Products Reviewed:
Best For Dry Skin: Tree To Tub Hydrating Face Moisturizer
Best For Oily Skin: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
Best Splurge: ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Face Moisturizer
Best Budget: Buttah Skin Oil-Free Hyaluronic Gel Cream
Best Overall: Farmacy Honey Halo Face Moisturizer
Are you looking for a moisturizer that is lightweight and non-greasy but will provide adequate hydration to your skin? If so, then a water-based moisturizer may be the perfect fit for your skincare routine!
Water-based moisturizers are an excellent choice for those of us who need extra hydration but don’t want to feel weighed down or greasy. They are gentle on delicate skin and can help keep it feeling soft and silky.
Water-based moisturizers contain water as their main ingredient. This makes them lightweight, allowing them to sink into the skin quickly without leaving behind any residue. In addition, they have humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid which draw moisture from the air and lock it into the skin so that it stays hydrated longer.
Other ingredients include emollients such as shea butter or cocoa butter to help soften the skin and occlusives like petrolatum or beeswax which form an invisible barrier on the surface, locking in moisture and keeping out irritants.
There are several different types of water-based moisturizers available depending on your needs. For instance, there are light gels, heavier creams, oils based in aqua, and even foam textures that work well on oily or combination skin types.
All of these provide some level of hydration but at different strengths depending on what type of product you choose. For example, lighter gels may be enough for people with normal to oily skin while a heavier cream can provide greater protection for those with extremely dry skin.
Using water-based moisturizers can offer many benefits to a person’s skin health including:
- Improved hydration levels
- Smoother texture
- Fewer breakouts from clogged pores
- Better protection against environmental aggressors like dirt, pollution, or harsh wind exposure
- Prevention of premature aging due to sun damage
- Loss of elasticity in the complexion
Water-based moisturizers are designed to offer all these benefits because they help create a protective barrier against external damage while still allowing your pores to breathe naturally. They also act as a natural makeup primer by smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles before applying cosmetics and can be used overnight to keep your complexion looking fresh all day long!
Most people know that they need to use a moisturizer, but they don’t know which one to choose. There are hundreds of different options on the market, each claiming to be better than the rest. So how do you know which one is right for you?
To make your decision easy, we’ve compiled a list of the five best water-based moisturizers based on thousands of personalized user experiences.
How do we choose the best water-based moisturizer?
These are the factors you’ll want to keep in mind to find a water-based moisturizer that will suit you best.
Consider your skin type
For Oily Skin: Look for an oil-free, non-comedogenic water-based moisturizer that has humectants such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and urea. This type of moisturizer has a lightweight formula that will help to draw moisture into the skin without clogging pores or adding excess oils. Additionally, look for ingredients like niacinamide which can help to control sebum production and inflammation.
For Dry Skin: Choose a rich, creamy water-based moisturizer with ceramides, antioxidants, and nourishing ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera. Look for products specifically designed to hydrate dry skin, as they typically contain higher concentrations of emollients than regular moisturizers. Avoid alcohol, SLS, or fragrances that might further irritate your skin.
For Combination Skin: Use a light lotion or gel-based moisturizer with gentle emollients such as jojoba oil, squalane, and glycerin which are known to regulate the oil content in combination skin while providing long-lasting hydration to dry areas. For an added boost of hydration add a hydrating serum beneath your moisturizer.
For Sensitive Skin: Choose a fragrance-free water-based product formulated with calming ingredients such as aloe vera extract, chamomile extract, green tea extract, and vitamin E that may help soothe irritation. Additionally, look for anti-inflammatory properties in the form of plant extracts such as licorice root extract or bisabolol which can help reduce inflammation caused by environmental stressors.
Other Factors to consider
Think about the time of year: If it is winter and your skin is prone to drying out, you might need a heavier cream than usual.
Take into account your lifestyle: If you are regularly exposed to sunlight or other environmental stressors, you will need a robust moisturizer with SPF that can withstand those conditions.
Consider your budget: Water-based moisturizers can range in price from very affordable to quite expensive.
Patch-test: Always test a new water-based moisturizer on a small patch of skin before using it on your face. This will help you to see how your skin reacts to the product and ensure that you don’t have any adverse reactions.
Now that you know how to choose the best water-based moisturizer for your specific needs, here are our top picks:
Best For Dry Skin
Tree To Tub Hydrating Face Moisturizer
Why We Love It
Proper hydration is critical for achieving and maintaining clear, youthful-looking skin. This luxurious cream deeply moisturizes the face without feeling heavy or greasy. Formulated with only organic ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamins C & E, and organic aloe vera, it is non-toxic and healthy for the skin.
This vegan and cruelty-free face moisturizer has a pleasant and mild scent that refreshes and invigorates the skin. After just one use, you’ll notice a significant difference in how your skin looks and feels. It will be softer, smoother, and more hydrated than ever before.
What You Should Know
This water-based moisturizer is not only excellent for skin hydration, but it also has a luxurious and silky-smooth feel to it. The rich texture leaves your skin feeling nourished and incredible.
Rather than harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients, Tree to Tub focuses on high-quality clean ingredients that are safe for even the most sensitive skin types. It has green tea and natural ginseng that help soothe inflammation and protect the skin’s barrier.
This moisturizer is best suited for dry skin, as it provides a gel-like consistency that creates a comfortable protective layer over the skin. This skin barrier helps lock in moisture providing long-lasting hydration all day, no matter the weather.
You can apply it before bedtime or during the hot summer when your skin is most susceptible to drying out.
Best For Oily Skin
Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
Why We Love It
The True Cream Aqua Bomb is a popular product for many reasons. For one, it’s great for those with oily or uneven skin tone. This gel-cream moisturizer doesn’t clog pores and helps to reduce redness from blemishes. Additionally, this face cream is affordable and has a pleasant scent.
This hydrating gel moisturizer is also perfect for combo skin types as it balances oil production and keeps skin hydrated without feeling greasy or heavy.
What You Should Know
t instantly cools and refreshes the skin while providing extra hydration. Formulated without synthetic fragrances or colors, it is perfect for those with sensitive skin.
True Cream Aqua Bomb is perfect for people who are struggling with dull and dry skin. After regular use, your skin will noticeably become more agile and plump. Additionally, it’s useful for severe rash, redness, itchiness, burning sensation, and dryness, making your skin happy overall.
Moreover, herbal extracts and natural oils in it can help improve skin health. It is lightweight and soaks quickly, making it a good option for those who don’t like heavy creams. And the best thing is you can use it around the eyes without any fear.
Best Budget
Buttah Skin Oil-Free Hyaluronic Gel Cream
Why We Love It
It’s budget-friendly and also does an excellent job of improving the appearance of both your skin texture and tone. Additionally, it softens your skin and smooths out any fine lines you may have.
Another wonderful perk is that it gives your skin a supple feel and look that lasts all day. And, in contrast to other moisturizers, it’s not greasy and lightweight with zero unpleasant scents. An optimal choice for anyone seeking a dependable everyday moisturizer.
What You Should Know
This gel moisturizer cream is formulated with Exo-H, a natural ingredient known for its ability to hydrate and replenish dry skin. In addition, the gel moisturizer cream is rich in melanin which helps protect against environmental aggressors and premature aging, making it an ideal choice for those looking to keep their skin looking its best.
The hyaluronic acid in this gel cream brings deep moisture to your complexion, giving your skin the ultimate nourishment. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, which is always a bonus. Use it twice a day after cleansing, and you’ll see a noticeable difference in the appearance of your skin. Moreover, this gel moisturizer cream will improve.
Best Splurge
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Face Moisturizer
Why We Love It
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 is a moisturizing cream that’s both lightweight and non-greasy, two qualities that are often difficult to find in one product. It also works to reduce dark spots caused by sun damage, making it an ideal choice for those looking for comprehensive sun protection.
The skin-friendly formulations deliver clinically proven results you can see and feel. Though it may be slightly more expensive than other products, we believe it is worth every penny.
What You Should Know
This skin moisturizer cream not only scents your skin mildly and makes it feel soft, but it also includes anti-aging benefits! This cream provides easy coverage and is very soothing.
For starters, it does an amazing job of cleansing the face and leaving the skin looking well-groomed and healthy. The balm easily dissolves makeup and daily impurities, producing a soft and glowing complexion.
It also helps dull skin look firmer and more elastic. Moreover, this gel cream has SPF 30, which protects from sun exposure. This is crucial because too much sun exposure can lead to irreversible damage.
Gently massage a pea-sized amount of the cream into your face and neck using upward strokes every morning after cleansing. By evenly distributing the gel cream, you allow it to be better absorbed by your skin giving it the nutrients it needs for a healthy appearance.
Best Overall
Farmacy Honey Halo Face Moisturizer
Why We Love It
This non-comedogenic moisturizer leaves skin with a healthy-looking glow. It is intensely hydrating which is perfect for those with dry or distressed skin. The unique combination of honey and ceramides in the formula helps to restore moisture and improve the appearance of normal and dry skin.
This ceramide face moisturizer is also free of harmful chemicals and fragrances, making it gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types.
What You Should Know
This antioxidant-rich formula helps to prevent dry skin from returning by locking in moisture with shea butter and vitamin E. Not to mention, the fig fruit extract leaves skin looking smooth and graceful.
This high-performance formula provides real results. Apply on a clean face and avoid direct contact with the eyes. For best results, use this product daily to protect, nourish and lock the moisture into your skin.
With its potent blend of ingredients, light scent, and fast-absorbing formula, this face cream is sure to become a staple in your skincare routine. It is a perfect antidote for winter weather and provides long-term benefits.
Best water-based moisturizer: Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re on the hunt for a water-based moisturizer, you may have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about water-based moisturizers.
Can I use hyaluronic acid on my face every day?
Yes, you can use hyaluronic acid on your face every day. Use it to hydrate skin or to combat dryness, giving it a dewy finish. It is also perfect for combination skin types. Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates the skin, making it look and feel softer and smoother. You can use it in the morning or at night, or both!
How do you treat acne-prone skin?
Acne-prone skin requires special care to prevent breakouts. Cleansers containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help to unclog pores and prevent new pimples from forming. It is also important to avoid using harsh scrubbing motions when cleansing, as this can irritate the skin barrier.
How can I glow my combination skin?
To glow your combination skin, use a light exfoliator every other day and a hydrating serum or oil daily. For makeup, use a foundation that is light but buildable, and use a setting powder to control shine. Avoid using heavy products that will clog your pores and cause breakouts.
What are the signs of dehydrated skin?
Dehydrated skin can feel dry and tight, and may look dull and flaky. Fine lines and wrinkles may be more visible. Dehydration can occur at any age but is more common in mature skin.
What are the best natural ingredients for a gel moisturizer?
The best natural ingredients for a water gel moisturizer are mineral oil, apple fruit extract, aloe vera, Japanese leopard lily, micronized calendula petals, Japanese wild rose, watermelon extract, sodium hyaluronate, fermented clary sage, and polyglutamic acid.
What is jelly skin?
Characterized by its jelly-like texture, this skin type is typically soft, smooth, and slippery to the touch. Jelly skin is also often described as being “jiggly” or “wobbly.” People with this skin type typically have very little body fat, and as a result, their skin has a tendency to sag and droop.
Is water cream a moisturizer?
Yes, water cream is a moisturizer. It is a light, hydrating formula that is quickly absorbed by the skin. Water cream contains hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which helps with moisture retention and keeps the skin well-hydrated skin with a silky texture.
Is oil-free moisturizer good for oily skin?
Yes, oil-free moisturizer is good for oily skin because it helps to regulate sebum production and keeps the skin healthy.
Can mineral oil be used on your face?
Yes, you can use mineral oil on your face. It is a gentle and non-irritating oil that can help to moisturize the skin. Just be sure to choose a light variety that is meant for facial use.
Is gel cream a moisturizer?
Gel cream can be a moisturizer, depending on the ingredients. Often, gel cream contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to draw moisture into the skin. Gel cream can also contain other ingredients that help to soothe and protect the skin.
What is an oil-free gel?
An oil-free gel is a type of product that does not contain any oil, making it ideal for people with greasy skin. Oil-free gels typically have a water-based formula, which makes them light and refreshing to use. They can be used as a moisturizer, makeup primer, or even as a body lotion.
How can I keep my skin hydrated?
The best way to ensure long-lasting hydration is to use a gentle cleanser, apply a hydrating serum or cream to keep a moisture barrier, and drink plenty of water.