojoba extracts gives your skin a dewy glow and plumper appearance.
Image: Courtesy lookfantastic
SGD 24.55
This affordable option is not only kind to your wallet, but also to your dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. The lightweight, water-based gel is supercharged with what the brand calls Natural Moisturising Factors, which help strengthen the skin barrier while plumping up the skin from the skin. Hyaluronic acid also retains moisture from deep within, keeping your skin happy sans the usual greasiness from your other moisturisers.
Image: Courtesy iHerb
SGD 119
Formulated with Yoshino cherry extract and the exclusive Sakura-Bright Complex, this lightweight gel moisturizer can do wonders for your skin by diminishing dark spots and delivering a dewy finish. The solution provides 24-hour hydration, leaving your dry skin feeling refreshed. It’s dermatologically tested and non-comedogenic, making it a go-to option for all skin types.
Image: Courtesy Shiseido
SGD 120
Lusciously light and elegant, Tatcha’s The Water Cream is a bouncy gel that works its way into your skin immediately, infusing your skin with the brand’s proprietary Hadasei-3, a potent concoction of rice, green tea and algae. Massage the product into your skin and neck twice a day to supple skin that stays firm and moisturised for hours.
Image: Courtesy Sephora
6 /8
SGD 36.5
Get radiant and hydrated skin with the Origins Ginzing Gel which contains the goodness of niacinamide and vitamin C. The gel-cream hybrid effectively brightens your skin while its panax ginseng content provides nourishment and antioxidant protection. The moisturizer also contains caffeine that offers soothing benefits leaving your skin supple and smooth.
Image: Courtesy lookfantastic
SGD 40.5
This hybrid gel moisturizer is packed with the goodness of hyaluronic acid, snow fungus and polyglutamic acid that helps the skin maintain its moisture level. The vegan formula is suitable for all skin types and promotes a plumper-looking complexion. It delves deep into the skin and holds on like a magnet to retain moisture.
Image: Courtesy lookfantastic
SGD 36
This lightweight gel formula by KORRES melts into the skin and offers a blurring effect by reducing the appearance of pores. Concocted with vitamin C and salicylic acid, it deeply nourishes the skin giving it a velvety soft and smooth look. The formula does not leave any oily residue.
Image: Courtesy lookfantastic
(Hero and featured image credit: Tatcha & Kiehl’s)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: Gel-based moisturizers are suitable for oily and acne-prone skin while cream-based moisturizers might work well on excessively dry skin.
Answer: People with oily and acne-prone skin should use gel-based moisturizers to retain moisture. It also minimizes the production of oil through sebums and pores.
Answer: No, gel moisturizers do not clog the pores because they are less thick than creams and are light in texture.
Answer: Yes, gel-based moisturizers are suitable for oily skin because they are lightweight and don't add up to the existing oil on the skin or clog the pores.
Answer: Since our skin tends to turn dry and flaky during winters, gel moisturizers are perfect for use during winters due to their hydrating and rejuvenating properties.
An Anthropology graduate, Nikita started her journey in writing and editing while she was still a student. She has worked with various agencies and brands, creating content in lifestyle, entertainment, travel and wellness space. Nikita aspires to travel the world and explore food, culture and more while penning it all down to share with the world.
Most Popular
