The 5 Best Gel Moisturizers for Summer
When it comes to skincare in the summer, one thing’s for sure, thick, heavy creams just don’t cut it. I don’t know about you, but as soon as the temperatures start rising, I find myself gravitating away from rich moisturizers and reaching for something lighter, fresher, and far more breathable. Enter: gel moisturizers. These lightweight heroes are perfect for oily, acne-prone, or combination skin types (and honestly, even dry skin will appreciate the cooling hydration).
You see, gel moisturizers are the heroes of summer skincare routines. They’re usually water-based, ultra-absorbent, and give you that dewy, plump finish without the greasy aftermath. Even better? Many of them are formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or glycerin, basically, hydration royalty.
If you’ve never given a gel moisturizer a fair shot, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re heading to the beach, running errands, or just trying to keep your skincare game on point despite the heat, I’ve rounded up five of the best gel moisturizers for summer that deserve a spot in your summer routine.
Best Picks
1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Let’s just get this one out of the way because honestly, it’s a cult classic for a reason. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is that one moisturizer I always come back to, especially during a heatwave. It’s lightweight, non-comedogenic, and sinks into the skin in literal seconds.
What makes it a go-to for so many beauty lovers is the hyaluronic acid-rich formula that delivers a surge of moisture without feeling sticky. Think of it as a tall glass of water for your face. And it layers perfectly under SPF and makeup, which is a huge bonus.
Why I love it: It gives that “just-had-a-facial” glow without breaking the bank or breaking me out. Plus, the cooling texture feels incredible after a long day in the sun.
2. Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
If you’re someone whose skin tends to dry out even in summer (hello, air-con!), the Clinique Moisture Surge 100H is the high-performance hydrator you didn’t know you needed. It’s more than just a gel cream, it’s designed to auto-replenish your skin’s moisture for up to 100 hours. Yes, even after washing your face.
I know that sounds like a big promise, but it honestly delivers. The texture is cushiony and bouncy, and your skin feels instantly comforted the moment you apply it.
Why I love it: It’s like the skincare equivalent of a hydrating face mask, but in a moisturizer you can use every day. The aloe bio-ferment adds that gentle, soothing factor that makes it perfect post-sun exposure, too.
3. Tatcha The Water Cream
Okay, let’s talk about the bougie pick. If you’re looking to treat yourself to a moisturizer that not only works beautifully but also looks stunning on your shelf, Tatcha’s The Water Cream is where it’s at.
What makes this one so special is the way it bursts into water upon application, literally melts into your skin like a dream. It’s infused with Japanese botanicals and anti-aging ingredients that help refine pores and smooth skin texture. The finish? Velvety, matte, and beautifully balanced.
Why I love it: It’s one of the few high-end moisturizers that actually feels like a sensorial experience every time you use it. And that little gold spatula? Love.
4. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan
If your skin is feeling a little stressed, sensitized, or just in need of some TLC, this gel-like moisturizer from The Ordinary might just be your summer hero. It’s newly launched and already gaining a lot of love for its calming, soothing formula. Unlike their classic moisturizer (which is a bit thicker), this one is more lightweight and gel-based.
It’s packed with skin-identical ingredients that help strengthen your moisture barrier without clogging your pores or making your face feel heavy.
Why I love it: It’s perfect after exfoliating or using active ingredients (like retinol or acids). It brings your skin back to baseline, and at under £15, it’s a no-brainer.
5. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream
If you’re chasing that glass skin glow this summer, Glow Recipe has got you. Their Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream is not only gorgeous in packaging (who can resist that purple jar?), but the formula is something else entirely.
What makes this one unique is that it’s got multiple types of hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin at different levels, so you get that soft, bouncy, juicy look without layering on 10 different products.
Why I love it: It works wonders under makeup, especially if you want that fresh, dewy finish. And yes, it smells lightly fruity but not overpowering, which is always a win in my book.
What is a gel moisturizer, and how is it different from a cream moisturizer?
A gel moisturizer is a lightweight, water-based hydrator with a cooling, jelly-like texture. Unlike traditional cream moisturizers, which are often oil-based and thicker in consistency, gel moisturizers absorb quickly into the skin and feel refreshingly light, especially during the warmer months.
They’re ideal for people with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin since they hydrate without clogging pores or leaving behind a greasy residue. That said, even dry skin types can benefit from gel moisturizers layered under other products for a lighter, breathable feel.
Are gel moisturizers good for summer?
Gel moisturizers are practically made for summer skincare routines. They deliver intense hydration without the heaviness, which is exactly what your skin needs when it’s hot, humid, or exposed to the sun. The cooling texture can also help soothe skin that’s been overheated or mildly sunburnt.
Plus, since most gel moisturizers are non-comedogenic and fast-absorbing, they work beautifully under sunscreen and makeup without causing your face to feel like it’s melting off.
Are gel moisturizers suitable for all skin types?
Gel moisturizers are especially loved by those with oily, acne-prone, or combination skin, thanks to their non-greasy finish. But dry and sensitive skin types can also benefit, especially if the product includes barrier-repairing ingredients like beta-glucan, ceramides, or niacinamide.
Just make sure to choose a formula that matches your skin’s needs. For example:
Oily skin: Look for oil-free, mattifying gels.
Dry skin: Opt for a gel with multiple types of hyaluronic acid or added emollients.
Sensitive skin: Choose fragrance-free options with calming ingredients like centella or calendula.