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For some, reintroducing the best lightweight moisturizer to their skin-care routine is a sign of summer’s arrival; like cold drinks and shady spots, these formulas are especially refreshing and welcome amid the hot, humid days of summer. And for others—those with naturally oily skin, for one—a breathable formula is critical no matter the time of year. Face moisturizer is often synonymous with rich, velvety creams, but these featherlight riffs fill a critical gap, delivering only the necessary hydration without risking clogged pores, lingering shine, or a slippery residue.
Vogue’s Favorite Lightweight Moisturizer
- Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer, $24
- Best for Oily Skin: Augustinus Bader The Light Cream, $185
- Best for Dry Skin: Skinfix Barrier+ Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream, $54
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturizer, $84
- Best for Combination Skin: SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture, $78
- Best for Mature Skin: Dr. Loretta Barrier Repair Gel Cream, $65
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Oil-Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream, $20
- Best for Humidity: Tatcha Water Cream, $72
- Best Korean: Aestura Atobarrier365 Hydro Soothing Cream, $32
- Best for Active Breakouts: Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream, $27
What sets these moisturizing lotions apart are their water-based formulations, which allow them to absorb more quickly and do so without any greasiness for an ultra-lightweight skin feel. But they’re still able to deliver just the right amount of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients to maintain a plump look and support the skin barrier, respectively. Scroll ahead for what dermatologists consider to be the best face moisturizers, whether you’re looking for a day or night cream—or one that can double as both.
- What makes a moisturizer “lightweight”?
- What ingredients to look for in a lightweight moisturizer?
- Who should use a lightweight moisturizer?
- How is a lightweight moisturizer different from a regular moisturizer?
- Are lightweight moisturizers good for oily skin?
- Meet the Experts
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer
- Why We Love It: Kseniya Kobets, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York likes that this checks all the boxes: It’s free of oils, fragrances, alcohol, and parabens, and it’s also noncomedogenic—meaning it won’t clog pores. “It’s made with glycerin, ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, so it feels great on the skin,” she says. Its matte finish is especially ideal for layering beneath makeup, or to control shine if you’re prone to oil.
- Key Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, perlite
- Size: 2.5 oz.
- Best For: Oily and acne-prone skin types
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Noncomedogenic: Yes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Lasting mattifying properties | Nothing to note |
| Supports the skin barrier |
Best for Oily Skin: Augustinus Bader The Light Cream
- Why We Love It: The lightweight answer to the do-it-all cream (created by a German medical professor), this formula, much like the original, addresses a host of common skin concerns, like wrinkles and dryness. But it controls shine, minimizes the look of pores, and imparts a matte finish, making it ideal for oily skin types. New York City board-certified dermatologist David Kim, MD, likes that this is “gentle and perfectly hydrating without feeling heavy or sticky.” He also notes how quickly it absorbs—and the fact that it never seems to clog pores for his oily, acne-prone skin.
- Key Ingredients: Lemon myrtle extract, baobab extract, rice bran oil
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
- Best For: Mature or oily skin
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Noncomedogenic: No
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Reduces the look of pores | May not be hydrating enough for combination skin |
| Sinks in quickly | Prone to pilling |
Best for Dry Skin: Skinfix Barrier+ Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream
- Why We Love It: Water-based moisturizers don’t always account for the skin barrier, which thrives on lipids (or fats). This option, however, is formulated to actually support its function. Furthermore, “it has zinc PCA to reduce oil production and niacinamide to brighten the skin,” says Dr. Kim. He also appreciates the soft gel-cream texture and the fact that it can deeply hydrate skin overnight without a heavy or sticky feel.
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, squalane, zinc PCA
- Size: 1.7 oz.
- Best For: Dry or combination skin types
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Noncomedogenic: Yes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Layers well under makeup | Some users reported irritation |
| Supports the skin barrier |
Best for Sensitive Skin: Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturizer
- Why We Love It: This airy gel-cream doesn’t just hydrate skin—although it does do that well with a blend of fermented aloe vera (which increases its absorbency) and hyaluronic acid. It also creates a reservoir of hydration to maintain a smooth, soft texture for hours (up to 100, according to Clinique). It also contains a combination of vitamins C and E for antioxidant protection, and the fragrance-free, oil-free formula suits just about every skin type.
- Key Ingredients: Aloe bio-ferment, hyaluronic acid, aloe water
- Size: 1.0 oz., 1.7 oz., 2.5 oz., 4.2 oz.
- Best For: All skin types, including very dry skin
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Noncomedogenic: No
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Cooling sensation | Jar packaging isn’t hygienic |
| Suits all skin types, even sensitive skin |
Best for Combination Skin: SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture
- Why We Love It: Designed specifically for those with excess oil, this formula targets a common concern: dehydration. (While sebum provides ample moisture, it doesn’t contain water—so skin may not have proper hydration, and may look dull or lackluster as a result.) It deploys hyaluronic acid to immediately hydrate, as well as algae and botanical extracts to refine the look of large pores.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, algae extract, vitamin E
- Size: 60 ml
- Best For: Dehydrated or dry skin
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Noncomedogenic: No
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Leaves skin dewy, not overly matte | Has a thicker texture than other options |
| Doesn’t pill under makeup | Jar packaging isn’t hygienic |
Best for Mature Skin: Dr. Loretta Barrier Repair Gel Cream
- Why We Love It: Many moisturizers intended to target signs of aging, be they wrinkles or uneven skin texture, tend to feel heavy and rich. Not so with this gel-cream, which supports collagen production with peptides, defends against damage with antioxidants, and fortifies the skin barrier with ceramides. Together in this fragrance-free formula, they help soften fine lines and lend a supple feel.
- Key Ingredients: Peptides, ergothioneine, ceramides
- Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
- Best For: Oily and mature skin types
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Noncomedogenic: No
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Sinks in quickly | Nothing to note |
| Doesn’t pill under makeup |
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Oil-Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream
- Why We Love It: Dr. Kobets is a fan of CeraVe’s lineup, and this gel-cream is no exception. It offers the best of both worlds, with silica and other super-fine powders to absorb oil and tamp down shine, as well as hyaluronic acid and ceramides for moisture. They’re delivered via the brand’s proprietary delivery system, which encapsulates them for a time-release effect. The light cream also sinks in immediately for a smooth, shine-free finish.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, silica
- Size: 3 fl. oz.
- Best For: Congested or combination skin
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Noncomedogenic: Yes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Lasting mattifying effect | Can have a tacky feel |
Best for Fine Lines: RéVive Hydrogel Moisturizer Hyaluronic Acid Water Cream
- Why We Love It: RéVive puts prevention at the forefront with this whipped formula, which houses four molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid (each of which penetrates to a different layer in skin) as well as taurine, an algae-derived ingredient that can activate skin cells’ mitochondria. This supposedly allows cells to operate more efficiently, keeping skin plump and effectively postponing signs of aging. And, of course, the cream also contains the brand’s patented peptide to further delay lines and wrinkles.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, taurine, niacinamide
- Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
- Best For: Mature skin
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Noncomedogenic: No
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Has a subtle plumping effect | Jar packaging isn’t hygienic |
| Sinks in almost instantly |
Best for Shine: Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel
- Why We Love It: Korean skin-care products are known for their emphasis on unique ingredients, and this gel moisturizer—which is brimming with red bean extract—is no exception. Nearly half of the formula comprises Haenam red bean extract to reduce excess oil and boost elasticity; it’s supplemented with three separate peptides to spur collagen growth and deliver bouncier skin over time. The gel formula also leaves skin with a matte finish, making it especially helpful for oily types.
- Key Ingredients: Red bean extract, peptides
- Size: 3.38 fl. oz.
- Best For: Oily skin
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Noncomedogenic: No
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Lasting mattifying effect | Takes a few minutes to fully absorb |
| Refreshing jelly-like texture |
Best for Redness: Chanel Hydra Beauty Camellia Water Cream
- Why We Love It: It’s little surprise that Chanel has turned to the camellia flower—an icon of the fashion house—to power this featherlight lotion. The water and extract from the flower help balance skin’s moisture levels—while the inevitable combination of hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E delivers a plumping effect. It’s also surprisingly calming, making it a good match for those using retinol creams.
- Key Ingredients: Camellia japonica flower water, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
- Best For: Sensitive or sensitized skin
- Fragrance-Free: No
- Noncomedogenic: No
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Contains antioxidants for extra sun protection | Has a fragrance, which some may not like |
| Has a subtle plumping effect |
Best for Summer: Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel Cream
- Why We Love It: Japan’s summers tend to be hot and humid, which is why the country’s discerning clientele demands that even Japanese sunscreens be lightweight and nongreasy. In keeping with that, this moisturizer goes all in on hyaluronic acid. Its proprietary blend contains three types of hyaluronic acid, which penetrate to different layers of skin to plump it from the inside out. It’s joined by squalane—which replenishes the skin barrier—as well as antioxidant-rich green tea extract to round out its benefits.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, green tea extract
- Size: 1.76 fl. oz.
- Best For: Combination or oily skin types
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Noncomedogenic: Yes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Provides antioxidant protection | Has a slightly sticky feel |
Best for Humidity: Tatcha Water Cream
- Why We Love It: Salicylic acid is a frequent ingredient among formulas for oily skin since it helps keep pores clear and skin matte—but it can be overly drying. Tatcha’s face cream avoids that concern by including a gentler alternative in its oil-free formula, allowing it to minimize the look of pores, gently refine skin texture, and leave skin properly hydrated. Better yet, makeup artist Daniel Martin calls it “hands down my go-to for the summer or anywhere you’re dealing with humidity and heat.”
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, wild rose, heartleaf, leopard lily
- Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
- Best For: Oily skin types
- Fragrance-Free: No
- Noncomedogenic: Yes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Actively targets large pores | Has a fragrance, which some may not like |
| Sinks in very quickly |
Best Korean: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Hydro Soothing Cream
- Why We Love It: Korean moisturizers are known for providing adequate hydration in innovative formulas, and Aestura Atobarrier 365 Hydro Soothing Cream is no exception. Dr. Kim likes that it’s packed with ceramides “to keep your skin barrier intact,” he says. Plus, the moisturizing cream is equipped with technology that actually cools skin by 10 degrees and immediately quells redness, making it especially valuable in warm weather.
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, ceramides, allantoin
- Size: 2.71 fl. oz.
- Best For: Combination or oily skin types
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Noncomedogenic: Yes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Pairs well with retinoids | Nothing at this time |
| Actively cools skin as you apply it |
Best for Active Breakouts: Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream
- Why We Love It: Dr. Kim likes that the Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream is formulated “with panthenol and centella asiatica for calming and soothing effect,” he says. Yet another Korean-beauty export, its anti-inflammatory effect is so powerful that it actually doubles as a spot treatment, bringing down redness and swelling of active blemishes. The addition of niacinamide in this facial moisturizer also helps offset the requisite dark spots that may occur after a breakout.
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramide, hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan
- Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
- Best For: Acne-prone skin types or those with acne scars
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Noncomedogenic: No
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Requires long-term use to see results | The tube is relatively small |
| Doubles as a spot treatment |
Everything You Need to Know
What makes a moisturizer “lightweight”?
Lightweight can be subjective—but in most cases, it comes down to a gel-like texture instead of a cream or lotion. “Gels, lotions, and creams all provide an increasing degree of hydration,” says Dr. Kobets, who adds that they also offer varying benefits for the skin barrier.
While these moisturizers may contain similar ingredients—you may find niacinamide and ceramides among most nourishing creams as well as more weightless gels—gels would have a higher concentration of water compared to lotions and creams. Sometimes, they don’t have any fats or oils at all, says Dr. Kim, in which case they may be labeled as “oil-free moisturizers.”
What ingredients to look for in a lightweight moisturizer?
It’s difficult to find a lightweight moisturizer formulated without hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Both “are water-soluble humectants,” according to Dr. Kim; humectants are molecules that draw in water, and their water-soluble nature means that they can be easily suspended in water-based gel formulations.
Because of that, they work well “to keep skin moisturized without the greasy skin feel,” says Dr. Kobets. Plus, they can offer a lighter consistency, won’t clog pores, and may also feel more comfortable under makeup, she says.
Who should use a lightweight moisturizer?
Those with oily skin should reach for a lightweight moisturizer, and these formulations “have much lighter texture and hydrate the skin without clogging the pores, especially for acne-prone skin,” says Dr. Kim. That can be an advantage for those prone to congestion, for whom rich, oil-infused creams can inadvertently trigger breakouts.
That said, lightweight moisturizers aren’t only for those dealing with a surplus of sebum. They’re also “a better option for most skin types during the summer when it s hot and humid,” says Dr. Kim. That’s because their weightless texture and quick absorption can be more comfortable than more occlusive formulas that sit atop skin and feel sticky or overly dense in the warmer months. However, he warns, people with especially dry skin or those with mature skin may want to stick with a thicker or richer moisturizer, which typically has more ceramides and fatty acids and bolster the skin barrier to keep skin supple and plump.
How is a lightweight moisturizer different from a regular moisturizer?
It’s a matter of proportion. While the weight of a given moisturizer can be subjective, “the heaviness and consistency of these formulas will depend on the ratio of content of oil, or fats, versus water,” says Dr. Kobets. So, a lightweight moisturizer has more water than it does oil, whereas a richer formula may have more oil than water.
Are lightweight moisturizers good for oily skin?
Dr. Kim calls lightweight moisturizers a must-have for people with oily skin—as well as anyone who’s prone to acne. They can “deliver just the right amount of hydration to the skin without clogging the pore,” he says. And while it may seem counterintuitive, moisturizer still plays an important role among skin care for oily skin, as it can help rebalance moisture levels and minimize dehydration—so not only is a lightweight moisturizer good, it’s also necessary.
Meet the Experts
- Kseniya Kobets, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY.
- David Kim, MD is a New York City board-certified dermatologist.