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.

Photo Credits: Tata Harper
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.

tatcha the water cream
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.

Photo Credits: Tula
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.

Photo Credits: Erno Laszlo
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.

Photo Credits: First Aid Beauty
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.

belif aquabomb
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.

Photo Credits: Juice Beauty
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.

Photo Credits: Biossance
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.

dermalogica calm water gel
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.

Photo Credits: Ole Henriksen








