To celebrate the end of winter, we tend to get lighter – in our mood, our layers, and our skincare. As temperatures rise, so does the humidity, which means farewell to super chapped lips and perpetual dry spots. While we pack away heavy duty winter creams, we're keeping our skin hydrated with weightless water-based moisturisers.
Water-based (unlike oil-based) moisturisers usually have a gel-like consistency. Gel moisturisers, often labelled as ‘gel-cream’, will list ‘aqua’ as the first ingredient. Whether you use a water- or oil-based hydrator is largely dependent on your skin type but generally, we all encounter some dryness in winter and oiliness in the summer. Water-based skincare is great for the transitional season because while the warm weather triggers our pores to produce more sebum, water is less likely to bind to the natural oils in our skin – trapping less dirt and reducing pesky spots in the process.
Dr Lori Bystrom, chief scientific officer of Bristol-based skincare company Dr. Jackson’s, told us: “Gel-based consistencies can work wonders for oily skin. They are super lightweight and sink into the skin quickly without leaving shine, while also being suitable for sensitive skin. When it’s time to put heavy winter moisturisers away, gel-like formulas are ideal for the change of the season and the arrival of warmer weather, while still providing that much-needed hydration and nourishment.”
Ahead, we've rounded up the very best in lightweight, super hydrating gel moisture.
"Dr Jackson’s gel-based 05 Face and Eye Essence contains vegetable-based glycerin and other natural ingredients, such as damask rose flower water, baobab seed oil, Roman chamomile flower oil, and aloe leaf juice. The natural ingredients and the product's gel-like consistency work in synergy to moisturise, soften, revitalise and tighten the skin."
Dr Jackson's 05 Face and Eye Essence, £60, available at Dr Jackson's
La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Soothing Moisturiser, £16, available at Feel Unique
Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturiser, £25, available at Look Fantastic
Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask, £5.38, available at Look Fantastic
Aēsop B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel, £81, available at Cult Beauty
Alpha-H Clear Skin Daily Hydrator Gel, £21, available at Alpha-H
Shiseido Pureness Moisturising Gel Cream, £24.50, available at Allbeauty
Lumene Nordic Hydra [Lähde] Hydration Recovery Aerating Gel Mask, £19.90, available at Feel Unique
DHC Astaxanthin Collagen All-in-One Gel, £40, available at Feel Unique
Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream, £20, available at Cult Beauty
Anne Semonin Gel Mask, £43, available at Anne Semonin
Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Crème, £55, available at Chanel
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Overnight Purifying Gel, £14.95, available at Feel Unique
Ilcsi Apricot Gel Mask, £34, available at Cult Beauty
Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion, £55.50, available at Space NK
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel, £31, available at Look Fantastic
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser, £12.99, available at Boots
Blithe Vital Treatment Pulp Essence, £41, available at Cult Beauty
Tony Moly Pure Eco Bamboo Water Cool Soothing Gel, £9.50, available at Cult Beauty
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
We Tried Cannabidoil Beauty Products — & Here's What We Thought