Gel Moisturisers

Shop Gel Moisturisers

Gel moisturisers give your skin water-based hydration in a light, fast-absorbing texture. If cream moisturisers feel heavy, or you want something that sits comfortably under sunscreen and makeup, a gel moisturiser is a good place to start. This page brings together gel moisturisers, gel creams and water gels, so you can compare textures and formulas in one spot. Adore Beauty is an official stockist of every brand on this page, and you can browse gel moisturisers for different skin types, budgets and routines.

Best Gel Moisturisers for Oily and Combination Skin

Gel textures are popular with oily and combination skin because they tend to feel fresh rather than greasy. The Boring Without You Face Flood Soothing Hydrating Gel Moisturiser and the COSRX Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream are two easy options for everyday hydration. For a light daytime pick, compare the Glow Culture Dewy Drencher Light Gel Cream. Gel moisturisers also tend to layer neatly over a serum, so they suit a simple routine. If you are prone to breakouts, look for oil-free formulas, patch test new products first, and see a doctor or pharmacist if breakouts are persistent.

Gel Cream and Water Gel Moisturisers

The names on the label can be confusing. Gel moisturisers are usually the lightest, and water gels are often the most fluid. Gel creams sit in between and add a little more cushion, which can suit normal and combination skin, and sometimes dry skin that still dislikes a thick cream. Try the Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel if you want a water gel, the Avène Hydrance Aqua Cream-in-Gel Moisturiser for a cream-in-gel texture, or the First Aid Beauty Hydrating Dewy Gel Cream Moisturiser for a gel cream with hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

How to Choose the Right Gel Moisturiser

Start with how your skin feels by midday. If it gets shiny, a fluid gel or water gel is usually enough. If it feels tight, a gel cream may suit you better, or you can layer a gel over a hydrating serum. For a hyaluronic acid option, look at the Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturiser. For a plumping gel texture, try the Hada Labo Intense Hydrating Skin-Plumping Gel. Very dry skin may need a richer cream at night as well. If you are unsure, start with one product, use it for a few weeks and see how your skin responds before changing your routine.

Apply your gel moisturiser to clean skin after serum, and follow with sunscreen in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gel Moisturisers