How to choose the right water-based moisturizer
Moisturizers come in endless formulas, and it can be hard to find the right one. However, you can never go wrong with a water-based moisturizer since all skin, regardless of type, age and color needs moisture to stay healthy and heal if damaged.
Oily and acne-prone skin especially need moisture — the body produces more oil as a natural reaction to dry skin, and acne scars require hydration to fully recover. In addition, daytime moisturizers can offer a lighter layer under your sunscreen and makeup, while nighttime moisturizers provide deep hydration as your skin repairs overnight.
Best water-based moisturizer for oily skin
Best budget buy
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for Extra-Dry Skin: available at Amazon and Kohl’s
Our take: This gel deeply hydrates your skin all day, sinking into skin easily, leaving no stickiness behind.
What we like: Uses hyaluronic acid for deep hydration. Free of oil, dyes and fragrances. Won’t clog pores. Works great under makeup.
What we dislike: If you already have hyaluronic acid in your skincare regimen, this gel may be too strong, since too much can actually dry out your skin, especially if you live in dry climates.
Best splurge
Kiehl’s Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream: available at Sephora
Our take: This Kiehl’s water cream includes all the pros of calendula, a natural anti-inflammatory antioxidant that encourages collagen and elastin production.
What we like: Feels weightless. Calms redness. Evens out skin texture. Absorbs easily into skin.
What we dislike: The floral scent from the calendula may be too strong for those sensitive to smell.
Best water-based moisturizer for acne-prone skin
Best budget buy
Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream: available at Amazon
Our take: This cream offers 24-hour hydration without clogging pores, leaving your skin moisturized without the extra grease.
What we like: Noncomedogenic. Fragrance free. Hyaluronic acid used for extra hydration. Cetaphil is a top dermatologist-recommended brand.
What we dislike: While it’s water-based, this cream doesn’t absorb as quickly as gels and may feel sticky until it completely sinks into the skin.
Best splurge
Tatcha The Water Cream: available at Sephora
Our take: Featuring a potent but gentle blend of Japanese botanicals and superfoods, this Tatcha water cream delivers powerful results while deeply moisturizing skin.
What we like: Works well on sensitive, oily and acne-prone skin. Smooths out texture. Pleasant fragrance.
What we dislike: While it claims to minimize pores, reviewers mention they did not see such results.
Best water-based moisturizer for dry skin
Best budget buy
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer: available at Amazon
Our take: This fragrance- and paraben-free moisturizer from La Roche-Posay, another drugstore and dermatologist favorite, promises up to 48 hours of hydration.
What we like: Begins restoring your skin barrier within just 1 hour. Great for sensitive skin. Won’t clog pores. Easily absorbed.
What we dislike: Some users say this moisturizer pills heavily (forms flakes or small particles on your skin).
Best splurge
Murad Nutrient-Charged Water Gel: available at Murad
Our take: This water gel includes 15 different vitamins, minerals and peptides along with Hydration-Release Technology that promotes water retention in your skin for up to 5 days.
What we like: Softens skin. Feels lightweight, never greasy. A little goes a long way.
What we dislike: If you’re sensitive to smells, the fragrance in this gel may bother you.
Best water-based moisturizer for sensitive skin
Best budget buy
Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream: available at Amazon
Our take: This clean formula from Etude House, one of South Korea’s biggest budget brands, has a low pH to hydrate and heal your skin without irritation.
What we like: Made with 93% natural ingredients. Formulated to protect the skin barrier. Perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
What we dislike: As a thicker water-based cream, this may feel sticky, as it doesn’t absorb immediately.
Best splurge
Dermalogica Calm Water Gel: available at Dermalogica
Our take: This Dermalogica water gel works instantly to hydrate even the most sensitive skin, turning into a fluid that penetrates different surface layers while protecting your pores from environmental pollutants.
What we like: Features “dual hyaluronic acid technology” for maximum hydration. Reviewers with skin sensitivities rave about its deep hydrating power. Brings immediate relief to irritated skin.
What we dislike: While a little goes a long way, you may have to restock more often, as it’s only 1.7 ounces of product for $50.
Best daytime water-based moisturizer
Best budget buy
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30: available at Amazon
Our take: This oil-free CeraVe lotion with SPF not only moisturizes your skin, but also protects it from the sun (and future sun damage).
What we like: Hydrates with a blend of ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for daily use.
What we dislike: It can leave a white cast due to the SPF, so it’s not ideal to wear under makeup.
Best splurge
belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb: available at Sephora
Our take: Formulated only with clean ingredients, Belif True Cream combines glycerin, ceramide and lady’s mantle to increase your skin’s hydration level by 70%.
What we like: Lightweight cream. Gives skin a dewy look. Feels soothing on dry skin.
What we dislike: Those with skin sensitive to alcohol should avoid this cream, as it’s one of the ingredients.
Best nighttime water-based moisturizer
Best budget buy
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream: available at Ulta
Our take: Created in partnership with dermatologists, this CeraVe night cream hydrates your skin while smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles using MVE Technology, a patented system that releases moisture throughout the night.
What we like: Softens skin while you sleep. Promotes skin elasticity. Calms red, irritated skin. Won’t clog pores.
What we dislike: Some reviewers don’t like how heavy it feels, since it doesn’t absorb quickly.
Best splurge
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Mask: available at Sephora
Our take: Another product made with clean ingredients, this Drunk Elephant overnight mask includes four types of electrolytes and Vitamin F (fatty acids) to noticeably plump the skin.
What we like: Users love how it improves skin texture overnight. Absorbs quickly. Hydrating.
What we dislike: The mega blend of electrolytes and nutrients may break out sensitive skin. Joanne Yun is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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