Best Water Face Moisturizers of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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Water face moisturizers are essential for keeping the skin hydrated and healthy. These moisturizers are designed to penetrate deep into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration that helps to prevent dryness and flakiness. They come in different formulas, ranging from lightweight gels to rich creams, to suit all skin types. Some water face moisturizers contain additional ingredients like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and vitamins that help to boost skin's radiance and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With regular use, water face moisturizers can leave the skin looking and feeling soft, supple, and youthful.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Cover #TOP 1
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel Daily Face Moisturizer Cover #TOP 2
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel Daily Face Moisturizer
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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Skincare Set Cover #TOP 3
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Skincare Set
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Top 10 Water Face Moisturizers

#TOP 1

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream

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Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Cover
Peter Thomas Roth | Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream | Hydrating Moisturizer for Face, Up to 72 Hours of Hydration for More Youthful-Looking Skin, Fragnance Free, 1.69 Fl Oz

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream is a fragrance-free face moisturizer that provides up to 72 hours of hydration for more youthful-looking skin. It contains skin-friendly ingredients that help to boost your appearance, keeping it smooth and radiant.

What We Like
Long-lasting hydration
Lightweight and smooth
Effective for dry skin

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel Daily Face Moisturizer

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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel Daily Face Moisturizer Cover
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel Daily Face Moisturizer for Dry Skin, Oil-Free, Non-Comedogenic Face Lotion, 1.7 fl. Oz

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid is a unique face moisturizer that absorbs quickly like a gel, but provides long-lasting and intense moisturizing power of a cream. It is designed with the Earth in mind and is suitable for all skin types. It is oil-free, dye-free, and non-comedogenic. It is clinically proven to keep skin hydrated for 48 hours and instantly quenches skin. Customers have reported a dramatic improvement in their facial skin, especially in the T-zone, and have found that their acne has begun to slowly go away.

What We Like
Hydrates skin with hyaluronic acid
Lightweight and non-greasy
Clean, soft scent
Good for all skin types
A little goes a long way
#TOP 3

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Skincare Set

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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Skincare Set Cover
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Skincare Set, Hydro Boost Water Cream Face Moisturizer for 72-Hour Hydration, 1.7 Fl Oz, & Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Facial Cleanser Trial Size, 0.5 Fl Oz, 2 Pack

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Set includes a 1.7-ounce moisturizer and a 0.5-ounce facial cleanser. The water cream moisturizer is perfect for restoring hydration to your skin, providing up to 72 hours of moisture. Its unique formula feels light and refreshing, making it ideal for daily use. The gentle cleanser transforms into a soft lather, effectively removing makeup and impurities while maintaining your skin's softness. Both products are suitable for sensitive and dry skin, ensuring you can enjoy a clean and hydrated complexion without irritation.

What We Like
Long-lasting hydration
Gentle on sensitive skin
Effective makeup removal
Lightweight and refreshing

Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel

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Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel Cover
Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel Hydrating Peptide Hydro Boost Moisturizer for Acne Prone Dry Skin, Korean Skin Care for Men and Women, 100ml, 3.38 fl.oz

The Joseon Red Bean Water Gel by Beauty of Joseon is a lightweight gel moisturizer designed to cater to different skin types. With its light moisture-gel formula, it is perfect for dry/combination skin, while also being suitable for oily skin with active sebum secretion. The gel contains red bean extract, known for its sebum-absorbing properties, and peptides that help improve wrinkles. It delivers powerful moisture to the skin, minimizing oiliness and leaving a fresh feeling. The gel texture is lightweight and non-sticky, making it comfortable to wear throughout the day. Experience the beauty of Joseon with this effective and versatile water gel.

What We Like
Lightweight formula
Powerful moisture delivery
Pore care

The INKEY List Omega Water Cream Moisturizer

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The INKEY List Omega Water Cream Moisturizer Cover
The INKEY List Omega Water Cream Moisturizer, 1.69 fl oz

The INKEY List Omega Water Cream Moisturizer is a lightweight, water-based gel moisturizer that immediately hydrates skin without oiliness. It supports a healthy skin barrier without oil or silicone. A simple combination of an Omega Fatty Acid Complex, Glycerin, Betain and Niacinamide, work together to optimize long-lasting hydration, help control oil levels and even skin tone. This moisturizer is suitable for all skin types and reduces the quantity of sebum in greasy skin. Use in AM & PM after cleansing and hydrating with Hyaluronic Acid Serum, gently apply a pea-sized amount of Omega Water Cream onto the face and neck.

What We Like
Lightweight and oil-free
Supports a healthy skin barrier
Reduces sebum in greasy skin
Optimizes long-lasting hydration
Helps control oil levels and even skin tone
#TOP 6

Amazon Basics Moisturizing Water Gel

Amazon Basics
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Amazon Basics Moisturizing Water Gel Cover
Amazon Basics Moisturizing Water Gel, 1.7 Ounces, 1-Pack

Amazon Basics Water Gel is a dermatologist-tested moisturizer designed to hydrate your skin effectively. With its Hyaluronic Acid formula, this gel helps restore your skin's natural moisture, leaving it feeling soft and refreshed. You can enjoy all-day hydration, ensuring your complexion looks smooth throughout the day. Simply apply it daily with your fingertips, massaging gently over your face and neck until fully absorbed. This product is a great alternative if you’re a fan of Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, offering similar benefits at an accessible price point.

What We Like
Instant hydration
Lightweight gel formula
Dermatologist tested
Easy daily application
#TOP 7

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Skin Restoring Water Gel

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Cetaphil Deep Hydration Skin Restoring Water Gel Cover
Cetaphil Deep Hydration Skin Restoring Water Gel with Hyaluronic and Polyglutamic Acid, Face Moisturizer, 72 Hour Hydration, For Dry, Dehydrated Sensitive Skin, Fragrance Free, 1.7 oz, Fragrance Free

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Skin Restoring Water Gel is a weightless and cooling water gel that instantly boosts the skin's water content and maintains hydration for 72 hours. It contains hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid that provides long-lasting hydration and improves the quality of sensitive skin. The HydroSensitiv Complex soothes skin and deepens dynamic hydration by increasing skin overall water content and sealing in moisture. It is oil-free, fragrance-free, and dye-free, making it perfect for sensitive skin. This travel-size product is under 3.4 fl oz, making it easy to take with you on your next vacation or trip.

What We Like
Instantly boosts the skin's water content and maintains hydration for 72 hours
Contains hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid that provides long-lasting hydration
HydroSensitiv Complex soothes skin and deepens dynamic hydration by increasing skin overall water content and sealing in moisture
Oil-free, fragrance-free, and dye-free, making it perfect for sensitive skin
Travel-size product is under 3.4 fl oz, making it easy to take with you on your next vacation or trip

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Facial Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen

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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Facial Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Cover
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Facial Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen, Daily Water Gel Face Moisturizer to Hydrate & Soothe Dry Skin, Fragrance-Free, 1.7 fl. Oz

Neutrogena Hydro Boost SPF 50 Moisturizer is a daily water gel face moisturizer that provides all-day hydration and sun protection. With the power of hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer instantly hydrates and soothes dry skin, leaving it soft and supple. The weightless gel-cream formula absorbs quickly, delivering UVA/UVB protection that is invisible on all skin tones. It also contains supercharged antioxidants like vitamin E to help fight against environmental aggressors. Use it as a sunscreen by applying generously on face and neck before sun exposure. This fragrance-free moisturizer is non-greasy, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and free of fragrances, dyes, parabens, mineral oil, and oxybenzone.

What We Like
All-day hydration
UVA/UVB protection
Instantly hydrates and soothes dry skin
#TOP 9

COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Skincare Water Cream

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2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Skincare Water Cream Cover
COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Skincare Weightless Water Cream, 2.0 Oz

COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Skincare Weightless Water Cream is a 100% vegan and oil-free moisturizer that provides 72-hour hydration. It is formulated with TruClean Cactus Water and Hyaluronic Acid to intensely hydrate and lock in moisture. This lightweight cream can be worn alone or as a primer under makeup, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth.

What We Like
Provides 72-hour hydration
100% vegan and oil-free
Lightweight and breathable

L'Oreal Paris Skincare Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care

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L'Oreal Paris Skincare Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care Cover
L'Oreal Paris Skincare Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care Oil-Free Face Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin, Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer for Face with Aloe Water and Hyaluronic Acid, 3.04 fl. oz.

L'Oreal Paris Skincare Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care Oil-Free Face Moisturizer is a lightweight facial moisturizer that absorbs quickly and keeps skin hydrated for up to 72 hours. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Water, this moisturizer for face is perfect for normal to dry skin and provides hydration that absorbs quickly. Customers love the refreshing feel of this moisturizer and its ability to keep skin hydrated and luminous.

What We Like
Lightweight and quickly absorbing
Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Water
Keeps skin hydrated for up to 72 hours
Gives skin a luminous and supple look
Fragrance-free and lightweight
Buying Guide Image

All You Need to Know About Buying Water Face Moisturizers

Introduction

Finding the right water face moisturizer can be a daunting task, especially when there are so many options available in the market. However, it is essential to choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type and provides the necessary hydration without clogging the pores. In this article, we will discuss some key factors that you should consider when choosing a water face moisturizer.

Skin Type

The first and most crucial factor to consider when choosing a water face moisturizer is your skin type. Each person's skin is unique, and different skin types require different types of moisturizers. For example, if you have oily skin, you should look for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that won't clog your pores. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, you should opt for a moisturizer that provides deep hydration and helps to lock in moisture.

Ingredients

The second factor to consider when choosing a water face moisturizer is the ingredients. You want to choose a moisturizer that contains ingredients that are beneficial for your skin. Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which helps to lock in moisture, and glycerin, which helps to soothe and hydrate the skin. Avoid moisturizers that contain harsh chemicals such as alcohol or fragrances that can irritate the skin.

Texture

The texture of the moisturizer is also an important factor to consider. You want to choose a moisturizer that has a texture that feels comfortable on your skin. If you have oily skin, you may prefer a lightweight, gel-like moisturizer. If you have dry skin, you may prefer a thicker, creamier moisturizer that provides deep hydration.

Brand Reputation

When choosing a water face moisturizer, it is also important to consider the reputation of the brand. Look for brands that are known for using high-quality, natural ingredients and have a reputation for producing effective moisturizers. Avoid brands that have a history of using harsh chemicals or have been involved in controversy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right water face moisturizer requires careful consideration of your skin type, ingredients, texture, and brand reputation. By taking the time to research and choose a moisturizer that is suited to your needs, you can ensure that your skin is hydrated and healthy. Remember to always patch test new products and consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns or questions about the best moisturizer for your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is water a good moisturizer for face?

Is water a good moisturizer? Water alone isn't a strong enough ingredient to keep your skin moisturized. It's also likely by the time you leave the bathroom, it's evaporated away — along with your skin's natural oils.

2. Are water based moisturizers better?

So a thin, lightweight, water-based gel moisturizer will provide enough hydration for most skin types, but if you're experiencing dry skin or have a skin condition like eczema, you may find it doesn't moisturize as well as a cream, Saedi says. For these people, an oil-based cream may be a better option, Bordone says.

3. What is a water based moisturizer?

A Water based moisturizer is lightweight in consistency, contains water (aqua) as its first ingredient and are non-greasy in texture. This moisturizer will help in improving your skin. It is faster in getting absorbed into your skin than oil-based moisturizer since it has a thinner consistency.

Editor's Notes

During our water face moisturizer research, we found 48 water face moisturizer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 444,094 customer reviews through our big data system to write the water face moisturizers list. We found that most customers choose water face moisturizers with an average price of $16.26.

The water face moisturizers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of water face moisturizers, including Peter Thomas Roth, TENA, Beauty of Joseon, The INKEY List, Cetaphil. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.