Ah, gel moisturisers - the water-based secret to glowy and hydrated skin. If you haven't already experimented with this choice of face cream, then get to know because it will soon become one of the best moisturisers to have in your skincare collection.
What's the big deal? Well, only the fact that these gel moisturisers are typically made oil-free and with combination skin in mind, to zhuzh up all skin types for everyday wear. Whether you're looking to pop these moisturisers under make-up, want a moisturiser for acne-prone skin that won't clog your pores or just need to freshen up your skincare, there's a gel moisturiser for everyone.
Closer's best gel moisturisers at a glance:
Best overall gel moisturiser: Byoma Moisturising Gel Cream - View offer on Cult Beauty
Best high-street gel moisturiser: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser - View offer on Boots
Best oil-control gel moisturiser: Glossier Priming Moisturizer Oil-Control Gel-Cream - View offer on Sephora
Let's be real, it can be hard to really know what works for your skin. So, if you want a moisturiser for combo skin or simply need to try something new, gel moisturisers might just be the key to unlocking your most glowy self. Trust us, these moisturisers are the best of the best in the gel game. Here are our favourites below.
SHOP: The best gel moisturisers to invest in
Best overall gel moisturiser
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
The one and only Byoma is known in the beauty world for its aesthetic packaging, affordable products and clean ingredients. This Byoma Moisturising Gel Cream is lightweight and made with combination skin in mind. There's a reason why it's so highly rated.
Tried & tested by Aimee Jakes, Shopping Editor: "Easily my favourite product in the range, the gel formula is perfect for oily, yet dehydrated skin. It's silky and lightweight, very nourishing and I find myself reaching for this constantly. There are honestly zero faults with this moisturiser and would happily use this for all of eternity. If you had told me this product was £50, I would have believed you."
Pros
- Lightweight but nourishing
- A popular choice on the market
- Great value for money
Cons
- May need a few layers if your skin is very dry
Best high-street gel moisturiser
www.boots.com
For a splash of hydration with an affordable price tag, go to Neutrogena's New Hydro Boost Water Gel. This oil-free moisturizer has a unique Hyaluronic Gel Matrix that quenches your skin and lasts all day. The lightweight formula is perfect for sensitive skin and will have you glowing in no time.
Customer review: "Writing a review as this is my absolute go-to day moisturiser! Glides on and absorbs right into the skin. Suitable for wearing under your makeup as well without getting that moisturiser shine."
Pros
- Oil-free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Great value-for-money
Cons
- The consistency can be sticky
Best pH-neutral gel moisturiser
www.dermatica.co.uk
Revitalize oily, blemish-prone skin with the Dermatica Soothing Centella Gel Moisturizer. It's pH-neutral and non-comedogenic, whilst the ceramides and centella enhance moisture retention and fortify your skin barrier, leaving you with a refreshed and nourished complexion.
Customer review: "I absolutely love this. I have been looking for a good moisturiser for quite some time. I have oily, acne-prone, sensitive skin, so I am always cautious of the types of products I use on my skin. Something that drew me to this product is the ingredient Centella. I have loved it, it has reduced my redness, I did not break out and it also didn't clog my pores at all. I will be buying this one again!"
Pros
- Great for acne-prone skin
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Can be greasy
Best oil-control gel moisturiser
www.sephora.co.uk
This gel-based formula is designed for those with oily skin concerns, effectively hydrating while minimizing the appearance of pores by giving a matte, pore-minimizing finish. Infused with key ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, and willow bark extract, Glossier's Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream is tailored to deliver a smooth, shine-free canvas for your makeup routine while improving skin texture and tone.
Customer review: "I’ve been using this for a week and I’m impressed! I’m always sceptical of products that advertise helping with oil control as I have an extremely oily T-zone, but this is amazing. I use it in the mornings and it keeps me matte all day."
Pros
- Perfect for oily skin types
- Pore-minimising
Cons
- Matte finish may not be suitable for everyone
Best vegan gel moisturiser
www.thebodyshop.com
When it comes to natural and vegan products, The Body Shop is a classic go-to. Jam-packed with hyaluronic acid and made with hydration in mind, The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Gel Cream is perfect for those who want something that's both ethical and replenishing.
Customer review: "Great moisturiser! I can’t use anything too rich, otherwise, I get spots, but this gel is amazingly moisturising without gunking up my pores. I love it!"
Pros
- Lightweight
- Packed with hyaluronic acid
- Vegan and natural
Cons
- May need to layer up if you have dry areas
Best jelly gel moisturiser
Lightweight, ultra moisturising as well as vegan and cruelty-free, the Skin Proud Sorbet Skin Jelly Moisturiser is a top choice if you're looking for something that covers almost everything. The texture of this jelly-like moisturiser might take a little getting used to but overall it feels thick and luxurious for everyday wear.
Customer review: "One of the best moisturisers I’ve ever tried!!! I have combination skin so a lot of times I feel a cream is too heavy for my skin and a gel cream is not enough. But this one changed the game for me. It’s perfect, moisturising enough and not heavy at all. Totally recommend. It’s the third one I have right now and I will definitely repurchase!"
Pros
- Filled with four-part hyaluronic acid complex
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons
- Texture can be a bit thick
Best K-beauty gel moisturiser
www.lookfantastic.com
Korean beauty products have had an uprise in the past few years and with good reason. You'll find Cosrx at the top of this list, with hydrating and refreshing products that get the job done. Grab this COSRX Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream if you've got acne-prone or blemished skin, to get that 'clean girl' effortlessness every day.
Customer review: "I’ve heard such good things about this brand and I was in need of a new moisturiser to prepare for the warmer weather, and honestly I’m so glad I picked this one. It’s cooling and soothing and has honestly calmed my skin down. I’m sure the green tea and centella are the main reasons for this."
Pros
- Perfect for acne-prone or blemished skin
- Containing green tea, vitamin b5 and centella
Cons
- Texture can take a little bit to get used to
Best high-end gel moisturiser
www.lookfantastic.com
This Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel is both fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, meaning that it is perfect for sensitive skin and also won't clog out any pores. A more high-end choice of gel moisturiser, it's totally worth the investment.
Customer review: "Great moisturiser which is not greasy or oily and excellent for combination skin. Skin soft and hydrated. Great for my sensitive skin. Love the gel-like texture."
Pros
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
- Good for sensitive skin
Cons
- Can be quite thin
Best oil-free gel moisturiser
www.facetheory.com
Now, if you're looking for a gel moisturiser, chances are you'll be suffering from some kind of oily skin. If you're hunting down an option that's oil-free (and won't clog up your skin with more oil than it needs), then grab this Supergel Oil-free Moisturiser M3 with Green Tea and Niacinamide.
Customer review: "I love this moisturiser! I have an oily T zone and this has been great at not clogging pores. I have quite sensitive skin and have had no issues using this twice a day."
Pros
- Great for acne-prone skin
- Free of parabens, silicones, PEGs, SLS, SLES, and mineral oils
- A perfect everyday choice
Cons
- Has been said to pill
What are gel moisturisers?
So, the clue's in the name with this one but gel moisturisers are typically water-based moisturisers that come out in a gel-like formulation. They may be thicker than your average cream moisturiser but look to keep in as much hydration as possible whilst also retaining a lightweight consistency.
Because these moisturisers come in a gel formulation, they are appropriate for all kinds of skin types, especially combination. Not only are they a perfect moisturiser for oily skin because they're water-based rather than oil, but they're also suitable for dry skin because they zap a lot of moisture into tougher patches.
You'll find that many of these face creams are quick absorbing, non-comedogenic (meaning they don't clog pores) and hydrating, so they're a great choice for everyday use. Plus, they're a top choice for layering under make-up because they'll soak into your skin rather than sit on the top like other moisturisers. Many people love to snap these up for the summer because of the lightweight properties but they'll work all year round no matter your skin type.
Caitlin Casey is a Senior Beauty & Fashion Products Writer for heat, Closer, and Grazia. She covers shopping, women’s lifestyle, popular culture as well as all things trending.