10 Best Gel Moisturizers in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
A gel moisturizer does the job of hydrating your skin without the stickiness of regular face creams. In a tropical country like the Philippines, the hot weather can leave our skin stressed and dry. Unfortunately, while face creams can provide hydration, they can also feel heavy and malagkit, especially during summer. The perfect solution to this is a gel-based moisturizer.
Our buying guide is here to sort out the factors you need to consider when choosing a gel-based moisturizer, with some comments and tips from dermatologist Dr. Maria Elinor Grace "Meg" Sison. We've also rounded up the best choices in the market to help you find one that suits your needs perfectly.
Quick List - Top Gel Moisturizers
Céleteque DermoScience™ Acne Solutions
A Lightweight and Hydrating Gel Moisturizer for Combination or Acne-Prone Skin
Kiehl's
Provides a Refreshing Feeling After Application and Keeps the Skin Shine-Free and Moisturized All Day
Nature Republic
A Versatile Aloe Vera Gel You Can Use From Head to Toe
Clinique
A Moisturizer That Replenishes Your Skin's Oil-Water Balance
Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- Why Use a Gel Moisturizer?
- 10 Best Gel Moisturizers to Buy Online
- No. 1Céleteque DermoScience™ Acne Solutions | Acne Clearing Facial Moisturizer Gel
- No. 2Kiehl's | Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
- No. 3Nature Republic | Soothing and Moisture Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel
- No. 4Clinique | Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
- No. 5Neutrogena | Hydro Boost Water Gel
- 5 more products
- Keep Your Skin Healthy in the Tropical Weather With These Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions Answered By Dr. Meg Sison
- Can Gel Moisturizer Work for All Skin Types?
- Does Gel Moisturizer Cause Acne?
- Is Gel Moisturizer Best Used in the Morning or at Night?
- Stay Cool and Protected With These Skincare Essentials
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Why Use a Gel Moisturizer?
You might be wondering, how are gels different from a traditional cream moisturizer? Gel moisturizers are water-based and usually oil-free. Cream moisturizers typically form a barrier on the skin’s surface to keep moisture in. Gels can also do that, but their formulations are designed to attract water from the deeper layers of the skin and bring it up to the skin surface.
Gel moisturizers may not be as rich as creams, but they are quick-absorbing and hydrating for most skin types. In fact, a 2017 study on the effects of gel moisturizers reported that after 12 weeks of use, the subjects saw significant improvement in radiance, clarity, and texture of their skin.
They are also lightweight and perfect for tropical climates. This type of moisturizer is recommended for people with oily skin since they suffer from a heavy and sticky feeling as the day goes by. Some gel moisturizers also have ingredients that give them a cooling effect, which is perfect for hot and humid days. This type can also alleviate the discomfort of sunburns.
Gel moisturizers contain water, propylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) with a cellulose derivative or Carbopol. Gels consist of organic molecules uniformly distributed in a lattice throughout the liquid, and active ingredients are deposited in concentrated form. Because they are water-based, gel moisturizers are ideal for use in facial or hair-bearing areas.
Gel moisturizers also have humectants that draw water from the atmosphere and from the deeper layers of the skin to hydrate it as well as emulsifiers that can capture water and other humectants. Emulsifiers in gel moisturizers mimic skin barrier lipids in order to minimize the inclusion of oils or liquid esters commonly found in other moisturizers, which can produce an undesirable greasy feeling upon application.
How to Choose a Gel Moisturizer – Buying Guide
Look for Ingredients That Can Address Your Skin Concerns
While gel moisturizers are especially helpful for people with oily or combination skin, they do contain ingredients that can address various skin concerns. Let's discuss these ingredients below.
Humectants Like Amino Acids and Glycerin Draw Moisture In and Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Humectants are substances that do not just seal moisture in, but they also attract moisture from the environment, as well as draw it out from the deeper layers of the skin to hydrate the surface.
In moisturizers, the most commonly used humectants are propylene glycol and amino acids because they effectively attract water and can stabilize the water content of the moisturizer. Amino acids also have the added advantage of having a synergistic effect when used together.
Hyaluronic acid and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are often used in anti-wrinkle or anti-aging treatment products. Glycerin is an ingredient often used in beauty products for sensitive skin because it is considered non-toxic and good for hydrating skin that suffers from eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.
Humectants are hydroscopic (water-attracting) organic compounds such as polyethylene or propylene glycols. They attract water from the environment and from the deeper layers of the skin to provide moisture to the outermost layer of the skin.
Amino acids are widely used as humectants. Among various amino acids, proline and PCA have particularly high water-attracting properties and also show a synergistic effect when mixed. Other examples of humectants that are added in gel moisturizers include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and AHAs.
Ingredients Like Aloe vera, Chamomile, and Niacinamide Can Soothe Irritated Skin
Irritated skin needs some extra TLC, so it’s best to look for ingredients that offer anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Examples of these are aloe vera, chamomile, and niacinamide.
Because it has a natural gel-like texture, aloe vera lends itself really well to gel moisturizers. An aloe vera gel moisturizer can do wonders in soothing sunburns and highly irritated skin.
Chamomile has great antibacterial properties that aid in wound healing and relieve conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Niacinamide minimizes redness and blotchiness, and also offers oil regulation, so it’s helpful for people with oily skin.
Anti-inflammatory ingredients are often added to moisturizers to soothe and calm the skin. Examples of these are chamomile, aloe vera, green tea, cucumber, and niacinamide, to name a few. The gel component of aloe vera is actually ~98% water. Aloe vera has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and it has been shown to accelerate wound healing in burns.
Chamomile also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for soothing redness and relieving inflammation, making it great to use even for sensitive skin. Niacinamide likewise has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm down redness and irritation. It can also slow down transepidermal water loss, making it helpful in protecting the skin barrier.
Antioxidants Fight Free Radicals and Rejuvenate Your Skin
Given the many environmental pollutants and toxins that we are exposed to every day, our skin needs antioxidants to help fight free radicals and the effects of stress and aging. An example of how stress impacts our skin can be seen in collagen breakdown.
When we are exposed to toxins, oxidative stress breaks down collagen, triggers inflammation, and makes natural repair more difficult. This shows up in our skin as fine lines, dull skin, or uneven skin tones.
Antioxidants like Vitamins C and E, niacinamide, and retinol are extremely useful in helping our skin bounce back and restore balance and glow. Certain botanicals like green tea, citrus extracts, and caffeine are also great sources of antioxidants.
Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals from UV rays and pollution that form in our skin. They work synergistically with sunscreens when they are used together.
Examples of antioxidants used in skincare include vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea, ferulic acid, resveratrol, niacinamide, retinol, and caffeine, to name a few. Some of these work better when they are combined in a single formulation like vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid.
Go Fragrance-Free if You Have Sensitive Skin
Parabens, for some time, has had a bad rep when it comes to skincare products. However, it has been studied to actually be safe to apply on the skin. If you have especially sensitive skin, synthetic fragrances are what you would want to avoid.
These can sometimes trigger irritation and allergic reactions in people, so be sure to test a product first on a small area of your skin before applying it to your entire face.
Typically, products made with natural or organic formulations are free of chemicals, so these are probably a safer bet. However, some natural extracts or essential oils may also trigger allergies, so steer clear of those for which you have a known sensitivity.
Parabens are actually safe to use in skincare because they serve to protect the product from microbial contamination of molds and bacteria. They are also used in very small amounts, and they are unlikely to cause endocrine disruption and cancer in humans.
They are likewise less allergenic than other preservatives that are used to replace them. Natural extracts from plants and essential oils can cause contact dermatitis in certain individuals, so it's best to always patch test first before applying the product to a large area.
Opt for Cooling Gels if You Are Often Outdoors
If your work often takes you out in the sun, or you love going on outdoor adventures, chances are, your skin feels parched from the heat. You’ll probably need something that feels cool on your skin to help you feel calm and soothed.
Gel moisturizers with cooling properties like aloe vera, peppermint, eucalyptus, or cucumber can do wonders in drenching your skin with some much-needed freshness. You can also apply them to sunburns or tired eyes.
Some gel moisturizers also contain SPF to help you stay protected when you go out. These dual-purpose products are a great choice for people who are always on the go and have no time to do a skincare layering routine.
Gel moisturizers with soothing ingredients are great, especially in this summer heat. Make sure also to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated as well.
Choose a Packaging Type That Is Convenient for You
Whether we admit it or not, the packaging of beauty products influences our purchases. Gel moisturizers are not any different. They come in many types of packaging, and it’s best to choose the one that fits your lifestyle.
Small Pots Are Good for Trying Out a New Product
If you’re trying out a moisturizer for the first time, take advantage of those that offer smaller pots or sample containers. This way, if the moisturizer doesn’t turn out well for you, you wouldn’t have wasted an unnecessary amount of money and product. This size is also good for people who travel a lot and would like to carry along their favorite moisturizer in a compact container.
Gel moisturizers in smaller pots are ideal for those who are always on the go. Trial sizes are also a great way to test a product without committing to a bigger size, especially if it is your first time using it.
Tubs and Jars Are Cost-Effective
When you’ve tried a product and you’re sure that you would continue to use it, then it’s better to invest in a bigger container, like tubs and jars. Products that come in tubs are more cost-effective in the long run, not to mention more environmentally friendly, since you won’t have to dispose of so many little pots every week or so.
However, we advise using a little spoon or spatula to scoop out your moisturizer from the tub. Using your fingers to dip into the tub can introduce germs and bacteria, and contaminate the rest of the product. A spatula that you wash off afterward can help you maintain hygiene.
Gel moisturizers in tubs or jars are more cost-effective if you already like the product. Make sure to also use them before the expiration date (indicated as PAO or period after opening).
It's best to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and use a spatula instead of your bare hands for fewer chances of microbial contamination.
Pumps Can Dispense Both Thick and Thin Moisturizers
Pumps are great because they can dispense moisturizers with all kinds of consistencies, whether runny or thick and keep the product clean and untouched. They also minimize air exposure, so they can maintain the stability of moisturizers with sensitive or unstable ingredients.
This is especially significant when you are using a product that contains anti-aging ingredients like peptides, ceramides, and retinol. These ingredients require careful storage in order to remain effective.
Gel moisturizers in pump packaging are a great way to dispense the products because you can control how much product to use. It is also not prone to contamination since the product is not exposed to light or air. Keep the product in a cool, dry place because direct sun exposure can affect the consistency of these gel moisturizers.
Tubes Are Travel-Friendly
Just like pumps, tubes are a good way to maintain the cleanliness of a product. Tubes are also quite travel-friendly, especially if they come with a flip-top cover. However, tubes are not very good for products with a runny consistency. Typically, they are used for hand creams, sunscreens, or face moisturizers with a thicker consistency.
Tube packaging is a great way to control the product that you will be using, especially gel moisturizers. You can also tell how much product you still have left, unlike in pump bottles. Products with runny consistency are best packaged in pumps, spray, or dropper bottles.
10 Best Gel Moisturizers to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Skin Type | Key Ingredients | Fragrance-Free | Packaging | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Céleteque DermoScience™ Acne Solutions Acne Clearing Facial Moisturizer Gel | | A Lightweight and Hydrating Gel Moisturizer for Combination or Acne-Prone Skin | Combination to Oily or Acne-Prone Skin | Salicylic Acid, Acnacidol™ BG, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice | Tube | 50 mL | ||
2 | Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream | | Provides a Refreshing Feeling After Application and Keeps the Skin Shine-Free and Moisturized All Day | Normal Skin to Oily Skin | Glycerin, Glacial Glycoprotein, Micronized Amino Acids, Menthoxypropanediol | Jar/Tub | 50 mL | ||
3 | Nature Republic Soothing and Moisture Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel | | A Versatile Aloe Vera Gel You Can Use From Head to Toe | All Skin Types | Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice (92%) | Jar/Tub | 300 mL | ||
4 | Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel | | A Moisturizer That Replenishes Your Skin's Oil-Water Balance | Combination to Oily Skin | Natural Moisturizing Factors (Humectants), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake | Pump | 125 mL | ||
5 | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel | | An Oil-Free Formula That Helps Your Skin to Self-Hydrate | All Skin Types | Humectants: Glycerin, Trehalose, and Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid); Amino Acids: Yeast Extract; Electrolytes: Sodium Hydroxide | Jar/Tub | 50 g | ||
6 | Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel | | Combats Skin Impurities With Moisturizing and Soothing Ingredients | Oily or Acne-Prone Skin | Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Allantoin | Tube | 50 mL | ||
7 | Hada Labo Hydrating Water Gel | | Currently unavailable | Lets You Achieve Healthy, Dewy Skin Without an Oily Finish | Combination to Oily Skin | Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Ceramide 3, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Botanical Extracts | Jar/Tub | 50 g | |
8 | Skintific 5X Ceramide Barrier Repair Moisturize Gel | | A Featherlight Gel Infused With Ceramides for Sensitive Skin | All Skin Types | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica, Marine Collagen | Jar/Tub | 30 g | ||
9 | Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel | | A Versatile and Lightweight Gel Moisturizer for Pore Reduction | Combination to Oily Skin | Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Oat Kernel Extract | Tube | 60 mL | ||
10 | Belif The True Cream - Aqua Bomb | | A Gentle Formulation That Boosts Hydration for All Skin Types | Normal, Combination to Oily Skin | Lady's Mantle, Squalane, Glycerin, Ceramide 3 | Jar/Tub | 50 mL | ||
Céleteque DermoScience™ Acne Solutions Acne Clearing Facial Moisturizer Gel
A Lightweight and Hydrating Gel Moisturizer for Combination or Acne-Prone Skin
Moreover, this dermatologist-tested product is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free, making it a safe choice for those with skin sensitivities. Additionally, users praise its remarkable ability to control excess oil, making it an ideal choice for those with oily to combination skin!
| Skin Type | Combination to Oily or Acne-Prone Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Acnacidol™ BG, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice |
| Fragrance-Free | |
| Packaging | Tube |
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
Provides a Refreshing Feeling After Application and Keeps the Skin Shine-Free and Moisturized All Day
For those with normal to oily skin types, check out Kiehl's gel moisturizer! It features a 24-hour hydrating, fast-absorbing, and non-comedogenic formula. That's why reviewers highlight its lightweight texture that feels and looks good on the skin. Furthermore, the gel actively reduces shine, minimizes pores, and restores your skin's moisture balance.
This is due to key ingredients such as glycerin and glacial glycoprotein for deep hydration. It also contains micronized amino acids to control sebum production, leading to visibly minimized pores and a shine-free complexion over time. Plus, it has menthoxypropanediol that gives a cooling, refreshing sensation after application.
| Skin Type | Normal Skin to Oily Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Glacial Glycoprotein, Micronized Amino Acids, Menthoxypropanediol |
| Fragrance-Free | |
| Packaging | Jar/Tub |
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
Nature RepublicSoothing and Moisture Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel
A Versatile Aloe Vera Gel You Can Use From Head to Toe
If you need a versatile skincare product for your face, hair, and body, consider this aloe vera gel. Its formulation is especially beneficial for those with normal to dry skin. This is due to its watery-gel consistency, which can quickly seep into your skin and deliver a cool and refreshing feeling.
This Nature Republic product offers benefits that extend beyond facial care, making it a valuable addition to your skincare routine. It can soothe irritated skin from shaving, provide relief from sunburn, strengthen hair, and alleviate an itchy scalp. As such, users appreciate its aloe-infused formula for its multiple uses.
| Skin Type | All Skin Types |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice (92%) |
| Fragrance-Free | |
| Packaging | Jar/Tub |
| Net Weight | 300 mL |
A Moisturizer That Replenishes Your Skin's Oil-Water Balance
This dermatologist-developed face moisturizer from Clinique is a must-have for those with oily or combination skin types. It is formulated with natural moisturizing factors (NMF) to replenish the skin's oil-water balance for a healthy and balanced complexion. Since it's lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin, it won't feel heavy even on the oily areas of your face.
It also has barley, sunflower seed, and cucumber extracts, which provide antioxidant protection, soothing effects, and calming properties. Many users love this product because of its ability to provide oil-free hydration to their combination skin. They noticed that it made their skin smooth, glowy, and supple after regular use.
| Skin Type | Combination to Oily Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Natural Moisturizing Factors (Humectants), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake |
| Fragrance-Free | |
| Packaging | Pump |
| Net Weight | 125 mL |
An Oil-Free Formula That Helps Your Skin to Self-Hydrate
Unlike other moisturizers, this moisturizer's strength lies in its proprietary hydration technology that addresses the cause of skin dehydration. It boosts skin's self-hydration, reaching deeper for better moisture. This is due to its combination of amino acids, electrolytes, and natural moisturizing factors, including hyaluronic acid.
Another great thing about it is that it is dermatologist-tested, oil-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, making it a good pick even for sensitive skin. Loyal users attest to its effectiveness in improving skin plumpness and glow. Best of all, reviews say it has a lightweight texture, so it won't feel sticky even on the oily areas of your face.
| Skin Type | All Skin Types |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Humectants: Glycerin, Trehalose, and Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid); Amino Acids: Yeast Extract; Electrolytes: Sodium Hydroxide |
| Fragrance-Free | |
| Packaging | Jar/Tub |
| Net Weight | 50 g |
Combats Skin Impurities With Moisturizing and Soothing Ingredients
Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel is a versatile and gentle solution for various skin issues, including breakouts, blackheads, and impurities. Thanks to its pH of 5.5, this product maintains the skin's pH balance. As a result, it enhances the skin's natural barrier to prevent dryness and acne.
Additionally, the gel's formulation includes moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. It also incorporates soothing components such as allantoin and panthenol, leaving the skin soft and supple. Customers even love its lightweight feel and skin-friendly pH balance, as confirmed by positive reviews.
| Skin Type | Oily or Acne-Prone Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Allantoin |
| Fragrance-Free | |
| Packaging | Tube |
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
Hada Labo Hydrating Water Gel
Lets You Achieve Healthy, Dewy Skin Without an Oily Finish
Want to achieve a dewy, healthy complexion without the greasy look? Then give this quick-absorbing moisturizer by Hada Labo a try! With ceramides, vitamin B3, aloe vera, and other botanical extracts, it nourishes the skin. It even contains four types of hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and deeply hydrate the skin.
It also boasts an ultra-lightweight texture, ensuring it's suitable for all skin types and easy to apply. As a result, it has earned significant praise from its users, who appreciate its effectiveness and hydrating properties. They're also impressed by how it leaves their face glowing without any greasiness!
| Skin Type | Combination to Oily Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Ceramide 3, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Botanical Extracts |
| Fragrance-Free | |
| Packaging | Jar/Tub |
| Net Weight | 50 g |
A Featherlight Gel Infused With Ceramides for Sensitive Skin
If you want to fortify your skin's natural defenses and maintain optimal hydration, this powerful moisturizer is for you! It contains a unique combination of five ceramides, which play a crucial role in promoting a healthy skin barrier. This lightweight gel also offers 24-hour hydration and oil control.
Additionally, the formula includes hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica, and marine collagen. These ingredients deeply hydrate the skin, combat inflammation, enhance skin texture, and thwart premature aging. Plus, it caters to all skin types, including sensitive skin.
| Skin Type | All Skin Types |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica, Marine Collagen |
| Fragrance-Free | |
| Packaging | Jar/Tub |
| Net Weight | 30 g |
Paula's ChoiceSkin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel
A Versatile and Lightweight Gel Moisturizer for Pore Reduction
This moisturizer is suitable for normal to oily skin, and even those with mild sensitivities. Another plus is that the gel formula is absorbed by the skin quickly, leaving a smooth and shine-free matte finish, which many users commend. For a lightweight moisturizer that balances hydration and oil control, definitely consider this product.
| Skin Type | Combination to Oily Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Oat Kernel Extract |
| Fragrance-Free | |
| Packaging | Tube |
| Net Weight | 60 mL |
A Gentle Formulation That Boosts Hydration for All Skin Types
Experience intense hydration with this gel moisturizer! It contains a unique blend of apothecary herbs, including lady's mantle, which combats free radicals. This blend also improves skin elasticity and minimizes pores, leaving your skin looking smooth and refreshed.
Its key components also include squalane, ceramide 3, and glycerin, which ensure effective moisture retention. Moreover, clinical tests show it can increase skin's hydration levels by 70%. Although it's on the pricier side, this water-based moisturizer has received favorable reviews for its lightweight texture, ease of application, and delightful scent.
| Skin Type | Normal, Combination to Oily Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Lady's Mantle, Squalane, Glycerin, Ceramide 3 |
| Fragrance-Free | |
| Packaging | Jar/Tub |
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
Keep Your Skin Healthy in the Tropical Weather With These Tips
Living in the tropics means having to deal with hot weather that can cause skin irritation and damage. How can we keep our skin healthy against environmental factors? Here's are some tips from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Meg Sison.
Use Gel Cleansers, Gentle Exfoliants, and Lightweight Moisturizers
The weather is truly hot and humid, especially during summer, so it's recommended to use gel cleansers to gently remove excess sebum, dirt, and residual skincare products on your skin at the end of the day.
You can also use mild exfoliants with low concentrations of AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs once to twice a week as part of your skincare regimen. Lightweight moisturizers in gel or emulsion formats are preferred during summer to prevent the sticky feeling associated with heavier moisturizers. Look for moisturizers with more humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
Use Lightweight Sunscreen With at Least SPF 30
Lightweight sunscreens in gel or fluid format are preferred during summer when it is hot and humid. Choose a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum which can protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. SPF should be at least 30. Remember to seek shade when the UV rays are the most intense (10 am to 4 pm), and wear UV protective eyewear, a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and pants whenever applicable.
Remember to Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet
Frequently Asked Questions Answered By Dr. Meg Sison
We asked Dr. Meg some of the most asked questions found online. Read on below to find out her answers!
Can Gel Moisturizer Work for All Skin Types?
Gel moisturizers can work for those with normal, combination, or oily skin. Those with dry skin might find gel moisturizers not hydrating enough for them. For those with sensitive skin, look for gel moisturizers that have a short ingredients list and are fragrance-free to minimize skin irritations or allergies.
Does Gel Moisturizer Cause Acne?
Gel moisturizers do not typically cause acne because they do not contain pore-clogging ingredients. However, those who experience breakouts from using gel moisturizers might be sensitive to certain ingredients like fragrances and plant extracts.
It's best to apply first on a small area (behind the ear or the crook of your elbow) and observe for signs of irritation for 24 to 72 hours before using the product on large areas.
Is Gel Moisturizer Best Used in the Morning or at Night?
Gel moisturizers can be used either in the morning or at night. It is also recommended to apply a separate sunscreen during the day for protection against the harmful effects of UV rays.
Stay Cool and Protected With These Skincare Essentials
With a great gel moisturizer, you can walk out the door feeling light and hydrated. Check out our other article reviews of products that can help you stay cool and protected while outdoors. No need to dread walking out in the sun!
Author: R. Umlas
Re-editor: Samantha Tidalgo
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Gel Moisturizers
No. 1: Céleteque DermoScience™ Acne Solutions ｜Acne Clearing Facial Moisturizer Gel
No. 2: Kiehl's ｜Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
No. 3: Nature Republic｜Soothing and Moisture Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel
No. 4: Clinique｜Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
No. 5: Neutrogena｜Hydro Boost Water Gel
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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