In winter we tend to reach for thicker skin care products. Especially when it comes to moisturizer. But you don’t need to slather on heavy creams to stay hydrated. The best gel products also deliver glowing results.
And they don’t just combat parched complexions. There are formulas that relieve redness and sensitivity. Blemishes keep popping up? Try Clinique’s topical treatment. If anti-aging skin care is what you’re after, DHC’s multitasking gel cream featuring collagen and elastin is a great option.
The good news is you don’t have to spend a fortune to add these gel products to your regimen. While Erno Laszlo’s sleeping mask is well worth its $108 price tag, Neutrogena’s beloved gel moisturizer rings in at a little over $17.
Ready to lighten up? Here are the best gel products to use all year long.
Gel Products
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Summer Fridays
Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream, $42 at Summer Fridays
The brand’s new gel cream moisturizer is as light as a cloud. But it still delivers big moisture thanks to three types of hyaluronic acid. There are also ceramides, minerals and amino acids to boost your skin’s moisture barrier. Not to mention brightening pineapple enzymes for visibly improved skin tone and texture.
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SkinCeuticals
Phyto Corrective Gel, $67 at DermStore
If you’re dealing with redness or sensitivity, meet your new BFF. This soothing and moisturizing gel hydrates as it comforts. The magic is in its combination of hyaluronic acid, cucumber, thyme and other botanical ingredients. There’s also mulberry to minimize discoloration.
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Peter Thomas Roth
FIRMx Peeling Gel, $48 at Ulta Beauty
Use this gel to peel your way to smoother, fresher, brighter-looking skin. Pineapple, pomegranate and keratinase enzymes paired with cellulose gently exfoliate, while glycerin and hyaluronic acid help hydrate and soothe. The gel even removes impurities and unclogs pores.
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Erno Laszlo
Memory Gel Sleeping Mask, $108 at Sephora
Beauty sleep takes on new meaning with this sleeping mask. Its gel formula features prickly pear, green ginger and mugwort extracts to deliver hydration to your parched complexion. Throw in winged kelp extract to boost firmness and you’ve got one easy path to brighter skin.
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Clinique
Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel, $27.50 at Ulta Beauty
Clinique’s gel starts clearing blemishes upon application. The topical treatment relies on salicylic acid to banish existing pimples and prevent new ones from forming. Plus, it also has witch hazel to keep oil in check and tighten pores.
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Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez
Always an Optimist Illuminating Primer, $26 at Sephora
Get that coveted lit-from-within glow via this gel primer enriched with ultra-fine pearls. The weightless formula also smooths and hydrates. And if your skin is super stressed, its botanical blend of lotus, gardenia and white waterlily will help your complexion calm down.
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Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Water Gel With Hyaluronic Acid for Dry Skin, $17.19 at Neutrogena
There’s a reason Neutrogena’s gel moisturizer is so popular. It quenches dry skin in an instant. It works so well because it contains hyaluronic acid and absolutely no oil. It also makes a great primer under your makeup since it won’t clog pores.
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DHC
Astaxanthin Collagen All-in-One Gel, $49 at DermStore
Looking for a lightweight way to turn back the clock? This multitasking gel cream boasts both collagen and elastin to increase firmness. It also contains moisture-maker hyaluronic acid along with astaxanthin, a powerful green algae antioxidant, to combat free radical damage and environmental aggressors.
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Avène
Cleanance Cleansing Gel, $30 at DermStore
Eliminate everything from dirt to oil to impurities with this soap-free cleanser. It cleans your face and body without stripping your skin. In addition, it helps minimize the trigger for excess oil production.
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PÜR
Melt Away Gel, $22 at Ulta Beauty
Remove even the most stubborn makeup with this gel. It includes good-for-your-skin oils (like sweet almond and sunflower seed) to rejuvenate complexions and help protect skin from the visible signs of aging created by high energy visible blue light. The fact that it’s leak-free is an added bonus.
