Who Should Try Gel Moisturizers?
True to their easy-breezy reputation, gel moisturizers are effective for most skin types. They’re particularly helpful for people with acne-prone skin or oily skin since they don’t add oil to the skin’s already-oily surface, Dr. Saedi says. As the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) points out, if your pores are already clogged with oil, the last thing you want to do is add an oily moisturizer on top.
Oily skin types might be tempted to skip the moisturizing step altogether in the name of minimizing oil. But that’s not a good idea, because dryness can send the body’s oil glands into overdrive and clog your pores even more, according to the AAD. Instead, try a gel moisturizer. “It's a really nice alternative instead of a cream,” Saedi says. “It's hydrating, but it doesn't have the greasier, heavier feel and also doesn't clog your pores as much because it's so quickly absorbed.” For the same reasons, gel moisturizers are also great during the warmer months or for people who live in hot climates year-round, Saedi says.
RELATED: Why Dry Skin Happens and How to Rehydrate Your Dermis
Who Should Avoid Gel Moisturizers?
That lightness can be a boon for people with oily skin, but it can also be a disadvantage for people with moisture-craving dry skin. “Using any gel moisturizer will do far less to moisturize the skin for an extended period of time,” Dr. Bordone says.
In general, the thicker the product, the more moisturizing it is. So a thin, lightweight, water-based gel moisturizer will provide enough hydration for most skin types, but if you’re experiencing dry skin or have a skin condition like eczema, you may find it doesn’t moisturize as well as a cream, Saedi says. For these people, an oil-based cream may be a better option, Bordone says.
RELATED: What Are the Symptoms of Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis?
What to Look for When Purchasing a Gel Moisturizer
Saedi recommends looking for a water-based gel moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid for an extra punch of hydration. She credits the ingredient with helping the skin hang onto moisture and giving the skin an overall plumping effect. According to a study published in Dermatoendocrinology, hyaluronic acid has a unique ability to retain water molecules.
Many gel moisturizers also contain alcohol, which is an ingredient that tends to dry out the skin. Bordone says it’s not necessarily a bad thing. “This is what helps [these products] evaporate somewhat and not feel so thick on your skin,” Bordone says. Just note where it is on the ingredients list. “The closer it is to the top of the ingredients list, the more drying and less moisturizing it will be,” she says.
If you have dry or eczema-prone skin and decide to give a gel moisturizer a try, check the ingredients list to make sure the gel is free of fragrance and dyes and contains few or no botanical ingredients, which can lead to irritation and allergic reactions, Bordone says. According to the website Cosmetics Info, botanical ingredients come from plant leaves, flowers, herbs, roots, and seeds. Saedi calls out rose water in particular as an ingredient commonly found in gel moisturizers that can make people with sensitive skin break out.
Here are five gel moisturizers recommended by dermatologists we interviewed:
1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel With Hyaluronic Acid
Widely available in drugstores, this option has a long-lasting oil-fighting effect and contains super-hydrating hyaluronic acid as a key ingredient.
Try Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel With Hyaluronic Acid, $17.19, Neutrogena.com.
2. CeraVe Skin Renewing Gel Oil
CeraVe is a dermatologist favorite, with its Moisturizing Cream making best-of lists for eczema left and right. This product is great, too, for boosting radiance and locking in moisture in oily or acne-prone skin. You can chalk up those perks to its sunflower oil and ceramides ingredients, which the company says restore the skin’s essential barrier.
Try CeraVe Skin Renewing Gel Oil, $19.22, Amazon.com.
3. Clinique Dramatically DifferentMoisturizingGel
Labeled as perfect for combination and oily skin, this eye-catching yellow gel contains sunflower seed cake, cucumber fruit extract, and barley extract to help boost skin plumpness and elasticity.
Try Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, $28, Clinique.com.
4. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-FreeGel-Cream
This fan favorite from Kiehl’s contains glacial glycoprotein, which the company says can prevent loss of moisture and protect the skin. Another standout ingredient is desert plant extract, which further boosts hydration, the company says.
Try Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel-Cream, $30, Kiehls.com.
5. Olay Age Defying Advanced Gel Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid
Similar to the Neutrogena option, the great thing about this pick is that it’s easy to find at your local drugstore. Reviewers say it gives skin a hydrated, plump look without being thick or greasy, no doubt thanks to its star ingredient: hyaluronic acid.
Try Olay Age Defying Advanced Gel Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid, $16.12, Olay.com.