15 Best Water-Based Moisturizers For Dry Skin Of 2023

Dry skin needs excess hydration to keep skin healthy. Sometimes, a generic or daily 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 that provide the necessary skin hydration. Check them out below!

15 Best Water-Based Moisturizers

1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

4.5

Image: Neutrogena

Now 40% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $16.11

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel softens and hydrates the skin, makes it supple, and help improve elasticity. It is absorbed into the skin easily and prevents itching and skin irritation. This dermatologist-recommended, 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 with the tester’s experience to help you get a better understanding of the product.

Pros

• Non-comedogenic
• Alcohol-free
• Dye-free
• Fragrance-free
• Long-lasting
• Clinically-proven

Cons

• May cause skin irritation.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has received 8,067 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.

2. Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream

4.3

Image: Simple

BUY ON AMAZON | $8.26

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 skin care product also works on mature skin. This water-based cream makes the skin supple without being greasy. It is free of artificial perfume and color. The product is not tested on animals as well, making it a great cruelty-free option. The gel cream is also clinically examined and confirmed to provide deep hydration and strengthen the moisture barrier. Click here to check out the reviewer’s experience and a detailed personal review of this product.

Pros

• Perfume-free
• Dye-free
• Non-greasy
• Lightweight

Cons

• Contains silicone

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 3,850 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.

3. Tatcha The Water Cream

4.5

Image: Tatcha

BUY ON AMAZON | $72

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 natural ingredients like 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 featuring the tester’s experience 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

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has gained over 518 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.

4. Bliss Drench & Quench Cream-To-Water Hydrator

4.5

Image: Bliss

Now 8% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $24

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 lightweight moisturizer does not contain parabens, phthalates, SLS, SLES, mineral oil, and petrolatum. The product has been validated by leading dermatologists and boasts of countless positive reviews on Amazon as well, thus further making it an excellent choice.

Pros

• Hypoallergenic
• Lightweight
• Dermatologist tested
• Non-comedogenic
• Cruelty-free
• Vegan
• Paraben-free
• Phthalate-free
• SLS-free
• SLES-free
• Mineral oil-free
• Petrolatum-free
• Dermatologist-tested

Cons

• Strong smell

5. Nature Republic  Aqua Fresh Watery Cream

4.1

Image: Naturerepublicusa

BUY ON AMAZON | $15.3

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

4.6

Image: Belif

BUY ON AMAZON | $38

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, dull, and flaky skin for 26 hours, making it smooth, supple, and deeply nourished. The whipped texture absorbs smoothly on the skin, making it non-greasy. Not to mention, the day cream also offers proven efficacy and visible results.

Pros

• Dermatologically-tested
• Clinically-proven
•  Moisture-formula
•  Mineral oil-free
•  No synthetic fragrances
•  No synthetic dyes
•  Cruelty-free
•  Long-lasting moisturization

Cons

None

Pro Tip

Mix in a few drops of liquid highlighter with your moisturizer to add shine to your face and to achieve a dewy-looking makeup look.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 253 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.

7. Murad Hydration Nutrient-Charged Water Gel

4.6

Image: Murad

BUY ON AMAZON | $68

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, help soothe the skin, and support overall skin replenishment. 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 Tip

Mix your foundation with this moisturizer for a light coverage which is perfect for everyday makeup and would not appear too heavy or cakey.

8. Dermalogica Calm Water Gel

4.7

Image: Dermalogica

BUY ON AMAZON | $52

The Dermalogica Calm Water Gel is lightweight and helps soothe the skin. It changes into a skin-quenching liquid on application. This refreshing cream offers a protective barrier and shields the skin against environmental aggressors. The lightweight cream is enriched with lavender oil, apple fruit extract, and glycerin that 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

4.5

Image: First Aid Beauty

Now 5% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $26.7

The First Aid Beauty Coconut Water Cream is lightweight and enriched with nourishing coconut water. This amazing moisturizer offers 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 all skin types, including sensitive. This dermatologist-tested product 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
• Clinically-proven
• Lightweight formula

Cons

• Insufficient quantity

10. L’Occitane Ultra Thirst-Quenching Gel

4.5

Now 25% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $30

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. This body moisturizer smooths and refreshes the skin instantly. This unisex product is long-lasting and lightweight. This can undoubtedly be tested on and trusted for all skin types.

Pros

• Unisex
• Long-lasting
• Lightweight

Cons

• Sticky

11. IMAGE Skincare Vital C Hydrating Water Burst

4.7

Image: Image Skincare

BUY ON AMAZON | $50.0

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. Ensure to apply the product regularly for visible results.

Pros

• Paraben-free
• Brightens the skin
• Lightweight
• Hydrating formula

Cons

• Contains silicone

12. TULA Aqua Infusion Oil-Free Gel Cream

4.6

Image: Tula

Now 6% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $44.99

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 oil-free moisturizer 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
• Clinically-proven
• Non-greasy
• Non-comedogenic

Cons

• Expensive

13. Mylansea Face Moisturizer

4.1

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.99

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 facial 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 rejuvenating cream also contains blended gold particles, which smoothen the skin and improve skin health and 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

4.1

BUY ON AMAZON | $31

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 sinensis 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
• Quick absorption

Cons

None

15. the SAEM Iceland Aqua Gel Cream

4.2

BUY ON AMAZON | $19

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 and help with premature aging. 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 skin 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 might not be suitable for sensitive skin types. Choose hypoallergenic products that are dermatologist-recommended. Similarly, look for products packed with ingredients that are safe for oily or acne-prone skin.

Formula

After ingredients, look towards the formula of your water-based moisturizer. It should be lightweight and non-sticky and offer an invisible finish. 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

Unlike oily skin types, 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. You can also opt for a night cream that can help your skin restore its lost moisture and rejuvenate.

Infographic: Tips To Make The Most Out Of Your Water-Based Moisturizers

If you are looking for a super-moisturizing product for dry skin, water-based moisturizers are ideal for you. They provide an extra boost of hydration without making your skin look greasy or oily. Check out the infographic below for some easy tips and tricks to get the most out of these moisturizers.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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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.

Recommended Articles

Best Water-Based Moisturizers For Oily Skin
Best Water-Based Skin Care Products
Best Lightweight Moisturizers For All Skin Types
Best Moisturizers For Dry Skin
Best Gel Moisturizers That Every Skin Can Enjoy

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Patricia Gaile EspinosaMD

     

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, Philippine Medical Association, Rheumatologic Dermatology Society, and International Society of Dermatology. She has published papers on psoriasis and has done oral and poster research presentations...more

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

 

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content. She loves reviewing skin care and hair care products and constantly endeavors to provide...more

Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor

Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products. She has previously worked as a scriptwriter for an educational technology company and...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more