Top 7 Water Based Moisturizers

Hydration is the key to any skincare regimen, and water-based formulas have gained immense popularity in the world of moisturizers. These creams or moisturizers are best for people with oily, combination, or sensitive skin types who need skin hydration without the heaviness of oil-based skincare products. Water-based moisturizers are generally formulated with the goodness of Hyaluronic Acid, also called the Powerhouse of Hydration, and can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. These moisturizers are also infused with Glycerin, Aloe Vera, etc. Because of their non-comedogenic formula, these products won’t even clog your pores. So here’s a rundown of the top 7 water based moisturizers.

1) Light Up Beauty’s Wave Hydrating Day Cream

Flat 30% Off On Day Cream, Shop Now!!

This cult favorite is often talked about for its excellent hydrating properties. Wave gives you up to 72 hours of hydration and promises to nourish your skin from the inside out. It is formulated with 5% Vegan Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid, delivering maximum hydration to acne-prone and sensitive skin. Wave day cream is also formulated with 2% Niacinamide, which combats acne and blemishes. 

It is also the only moisturizer in India with Blue Matcha, which is derived from Butterfly Pea Flower and provides antioxidant support from free radical damage. Moreover, it boosts oxygen levels by 14% in 30 minutes, activating cellular respiration for fresh-looking skin. 

Key Ingredients: 

  • 5% Vegan Squalane
  • 2% Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Blue Matcha
  • Raspberry 
  • Pentavitin
  • Active Mineral Complex

2) Minimalist 10% Vitamin B5 Gel Face Moisturizer

Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer

This moisturizer by Minimalist is packed with the goodness of panthenol, hyaluronic acid, and zinc. It is suitable for oily acne-prone skin and may reduce trans epidermal water loss. It may also control sebum production and prevent signs of premature ageing. It is an everyday moisturizer for hydrating, nourishing, and repairing skin. This is potent because it has a very high concentration of Vitamin B5 for deep moisturizing. It is also pregnancy-safe. 

Key Ingredients:

  • Vitamin B5
  • Biosaccharide Gum
  • Zinc, Copper & Magnesium
  • Hyaluronic Acid

3) Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

This moisturizer is often lauded for its hydrating and non-sticky properties. It is clinically proven to help strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. It’s a gel-based moisturizer infused with hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture to the skin. Moreover, it is fragrance-free and does not irritate sensitive skin. Since it's non-comedogenic, it doesn’t clog pores, which makes it excellent for acne-prone skin. 

Key Ingredients:

  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Glycerin

4) So True Ceramide Gel Face Moisturizer

Cera-Mine Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin 100g

So True Ceramide Gel-based moisturizer is formulated for oily skin, absorbs within seconds, and is gentle. It feels super lightweight and makes the skin look dewy and supple. This moisturizer has the goodness of green tea extracts and squalane, which moisturizes the skin and strengthens the skin barrier. 

Key ingredients:

  • Ceramides
  • Green tea extracts
  • Squalane

5) Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream

Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer • 50ml

This one is iconic. Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream is a favorite among K-beauty lovers and skincare enthusiasts. This cream is known for its profound hydration capabilities. It is formulated with ceramides, which help to make a densely structured skin barrier with ingredients similar to skin lipids. 

It also has a Pepta-panthenol Complex and Blue Hyaluronic Acid, which helps to fortify the skin barrier and gives intense hydration and repair effects. This cream is a highly adhesive soft cream formula that makes you want to use it repeatedly. It is suitable for people with sensitive skin and is hypoallergenic tested. 

Key Ingredients:

  • Ceramides
  • Pepta-panthenol complex
  • Blue Hyaluronic Acid 
  • Glycerin

6) Tatcha The Water Cream

The Water Cream

Tatcha, The Water Cream, is a luxurious formula that bursts on contact and absorbs quickly to double skin’s moisture content while instantly reducing oil and visibly refining pores. This water cream is formulated with Japanese Botanicals to help clarify the skin. This moisturizer is also oil-free and suitable for oil-prone and sensitive skin. It has Japanese Wild Rose, which visibly tightens pores and smooths skin texture, and Hadasei 3, a ferment of Japanese Superfoods that plumps skin, strengthens the skin barrier, and protects it from skin aging stressors. 

Key Ingredients:

  • Japanese Wild Rose
  • Hadasei 3
  • Japanese Leopard Lily

7) Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Moisturizer

This moisturizer from Glow Recipe is an oil-free gel-based formula that instantly hydrates and nourishes the skin. It is packed with the goodness of watermelon, licorice root, and botanical extracts to soothe the skin. This lightweight formulation has hyaluronic acid and glycerin to lock in moisture for long-lasting hydration. This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in reusable packaging. 

Key Ingredients:

  • Watermelon Extract
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Glycerin
  • Licorice Root Extract

How to Choose the Best Water Based Moisturizer:

When choosing the perfect moisturizer for your skin, it’s essential to consider your skin type and concerns. Below is a quick guide to help you choose the best option:  

  1. Oily skin type: Look for lightweight, oil-free formulas like Wave by Light Up Beauty or Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Pink Moisturizer that provide hydration without clogging pores. 

  2. Dry Skin type: Opt for water-based formulas with hyaluronic like Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream 

  3. Combination Skin Type: A versatile option like Light Up Beauty’s Wave works well for combination skin types, balancing moisture without leaving a greasy finish. 

  4. Sensitive Skin Type: Moisturizers like Tatcha The Water Cream and Minimalist 10% Vitamin B5 Gel Face Moisturizer suit sensitive skin well. 

Conclusion:

Water based moisturizers are essential to any skincare routine; they offer a hydration boost without the heaviness of oil-based products. There’s a moisturizer for every skin type, whether dry, sensitive, oily, acne, or combination; you must opt for the right product that meets your needs. Incorporate one of these gel-based moisturizers into your daily skincare routine and enjoy the benefits of dewy, plump, and healthy-looking skin.