This One Ingredient in Your Moisturizer Could Be Making You Break Out
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@bellathomasWater-based moisturizers are a popular alternative to their oil-based counterparts. Simply put, they employ water as the main ingredient into which other water-attracting humectant ingredients are mixed. This helps to achieve hydration from within the skin as opposed to sealing in moisture from the outside. "It gives what's called internal hydration, so it doesn't sit on your skin like oils do. It gets inside the skin and brings water into the skin. Not only do you get hydration, but you get some plumping and this beautiful, dewy radiance without the possible side effects of excess oils," said Gross.
I was hesitant to fully jump on the oil-free train, but when the trusted dermatologist of stars like Zoë Kravitz and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley makes a suggestion, you listen. And so began my deep dive into this foreign skin territory. Ahead, see 20 water-based moisturizers to quench the thirstiest skin.
Conversations about water-based moisturizers truly start and end with this OG offering from Tatcha. The water-burst technology is supported by Japanese wild rose to balance the skin and refine pores, and Japanese leopard lily keeps oil production in check. The result is plump, clear skin.
Instead of using oil-based humectants, this hydra-gel moisturizer employs damask-rose extract and hyaluronic acid to not only deliver moisture but also keep it locked in the skin.
This oil-free water-gel offering from Neutrogena feels refreshing and cool on application. Don't let the lightweight consistency fool you—hyaluronic acid and olive extract make it a deeply moisturizing option.
K-beauty brand Laneige is beloved for its oil-free offerings, and this one is no different. This hyaluronic-based water cream hydrates while protecting the skin's barrier.
Marine algae, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and coconut extract join forces to promote firm, hydrated skin by enhancing moisture content and plumping fine lines and wrinkles. If you want to look like you drink a gallon of water every day, this is a must-have.
This hydrating gel moisturizer contains anti-aging and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and B3 vitamins that penetrate the skin to condition from the inside out.
This aptly named water-cream option by Saturday Skin uses mineral-rich Alaskan glacier water as its main ingredient. From there, a peptide formula and soothing moss keep the skin calm and balanced.
For an effective water-based moisturizer at a very reasonable price point, look no further than The Inkey List's Omega Water Cream. This lightweight moisturizer is perfect for oily-skin types looking for a little added hydration.
This lightweight gel emulsion employs watermelon extract to soothe the skin while hyaluronic acid carries water deep beneath the surface. It also smells good and looks so pretty sitting on your vanity.
Hero ingredients hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamides make sure this noncomedogenic formula moisturizes all day long. Plus, the added SPF protects from the sun's harmful rays.
I mean, the name itself says everything you need to know about the heavenly concoction. A 30% concentration of hyaluronic acid at three different molecular sizes has the ability to hydrate the skin for up to 72 hours. Ceramides also help to lock in even more moisture.
Although not totally oil-free, this nourishing mineral water–based gel delivers lightweight hydration via herbal extracts and a conscious blend of jojoba oil, olive squalene, and shea butter to protect the skin and preserve moisture.
This moisturizer sinks into skin almost immediately after you apply it, leaving skin feeling hydrated without weighing it down.
This oil-free hydra-gel is the perfect combatant to both dryness and breakouts. It contains beta hydroxy acids, mallow extract, and a special blend of skin-defending extracts and antioxidants that offer as much protection as they do hydration.
Sophie Turner is a fan of this ultra-lightweight moisturizer, which deploys cactus water to nourish and impart heavy-hitting hydration without clogging the pores.
The soothing prebiotic thermal water base is one of only a handful of ingredients in this formulation, which makes it perfect for sensitive skin.
This moisturizer is infused with three different types of hyaluronic acid, making it extremely hydrating. It absorbs quickly for a lightweight finish.
It's not called "aqua bomb" for nothing. This moisturizer is super hydrating. It's packed with lady's mantle (a skin softener), glycerin, and ceramides.
Squalane and probiotics help nourish and protect the skin's natural moisture barrier.
This unique serum-moisturizer hybrid is full of calendula-flower extract, which helps soothe skin.