Are you on a hunt for the best gel-cream moisturizers that leave you feeling supple and hydrated? Or one that gives you a healthy glow all day long without getting shiny? How about both? Read on, your search ends here.
First, what is a gel-cream?
Gel cream moisturizers have become incredibly popular over the last several years, and for good reason. Gel creams really are just what their name suggests- a moisturizer that’s a hybrid of both. They aren’t as thin or transparent as gels, but they aren’t as occlusive, thick, or opaque as creams either.
So what’s the difference?
The main difference between a gel-cream moisturizer and a regular cream is that a gel-based one tends to be higher in humectants( ingredients that draw water into the top layer of the skin) as opposed to occlusives( ingredients that form a protective layer on the top of the skin to keep moisture in). This results in a faster-absorbing, more lightweight moisturizer that is especially ideal for acne-prone or oily skin types because it runs a lower risk of having potentially pore-clogging ingredients in it.
Who can benefit from gel-cream moisturizers?
That being said though, absolutely anyone can enjoy and benefit from a gel moisturizer no matter what skin type they have. Gel-cream moisturizers are fantastic choices for the hotter, more humid months, and they make a great base for makeup. Additionally, if you feel your skin care routine provides you with enough hydration from other products like toners, essences or serums, then you might opt for a lighter-weight moisturizer in the form of a gel-cream.
A Bit More…
I’m a self-proclaimed skin care fanatic always on the hunt for a product that will one-up my current holy grail, and moisturizer is one of the few categories of skincare that’s easy get through relatively-quickly, so you can imagine how many I’ve tried in my lifetime and how many dollars I’ve spent in this particular category *laughs nervously*. I’ve narrowed down this list quite a bit into what I believe the best choices on the market are, and what skin type I think will benefit best from them.
In this article you’ll find options for the best gel based moisturizer for combination skin, the best gel moisturizer for dry skin, and more.
After reading, I’m confident you’ll find your next holy grail ( or 3) gel-cream moisturizer that will give you the perfect amount of hydration and keep you looking and feeling fresh all day.
This post is all about the best gel-cream moisturizers for every skin type.
Best Gel-Cream Moisturizers
1.) Best Gel Moisturizer For Oily Skin
You might have heard of Peach & Lily for their famous Glass Skin Refining Serum, but their Glass Skin Water-Gel Moisturizer deserves just as much attention.
This pick falls under the category of best gel moisturizer for oily skin because of it’s incredibly refreshing and translucent gel texture. There’s a boatload of ingredients in here that provide long lasting hydration without the heaviness. Additionally, kiwi, peach and licorice extract firm the complexion and fight discoloration.
The result is a luminous, slightly blurred finish that feels and looks beautiful on the skin. I have combination skin but absolutely love this in the humid months.
The entire Klairs Fundamental line is worth checking out, but the Water Gel Cream is especially perfect for those with oilier skin types. The finish is oh-so light and weightless, but it doesn’t sacrifice on moisture and hydration.
Rice extract, panthenol, green tea water, and centella asiatica extract work to strengthen and soothe the complexion. The formula virtually disappears upon application, but the benefits don’t. Kind of like magic.
Everyone knows Glossier and everyone with oily skin should know about their Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil Control Gel Cream. Long story short, this product is phenomenal and does what it says it will. I’ve found that most moisturizers claiming to mattify end up being too drying, too powdery, and not at all moisturizing. Not this one- this stuff is pure gold.
Niacinamide helps to refine the appearance of pores and uneven tone while Willow Bark extract smooths. Marine Extract reduces shine immediately and keeps it that way all day without drying.
I cannot adequately describe how apparent the results are with this product. It’s the first mattifying moisturizer I’ve ever used and truly liked. You’ve got to try it for yourselves.
Click Here To Buy on Make Beauty
If you haven’t heard of Make Beauty before…well, now you have. The products that this brand creates are as effective as their packaging is beautiful. Their Succulent Skin Gel Cream moisturizer is an innovative “serum weight” option that will leave your skin with all the glow and none of the grease.
Glycerin, aloe vera concentrate, and hyaluronic acid hydrate while niacinamide balances oil production and addresses hyperpigmentation long term. It’s cooling and invigorating when you apply it, and its smooth, radiant finish creates the perfect base for makeup application. This has been one of my top finds in the past year.
2.) Best Gel Moisturizer for Combination Skin
Naturium’s Marine Hyaluronic Water Cream is a testament of a product that proves how amazing this brand is for the price point. When I was first introduced to this product over a year ago it was during the fall when my skin tends to lean more dry. But, when spring/summer rolled around I found myself reaching for this again. It’s impressively versatile and just plain good.
Besides hyaluronic acid of course, the stars of the show in this gel-cream are ingredients called marine-based polysaccharides. In our skin, polysaccharides make it possible to retain water and maintain our skins own ability to hydrate. In this product, they exist to provide extra hydration at multiple levels and improve barrier function.
The consistency of this one begins to absorb and dissolve instantly, leaving you with a subtle, healthy glow. Apply to damp skin and you can’t go wrong.
Here’s a gel-cream moisturizer that packs a serious punch… of hydration and moisture that is. Belif’s the true cream aqua bomb hits your skin with a burst of intense, refreshing hydration. Guys, it’s so good.
Just some of the stellar ingredients are calendula extract, oat kernel extract, squalane, and panthenol. These products repair, replenish and lock in moisture for skin that’s healthier and more resilient. After patting in, skin looks more supple and has that ” lit from within” quality to it.
I use this as a moisturizer, but I also like to leave this on for 10-15 minutes as a mask if my skin is feeling particularly parched.
Buckle up, here’s another perfect gel-cream moisturizer for combination skin. The Hyaluron moisture cream from Hanskin has a unique, semi- clear, whipped consistency that’s a sheer pleasure to use. This gel-cream hybrid plumps, hydrates, and strengthens the skin barrier for a beautiful finish with a slight “blurred-out” effect.
Niacinamide helps to balance oil production and brighten while hyaluronic acid hydrates and hibiscus extract neutralizes free radicals. There’s no stickiness or lingering tacky feel, just a happy, hydrated complexion.
The Hydrogel Cream from Honest Beauty might be one of my favorite gel-cream moisturizers in this article because of the unique moisture release technology it uses. On first glance this cream might appear heavy and thick, but they key is to gently press this into your skin before massaging it in the rest of the way.
Once you do this, the formula literally “bursts” into its thinner, liquid form and you’re left with quenched skin and a dewy finish. There’s two types of hyaluronic acid, squalane, and jojoba esters to keep your skin hydrated all day. $20.00 isn’t too bad either.
3.) Best Gel Moisturizer For Dry Skin
I’d have to imagine that this is one of Neutrogena’s most famous products. This fragrance-free, gel-cream moisturizer for extra dry skin is a pick that I come back to again and again. It’s accessible, affordable, and effective. As opposed to their lighter version, this one is thicker and more comforting, but still breathable and non-heavy.
Personally I find this one to have a bit more of a silicone-y feel to it which might put some people off so it’s worth noting, but I haven’t found it to be an issue. This characteristic actually beneficial if you’re going to apply makeup afterwards, and it helps protect the skin from harsh weather and elements.
You must try Avene’s Hydrance Aqua-Gel if you haven’t already. The texture is a straight-up DREAM. A DREAM I tell you! It’s this stunning, cushiony gel-cream that melts effortlessly into the skin. It’s divine and delivers incredible results.
There’s too many hydration-boosting and skin-fortifying ingredients to mention in this description. Think of this product as armor, beautiful and comfortable armor for your skin. And the more you wear it the stronger and more beautiful your skin will get.
You can purchase this on Amazon, but I do suggest heading over to Avene’s website for a more thorough description of why this is one of the best gel-cream moisturizers out there.
If I’m being honest, I don’t know if Clinique’s Moisture Surge 100 Hour auto-replenishing hydrator actually hydrates the skin for 100 hours. I haven’t kept the product on my face that long to find out. But what I do know is that it lived up to all the hype I’ve ever heard and read about it.
It says on Ulta that this moisturizer has an “addictive oil-free gel-cream texture”. I’d have to agree. When I apply this, I don’t want to stop applying it. The texture is silky smooth and soft, and I certainly find it to deeply hydrate and instantly plump my skin. I wouldn’t say it “blurs” the skin exactly, but my imperfections somehow appear less noticeable when I’m wearing this.
There’s glycerin, caffeine, aloe leaf polysaccharides, hyaluronic acid, and a lot more in the ingredient list to keep your face feeling fresh and glowing all day. Once you try this though, be careful. There’s a good change you’ll find yourself buying the 4.2 oz mega size a couple times a year.
Last but not least is Aveeno’s Calm+Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer. In my humble opinion, this is the best product out of Aveeno’s Calm+Restore line. And it’s less than $20.00. Feverfew, oat kernel, and centella asiatica extract make this ideal for sensitive skin as well as dry.
My skin isn’t the most sensitive, but if I’ve overdone it on retinoids or exfoliants I reach for this to reduce any redness or irritation. Also, because it’s nourishing but still lightweight, it’s perfect for sandwiching retinol at night to minimize potential aggravation and dryness.
This product successfully coddles and soothes without being suffocating. Don’t we all want that in some way or another?
This post was all about the best gel-cream moisturizers for every skin type.
Other posts you may like:
- 11 Must-Have Products For Dry Skin That Will Save Your Face During Colder Months
- 10 Seriously Effective Skin Care Brands For Sensitive Skin You’ll Wish you Had Put On Your Face Sooner
- Target Skin Care Products – 21 Of the Very Best Picks You Can Snag On Your Next Run
