As a lifelong beauty enthusiast, I’ve always considered myself pretty knowledgeable about my combination skin type and the kinds of products that work best on it. I rotate through an artfully crafted regimen of cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and oils to combat the various zones of oiliness, dryness, and even the occasional sensitivity on my face. When I recently met with acclaimed celebrity dermatologist Dennis Gross, MD, he pointed to a small (but mighty) breakout I was experiencing and suggested a skincare swap I wasn’t expecting. “You should think about using an oil-free moisturizer,” he said plainly. “You want to hydrate, but oils can block the pores.” I was shook.
Although it’s no surprise that oil can clog the pores and lead to breakouts, I thought I was immune to such foolery since the slippery substance is among my favorite skincare ingredients. I love double-cleaning with an oil cleanser and even rely on a number of different types, especially during the winter months when the skin around my mouth gets straight-up parched. “Nowadays, technology allows for you to have great results without oils, and I think that’s a good move for you,” Gross explained.
Water-based moisturizers are a popular alternative to their oil-based counterparts. Simply put, they employ water as the main ingredient into which the other, water-attracting humectant ingredients are mixed. This helps to achieve hydration from within the skin as opposed to sealing in moisture from the outside. “It gives what’s called internal hydration, so it doesn’t sit on your skin like oils do. It gets inside the skin and brings water into the skin. Not only do you get hydration, but you get some plumping and this beautiful, dewy radiance without the possible side effects of excess oils,” says Gross.
Though I was hesitant to fully jump on the oil-free train, the fact is that when the trusted dermatologist of stars like Zoë Kravitz and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley makes a suggestion, you listen. And so began my deep dive into this foreign skin territory. Ahead, see 20 water-based moisturizers to quench the thirstiest skin.
Conversations about water-based moisturizers truly start and end with this OG offering from Tatcha. The water-burst technology is supported by Japanese wild rose to balance the skin and refine pores, and Japanese leopard lily keeps oil production in check. The result is plump, clear skin.
Instead of using oil-based humectants, this hydra-gel moisturizer employs damask-rose extract and hyaluronic acid to not only deliver moisture but also keep it locked in the skin.
This oil-free water gel offering from Neutrogena feels refreshing and cool on application. Don’t let the lightweight consistency fool you—hyaluronic acid and olive extract make it a deeply moisturizing option.
K-beauty brand Laneige is long beloved for its oil-free offerings, and this one is no different. The green mineral-water base in this deeply moisturizing cream is extracted from brussels sprouts, artichoke, and lima bean, so it’s basically like a salad for your face.
Marine algae, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and coconut extract join forces to promote firm, hydrated skin by enhancing moisture content and plumping fine lines and wrinkles. If you want to look like you drink a gallon of water every day, this is a must-have.
This hydrating gel moisturizer contains anti-aging and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and B3 vitamins that penetrate the skin to condition from the inside out.
This aptly named water-cream option by Saturday Skin uses mineral-rich Alaskan-glacier water as its main ingredient. From there, a peptide formula and soothing moss keep the skin calm and balanced.
Not only does this water cream hydrate sans a potentially pore-clogging oil base, but it exfoliates to help rid your face of stubborn dark marks at the same time.
This lightweight gel emulsion employs watermelon extract to soothe the skin while hyaluronic acid carries water deep beneath the surface. It also smells good and looks so pretty sitting on your vanity.
Hero ingredients hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamides make sure this non-comedogenic formula moisturizes all day long. Plus, the added SPF protects from the sun’s harmful rays.
I mean, the name itself says everything you need to know about the heavenly concoction. A 30% concentration of hyaluronic acid at three different molecular sizes has the ability to hydrate the skin for up to 72 hours. Ceramides also help to lock in even more moisture.
Although not totally oil-free, this nourishing mineral water–based gel delivers lightweight hydration via herbal extracts and a conscious blend of jojoba oil, olive squalene, and shea butter to protect the skin and preserve moisture.
This moisturizer sinks into skin almost immediately after you apply it, leaving skin feeling hydrated without weighing it down.
This oil-free hydra-gel is the perfect combatant to both dryness and breakouts. It contains beta hydroxy acids, mallow extract, and a special blend of skin-defending extracts and antioxidants that offer as much protection as they do hydration.
Sophie Turner is a fan of this ultra-lightweight moisturizer, which deploys cactus water to nourish and impart heavy-hitting hydration without clogging the pores.
The soothing prebiotic thermal water base is one of only a handful of ingredients in this formulation, which makes it perfect for more sensitive skin types.
This moisturizer is infused with three different types of hyaluronic acid, making it extremely hydrating. It absorbs quickly for a lightweight finish.
It’s not called “aqua bomb” for nothing. This moisturizer is super hydrating. It’s packed with lady’s mantle (a skin-softener), glycerin, and ceramides.
Squalane and probiotics help nourish and protect the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
This unique serum-moisturizer hybrid is full of calendula-flower extract, which helps soothe skin. Up next, these are the best drugstore moisturizers that rival their pricey counterparts. This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
