10 Best Lightweight Moisturizers For All Skin Types – 2023

Keep your skin care issues at bay with products comprising gentle formulas.

Reviewed by Raisa Zarin, Licensed Esthetician
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Aditi Naskar, Diploma In Health & Wellness
Fact-checked by Arshiya Syeda  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

The importance of moisturizing the skin daily cannot be overstated. The best lightweight moisturizer will leave your skin feeling fresh and hydrated. If you are not a fan of the creamy feel of regular moisturizers, the lightweight formulas are for you. These products are water-based and work like a gel. They are packed with powerful ingredients that are moisture bombs for your skin. Raisa Zarin, a licensed esthetician, says, “Lightweight moisturizers can help eliminate build up on the skin as it absorbs quicker into the skin!” We have listed the 10 best lightweight moisturizers available online. Check them out!

Top Picks
Check Price
Best UV Ray Protection:CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion
Price on Amazon
Best For Oily Skin:L’Oreal Hydra Genius
Price on Amazon
Best For Matte Finish:Olay Luminous Whip
Price on Amazon
Best Alcohol-Free:Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench
Price on Amazon
Best Dermatologist Tested:Tatcha The Water Cream
Price on Amazon
Best Dark Spots:Bliss Drench and Quench Cream-To-Water Hydrator
Price on Amazon
Best Non-Greasy:Skyn Iceland The Antidote Cooling Daily Lotion
Price on Amazon
Best For All Skin Types:Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly
Price on Amazon
Best For Blemishes:Murad Anti-Aging Moisturizer
Price on Amazon
Best Oil-Free Formula:Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Replenishing Hydragel Complex
Price on Amazon

Top 10 Lightweight Moisturizers To Buy In 2023

1. Best UV Ray Protection:CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion

4.6

If you have oily skin, you will love this ultra-light moisturizing lotion. It reduces the shine, provides a matte-finish, and helps retain the skin’s moisture level. It contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II that restore the protective barrier of your skin and keep it healthy. Moreover, it contains SPF 30 and protects you from the harmful UV rays. This moisturizer is recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation and is suitable for normal to oily skin.

Skin Type: Normal to Oily Skin | Item Weight: 50 Milligrams

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Lightweight
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Broad-spectrum sun protection
  • Developed with dermatologists
  • Silky-smooth finish
  • Fragrance-free
  • Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

  • The pump dispenser may malfunction.
protip_icon Quick Tip

Ensure to use a toner before applying this lotion to absorb excess oil.
Price at the time of publication: $14.97

2. Best For Oily Skin:L’Oreal Hydra Genius

4.5
L’Oreal Paris Hydra Genius Water-Based Cream Image: L'oreal

This is a water-based hydrating moisturizer and is best for oily skin. It is a face lotion with a gel-like consistency that is absorbed quickly, without any greasiness and shine. It contains hyaluronic acid and aloe vera that provide 72 hours of hydration. It makes your skin soft, improves the skin texture, and makes it appear healthy.

Product Dimensions: 1.71 x 2.11 x 6.6 inches | Weight: 10.41 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Matte-finish
  • Non-oily
  • 72 hours hydration
  • Suitable for normal to oily skin
  • Quickly absorbed
  • Restores skin’s elasticity

Cons

  • The fragrance might feel overwhelming.
Why It’s Worth Buying: The overwhelming 7,350 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
Price at the time of publication: $18.54

3. Best For Matte Finish:Olay Luminous Whip

This is a lightweight sunscreen moisturizer, and as the name suggests, it has a whipped cream-like texture. It is whipped with Active Rush Technology to get absorbed fast and protect your skin from sun damage. This formula is non-greasy, provides a matte finish, and reduces dark spots, age spots, and discoloration.

Item Weight: 0.11 Pounds | Item Weight: 1.76 ounces | Product Dimensions: 2.72 x 3.35 x 3.74 inches.

Pros

  • Contains SPF 25
  • Oil-free
  • Non-greasy
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Matte-finish
  • Fast-absorbing formula
  • Goes well under makeup

Cons

  • Might burn the eyes.
Price at the time of publication: $37.98

4. Best Alcohol-Free:Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench

4.5
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer Image: Peterthomasroth

This is a 30% Hyaluronic Acid Complex cream. If you have dry skin, this lightweight and moisturizing formula is perfect for you. It contains three molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid that lock in moisture for 72 hours. The ProHyal+ reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines to give you youthful skin. It also contains hydrolyzed silk that gives your skin a soft and smooth finish.

Product Dimensions: 7 x 6.1 x 3.9 inches | Weight: 1.76 Ounces

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Non-greasy
  • Weightless texture

Cons

  • Not hydrating enough for mature/older and dry skin.
Why It’s Worth Buying: The extensive 3,931 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
Price at the time of publication: $113.9

5. Best Dermatologist Tested:Tatcha The Water Cream

4.5

This is an oil-free water cream and contains a bunch of botanical extracts. It includes the Japanese leopard lily and Japanese wild rose extracts that control excess oil, tighten the skin pores, and improve your skin texture. It contains Hadasei-3 and anti-aging complex made of rice, green tea, and algae that exhibits a calming effect and also gives you a shine-free glow and youthful radiance.

Product Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 6 inches | Weight: 1.7 Ounces

Pros

  • Mineral oil-free
  • No synthetic fragrance
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Urea-free
  • DEA/TEA- free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Non-irritating
  • Dermatologist tested
  • Sensitive skin-friendly ingredients
  • Non-sensitizing
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Expensive for the quantity
Why It’s Worth Buying: Almost 2,615 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
Price at the time of publication: $123.0

6. Best Dark Spots:Bliss Drench and Quench Cream-To-Water Hydrator

4.5
Bliss Drench and Quench Cream-To-Water Hydrator Image: Bliss
Now 8% Off

This product has a cream-to-water formula that provides lasting hydration to your skin without leaving a greasy residue and helps maintain all-day moisture. It is developed with Hydrozome technology that protects the natural moisture barrier of your skin. The vitamin C in the moisturizer fights free radicals and brightens your skin by reducing dark spots and also helps promote even skin tone. It also contains German chamomile extracts to calm skin irritation.

Product Dimensions: 2.91 x 2.91 x 2.4 inches | Weight: 1.7 Ounces

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • SLS/SLES-free
  • DMDM hydantoin-free
  • Urea-free
  • Petrolatum-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • DEA/TEA/MEA/ETA-free
  • No formaldehyde-releasing agent
  • 100% cruelty-free

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $24

7. Best Non-Greasy:Skyn Iceland The Antidote Cooling Daily Lotion

4.6
Skyn Iceland The Antidote Cooling Daily Lotion Image: Skyn Iceland

This lightweight lotion is formulated for chronically stressed skin. It contains white willow bark extracts, a natural form of salicylic acid, mint extracts to impart a cooling sensation, Icelandic kelp for fighting inflammation, and Meadowsweet extracts to reduce oiliness and tighten the pores. These ingredients help decongest and heal the skin, prevent breakouts, and reduce redness.

Product Dimensions: 2.88 x 1.75 x 4.75 inches | Weight: 1.73 Ounces

Pros

  • Contains natural extracts
  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Non-greasy

Cons

  • May cause a tingling/burning sensation.
Price at the time of publication: $48.0

8. Best For All Skin Types:Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly

4.5
Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly Image: Clinique
Now 15% Off

This lightweight moisturizing cream has water-jelly like texture and feels extremely refreshing upon application. It gets absorbed into your skin quickly and leaves no sticky residue. It provides 24-hour intense hydration and makes your skin resilient. It is hypoallergenic and suitable for all skin types.

Product Dimensions: 2.1 x 2 x 4.8 inches | Weight: 6.4 Ounces

Pros

  • Dermatologist-developed
  • Allergy tested
  • Non-sticky
  • 100% fragrance-free
  • Oil-free
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $16.5

9. Best For Blemishes:Murad Anti-Aging Moisturizer

4.6
Murad Anti-Aging Moisturizer For Blemish-Prone Skin Image: Murad
Now 5% Off

Acne and blemish-prone skin needs extra protection.The Murad Anti-Aging moisturizer has a blemish-control formula. It has SPF 30 that protects your skin from early signs of aging (photoaging) and prevents blemishes. It contains kombucha black tea ferment that reduces fine lines and wrinkles and an oil-control complex that clears the skin pores and keeps the skin youthful. This lightweight moisturizer helps effectively brighten dull skin and is also suitable for all skin types, from normal, dry, and oily to combination skin.

Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.9 x 1.5 x 1.1 inches; Weight: 2.4 Ounces

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Travel-friendly size

Cons

  • May cause breakouts.
protip_icon Quick Tip

Use a nourishing serum before applying the moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Dry skin can actually secrete excess oil to compensate for the dryness, leading to blemishes and stubborn acne.
Price at the time of publication: $54

10. Best Oil-Free Formula:Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Replenishing Hydragel Complex

4.5
Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Replenishing HydraGel Complex Image: Elizabeth Arden

This is a refreshing water gel and provides 24-hour intense hydration to your skin. It has a HydraGel complex that prevents dryness, refines your skin pores, and makes the skin smooth. It is an oil-free formula that feels incredibly lightweight on the skin and can be used day and night.

Note: It contains mushroom extracts. If you are allergic to mushrooms, avoid using it. A patch test is recommended.

Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.35 x 2.28 inches | Weight: 9.59 Ounces

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Lightweight
  • Non-oily
  • Reduces dryness

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $55.0

Lightweight moisturizers can be a great addition to your skincare routine. They feel nothing on the skin yet hydrate it intensely. But choosing the right one from the various options available can be challenging. Check out this buying guide to learn how to choose the best lightweight moisturizer.

What To Look For While Buying The Best Lightweight Moisturizer

  • Texture

Moisturizers come in varying textures, from lotions to gels. Decide on a texture that suits your skin and feels the best. If you have dry skin, it is best to stick with a cream-based moisturizer. On the other hand, opt for a gel-based moisturizer for oily or combination skin.

  • Ingredients

Look for active ingredients such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid in your moisturizer that help to calm irritated skin. It nourishes the skin and strengthens the skin barrier. These active ingredients are gentle enough to work on all skin types and can be a great addition to your daily regimen.

  • Formula

The whole point of a moisturizer is to provide your skin with hydration and moisture. Hence to get the best out of your moisturizer, go for the ones with hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, etc.

  • Additional Benefits

Having SPF in your moisturizer will protect your skin from the sun. An SPF-induced moisturizer before applying your sun protectant will ensure double protection from sun damage. Check to see if the moisturizer also works as an anti-aging.

  • Chemical-free

While choosing a moisturizer, it is best to avoid excessive quantities of artificial fragrance, colorings, alcohol, parabens, or talc that can cause irritation and discomfort to your skin.

The Bottom Line

A moisturizer is a must for everyone, no matter what skin type you have. Whether you have oily, acne-prone skin or want to avoid suffocating your skin with thick lathery creams, good lightweight moisturizers ensure that your skin stays healthy without feeling heavy. These products are water-based and leave your skin feeling fresh and supple. Lightweight moisturizers not only prevent clogged pores but are strong enough to provide adequate hydration throughout the day. The CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion is great for a quick fix for your morning routine as it also offers sun protection. The Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench is a fragrance- and oil-free option for acne-prone skin, while the Tatcha The Water Cream is a luxurious cream ideal for sensitive skin. These are non-greasy, paraben-free, moisturizers are also enriched with other skin-nourishing ingredients. The moisturizers mentioned above will help fight signs of aging and promote a naturally supple soft skin.

Why Trust Stylecraze

Shiboli Chakraborti uses her outstanding analyzing and writing skills to find and review skin care products for her readers. She is a certified skin care coach and hence understands the needs of every skin type. She has scoured many websites to review these best lightweight moisturizers listed in this article. To assist you in choosing the right product, Shiboli has created a comprehensive review besides listing the pros and cons of each product.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a lightweight moisturizer?

A lightweight moisturizer has a sheer and watery consistency that spreads easily on the skin and gets absorbed faster.It is ideal for people with oily skin types.

Should I use a lightweight moisturizer?

Use lightweight moisturizer if you have oily or acne-prone skin. You may also opt for lightweight moisturizers during warmer months when the temperature is generally high and humid.

Should I use a lightweight moisturizer at night or morning?

Use a lightweight moisturizer twice a day to keep your skin moisturized without clogging pores.

Should I use lightweight or rich moisturizer?

Rich moisturizers have a thicker consistency and are suitable for dry or combination skin types. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, always opt for non-comedogenic and lightweight moisturizers with breathable formulas to let your skin breathe.

Do you really need a lightweight moisturizer?

Yes, a lightweight moisturizer maintains your skin’s moisture barrier without clogging pores. You need a lightweight moisturizer more during summer and spring when the atmosphere is too humid and sweaty.


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