Best Water Based Face Moisturizers of 2025

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

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Water-based face moisturizers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their lightweight, non-greasy texture and ability to hydrate the skin without clogging pores. These moisturizers are perfect for those with oily or combination skin types, as they provide the necessary hydration without adding excess oil to the skin. They are also great for those with sensitive skin, as they are typically free of harsh chemicals and fragrances. Water-based moisturizers are available in a variety of formulas, including gel, lotion, and cream, making it easy to find one that suits your individual skin needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

CeraVe Ultra-Light Gel Cover #TOP 1
CeraVe Ultra-Light Gel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
L'Oreal Paris Skincare Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care Cover #TOP 2
L'Oreal Paris Skincare Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care
ftb score rating icon 9.7
The INKEY List Omega Water Cream Moisturizer Cover #TOP 3
The INKEY List Omega Water Cream Moisturizer
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 7 Water Based Face Moisturizers

CeraVe Ultra-Light Gel

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CeraVe Ultra-Light Gel Cover
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel | Hydrating Gel Face Moisturizer with Ceramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid | Fragrance Free | Oil-Free | Weightless Mattifying Moisturizer | 1.75 FL Oz

CeraVe Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer is a water-based facial moisturizer that provides immediate and long-lasting hydration while helping to maintain the skin's protective barrier. This gel moisturizer is suitable for all skin types and has a weightless feel on the skin. It is fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic, making it ideal for everyday use. The gel formula is fast-absorbing and glides onto the skin easily, leaving it feeling refreshed and moisturized. With the power of three essential ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer helps to restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer is a trusted choice for those looking for a lightweight and effective hydrating solution.

What We Like
Immediate and long-lasting hydration
Weightless feel on the skin
Suitable for all skin types

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

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 4

Curel Japan Skin Care Hydrating Water Essence Toner

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5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Curel Japan Skin Care Hydrating Water Essence Toner Cover
Curel Japan Skin Care Hydrating Water Essence Toner, Water Based Face Moisturizer for Dry Skin, Serum for Face, 5 oz

Curel Japan Skin Care Hydrating Water Essence Toner is a water-based face moisturizer specifically formulated for dry, sensitive skin. It instantly relieves tightness and calms cleansed skin, and can be used with Curel Japanese Skin Care Moisture Facial Milk or Intensive Moisture Facial Cream to complete a double moisturizing skincare routine. Customers report that their skin looks more hydrated, radiant, and uniform after using this product.

What We Like
Specifically formulated for dry, sensitive skin
Non-irritating and super hydrating
Fragrance free, pH balanced, and colorant free

Tree To Tub Hydrating Face Moisturizer

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Tree To Tub Hydrating Face Moisturizer Cover
Tree to Tub Hydrating Face Moisturizer for Dry & Sensitive Skin - Water Based Hyaluronic Acid Facial Moisturizer, Moisturizing Face Cream for Women & Men w/Organic Aloe, Green Tea, Natural Ginseng

Tree To Tub Hydrating Face Moisturizer is a nourishing and hydrating cream designed for all skin types. It is made with rich ingredients that won't clog pores or leave a residue, and helps combat the secondary issues of sensitive skin like dryness and rough patches. This moisturizer includes botanicals like organic rose and shea butter for glowing skin, and helps retain moisture and combat aging.

What We Like
Nourishes all skin types
Doesn't clog pores or leave a residue
Helps combat the secondary issues of sensitive skin
Includes botanicals like organic rose and shea butter
Helps retain moisture and combat aging

OSEA Seabiotic Water Cream 1.6 oz

OSEA Seabiotic Water Cream 1.6 oz Cover
OSEA Seabiotic Water Cream 1.6 oz - Water-Based Face Cream with Squalene, Prebiotic & Probiotic Moisturizer - Clean Beauty - Vegan Face Moisturizer - Weightless Hydration

The OSEA Water Cream is designed to provide exceptional hydration for your skin. With over 72 hours of moisture, it helps shield your face from environmental stressors like pollution and blue light. The inclusion of seaweed and a blend of prebiotics and probiotics enhances your skin's radiance, giving you a healthy glow. You’ll also enjoy a silky-smooth finish, making your skin feel soft and luxurious. Plus, this product reflects OSEA's commitment to clean beauty, being vegan and free from harmful chemicals, ensuring that you care for your skin and the planet.

What We Like
Long-lasting hydration
Enhances skin radiance
Silky-smooth texture
Vegan and cruelty-free

MARLOWE. No. 123 Men's Facial Moisturizer

MARLOWE.
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White
6 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
MARLOWE. No. 123 Men's Facial Moisturizer Cover
MARLOWE. No. 123 Men's Facial Moisturizer 6 oz, Lightweight Daily Face Lotion for Men, Includes Natural Extracts to Hydrate, Soothe & Restore, Light Aloe Citron Scent

MARLOWE. Men's Moisturizer is a lightweight, non-greasy face lotion that hydrates and moisturizes all skin types, including dry and oily skin. Crafted with natural extracts like Aloe Vera leaf juice, Willow Bark and Deep Sea Algae, this moisturizer provides nourishment for men's skin. It has a refreshing masculine scent with a balance of aloe, citrus, and woodsy base. MARLOWE. Men's Moisturizer is free from parabens and phthalates, cruelty-free and made in the USA. It is perfect for men who want a simple yet effective skin care routine. Use it in the morning and at night to experience the hydrating and refreshing benefits of this moisturizer.

What We Like
Lightweight and non-greasy
Formulated for all skin types
Refreshing masculine scent
Paraben and phthalate-free
Made in the USA
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are 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.

2. Why is water based moisturizer better?

Applying a water-based moisturizer helps your skin lock in moisture and replenish nutrients. And since water doesn't stick to the skin like oil does, it prevents it from filling pores and causing breakouts."

3. Who should use water based moisturizer?

A water based moisturizer is best for those with dehydrated skin that is in need of moisture. Ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid are often used in water based moisturizers, and they can deliver powerful hydration to dehydrated skin.

4. Do water based moisturizers work?

In general, the thicker the product, the more moisturizing it is. 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.

Editor's Notes

During our water based face moisturizer research, we found 48 water based face moisturizer products and shortlisted 7 quality products. We collected and analyzed 105,617 customer reviews through our big data system to write the water based face moisturizers list. We found that most customers choose water based face moisturizers with an average price of $17.28.

The water based face moisturizers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of water based face moisturizers, including CeraVe, The INKEY List, Curel, Tree to Tub, OSEA. 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.