If you have oily skin, Water-based moisturizers are your best bet as they hydrate the skin without making it oily or greasy.
These moisturizers are of gel consistency and are able to penetrate the skin layers easily.
If you are looking for good water-based moisturizers, here are ten most popular and efficient hydrating moisturizers which work well for oily skins:
Editor Pick Best Water-Based Moisturizers
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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
This gel moisturizer boosts hydration of the skin and gets absorbed quickly. It makes the skin feel smooth and hydrated for long duration of time. The main ingredients include hyaluronic acid and olive extract. These ingredients are known for their nourishing properties which provide a moisture barrier to the skin and prevent moisture loss. This gel comes in five sizes so you can choose your required quantity as per your usage. Regular use prevents aging of the skin and dryness.
What We Like About It –
The hyaluronic acid in the gel works as a sponge and holds water up to 1000 times of its own weight. The price is also moderate as compared to quantity.
H20 Plus Oasis 24 Hydrating Booster
This skin booster is made up of sea grass extract and sea plankton which renew the skin cells and enhance the moisture absorption. The practical pump packaging allows you to use this serum easily and conveniently. It also contains Vitamin E and Vitamin B, which prevent fine lines and wrinkles. It can be used as a day moisturizer or under your night cream for keeping the skin soft and moist.
What We Like About It –
The presence of sea grass complex in this gel gives hydration to the skin all day long and makes the skin more resilient. The omega acids in the product protect the skin from pollution and dirt.
L’Oreal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care
This light weight moisturizer gives you fresh and matte skin with its Aloe Vera based formula. This cream is best suited for oily skin as it gives continuous hydration up to 72 hours. It is also available in the normal and dry skin versions. Regular usage makes the skin plump and healthy looking. The main ingredient of this product is Aloe Vera and other ingredients include hyaluronic acid and Vitamins which soothe the skin.
What We Like About It –
The texture of this cream makes it the perfect skin drink for oily skin. The results with regular usage are phenomenal. The price of this product is also moderate.
Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream
One of the cheapest gel moisturizers in the market, this cream from Garnier is oil free and suitable for oily skins. It comes in a jar packaging and can be used at both day and night. It instantly boosts the hydration levels of the skin and locks the moisture for up to 24 hours. It also contains pure fruit water extracts which condition the skin and reduce tanning. It is a very light and refreshing cream which provides a cooling effect to the skin also.
What We Like About It –
The light texture of this cream makes it the perfect skin care product in summers. It makes the skin feel soft and hydrated without making it oily.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer
This facial cream is specifically designed for oily skins as it is water-based. It also works on refining the pores and enhancing moisture in the skin. It gives a light matte finish and targets excess oil to keep the skin clean and fresh. The formula is non-comedogenic and is dermatologically tested. It can be used daily on clean skin for improving the texture of the skin and controlling acne. It comes in a tube packaging. The price is little on a higher side as compared to the other creams but the brand is known for its efficient skin care line.
What We Like About It –
The dual action of this cream with lipo-hydroxy acids moisturize the skin while exfoliating it lightly. This cream also tightens the pores for protecting the skin from dirt.
Philosophy Hope in a Jar Daily Moisturizer
The unique soufflé texture of this cream and the light weight formula provides protection against pollutants and makes the skin smooth and radiant. It has a faint lavender smell and hydrates the skin without adding oil to it. The jar packaging is convenient to use. This cream comes in two sizes. The price is comparatively high but the results of this cream are too good to miss it.
What We Like About It –
This product has won many awards for its targeted formula which works efficiently on the skin to hydrate it. It seriously provides hope to dull and damaged skins as it adds radiance and makes the skin look healthy.
Paula’s Choice SKIN BALANCING Invisible Finish Moisture Gel Moisturizer
With its refreshing light weight formula, this gel cream hydrates the skin and is suitable for oily to combination skins. It enhances collagen production in the skin which improves the texture and reduces wrinkles. The formula contains a combination of antioxidants and hydrating ingredients along with niacin amide which helps in reducing the pores. This cream is also suitable for sensitive skin as it is non comedogenic and fragrance free. The presence of oat kernels extract and green tea in the formula soothe the skin while gently exfoliating it.
What We Like About It –
The gentle formula of this cream provides nourishment to the skin and the quantity is also worth the price.
CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion
This award-winning moisturizer contains ceramide and hyaluronic acid which make a protective barrier on the skin and restores its natural hydration level. It is fragrance-free and light weight and uses MVE technology to gradually hydrate the skin throughout the day. It absorbs well and can be used before going to bed. If you are suffering from cracking and peeling skin, this hydrating lotion is perfect for making your skin soft and healthy again.
What We Like About It –
The pump packaging of this product and the non-comedogenic formula of this product makes it an ideal cream for normal to oily skins. It comes in four sizes and is priced moderately.
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Boscia Oil Free Daily Hydration
One of the most expensive moisturizers for oily skins, this hydrating formula from Boscia contains burdock root, silica powder, jojoba leaf and wine complex which work towards protecting the skin from pollution and dirt and prevent premature aging. This cream also contains SPF 15 with UVA/UVB protection for reducing damages on the skin from the sun. It is a non-comedogenic product which also reduces skin inflammation and refines the skin texture.
What We Like About It –
The presence of SPF in this cream eliminates the requirement of the sunscreen. The natural and skin loving ingredients also justify the price completely.
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Clean & Clear Oil-Free Dual Action Moisturizer
This cream from Clean & Clear contains salicylic acid which reduces acne and clears pimple mark. The formula is oil free and hydrates the skin without making it greasy. The compact packaging with pump allows convenient usage during travelling also. Regular usage makes the skin smooth and soft. If you have an oily T-zone, this cream is perfect for hydrating the area and controlling the excess oil.
What We Like About It –
The results of this moisturizer from the house of Johnson & Johnson are completely worth the price and the salicylic acid works well for reducing pimples and acne.
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Water-Based Moisturizers Buyer Guide
The most common cause of many skin concerns is a lack of hydration in the skin. Using a proper hydrator for your skin type is very important as it hydrates the skin and reduces signs of aging. There are many types of moisturizers available in the market but it is important to choose one which is designed for your skin type and skin concerns. The following factors must be kept in mind while choosing a water-based moisturizer for oily skin:
- Formula:
The main type of skin hydrators includes gel based and cream based products. The formula should be oil free and not feel heavy on the skin. Water-based moisturizers work well for this type of skin because of their gel consistency which contains excess oil and improves the hydration level of the skin. Look for non comedogenic products as they do not clog the pores.
- Ingredients:
Products with ingredients like Aloe Vera, hyaluronic acid etc. should be preferred as they penetrate the skin layer without making it greasy. Avoid formulas which contain butter and oil which produce oil and promote acne. If you want light exfoliation along with hydration look for ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid and oat meal extract. Alpha hydroxyl acids protect the skin from pollution and dirt and enhance cell renewal. Always buy product which contain SPF as sun protection is a very important factor.
- Skin concerns:
If you have sensitive skin, choose a product which is hypoallergenic and free of fragrances and dyes. Choose products which dermatologically recommended as they are gentle on the skin. Your skin concerns are dependent on the age and not all formulas suit all ages. People with itchy skin should avoid steroids in the formula as they can lead to many other skin problems.
- Price:
The average price of a water-based moisturizer ranges from 5$ to 70$ depending upon the brand under formula. Not all moisturizers suit different skin types, so it becomes important to choose a formula which works well for your skin type despite the price. Your skin is very important and complements your personality physically and mentally. You can look online for deals available on your favourite product to save some money. If it is a multipurpose product which eliminates 2-3 other products, it becomes worth to spend some extra money on your preferred product.
- Packaging:
Always try to buy convenient pump packaging which is easy to use and reduces the chances of infecting the product with fingers. You can also choose a small tube for travelling purposes as your favourite product might not be available everywhere.
Here are some general tips and tricks you should keep in mind while buying and using water-based moisturizer:
- Always test a sample of the product on the skin before buying the full size to see how it works on your skin.
- Determine the level of oiliness your skin has before choosing a product as different formulas work for different skin tone.
- Avoid formulas with alcohol in it as they can dry out the skin further.
- Experiment with different products and read customer reviews to see which product is beneficial for your skin.
- The demands of your skin change when the season changes and it is essential to change your skin care routine as the weather changes.
- Choose a light gel for summers and a hydrating cream for winters.
- Applying the cream when the skin is damp allows it to penetrate the skin deeper and hydrate it efficiently.
- Moisturizers which contains alpha hydroxyl acids help in reducing signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.
- Choose a different product for your face and body as not all body friendly ingredients are good for the face. Avoid mineral oil in your formula which clogs the pores which results in pimples and acne.
So these are some of the most popular water-based moisturizers which work well for oily skin tones without breaking them out. The light formulas with skin loving ingredients control excess oil on the skin and make the skin look smooth and hydrated. This buyer guide will help you choose the ideal moisturizer for your skin type which improves your skin texture.
Do you have oily skin? Which is the best water-based moisturizer you have used?
