15 Best Water-Based Moisturizers For Dry Skin Of 2023
Keep dry skin hydrated and healthy with these non-greasy, potent formulas!
Expertise: Medical & Esthetic Dermatology, Venereology
Experience: 9 years
Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa has 9 years of experience. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society, and a member of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc, Philippine Society of Venereologists, Inc, Ph... more
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with three years of experience. As an editor, she ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Dry skin needs excess hydration to keep skin healthy. A generic moisturizer may not be helpful for hydrating dry skin. So, dry skin needs the best water-based moisturizer that keeps your skin hydrated without making it greasy. Hydrated skin is healthy and smooth. “Moisturizers increase the water content in the stratum corneum. This maintains the normal function of the lipid bilayer of the skin,” explains Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society. Try out the list of the 15 ideal water-based moisturizers specially made for dry skin. Check them out below!
In This Article
15 Best Water-Based Moisturizers
1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Image: Neutrogena The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel softens and hydrates the skin and makes it supple. It is absorbed into the skin easily and prevents itching and skin irritation. This water-based product contains hyaluronic acid, which locks in moisture. It can also be used as a primer under makeup. This non-comedogenic moisturizer does not contain alcohol, dyes, and fragrances. Here’s a personal review video to help you get a better understanding of the product
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Alcohol-free
- Dye-free
- Fragrance-free
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May cause skin irritation.
2. Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream
The Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream is lightweight and revitalizes the skin. It contains plant extract and minerals that smoothen and firm the skin. This water-based cream makes the skin supple with out being greasy. It is free of artificial perfume and color. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product
Pros
- Perfume-free
- Dye-free
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
Cons
- Contains silicone
3. Tatcha The Water Cream
The Tatcha The Water Cream contains Japanese nutrients and pure botanicals that help hydrate the skin. The anti-aging formula with water burst mechanism breaks helps treat the skin. This cream is infused with Japanese wild rose, which tightens and smoothens the skin.
Japanese leopard lily controls oil secretion and clarifies the skin. Japanese superfoods, Hadasei-3, a trinity of rice, algae, and green tea with anti-aging properties impart a youthful glow to the skin. The 23-karat gold keeps the skin shine-free. This cream is non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and non-greasy. It does not contain mineral oils, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, parabens, urea, DEA, TEA, and phthalates. Here’s a personal review video to help you get a better understanding of the product
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Cruelty-free
- Mineral oil-free
- No synthetic fragrances
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Urea-free
- DEA-free
- TEA-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Expensive
4. Bliss Drench & Quench Cream-To-Water Hydrator
The Bliss Drench &Quench Cream-To-Water Hydrator is lightweight and contains 10,000 marine micro-droplets. It is non-greasy and absorbed easily into the skin. This vegan cream softens, hydrates, and refreshes the skin. It is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and cruelty-free. This product does not contain parabens, phthalates, SLS, SLES, mineral oil, and petrolatum.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Lightweight
- Dermatologist tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
Cons
- Strong smell
5. Nature Republic Aqua Fresh Watery Cream
The Nature Republic Aqua Fresh Watery Cream replenishes the moisture content of the skin. It is lightweight and adds shine to the skin. The Aqua Capture system instantly pumps the skin, while the licorice extract and portulaca oleracea extract tighten and smoothen the skin. The deep sea waters help hydrate, rejuvenate, and purity the skin.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Adds glow
- Unisex
Cons
- Strong smell
6. Belif the True Cream Moisturizing Bomb
Say goodbye to dryness, dullness, and uneven texture with the Belief the True Cream Moisturizing Bomb. This moisturizing bomb is suitable for normal, dry, and combination skin. It effectively hydrates dry, flaky, and dull skin for 26 hours, making it smooth, supple, and deeply nourished. The whipped texture absorbs smoothly on the skin, making it non-greasy.
Pros
- Dermatologically tested
- Clinically proven
- Moisture-formula
- Mineral oil-free
- No synthetic fragrances
- No synthetic dyes
- Cruelty-free
- Long-lasting moisturization
Cons
None
Pro Tip7. Murad Hydration Nutrient-Charged Water Gel
The Murad Hydration Nutrient-Charged Water Gel is formulated with Cumulative Hydration Release Technology that locks in skin moisture for five days. It is enriched with a blend of five minerals, vitamins, and peptides (MVP).
Vitamins B3, B5, B6, B9, and E help reduce dryness and skin irritation. These vitamins also minimize signs of aging and soothe the skin. Iron, silicon, copper, zinc, and magnesium make the skin healthy. Peptides strengthen the skin barrier against damage, making it plump and smooth. This vegan product is free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, phthalates, gluten, and petrolatum.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
Cons
None
Pro Tip8. Dermalogica Calm Water Gel
The Dermalogica Calm Water Gel is lightweight and helps soothe the skin. It changes into a skin-quenching liquid on application. This cream shields the skin against environmental aggressors. It is enriched with lavender oil and apple fruit extract, and glycerin, which soften the skin.
The cactus pear extract with water-binding properties maintains the moisture balance of the skin. The Dual Hyaluronic Acid Technology prevents dryness and makes the skin silky soft. This unisex product is vegan and cruelty-free and does not contain gluten, parabens, and artificial colors and fragrances.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Lightweight
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- No artificial colors
- No artificial fragrance
Cons
- Insufficient quantity
9. First Aid Beauty Coconut Water Cream
The First Aid Beauty Coconut Water Cream is lightweight and enriched with nourishing coconut water. It creates a burst of electrolyte-rich moisture and hydro-charges the skin, treating uneven skin tone, open pores, and dryness.
The water-based formula contains sodium hyaluronate and altero monas ferment filtrate, which help protect the skin against element exposure and damage. This unisex cream is non-comedogenic, vegan, and suitable for sensitive skin types. It is free of gluten, nut, soy, nano, alcohol, artificial colorants, artificial fragrance, lanolin, mineral oil, parabens, petrolatum, phthalates, and sulfates.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Soy-free
- Vegan
- Nano-free
- Alcohol-free
- No artificial colorant
- No artificial fragrance
- Lanolin-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Insufficient quantity
10. L’Occitane Ultra Thirst-Quenching Gel
The L’Occitane Ultra Thirst-Quenching Gel is enriched with hyaluronic acid and Réotier water. It recharges the skin with water, imparting a glow that lasts all day long. This non-oily cream forms a radiant layer on the skin, maximizes the hydration barrier of the skin, and locks in natural moisture. It smoothens and refreshes the skin instantly. This unisex product is long-lasting and lightweight.
Pros
- Unisex
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
Cons
- Sticky
11. IMAGE Skincare Vital C Hydrating Water Burst
The IMAGE Skincare Vital C Hydrating Water Burst is formulated with hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, anti-aging peptides, and brightening vitamins. It helps moisturize and revitalize the skin, imparting a youthful glow. This product is lightweight and free of parabens.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Brightens the skin
- Lightweight
Cons
- Contains silicone
12. TULA Aqua Infusion Oil-Free Gel Cream
The Tula Aqua Infusion Oil-Free Gel Cream is powered with apples and watermelon extract that hydrate the skin. Rice water helps firm the skin, while prickly pear extracts calm and soothe irritation. Lactococcus ferment lysate helps lock in skin moisture, and probiotics even out the skin tone. This product is non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and does not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, petrolatum, dairy, and gluten.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Dairy-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Non-greasy
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Expensive
13. Mylansea Face Moisturizer
The Mylansea Hyaluronic Acid Face moisturizer maintains skin elasticity. It contains 10% hyaluronic acid that helps prevent dryness. There are three sizes of hyaluronic acid molecules – the macromolecules form a skin-locking membrane, medium molecules transport moisture, and small molecules nourish the skin.
This moisturizer is enriched with avocado oil and vitamin E, which promote cell regeneration, strengthen the skin, and improve your skin health. Green tea, matricaria, and Centella asiatica help repair the skin and tighten the pores. This cream also contains blended gold particles, which smoothen the skin and improve its elasticity. It is cruelty-free and does not contain parabens and GMOs.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- No chemical additives
- GMO-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Might irritate the skin
14. dear, klairs Fundamental Water Gel Cream
The dear, klairs Fundamental Water Gel Cream is lightweight, non-greasy, and hydrates the skin. It is formulated with Jeju green tea water and panthenol, which help lock in the skin moisture. This vegan cream contains 63.7% camellia sinens is leaf extract, which is rich in antioxidants that help calm and brighten the skin. “Camellia sinensis has an anti-inflammatory property that can help heal sunburnt skin and wounds. It is also thought to address aging skin by acting as an anti-oxidant,” says Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, a Medical & Esthetic Dermatology with over 9 years of experience.
The advanced liposomes and natural extracts in the cream help nourish and strengthen the skin.
Pros
- Vegan
- Non-greasy
- Non-sticky
- Lightweight
Cons
None
15. the SAEM Iceland Aqua Gel Cream
the SAEM Iceland Aqua Gel Cream is powered with 100% Iceland glacier water and ‘Stonecrop ,’ which help lock in skin moisture. It contains Iceland plants like marine plants, Iceland moss, and kelp that help soothe environmentally-damaged skin. These green grade ingredients refresh and plump the skin, adding glow.
Pros
- Unisex
- Long-lasting
Cons
None
Water-based moisturizers come with oil-free compositions that ensure hydration and offer a dewy radiance. Scroll down to know the essential factors to consider before choosing the best water-based moisturizers for dry skin.
How To Choose The Best Water-Based Moisturizers For Dry Skin
Ingredients
Before choosing your water-based moisturizer, check the ingredients list carefully. Look for hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and aloe vera. Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids improve skin function, while preventing dry skin and dermatitis. Squalane is useful in improving the rough texture of dry skin and harnessing free radicals to combat premature skin aging. Niacinamide is a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient that reduces water loss from the dermis, and prevents dry skin.
There are some ingredients that can be harmful for dry skin, check the list to make sure your water-based moisturizer is free of these. Parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, phthalates, gluten, and petrolatum should be left out. Scented moisturizers are best avoided, as the fragrance can also irritate sensitive dry skin. Choose hypoallergenic products that are dermatologist-recommended.
Formula
After ingredients, look towards the formula of your water-based moisturizer. It should be lightweight and non-sticky. It should be quick-absorbing and maintain the moisture balance of the skin. Besides these factors, look for products that are non-comedogenic and will soothe irritated skin. Ingredients like jeju green tea water and panthenol help lock in skin moisture while maintaining a weightless feel on your skin.
SPF Factor
If you spend time outdoors in the sun, look for the added benefit of SPF in the formulation. Look for a water-based moisturizer that will protect your skin against the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Added Benefits
Dry skin needs constant hydration and your moisturizer should be able to keep your skin looking radiant throughout the day. Choose a cream that shields the skin against environmental aggressors so that your skin is protected while you are outdoors.
Finding the perfect moisturizer that matches your skin type can take a lot of time and trial. Unless you have dry skin, oil-based moisturizers tend to be too heavy. If you have dry skin, to keep your skin hydrated, you need to invest in the best water-based moisturizers. These moisturizers will hydrate your skin without making it greasy. They have a gel-like consistency and are absorbed into the skin quite easily. These water-based moisturizers are an excellent option for those with normal and combination skin types too.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The writer of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach and is well versed in writing about beauty and wellness. If you are looking to get your hands on a good quality water-based moisturizer, then her expertly written article will help you find the right product. For this list, she thoroughly researched and read user reviews about the water-based moisturizers available on the market. These moisturizers are mostly chemical-free, lightweight, and non-greasy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if a moisturizer is water-based?
Look at the ingredients list. If the list begins with water or aqua, it is a water-based moisturizer. On the other hand, if the first ingredient is an oil, such as coconut, almond, or jojoba oils, it is an oil-based moisturizer.
Are water-based moisturizers good for oily skin?
Yes. Water-based moisturizers are good for oily skin. They hydrate your skin without making it feel greasy. Their lightweight texture seeps right into your skin and nourishes it throughout the day.
Are water-based moisturizers good for acne?
Yes. Water-based moisturizers do not add extra oil to the skin or irritate your acne. Instead, they soothe your acne and heal it.
Can you use water-based moisturizers after retinol?
Yes. Apply a water-based moisturizer after using retinol to boost moisture in the skin and lock the anti-aging and toning benefits of the retinol.
How do you use water-based moisturizers?
• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
• Dab your face with a soft towel. Let it be slightly damp.
• Scoop a generous amount of the moisturizer on your finger.
• Rub it between your fingers to activate the molecules in it.
• Apply it gently all over your face.
How long do water-based moisturizers last?
The shelf life of water-based moisturizers is two to three years.
How often should water-based moisturizers be used?
Use a water-based moisturizer twice daily to retain your skin’s natural bounce and health.
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