14 Gel Moisturizers for Prettier Skin All Spring and Summer
It's hot, it's muggy, and your face looks like an oil slick. Swap out your heavy cream for one of these refreshing gel formulas, and you'll feel better in no time
Costing barely more than a Starbucks latte, Garnier Moisture Rescue Refresh Gel Cream, $6.59, is the best deal you'll find on a gel moisturizer. It has the same delightful texture as the rest on the list, and it promises to keep skin hydrated for a full 24 hours thanks to vitamin E. As an added bonus, it offers antioxidant protection in the form of grape water extract.
If your skin needs a detox — whether from a big weekend or living in a smoggy city — Philosophy Take a Deep Breath Oil-Free Energizing Oxygen Gel Cream Moisturizer, $37, can help. It's packed with antioxidants (ideal for fighting damage from pollution), and it's designed to boost circulation and bring more oxygen into your cells. It also has a blue tint, which makes it look as refreshing as it feels.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream, $26.50, is designed to keep skin hydrated and control shine for a whopping 24 hours. Thanks to a special ingredient called Antarcticine — a marine protein sourced from Antarctica — your skin is able to balance out its own moisture levels without overproducing oil. This gel also has vitamin E for moisture and cucumber extract to soothe irritation.
Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream, $9.99 is, as the name suggests, simple. It's a lightweight gel made with hydrating minerals and plant extracts and since it doesn't contain much else (other than water), it's great for anyone with sensitive skin. It's also perfect for layering over potent anti-aging serums — it gives you moisture, but you don't have to worry about ingredients clashing.
If most of the gels on our list seem too lightweight for you, opt for Koh Gen Do All in One Moisture Gel, $59, which is loaded with botanical oils. Jojoba seed, olive squalane and others are encapsulated and suspended within the hot spring water-based gel formula. As you rub it in, the tiny spheres of oil burst to give you tons of moisture. This gel can even be used as a skin-plumping mask before makeup. Simply apply a thick layer, relax for 15 minutes then tissue off any excess.
