If your skin is struggling with the concern combo of both dehyration and congestion, treating one without triggering the other can be tricky.
But there’s a specific style of formula that’s up to the challenge: gel moisturisers. A watery, bouncy and featherlight category of the hydrating gang, gels are able to deliver massive amounts of moisture without the fatty ingredients responsible for the creamy nature of heavier formulas.
The water-based status doesn’t make them any less effective either; it’s simply a different strategy – the light-as-air formulas absorb almost instantly, and offer nourishing moisture that won’t clog your pores or leave residue sitting on skin.
Into the idea? Here are the best gel moisturisers for non-greasy hydration.
RELATED: The mindfulness practice that helps you breathe your way to better sex
RELATED: The floriental fragrances to try if your tastes are tricky to pin down
Mary Kay
Mary Kay Botanical Effects® Moisturizing Gel
A fast-absorbing lightweight gel that hits skin with enough hydration to last 12 whole hours.
Syrene Skincare
Syrene Skincare Aqualight Moisture Gel Lotion
This lotion is lightweight, silky and worthy of superstar status in the luminosity-boosting department.
The Body Shop
The Body Shop Vitamin E Gel Moisture Cream
Formulated with nautral origin hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, it’s as soothing as it is hydrating.
Natio
Natio Rosewater Hydration Moisture Boost Day Cream-Gel
If calm, smooth, firm skin is the goal, this is the rosewater-infused gel formula that will get you there.
Jurlique
Jurlique Moisture Plus Rare Rose Gel Cream
A refreshing and radiance-reviving gel, powered with rose extract to maximise hydration and minimise oiliness.
Paula’s Choice
Paula’s Choice Defense Nightly Reconditioning Moisturizer
An overnight option bound to brighten and strengthen skin, the gel-souffle formula feels phenomenal on your face.
Estée Lauder
Estée Lauder Daywear Matte Oil-Control Anti-Oxidant Moisture Gel Creme
If oil overproduction is the issue, hit your skin with mattifying moisture in the form of this shine-absorbing gel creme.
Neutrogena
NEUTROGENA ® HYDRO BOOST Water Gel
This formula is bursting with highly purified hyaluronic acid, so the moisture retention is through the roof.
Bioderma
Packed with niacinamide, this moisturiser replaces dehydration and dullness with moisture and glow.
I’d like to try out Bioderma and Paula’s Choice
I have a tub of the Neutrogena Gel and a tube of the matching serum that im waiting to try.
Out of this list I am most keen to try the Paula's choice, Jurlique and the Body Shop's vitamin E cream.
I’ve never tried any of these, but I’ve heard/read that the Neutrogena Hydro Boost is a dupe for Clinique Moisture Surge. Next time I see some Neutrogena on special I might get some and see for myself.
The Body Shop Vet E Gel is delicious soothing and gentle, I bought my mum some for Christmas and she loves it too. Perfect for use in the hot sticky weather without making your skin feel gluey!
One I just emptied from a trial, just offering pure moisture, best for dehydrated skin. Also Murad gel moisturizers in purple jar. Previous one super affordable and works, second one boujee and works.
Meedee I recently finished a tub of the Neutrogena Gel and really like it. It is IMO lightly fragranced. The only downside I thought was that it’s a tub. I would prefer a tube or something else.
I’m curious to try The Body Shop and the Syrene
I loved the Belif Aqua Bomb gel cream, and the L'occitane and Philosophy gel creams were great too!
Wow something new to try out this season
I've tried as lot of NATIO products but not the Rosewater series. My current gel moisturiser is Innisfree Green Tea. It's Korean. During this hot weather I have been using it instead of my night cream which is too heavy this time of year,
Gel moisturisers are my absolute favourite
I rather liked the light feel of the Neutrogena Hydroboost.
Love hydroboost! Made huge improvements in hydrating my skin
Have never tried Hydration Gels and Serums before they sound quite amazing though something to think about getting one day soon.
Natio and Jurlique are my favourites from this bunch.
These gel moisturisers sound lovely
I've tried a couple of these and wasn't enthused, but there are others that I'd love to try like the Natio and The Body Shop.
I have been using a sample of the Bioderma gel cream and it's very refreshing and light for summer!
I don’t remember the Body Shop vitamin E cream being a gel. Maybe they have changed the formulation or my memory is just faulty! I like Natio so I’d be interested in that one.
That reminds me I need to crack open my Syrene and test it out! I'd also be curious to try out the Jurlique (as I love their products).
Looks like some good moisturisers to try.
Some helpful tips here, helps me choose what I may purchace
I love the idea of gel moisturiser but creams tend to work better for me.
The rose extract in the Jurlique one sounds really nice.
Ha we were just talking about gel moisturisers in one of the forums. This is my favourite – the Japanese i-mju Hatomuji Skin Conditioning Gel 180g, no fragrance, very hydrating, has a bit of Vit C. Can purchase online easily.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyQU6KPCqQ8&feature=emb_logo
The Jurlique one will be the next cream I use.
I just lover the Jurlique range with rose It's just the best
I haven't tried any of these but have been loving a light gel moisturiser for my morning routine.
I like the look of the Jurlique one 🙂
The body shop vitamin e moisturising gel sounds nice! I love the smell of the vitamin e range.
I tried a sample of the Syrene gel moisturiser & sadly, it wasn't for me. My drier cheeks soaked up all the moisture instantly & from memory, it just made me feel not all that hydrated, even in my oiliest parts. I like the concept of it, but I think my ageing skin is getting a bit drier as the years go by.
I’ve used a lot of Clinique and Body Shop products over the years. I have dry skin but can get a bit of a combo skin with a mildly oily T zone. I like gels in summer
I've been using the Neutrogena HBWG. Chemist Warehouse had a really good 50% off sale last year. I quite like it but am happy to try something else, preferably not in a jar. The Paula's Choice and Bioderma appeal. I'd love to try some of the Hada Labo gel if I can work out the best place to source it from
I would love to try Natio and Jurlique.
Yes need this with the current humidity
A wonderful read and beautiful products.
The Jurlique cream would be absolutely gorgeous. It would smell amazing. I love their products. I’ll try to remember to go and check it out.
My cousin who works at a pharmacy gave me a jar of Derma/e Soothing Oil-Free Moisturiser to try. It's a dark yellow transparent gel and I think that it would work best on those muggy and humid days where cream moisturisers would just leave my skin feeling greasy.
I have the Jurlique sitting in my stash and I've used the L’Occitane Aqua Gel which was lovely. Now I see I have some others to try.
They are so pretty!
None , they all sound beautiful.
I haven't tried any of these.
I prefer cream moisturizers to gels
The idea of a gel moisturiser is a bit off-putting. Just like a gel face mask, but no doubt if it works it would be good. Personally I think I would prefer a cream but unless I try one I won't know.
I want The Body Shop one!
Never tried any of them before.
I love my Body Shop Vitamin E gel moisturiser…so light and hydrating with wheat germ and raspberries, it’s perfect for a combination skin with dehydration. Sinks right in, so comfortable.
Keep in the fridge too on these very hot and humid days
Interesting concept, but not too sure about this one…