If you’ve got a skincare routine, you will know without moisturiser, it’s like eating a burger without the bun. It is the one step which will seal in all the other ingredients and ensure skin remains nourished, healthy and appears plumper too. However, if like me, you find during the warmer summer months your regular cream moisturiser can feel too thick and heavy for your skin then it may be time to switch to a gel formula. This lightweight formula has all the same skin-loving benefits of a cream, but it tends to be water or oil-free meaning it can quickly absorb into skin – ideal when your skin can feel hot and sticky as the mercury rises. It’s no wonder that google has seen an increase in searches for gel moisturisers over the last month and why more and more brands are offering gel formulas as part of their skincare offerings.
I spoke to holistic therapist and skin expert, Adele O’Donoghue to explain the difference and why it may be worth investing in a gel moisturiser now – as well as selecting some of the best gel moisturiser available right now, depending on your skin’s need and budget.
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Adele O’Donoghue is an educator at SBC Skincare and holistic therapist.
How Do Gel Moisturisers and Cream Moisturisers Differ?
“Simply put, gels and creams are very different textures,” says O’Donoghue. “While gels are thinner in texture, and feel more lightweight on the skin, creams are thicker and richer in texture, and are ‘heavier’ on the skin. The reason why their textures differ so massively? Gels are usually water-based and oil-free, while creams generally have an oil as their ‘base’ ingredient.”
The word oil may spark an interest too especially if you have acne-prone or oily skin, “The truth is, one isn’t inherently better than the other, however you may favour one texture over the other for many reasons,” says O’Donoghue. “Maybe it suits your skin better, or it fits your personal preferences more. One factor I will mention is that gel formulas are very multi-functional, which does make them favourable for some.”
Who Should Consider Switching to a Gel Moisturiser?
Although they may tend to appeal to those who have oily or combination skin this doesn’t mean those with dry skin should avoid them altogether. “If you aren’t a fan of the sticky, heavy feeling of skincare products, gels are for you,” explains O’Donoghue. “They are fast-absorbing and provide intense hydration, but are equipped with a watery, light texture which doesn’t feel sticky. They are typically better suited to oily and acne-prone skin types, as they are (usually) non-comedogenic, however they are suitable for all skin types.”
However, this doesn’t mean ditching your cream forever. “In contrast, creams are thicker and heavier, but provide intense nourishment to the skin over a longer period of time,” says O’Donoghue. “They work by forming a protective barrier over the skin to shield it from aggressors, and they’re formulated with oils which prevent the skin’s moisture from evaporating quickly. Creams are usually best suited to dry skin types, as they’re generally rich in emollients which work to soothe, hydrate and nourish the skin.”
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Best Soothing Gel Moisturiser
Elf Skin Holy Hydration Gel-Yeah Moisturiser (£12)
This feels like a comforting hug for your skin. It has a jelly-like texture that instantly starts to absorb as you apply and then keeps skin looking and feeling nourished all day. It is a good option post-gym or workout as it cools the skin and reduces any redness or puffiness.
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Best Gel Moisturiser for Dry Skin
Laneige Water Bank Gel Moisturiser (£35)
We are all aware of the hydrating benefits of hyaluronic acid and this moisturiser has them all and then some. It is said to have 2,000 times smaller molecules than your typical hyaluronic acid serum and considering how long my skin appeared glowing and felt moisturised after using it, I can definitely believe it. I kept touching my skin all day as it felt like I had only just applied the product for hours afterwards.
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Best Overnight Gel Moisturiser
Fenty Skin Instant Reset Gel-Cream (£30)
If you like to go to bed wearing a thick night cream, but find it makes you feel hot sticky and claustrophobic (maybe that’s just me) during a hot, humid summer night then this is for you. It has all the lasting benefits of a thick night cream but doesn’t feel as heavy. It also helps reduce any warm night puffiness so I wake up looking and feeling fresher in the morning.
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Best Gel Moisturiser for Oily Skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (£14)
If you tend to avoid moisturisers as you find it can make your skin appear too oily then this is one for you to try. It has all the nourishing ingredients you would find in a rich, heavier cream but thanks to its water-based formula it absorbs quickly and will leave you skin feeling comfortably moisturised without the excess shine.
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Best Gel Moisturiser for Dull Skin
The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow-Boosting Moisturiser (£22)
I have to admit when The Body Shop initially removed this moisturiser I panicked, however it quickly brought it back and I can say the new formula is just as good. This is my go-to summer choice as it not only feels super light on the skin, it gives skin a radiant glow that is ideal for when you don’t want to wear a lot of heavy base products.
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Best Gel Moisturiser For Holiday
Skin Proud Frozen Over Gel to Ice Hydration (£17)
This is one for your holiday packing list or if we ever get a heatwave in the UK. You can either use it at room temperature or pop it into the freezer for a few hours as a deeply hydrating mask, which as it touches your skin instantly cools it down, reducing any redness or puffiness. Even at room temperature this feels super comforting and will keep your skin feeling hydrated all day long.
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Best Pore Minimising Gel Moisturiser
Benefit The Pore Fessional Smooth Sip Moisturiser (£35)
If you like a moisturiser with a subtle blurring finish then this is for you. It is water-based so works well for oily and combination skin, but has the added benefit or minimising the appearance of pores so will appeal to those with dry skin who have an issue with large visible pores.
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Lauren Ezekiel is an associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism and 12 years’ experience as a beauty editor at a leading Sunday supplement, she is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup, and is often found offering advice to innocent bystanders. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK, Health and Beauty, The Sun, ASDA, Dare and Metro.
