The 16 Best Gel Moisturizers

The beauty of gel-based moisturizers (the good ones, anyway) is that their lightweight, water-based formulas replenish moisture for a plump, hydrated complexion without any of the heavy textures that can make certain skin types breakout. As many combination skin types will attest to, switching to a gel moisturizer is when clogged pores, milia, and random zits you’re likely accustomed to decide to calm the hell down, giving way to bouncy—not greasy—skin. When you find a gel moisturizer that’s super lightweight but is also packed with no-joke hydrators like hyaluronic acid plus antioxidants and other goodies, your skin is in for a real treat.

The not-so-pretty side of gel moisturizers, however, is that sometimes they are upsettingly sticky, and they often just don’t feel hydrating enough. With the following 16 products, you don’t have to worry about that stuff. The Review2Coupon team (which features skin types from dry to acne-prone) has tried dozens of gel moisturizers over the years, and these are our current ride-or-dies. And because we’re dedicated to providing the best recommendations, we also tapped board-certified dermatologists Geeta Yadav and Rachel Maiman for their picks.

Meet the Expert

• Rachel Maiman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical.
• Geeta Yadav, MD, is a Canada-based board-certified dermatologist.

Keep scrolling for the best gel moisturizers for healthy, hydrated skin.

01
of 16

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

BYOMA
Moisturizing Gel Cream
$14.00

We can’t decide what we love more about this moisturizer: its refreshingly lightweight feel or the under-$15 price tag. Either way, our skin stays hydrated and our wallets stay intact. The formula features a tri-ceramide complex that supports the skin’s moisture barrier (aka your skin’s first line of defense against pollutants and UV rays). It’s also vegan and fragrance-free (so it’s good for sensitive skin) and delivers the brightening powers of niacinamide along with the calming effects of green tea.

The Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers