If you have oily skin , moisturizing may be a touchy subject. You want to keep your skin hydrated, but not at the expense of feeling or appearing more greasy. That’s where gel moisturizers come in.
These moisturizers are more lightweight and thinner in consistency compared to their cream counterparts, and are better suited for oily skin types since they provide just the right amount of hydration without contributing to excess oil. “In general, moisturizers should contain humectants, emollients and occlusives for optimal moisturizing properties,” says Dr. Hadley King , a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
“A good gel moisturizer should still have all of these components, but its occlusive properties will be lighter.” We spoke with three board-certified dermatologists about the best gel moisturizers and what to look for when shopping. We also put together a list of what to shop based on their recommendations and guidance.
SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best gel moisturizers | The best gel moisturizers in 2024 | How to shop for gel moisturizers The best gel moisturizers should hydrate the skin without leaving behind a residue, according to our experts. To keep your skin well-moisturized, you’ll need formulas with all three moisturizing components: humectants, emollients and occlusives, according to King. Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin bind water into the outermost layer of skin, according to King.
Emollients, like squalane , fatty acids, fatt.