Gel Moisturizers
Healthy skin requires proper maintenance. A daily regimen of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing ensures that your skin stays strong and youthful. However, because of age or environmental factors, you might experience occasional dryness. It could occur on any part of the body—the face, the hands, the legs, and even the lips. To keep hydrated, you need the best moisturizers for your skin. But with a multitude of products in stores and online, it can get confusing. Should you choose a cream or a gel moisturizer?
Oil-based moisturizers are creamy and rich but can feel and appear greasy. Advanced skincare technology has allowed the development of gel moisturizers for every skin type. Gels are oil-free, water-based, and absorb quickly. And it’s not just about the texture. The humectants in these products trap water molecules for long-lasting hydration minus the shine. Moreover, they are less likely to block your pores and cause acne breakouts. If you want a moisturizer that works hard without the heaviness, then a gel moisturizer is your best bet.
11 Gel Moisturizers for Head-To-Toe Care
Gel moisturizers can work on any part of the body and for any skin type. Whatever your skincare concern, you’ll love the refreshing, lightweight sensation of gels. Let’s take a closer look at 11 bestselling products that have received rave reviews.
For the face:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
If you have oily skin, you’ve probably heard of or used Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel. This oil-free moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid to drench your skin without adding greasiness or shine. Its non-comedogenic formula won’t clog your pores and is lightweight enough to wear under makeup as a primer. Like all Hydro Boost products, it’s powered by Neutrogena’s Self-Hydrating Technology to give you supple and smooth skin all day long. It has a light refreshing scent that will invigorate you as you feed your skin.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Gel Oil
For dull, tired-looking skin, you need a product that will instantly replenish moisture and enhance radiance. Incorporate CeraVe Skin Renewing Gel Oil into your routine and be blessed with a renewed healthy glow. Featuring CeraPlex, a special blend of ceramides and sunflower oil, it can be used on its own as a moisturizer or in conjunction with your other skincare products as a serum. Just a few tiny dots around the face is enough to deliver extra hydration. Ideal for managing dryness, it’s also appropriate for sensitive skin because it’s fragrance-free.
Olay Age Defying Advanced Gel Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
Who doesn’t want to have youthful-looking skin? Although it’s marketed for mature skin, Olay Age Defying Advanced Gel Moisturizer is for anyone who wants to ward off the signs of premature aging. This antioxidant-rich gelhelps skin retain moisture while fighting against free radicals that can cause further damage. It also exfoliates gently to reveal plumped new skin. With a delightfully sheer texture that won’t leave a slick residue, your skin will become soft and perfectly balanced.
For the body:
The Body Shop Mango Body Yogurt
Don’t you just hate it when you’re in hurry but you have to wait for your body lotion to dry before getting dressed? The Body Shop Mango Body Yogurt is a fast-absorbing, non-sticky treat that will give you 48 hours of continuous moisture. Apply it on damp skin right after your bath or shower for an immediate boost. It’s enriched with sustainably-sourced mango juice and organic almond milk that smells good enough to eat. Plus, it’s 100% vegan.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream
When it comes to gels, Neutrogena leads the pack. Besides moisturizers for the face, they’ve also created water-based treatments for the body. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream is available in two variants. The original scent is for normal to dry skin, while the fragrance-free version is more suitable for sensitive skin. Both use hyaluronic acid to attract and lock in moisture. With a weightless feel that sinks into the skin in a flash, they provide non-stop hydration to improve the appearance and texture of dry skin over time.
For the hands:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hand Gel Cream
For dry, chapped hands, you can’t go wrong with SELF Healthy Beauty Awards winner Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hand Cream Gel. Devotees love that it intensely moisturizes without feeling oily or waxy. This product is clinically proven to leave hands noticeably softer and smoother. It uses the same advanced facial hydration expertise that made Neutrogena famous—and deservedly so. For maximum convenience, it comes in a handy 3 oz tube that makes it easy to bring with you everywhere you go.
Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel
There are many aloe vera products in the market, but none are as popular as this one. Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel is a multi-tasker that can be used for just about anything. It soothes sunburn, conditions hair, and combats skin dryness all in one package. Our favorite way to use it as a moisturizer after handwashing. It’s full of antioxidants and vitamins that help protect the skin’s barrier. It can even relieve skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis.
For the feet/legs:
Aveeno Therapeutic Shaving Gel
It’s important to moisturize your legs during and after shaving to avoid redness and irritation. Aveeno Therapeutic Shaving Gel is a rich lubricant that is especially beneficial for skin that’s prone to razor bumps. Just a small dollop of this gel produces a luxurious lather that will ensure a close, smooth shave without nicks and cuts. It contains Aveeno’s signature cocktail of colloidal oatmeal to restore skin’s natural pH and sunflower seed oil to calm inflammation.
Gilden Tree Maximum Strength 42% Urea Gel with Salicylic Acid & Hyaluronic Acid
Your feet will breathe a sigh a relief the second you slather them with Gilden Tree Maximum Strength Urea Gel. If you’ve read about ancient cultures using sweat and urine (ew!) as a health tonic, it’s because of urea. But don’t worry, urea in skincare products is synthetically manufactured in laboratories. Urea has keratolytic and hydrating properties that will work wonders on your dry, cracked heels. In addition, this gel has salicylic acid to decrease redness and swelling. It’s topped off with hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into your skin.
For the lips:
Dermalogica Nightly Lip Treatment
For perennially chapped and flaky lips, try Dermalogica Nightly Lip Treatment. Used as an overnight lip mask, you’ll wake up with a velvety soft and moisturized kisser. This anti-aging treatment reduces the appearance of fine feather lines and wrinkles. It helps restore skin volume on and around the mouth, giving your lips a fuller, plumper look. Extracts from the Indian Gentian plant and sesame seeds improve skin resilience by restoring your lips’ natural moisture barrier.
Aquaphor Lip Repair
Cold, dry weather can wreak havoc on your skin. Your lips are particularly vulnerable because the skin there doesn’t have sweat glands. They dry out more easily and are prone to cracking and peeling. Aquaphor Lip Repair provides immediate relief and long-lasting hydration. This jelly is formulated with shea butter, chamomile essence, and vitamins. It also gives your lips a subtle shine. Suitable for sensitive skin, it’s preservative- and fragrance-free.
Make Gel Moisturizers a Part of Your Daily Routine
Maintaining your skin’s natural glow means giving it the moisture it needs. Gel Moisturizers provide super hydration with a feather-light, invigorating feel. They’ll let your skin breathe while replenishing your skin’s moisture barrier. There’s a myriad of oil-free, water-based products to condition and nourish you from your head down to your feet. Give the ones on this list a try and say hello to smooth, luminous skin day after day.
