10 Best Gel Moisturizers of 2024 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)
Gel moisturizers are a particular favorite for people with oily and acne-prone skin because they're lightweight, non-greasy, and quick-absorbing. But they're also suitable for people with different skin types, too, be it dry, sensitive, or combination.
In this list, we've crafted the 10 best gel moisturizers that take into account a variety of skin types and needs. To read more on how to buy the right gel moisturizer for your skin, feel free to browse our handy Buying Guide reviewed by a board certified dermatologist.
Quick List - Top Gel Moisturizers
COSRX
Repair and Hydrate: All-In-One Solution for Radiant Skin
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- Who Should Use a Gel Moisturizer?
- Dr. Levy's Recommended Gel Moisturizer
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between gel moisturizers and creams?
- Is gel moisturizer good for oily skin?
- Looking for More Skincare Products?
- Amazon's Best Selling Face Moisturizers
- Buying Guide Reviewed by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Lauren Levy
Who Should Use a Gel Moisturizer?
Gel moisturizers have a water-based formula free from oils which makes them lightweight and non-greasy, as well as hydrating and quick absorbing. Their light and non-sticky texture are popular for a variety of reasons.
Gel moisturizers are sought out by those with oily or acne-prone skin as these moisturizers are devoid of pore-clogging ingredients. That being said, they're also great for those with normal, dry, or even sensitive skin, and they can also be used to soothe sunburns. Many like to switch to a gel moisturizer during the summer as they're lighter and can even provide a cooling effect.
Though a gel moisturizer may not always hydrate as well as a cream moisturizer, it provides enough hydration for most skin types. Researchers have found that after 12 weeks of using gel moisturizers, people with dry and dull skin saw an improvement in their skin, noting that their skin seemed more fresh, radiant, and dewy.
How to Choose Gel Moisturizers
Most gel moisturizers are tailored to help combination and oily skin, but a lot of them can suit other skin types, too. Here's how to choose the right gel moisturizer that matches your skin type.
Look for Ingredients That Benefit Your Skin Type
Take a look at the most popular ingredients used in gel moisturizers and how they may help your particular skin type.
Extra Moisture for Dry Skin
Humectants are water-grabbing ingredients that can draw moisture from the environment or from your skin's lower layers to the top layers of your skin. They help increase your skin's moisture levels and keep it hydrated for a while.
Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular humectants. It can retain water molecules to deliver long-lasting hydration directly to the skin. Glycerin is a good substitute for hyaluronic acid and can do everything that hyaluronic acid can do for the skin, including nourishing, maintaining water balance, and promoting younger-looking skin.
Aloe vera is another wonderful humectant. It's rich in vitamins A and C, enzymes, and antioxidants, and it's best known as a treatment for sunburn and skin irritation. It helps soothe your skin and reduce inflammation.
In addition, the enzymes in aloe vera help to remove bacteria from your skin. As a result, it helps to reduce redness as well as prevent acne breakouts. If you've got irritated, acne-prone, or sunburned skin, aloe vera is a great ingredient to have in your gel moisturizer.
Hyaluronic acid is a go-to ingredient for improving skin hydration. It can give the skin an immediate plumping effect. As a humectant, however, overuse of hyaluronic acid can result in drying of the skin in the long run since it sucks water out from the top layer of the skin. Therefore, using an occlusive product occasionally can prevent this paradoxical effect.
Antioxidants for Dull or Mature Skin
When exposed to environmental aggressors such as pollution, heat, and UV rays, our skin tends to develop blemishes such as age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. Those factors can also facilitate the breakdown of the skin's collagen, causing your skin to become saggy.
Look for moisturizers infused with antioxidants to neutralize the effects of those environmental aggressors as well as natural aging. Green tea extract, moringa seed extract, and aloe vera are some antioxidant-rich ingredients that can restore the radiance and elasticity of your skin.
Niacinamide and vitamins C and E are also great antioxidants that can rejuvenate your skin's condition. They not only brighten up your complexion but also contribute to blurring skin blemishes.
If you have rosacea, look for a moisturizer with niacinamide in it. Niacinamide is a great antioxidant that can help with skin redness and inflammation. Use a moisturizer with vitamin C in it to help with hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and fine lines and wrinkles.
Soothing Ingredients for Sensitive or Inflamed Skin
For those with inflamed skin, you'll need ingredients with strong anti-inflammatory properties such as niacinamides, aloe vera and chamomile extract. Specifically, niacinamide can help reduce acne, calm redness, and prevent water loss in the skin. Moreover, it also helps to improve skin texture and minimize pores!
Aloe vera, as mentioned above, can provide your skin with much-needed moisture. At the same time, it's effective in treating skin irritation and rashes. Chamomile extract also has strong calming properties and is used to reduce pain and redness from sunburn.
Sometimes gel moisturizers can be drying or irritating for those with inflamed skin. I recommend more of a rich creamy moisturizer for those with eczema or inflamed skin. Once this condition settles, a gel moisturizer can be used.
Non-Comedogenic Ingredients for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
The term non-comedogenic isn't FDA-regulated, meaning that there's no one definition for what it means. However, non-comedogenic ingredients are generally accepted to be ones that are less likely to block pores and cause acne.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, looking out for this term on products will help ensure that the ingredients in your gel moisturizer are not causing further oiliness and acne breakouts. But, note that even if your moisturizer doesn't have the term non-comedogenic on it, it doesn't mean that it's necessarily going to block your pores!
Since it's up to the manufacturers to label their products as non-comedogenic or not, it's helpful to keep in mind some common non-comedogenic and comedogenic ingredients, so you can look out for them yourself.
Some popular non-comedogenic ingredients are glycerin, which is a common and effective hydrating agent; aloe vera, which has wonderful skin-soothing and antibacterial properties; and vitamin C, which is a great anti-irritation humectant.
Contrastively, some comedogenic ingredients to avoid are cocoa butter, coconut oil, linseed oil, and lanolin. Comedogenic ingredients are sometimes ranked into different levels from one to four to indicate how comedogenic they are, with four being the most harmful and one being the least. There are various online sources that provide lists you can check.
Check for Ingredients That May Cause Irritation
Alcohol, fragrances, mineral oils, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates can cause irritation. In general, these ingredients don't irritate most people, but they can affect those with sensitive and dry skin or those who have had issues with the ingredients in the past.
Some research shows that in the short term, sulfates and mineral oils may cause irritation or cystic acne. In the long term, mineral oils can enlarge pores, and fragrances and alcohol can promote excess sebum production.
Though we don't have conclusive evidence about phthalates and parabens having negative effects on the skin, you may deem it to be better safe than sorry. If you’re not sure what you’ll react to, we recommend doing a patch test first since everyone's skin is different.
If you have rosacea or eczema, some botanical ingredients can cause skin redness or irritation. Essential oils and fragrances can also exacerbate these conditions, so look for products free of these. For sensitive skin, products that have few ingredients are usually best.
Choose a Jar or Pump Based on Application Preference
Those who are very hygiene-conscious may prefer to use pumps or tubes as they don't require that you dip your finger into the moisturizer every time. A pump is also easy to use with only one hand, and can be less messy with more liquid-like gels.
On the other hand, those who want to apply a lot of moisturizer at a time may benefit from using jars, as they can easily scoop out the amount they need. Some jar moisturizers will come with their own applicator sticks to prevent bacteria from your fingers from contaminating the product.
10 Best Gel Moisturizers
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amount | Key Ingredients | Vegan | Cruelty-free | Fragrance-free | Container | Skin Type | |||||
1 | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel | | Best Non-Comedogenic Gel for Oily Skin | 1.7 fl oz | Hyaluronic Acid | Jar | Oily、Combination、Acne-Prone | ||||
2 | COSRX COSRX｜Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream | | Repair and Hydrate: All-In-One Solution for Radiant Skin | 3.52 oz. | 92% Snail Mucin, 1,000 Ppm Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Adenosine | Jar、Tube | Sensitive、Dry、Oily、Combination、Normal | ||||
3 | CeraVe Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer | | Lightweight, Oil-Free Hydration for All Skin Types | 1.75 fl oz | Ceramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid | Tube | All | ||||
4 | L'Oreal Collagen Moisture Filler | | Firm and Hydrate: Fragrance-Free Anti-Aging Solution | 1.7 oz. | Collagen, Glycerin | Jar | All | ||||
5 | Fruit Of The Earth Aloe Vera 100 % Gel｜12 oz | | Experience Cooling Relief with Pure Aloe Vera Gel for Skin Soothing and Moisture Retention | 12 fl oz | Aloe Vera | Tube | Dry | ||||
6 | Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel | | Hydrate, Soothe, and Lock in Moisture | 3.4 fl oz | Sunflower Oil, Lavender Oil | Jar | unknown | ||||
7 | COSMECCA KOREA CO.,LTD. Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream｜LHB-BOJ001 | | Revitalize and Nourish: Luxurious Korean Skincare | 1.69 oz. | Niacinamide, squalene, rice bran water, ginseng root extract | unknown | Jar | Dry、Sensitive | |||
8 | e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream | | Glow with Hydration for Every Skin Type | 1.76 fl oz | Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Peptides, Squalane, Vitamin B5 | Jar | All | ||||
9 | Aveeno Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Moisturizer | | Best Hypoallergenic Moisturizer to Soothe Sensitive Skin | 1.7 fl oz | Avena Sativa (Oat) | Jar | Sensitive | ||||
10 | La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer | | Weightless Hydration for Oily Skin | 2.54 oz. | La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, Ceramide, Niacinamide, Perlite, Silica | Tube | Oily、Combination、Sensitive | ||||
NeutrogenaHydro Boost Water Gel
| Amount | 1.7 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid |
| Container | Jar |
| Skin Type | Oily、Combination、Acne-Prone |
Best Non-Comedogenic Gel for Oily Skin
Pros:
- Non-comedogenic and oil-free
- Quick-absorbing
- Great for those with dry skin too
Cons:
- Includes fragrance, which could be irritating for some
This gel moisturizer is great for those with oily skin, as its water-gel formula includes two non-comedogenic, ultra-hydrating ingredients, hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Thanks to the lightweight consistency, you can either wear it alone or use it as a face primer to create a dewy makeup look.
Some reviewers mentioned that it has a heavy scent. However, most people were impressed with the moisturizing and quick-absorbing properties. They also appreciated that a little went a long way with this product.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Cruelty-free | |
| Fragrance-free |
COSRXCOSRX ｜ Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream
| Amount | 3.52 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | 92% Snail Mucin, 1,000 Ppm Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Adenosine |
| Container | Jar、Tube |
| Skin Type | Sensitive、Dry、Oily、Combination、Normal |
Repair and Hydrate: All-In-One Solution for Radiant Skin
Infuse your skin with deep hydration and repair with COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream. Formulated with 92% snail secretion filtrate, this cream provides intensive moisture while promoting skin regeneration and healing. The snail mucin helps to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and fade acne scars, leaving your skin smooth and supple.
Additionally, this cream is enriched with hyaluronic acid and betaine to boost hydration and lock in moisture. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture absorbs quickly, making it suitable for all skin types. Use it daily to achieve a rejuvenated, radiant complexion with enhanced elasticity and hydration.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Cruelty-free | |
| Fragrance-free |
CeraVeUltra-Light Gel Moisturizer
| Amount | 1.75 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Ceramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid |
| Container | Tube |
| Skin Type | All |
Lightweight, Oil-Free Hydration for All Skin Types
CeraVe Hydrating Gel Moisturizer delivers a burst of hydration with a water-based formula, perfect for soothing and softening your skin. Infused with three essential ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, this gel provides immediate and long-lasting moisture while helping to restore and maintain your skin’s protective barrier. Its fast-absorbing, non-greasy texture ensures a weightless feel, making it suitable for daily use on both face and neck.
Fragrance-free and developed with dermatologists, this oil-free moisturizer works well under makeup and SPF, offering hydration without pilling or shine.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Cruelty-free | |
| Fragrance-free |
L'OrealCollagen Moisture Filler
| Amount | 1.7 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Collagen, Glycerin |
| Container | Jar |
| Skin Type | All |
Firm and Hydrate: Fragrance-Free Anti-Aging Solution
Hydrate and smooth your skin with L'Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Day Cream.
This rich, fragrance-free formula is designed to deliver intense moisture while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Infused with collagen, it helps to plump and firm your skin, giving it a more youthful and radiant look. The inclusion of glycerin ensures your skin stays hydrated throughout the day by attracting moisture from the environment.
Additionally, this day cream contains a blend of emollients that work together to provide a smooth and silky texture, making your skin feel soft and supple. Perfect for daily use, it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, making it ideal for layering under makeup. Experience the combined benefits of hydration, firming, and smoothing with L'Oréal's Collagen Moisture Filler Day Cream.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Cruelty-free | |
| Fragrance-free |
Fruit Of The Earth Aloe Vera 100 % Gel ｜ 12 oz
| Amount | 12 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Aloe Vera |
| Container | Tube |
| Skin Type | Dry |
Experience Cooling Relief with Pure Aloe Vera Gel for Skin Soothing and Moisture Retention
Fruit Of The Earth Aloe Vera 100% Gel offers a classic formula derived from hand-harvested aloe vera leaves, designed to cool and soothe sunburned or irritated skin effectively. Formulated without added fragrance or color, this non-oily gel creates a protective barrier to retain moisture, aiding in the healing of minor burns, insect bites, chafing, and dry skin. With a commitment to simplicity and purity, Fruit Of The Earth ensures the integrity of its product by using only the inner gel fillet of sustainably grown aloe vera plants. Ideal for all skin types, this gel provides reliable relief and hydration without the use of unnecessary additives, making it a staple in skincare routines for its calming and moisturizing properties.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Cruelty-free | |
| Fragrance-free |
Bio-OilDry Skin Gel
| Amount | 3.4 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Sunflower Oil, Lavender Oil |
| Container | Jar |
| Skin Type | unknown |
Hydrate, Soothe, and Lock in Moisture
Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel offers a unique formula that deeply hydrates and protects your skin’s natural moisture barrier. This hydrating gel contains mineral oil, essential oils like sunflower and lavender, and vitamins to nourish and smooth dry, cracked, and flaky skin. With only 3% water, the gel absorbs quickly and efficiently, making it ideal for combating dryness in all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Perfect for daily use, this gel offers a powerful hydration boost, ensuring softer, smoother skin. Clinically proven, Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel can soothe dry spots and flaky patches, providing visible results in just two days.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Cruelty-free | |
| Fragrance-free |
COSMECCA KOREA CO.,LTD.Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream ｜ LHB-BOJ001
| Amount | 1.69 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, squalene, rice bran water, ginseng root extract |
| Container | Jar |
| Skin Type | Dry、Sensitive |
Revitalize and Nourish: Luxurious Korean Skincare
Nourish and rejuvenate your skin with Beauty of Joseon's Dynasty Cream. This luxurious moisturizer is crafted with traditional Korean ingredients like rice bran water and ginseng root extract, known for their nourishing and revitalizing properties. Rice bran water helps to deeply hydrate and brighten the skin, while ginseng root extract boosts circulation and enhances skin vitality. Together, they create a radiant, glowing complexion.
This product also includes niacinamide, a powerful ingredient that helps to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots, as well as squalane to support the skin barrier, balancing oil and moisture and protecting skin from external stimuli. Specifically formulated for dry skin, this cream helps to reduce sebum secretion, and possesses a rich yet lightweight texture which absorbs easily, making it suitable for all skin types. Experience the ancient beauty secrets of Korea with every application, and enjoy the benefits of deeply hydrated, luminous skin.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Cruelty-free | |
| Fragrance-free | unknown |
e.l.f.Holy Hydration! Face Cream
| Amount | 1.76 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Peptides, Squalane, Vitamin B5 |
| Container | Jar |
| Skin Type | All |
Glow with Hydration for Every Skin Type
Experience deep hydration and glowing skin with the award-winning e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream. Formulated with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid for plumping moisture, niacinamide for minimizing pores, squalane for balanced elasticity, and Vitamin B5 for soothing hydration, this non-greasy moisturizer provides a firm, bouncy complexion. Suitable for all skin types, it effortlessly absorbs into the skin, delivering a smooth, soft finish.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Cruelty-free | |
| Fragrance-free |
AveenoMorning Burst Hydrating Gel Moisturizer
| Amount | 1.7 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Avena Sativa (Oat) |
| Container | Jar |
| Skin Type | Sensitive |
Best Hypoallergenic Moisturizer to Soothe Sensitive Skin
Pros:
- Oats and feverfew for soothing and calming sensitive and dry skin
- Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic
- Free of parabens, alcohol, dyes, fragrance, and other potentially irritating ingredients
- Comes in two different sizes
Cons:
- May not be as suitable for those with oily skin
This hypoallergenic gel moisturizer includes prebiotic oat to help calm sensitive skin. It also has feverfew to help soothe dryness and cultivate a strong and hydrated skin barrier. Also non-comedogenic and free of irritating ingredients like fragrance, parabens, and dyes, this product caters to the most sensitive skin types.
Some who had acne-prone, oily, or extra sensitive skin noted that this product caused some irritation and red patches. As always, we recommend doing a patch test. However, the majority of users raved about how calming and gentle this product was, even for those with red patches, rosacea, and painful acne.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Cruelty-free | |
| Fragrance-free |
La Roche-PosayToleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer
| Amount | 2.54 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, Ceramide, Niacinamide, Perlite, Silica |
| Container | Tube |
| Skin Type | Oily、Combination、Sensitive |
Weightless Hydration for Oily Skin
This oil-free gel moisturizer offers a refreshing escape for oily skin. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly, providing all-day hydration without leaving behind an unwanted shine. Formulated with dermatologist-recommended ingredients like ceramide and niacinamide, this product not only quenches the skin but also helps repair the skin barrier within an hour. Experience a mattifying finish and a healthier complexion.
Beyond its skincare benefits, this product aligns with ethical and sustainable practices. It is produced in facilities that prioritize worker well-being and boasts sustainability features certified by trusted organizations.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Cruelty-free | |
| Fragrance-free |
Dr. Levy's Recommended Gel Moisturizer
My patients with oily skin love the Tatcha Water Cream. It is lightweight, highly moisturizing, and effective at helping control oil on the skin. It also has soothing ingredients to help with facial redness and irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Dr. Levy also took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about gel moisturizers.
What's the difference between gel moisturizers and creams?
"Gel moisturizers are less greasy and less occlusive on the skin," Dr. Levy explains. "They are fast-drying and do not leave a residue on the skin.
They also blend with the skin easily, so makeup can be applied over the gel base without any white residue that a cream moisturizer can sometimes leave. Both gel and cream moisturizers provide effective hydration to the skin, so it mostly comes down to preference."
Is gel moisturizer good for oily skin?
Dr. Levy says, "Gel moisturizers are great for oily skin since they tend to be more drying then cream based moisturizers. They can seep up oil in the skin and leave it feeling matte as opposed to oily. Gel moisturizers are also safe to use for acne-prone skin and can be used in combination with your acne products if you have oily skin."
Looking for More Skincare Products?
Outside of moisturizers, other types of skincare products can also help protect your skin against the environment while improving your skin texture and complexion. Check out our suggestions for these skincare products.
Buying Guide Reviewed by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Lauren Levy
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Gel Moisturizers
No. 1: Neutrogena｜Hydro Boost Water Gel
No. 2: COSRX｜COSRX｜Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream
No. 3: CeraVe｜Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer
No. 4: L'Oreal｜Collagen Moisture Filler
No. 5: Fruit Of The Earth ｜Aloe Vera 100 % Gel｜12 oz
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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