8 Best Gel Moisturizers to Wear This Summer for Keeping Your Skin Hydrated
By TSG Desk | Updated Apr 27, 2024, 12:13 AM IST
With summers setting in, you might have noticed your skin getting greasier. Well, worry not because gel moisturizers are here to save your skin! These gel-based moisturizers for oily skin will help keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. They are lightweight and have a water-based formula perfect for oily skin types.
8 Best Gel Moisturizers to Wear This Summer for Keeping Your Skin Hydrated
Summertime means sunshine, but it can also mean unwelcome greasiness and increased shine for those with oily skin types. As we step into this season, the temperature and humidity rise, causing the skin to become more oily. Due to the change in temperatures, it becomes essential for you to adjust your skincare routine accordingly. In this scorching heat, your skin requires hydration and love from a gel moisturizer! These gel-based moisturizers are perfect for people with oily skin types as they are super lightweight and don’t make your skin feel greasy. These are water-based moisturizers that are specifically formulated to hydrate the skin without leaving a greasy or oily residue.
Advantages of using gel moisturizers for people with oily skin:
- Controls excess oil production: The lightweight and water-based formulas are designed to regulate oil production, keeping the skin balanced while reducing greasiness
- Non-comedogenic: Gel moisturizers don't block your pores and their formula hydrates the skin without trapping excess oil, reducing the chances of breakouts or congestion
- Soothes and calms the skin: Many gel moisturizers include ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber extract, and chamomile, known for their soothing properties which help calm inflammation and reduce redness
- Reduces shine: Gel moisturizers often contain ingredients that help mattify the skin by absorbing excess oil throughout the day, giving your skin a refreshed more balanced appearance
Here are our top picks for gel moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated during the summers:
8 Best Gel Moisturizers
| Gel Moisturize | Active Ingredients |
| Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Face Moisturizer | Hyaluronic Acid, Amino Acids, Electrolytes |
| Dot & Key 72HR HYDRATING GEL + Probiotics Moisturizer for Face | Hyaluronic Acid |
| POND's Super Light Gel, Oil-Free Moisturizer | Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E |
| Minimalist 10% Vitamin B5 Gel Face Moisturizer | Betaine, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, vitamin B5, Zinc |
| Parachute Advansed Coconut Water Hydrating Gel | Niacinamide |
| Mamaearth Vitamin C Ultra Light Gel Oil-Free Moisturizer | Vitamin C |
| Pilgrim Korean Oil-free Gel Moisturizer | Hyaluronic Acid |
| Dr. Sheth's Ceramide & Vitamin C | Vitamin C |
1. Most Premium: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
Special Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Amino Acids & Electrolytes| Scent: Unscented |Quantity: 50 ml
Get ready to give your skin an intense boost of hydration with this Neutrogena moisturizer. Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost moisturizer is a part of the hydro boost range by Neutrogena which is known for locking-in and maintaining the moisture by continuously releasing hydration. It has a unique light-weight texture that can be instantly absorbed in your skin and give your face a fresh look. The formula consists of ingredients that your skin will love. It gives five times more hydration and makes your skin look dewy, plump.
What are others saying about this?
This gel-based moisturizer hydrates the skin and has a very light, consistency. It absorbs easily into the skin and doesn’t make your face No heaviness or oily finish during or even after it is absorbed. T
Why should you add this to your skincare routine?
- Hyaluronic acid attracts and locks in moisture
- Amino acid helps to support and strengthen the skin barrier
- Electrolytes help boost ingredient absorption into your skin
Pros:
- Non-sticky formula
- Lightweight gel
- Makes kin plump
- Absorbs easily
Cons:
- Users might find this gel moisturizer to be more expensive than the other products on this article
2. Best in Hydration: Dot & Key 72HR HYDRATING GEL Moisturizer
Special Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Probiotics & Japanese Rice Water | Quantity: 50 ml
Dot & Key brings you a gel moisturizer that will give your skin a 72-hour non-stop hydration. This r gel is designed to provide all-day hydration without the heavy or greasy feeling. With its lightweight texture, it effortlessly absorbs into the skin, making it an ideal choice for your daily skincare routine for all skin types. The moisturizer also works at repairing the skin’s barrier while also balancing skin microbiome. It has an oil-free gel formula as well.
What are others saying about this?
This gel moisturizer extremely lightweight and non-sticky. It comes with a cooling effect which soothes the skin. The gel is super easy to apply as well.
Why should you add this to your skincare routine?
- Probiotics help in balancing the skin’s microbiome levels
- Hyaluronic Acid locks in the moisture to boost hydration
- Japanese rice water soothes redness and skin irritation
Pros:
- Cooling formula
- Non-sticky
- Not greasy on the skin
- Soothes skin
Cons:
- Users have reported that the fragrance in this is too strong
3. Most Affordable: POND's Super Light Gel, Oil-Free Moisturizer
Special Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E & Niacinamide| Scent: Musk | Quantity: 200 ml
This Pond’s gel moisturizer is a game-changer when it comes to lightweight skincare. The gel-based moisturizer for oily skin comes with an innovative gel formula. This is designed to be weightless and non-oily, making it the perfect choice for anyone. It makes your skin feeling soft and looking radiant with a water-fresh glow. The gel moisturizer's unique formula nourishes and replenishes the skin, giving it a healthy and vibrant appearance.
What are others saying about this?
This Pond’s gel moisturizer non-sticky and keeps the moisture intact. It doesn't irritate the skin at all.
Why should you add this to your skincare routine?
- Instantly absorbs, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and perfectly moisturized
- Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E in the formula provides deep nourishing care for your skin
- Glycerin helps attract and retain moisture in the skin giving healthy and radiant look
Pros:
- Give water fresh glow
- Hydrates for 24 hours
- Makes skin bouncy
Cons:
- Users have reported that this product is heavily fragranced
4. Most Nourishing: Minimalist 10% Vitamin B5 Gel Face Moisturizer
Special Ingredients: Betaine, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Vitamin b5, zinc | Scent: Fragrance-free
Minimalist brings you an everyday moisturizer for hydrating, nourishing and repairing your skin. This 10% Vitamin B5 gel moisturizer is lightweight, oil-free product. It comes with a high concentration of Vitamin B5 (Panthenol), which is in this formula for oily and combination skin t types. Vitamin B B5 provides wound healing and shows anti-inflammatory effects. This makes Vitamin B5 an excellent ingredient as it shows immediate effects as a humectant. The oil-free moisturizer also contains, copper, responsible for cell division and cellular repair, which makes it effective for aging skin. It also contains zinc that reduces acne owing to its antibacterial properties. The formula also has Magnesium which helps the skin maintain healthy levels of fatty acids.
What are others saying about this?
This gel moisturizer gives a very glowing and smooth finish to your skin. It will keep your skin hydrated for hours.
Why should you add this to your skincare routine?
- Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) provides deep penetrating moisture to the skin
- Bio saccharide Gum forms a light, breathable layer on the skin and prevents Trans epidermal water loss
- Zinc, Copper and Magnesium boost oxygenation of the skin cells resulting in increased cell metabolism and cell regeneration
Pros:
- Essential oil free
- Non- comedogenic
- Fragrance free
- Has a pH level 5-6
Cons:
- Some users found the moisturizer to be too sticky on their skin
5. Most Quick Absorbing: Parachute Advanced Coconut Water Hydrating Gel
Special Ingredients: Niacinamide and Glycerin | Scent: Coconut | Quantity: 200 ml
Looking for a moisturizer that will hydrate your skin and help you fight acne scars? Parachute’s Advanced coconut gel is here to give you skin the love it deserves! This gel-based moisturizer is like a big slurp of Coconut Water for your skin, hair and body. It gives your skin a hydrated, dewy look. The Niacinamide in this gel helps in fighting blemishes. This also promotes cell turnover and prevents wrinkles.
What are others saying about this?
It is a good moisturizer that instantly absorbs into the skin, within a few seconds of application. This doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy either.
Why should you add this to your skincare routine?
- 100% Natural Coconut Water hydrates skin, boosts cell turn-over, fights blemishes,
- The Niacinamide in the formula fights dark patches and gives even toned skin
- Glycerin present in this gel aims at deeply moisturizing your skin
Pros:
- Non-sticky
- Absorbs quickly
- Suitable for all skin types
- Paraben-free
Cons:
- Users have found the scent to be too strong
6. Best for Brightening Skin: Mamaearth Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer
Special Ingredients: Vitamin C, Aloe Vera & Shea Butter | Scent: Aloe Vera| Quantity: 200 ml
Mamaearth brings you their Vitamin C, ultra-light gel moisturizer that absorbs quickly and moisturizes effectively. This gel-based moisturizer has an oil-free gel texture that doesn’t feel heavy or sticky on the skin. With this gel, your skin will be supple, soft and glowing all day! The formula for this Mamaearth gel consists of all natural ingredients that are suitable for all skin types. This is crafted with Vitamin C, Shea Butter and Aloe Vera, which are nature's powerhouses, to hydrate your skin round the clock.
What are others saying about this?
This absorbs quickly into the skin and is extremely lightweight. It has a great gel consistency and doesn’t make your face greasy.
Why should you add this to your skincare routine?
- The Vitamin C helps in removing dark spots and brightens your skin
- Aloe vera keeps your skin feeling hydrated and looking nourished
- Shea Butter moisturizes and nourishes dry skin to keep it healthy
Pros:
- Free from harmful chemicals
- Gives 24-hour hydration
- Makes skin glow
- Suitable for all Skin types
Cons:
- Some users have found this gel moisturizer to irritate their skin
7. Best of K-Beauty: Pilgrim Korean Oil Free Gel Moisturizer
Special Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Willow Bark & Niacinamide | Scent: Unscented
Get ready to experience the goodness of Korean ingredients in your skincare! Pilgrim brings you their Korean oil-free gel moisturizer which will give your skin intense hydration for up to 24 hours and support the moisture barrier. This gel controls shine and oiliness, giving you a smooth, matte appearance. It even works at fading blemishes and minimizing pores. This has ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Willow Bark and Niacinamide. It is formulated for oily, combination, acne-prone skin. The Willow bark extract soothes and gently exfoliates the skin. It alleviates acne and fades blemishes to give you clear and glowing skin. This will visibly brighten your skin while keeping it healthy and strong.
What are others saying about this?
This Pilgrim gel moisturizer has ultralight, water-gel provides the skin with intense 24-hour moisturization. It hydrates your skin without clogging your pores.
Why should you add this to your skincare routine?
- Willow bark extracts clarify the complexion by removing dead skin c ells from the surface of the skin
- Niacinamide regulates sebum production and strengthens the moisture barrier of the skin
- The Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin in the formula aim at hydrating and moisturizing
Pros:
- Controls shine
- Hydrates to deeper levels
- Gently exfoliates the skin
- Reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Cons:
- Users have reported that this gel has a very strong fragrance
8. Most Soothing: LAKMÉ 9 To 5 Naturale Aloe Aqua Hydrating Face Gel
Special Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera| Scent: Aloe Vera | Quantity: 50 ml
Lakme brings you the perfect product for selfcare with their hydrating face gel. Give your skin a nourishing touch with the Lakme 9To5 Natural Aloe Aqua Gel. It is enriched with aloe vera to intensely soothe and nourish your skin. It is a lightweight gel which has aa non-sticky formula that glides on the skin smoothly. The gel also offers protection from harsh environmental aggressors like pollution. This Lakme gel cream also hydrates and primes the skin. It gives you fresh and glowing look, especially on no makeup days.
What are others saying about this?
This Lakme Aloe Aqua gel moisturize your skin really well. Your skin will feel refreshed every time you apply this gel. It absorbs quickly into the skin as well.
Why should you add this to your skincare routine?
- This is a hydrating gel which is infused with aloe vera for soothing skin
- It has a lightweight, non-sticky texture which applies smoothly
- The formula will nourish and protect your skin from pollution
Pros:
- Soothing
- Light weight
- Hydrating
- Acts as a primer
Cons:
- Users have found the quantity of the product to be less
FAQs
What is gel-based moisturizer?
Gel moisturizers are water-based lotions that are lightweight in texture and easily absorbed into the skin. It appears like jelly and is transparent. They contain fewer emollients and oils than moisturizers that are cream based. These are compatible with a variety of skin types but typically their absence of oil makes them extremely compatible with oily and combination skin. They hydrate and moisturize the skin without leaving a film or residue which is perfect for combination and oily skin types. It is oil-free and absorbs into the skin quickly. It is also super lightweight and doesn't let you feel anything on your skin while nourishing every inch of it, without leaving behind any shine or grease
Who should use gel moisturizers?
Gel moisturizers are compatible with most skin types and offer a unique set of benefits. Due to their ability to hydrate without weighing down the skin, gel moisturizers are great for those with oily, blemish-prone skin. These gels are refreshingly light in texture and are easy to apply.
Which is better cream or gel moisturizer?
One should choose between gel and cream moisturizers based on their skin type. Both are very different from each other. They both have the opposite texture due to their base ingredient. Gels are usually oil-free, which makes its texture watery and light. On the other hand, cream moisturizers have a thick and heavy texture, which creates a long-lasting protective barrier on your skin. If you have skin gets greasy often, you should opt for a gel moisturizer. While if you skin feels dry, you should choose a cream-based moisturizer.