The 13 Best Lightweight Moisturizers, According to Marie Claire Editors

Rich and creamy moisturizers have their time and place—and that’s by no means during the warmer months. On the contrary, hotter temperatures and unbearable humidity signal the need for one of the best lightweight moisturizers. Featherweight formulas, silky textures, and SPF-packed hydrators should be front and center, especially if your skin falls on the oily or acne-prone end of the spectrum.

"Increased temperatures and elevated humidity tempt skin to pump out more skin oils,” says board-certified dermatologist and founder of DERMAdoctor Dr. Audrey Kunin. “Applying a heavy moisturizer in these conditions creates a perfect storm to smother pores and increase the risk for breakouts."

Board-certified dermatologist and founder of Bergen Dermatology Naana Boakye, MD, MPH, FAAD adds that some people should consider using a lightweight moisturier all year round. "If you typically have more oily skin, you should consider a lightweight moisturizer," she says. "Heavier moisturizers are thicker and have more occlusive ingredients, whereas lightweight moisturizers have more humectants. "

To scoop up one of the best lightweight moisturizers before summer is in full swing, keep scrolling. The Marie Claire editors have tirelessly tried dozens of formulas in search of the top 20. 

What to Look For in a Lightweight Moisturizer

• Ingredients

A lightweight moisturizer will feel thinner on the skin, but it shouldn’t need to sacrifice hydration. "Heavier moisturizers are thicker and have more occlusive ingredients, whereas lightweight moisturizers have more humectants," explains Dr. Boakye. Indeed, your formula should feature emollients and humectants like glycerin, urea, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides in order to ensure hydration.

You should also consider the marketing on the product. Dr. Boakye explains, "If you aren’t sure if a moisturizer is lightweight, you can look for terms like weightless, gel, serum, or oil-free."

Finally, a handful of moisturizers also have SPF to provide added protection from the summer sun—an element that's crucial no matter your skin type or the time of year.

The ideal feel of your product is always subjective, but as a rule of thumb steer clear from rich creams. You want to look for gels, water creams, or in some cases, an uber-hydrating serum that can double as a moisturizer. This element is so important, Dr. Boakye explains, because "when it comes to the warmer, more humid summer months, our skin tends to sweat and produce more oil with the rising temperatures, so lightweight moisturizers are typically better suited for this time since they absorb faster and feel lighter on the skin. Many lightweight moisturizers are water-based rather than oil-based, so they feel less occlusive on the skin than a heavier moisturizer."

If you have extremely dry skin no matter the weather, she says that you may want to stick with your rich moisturizer. Simply pay attention to your skin and see how it reacts to the weather and to different formulas. Remember: There's no such thing as one-size-fits-all skincare.

The Best Lightweight Moisturizers

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre

“I have skin the falls on the dry, sensitive end of the spectrum, so if I’m going to use a lightweight moisturizer, it needs to *really* maximize on hydration. Enter: Embryolisse, which is the only thin moisturizer with the ability to keep my dry, sensitive skin hydrated all day long. It completely eliminates my need for a primer and sinks into my skin in five seconds flat. Pro tip: Apply a thin layer as a lip mask before bed—you’ll have the smoothest lips of your life.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor

Pros: Silky; Great under makeup

Cons: A little oily

A.P. Chem MicroDose Magical Moisturizer

“I despise when my skin feels dull—I like to be glowing 24/7. On days when my skin looks and feels like it needs a little pick me up, I instinctively reach for this brightening formula," says Beauty Editor Samantha Holender. "It leverages the benefits of eight adaptogens, including shiitake, in order to revitalize my complexion. Polyglutamic acid, which is loved by formulators for its ability to prevent moisture loss, is a star in the formula, so hydration remains at all-time high. The best part? It feels quite literally weightless on my skin.”

Pros: Non-comedogenic; Balancing

Cons: Some say hydration wears off mid-day

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

"I have dry skin, so this is considered a light moisturizer for me," E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla says of this no-nonsense formula. "That means that it's the one I use in the summer when my skin is generally less flaky and requires less upkeep. It's the one I go back to every year because it's no-frills. It calms my skin, sinks in quickly, doesn't react with my SPF or any of my makeup, and doesn't clog my pores on my sweatier days. It's designed to strengthen your skin barrier and I've noticed that my skin looks less red the more I use it. I can always tell when I use it under makeup because my skin just looks healthier underneath—a.k.a. it's my dream summer skincare product.”

Pros: Calming; Strengthens Skin Barrier

Cons: Comes in a pot as opposed to a more sanitary pump

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer Pink Grapefruit

Beauty Writer Gabrielle Ulubay says, "I have combination skin, so I constantly need to stay on top of ensuring that my face well-hydrated without getting too oily. I swear by this option from Neutrogena. Its formula incorporates salicylic acid, so it always keeps my skin matte and acne-free without drying it out."

Pros: Drugstore price; Matte finish; Is a salicylic acid moisturizer

Cons: Very fragrant

Tatcha The Water Cream

"Tatcha's water-based moisturizer is way more than just a pretty package for your vanity," says Former Beauty Assistant Hana Hong. "The formula is infused with Japanese wild rose, which has been long used by geishas to create a flawless canvas for their makeup. I’ve found that the botanical holds true to its claim: One small dollop of this stuff leaves your skin looking absolutely poreless and imparts a dewy, shine-free glow that sits beautifully under foundation."

Pros: Blurring and dewy finish; Wears well under makeup

Cons: Too greasy for some

Also Recommended

Peace Out Daily Blemish Repairing Moisturizer

“One of my favorite no-fuss moisturizers is this one from Peace Out (the brand behind the very best pimple patches)," says Marzovilla. "I have dry, somewhat sensitive skin, and this moisturizer has worked in both the winter and summer months for me. I noticed that it also calmed the redness and scaring left from past breakouts, giving my skin a more even texture overall.”

Pros: Evens texture; Contains natural retinol alternative; Reduces hyperpigmentation
Cons: Slightly smelly

Sisley Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream

Former Beauty & Health Editor Taylore Glynn gushes, "Behold, the holy grail of hydration. I’ve waxed poetic about this bouncy, intoxicating formula to anyone who will listen, and I stand by my obsession: the creamy texture melts into a gel upon application, and I can feel my skin drink it in. I started using two years ago when my complexion was acting up, and it brought my face’s texture back to normal. And it smells like a Bulgarian rose garden, to boot. I’ve gone through countless jars, and it’s worth every damn dollar. Please bury me with a jar of it so I can use it in the afterlife."

Pros: Gorgeous texture; Smooths skin; Luxe feel

Cons: Expensive

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream

Hong also loves this popular formula from Peter Thomas Roth, explaining, "If hyaluronic acid isn’t a part of your daily skincare routine yet, it should be. The ingredient is key for moisture: it’s a substance found naturally in our skin that holds a thousand times its weight in water to keep it hydrated and plump. Peter Thomas Roth’s version is light as a, well, cloud—so, it’s perfect for sticky summer days. And if you’re prone to eczema or just have sensitive skin like me, the fragrance-free formula won’t irritate at all. Wins all around."

Pros: Contains hyaluronic acid; Good cream for eczema and sensitive skin

Cons: Not super long lasting

Coola Refreshing Water Cream Moisturizer

“Don’t sleep on this formula," warns Holender. "I was—for years—and the regrets are plentiful. It’s my new go-to summer moisturizer, so bear with me while I sing its praises. Not only does it contain SPF 50 (great for daily wear!) and come packed with hyaluronic acid, but it also offers protection from blue light and pollution. It’s one of the lightest textures I’ve ever had the pleasure of wearing and delivers a refreshing cooling sensation that’s highly welcome in the summer heat.”

Pros: Cooling; Contains SPF
Cons: A little greasy for some

Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Light

"On hot and humid summer days, you won't catch me layering on thick creams—it's a recipe for an oily disaster," says Holender. "That said, I do have pretty dry and easily irritable skin, so I need something that's still going deliver results. For me, that's always going to be this Dr. Sturm cream. It feels totally weightless on the skin, but still delivers hydration and a gorgeous glow. Plus, the purslane is extremely soothing on my rosacea-prone skin."

Pros: Soothing for sensitive skin; Nice texture
Cons: Expensive

Olay Luminous Whip Active Moisturizer SPF 25

"The Olay Luminous Whip face moisturizer is my go-to product for summer," Former Beauty Intern Kathleen Thieme attests. "The lightweight formula makes my skin feel hydrated throughout the day while allowing my skin to breathe. And the SPF protects my face from the harsh summer sun. With just a quick dab of this, I’m set for the day. Bonus: it also smells really good!"

Pros: Whipped texture; Contains sunscreen; Affordable

Cons: Strong smell; Can be a little flaky

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

"I have the driest skin, so I’m wary of lightweight moisturizers, but Belif True Cream Aqua Bomb delivers the goods!" says Former Beauty & Health Director Jennifer Goldstein. "The fluffy gel-cream texture is perfect for hot weather because it doesn’t leave a sheen or make my skin feel sweatier, but it still keeps me hydrated for a good six hours, which is a feat.”

Pros: Extremely lightweight; Long lasting hydration

Cons: Contains fragrance so not ideal for sensitive skin

Erno Laszlo Phelityl Reviving Cream

"This reviving cream from Erno Laszlo has a soft, velvety texture and a matte finish that's perfect for wearing under makeup," says Ulubay. "Its botanical extracts, such as key ingredient Yellow Wood Tree, are made to refine and minimize the appearance of pores. With consistent use, it promises to keep skin balanced and control sebum, the oil that causes acne.

Pros: Great for acne control; great base for makeup application; natural ingredients; clinically tested

Cons: Expensive

Hidratante Charlotte's Magic Water Cream 50ml

Ulubay calls this moisturizer the "holy grail" for her combination skin. She explains, "I love to travel, but frequent flying makes my skin painfully dry, especially when I visit hot, arid locations like the Southwest or Mexico. At the same time, I'm prone to acne, so I have to make sure I don't over-hydrate. This moisturizer never fails to balance my skin, and it has a lightweight texture that makes it comfortable to layer with makeup and other skincare.

Pros: Great for all skin types; great for day and night use; balances complexion

Cons: Expensive

LaNeige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer for Moisture Barrier Repair

"This moisturizer is meant to provide a burst of hydration via hyaluronic acid," explains Ulubay. "For that reason, it's recommended for people with normal, dry, and combination skin, but I find that it also does wonders for me even when I'm at my oiliest. True to its name, it has a dewy feel that makes my skin feel like it's just drunk a glass of water."

Pros: Contains hyaluronic acid; refillable container for better sustainability; hypoallergenic

Cons: Dewy finish may not be ideal for makeup application

Facetheory Supergel Oil- Free Moisturizer M3 - Oil Free Face Gel Moisturizer, Hydrate and Protect Skin, Acne Face Moisturizer, Made With Chamomile and Niacinamide | 1.7 Fl Oz

"I discovered this moisturizer when I was dealing with insane stress-induced breakouts (I was in the middle of moving to a different state), and it saved my skin," says Ulubay of this oil-free option. "It's a clear gel that feels more weightless than any other moisturizer I've tried, but it doesn't have a sticky consistency or dewy finish like many of the other gels I've tried. It lasts for ages, too, and works well on the face, neck, chest, and back."

Pros: Great for acne-prone skin; calms breakouts; great on face and body

Cons: Aluminum tube requires a key to get every last bit out

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Body and Face Lotion for Balanced to Dry Skin

"When I asked my dermatologist what lotion she recommended for all of her patients, she responded without hesitation: CeraVe," Ulubay recounts. "At the time, I was more enamored with glossy, aesthetically pleasing bottles like the ones I saw on social media, but I decided to give it a try. It turns out, my doctor was right: CeraVe is a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free lotion that works well on all skin types. It balances my combination skin, hydrates my mom's dry skin, and soothes my best friend's eczema—a true cure-all if there ever was one."

Pros: Works on all skin types; dermatologist-recommended; hypoallergenic; fragrance-free; unisex packaging; affordable

Cons: Not traditionally chic packaging

Air Angel Collagen & Peptide Hydrating Gel Cream

"I discovered this moisturizer recently, and I'm not sure how I ever lived without it," Ulubay says of this gel option. "It's meant to tackle both anti-aging and blemishes, using a blend of collagen and glycerin to hydrate skin without clogging pores. It came into my life at a perfect time: I'd spent a few days in Las Vegas, and the desert air quickly dried out my skin. This cream, coupled with my favorite serum, facial oil (at night), and sunscreen (during the day) brought my face back to life in less than 48 hours."

Pros: Reparative; great for both acne and visible signs of aging; fast results; non-comedogenic; fragrance-free

Cons: Small bottle; pump packaging is difficult to recycle effectively

Sephora CollectionAll Day Hydrator Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer

"Once upon a time, long before I wrote about beauty for a living, I didn't use moisturizer regularly," says Ulubay. "When I finally learned that acne and oiliness are worsened by dryness, I invested in this basic moisturizer from Sephora, and my skin changed almost overnight. My acne, hyperpigmentation, and visible pores lessened more and more with every day. Plus, the lotion has a matte finish perfect for wear under makeup.

Pros: Affordable; great for all skin types; fragrance-free; matte finish

Cons: Small container

Peach and Lily Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream

Former Beauty Intern Nina Huang loves this option, explaining, "This cream is a literal dream come true for me. When I had the softest, smoothest, and most delicious matcha pudding ever in Kyoto last summer, I said to my family, “Gosh, I wish my face looked like this.” Lo and behold, Peach and Lily heard my prayer. Since I’ve started using this, my face has become just as smooth and soft as the pudding I had in Kyoto. This cream is so incredibly light that it melts instantly into my skin, and its niacinamide-infused formula helps brighten my dark acne marks resulting from frequent sun exposure. In fact, this matcha pudding cream is so perfect for my summertime skin that I’ve already ordered myself a second helping."

Pros: Brightens dark acne marks; Soft texture

Cons: Too heavy for some

Meet the Experts

Dr. Naana Boakye MD, MPH, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Bergen Dermatology in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. A graduate of Temple University and George Washington University, she studied epidemiology and takes a holistic approach when treating her patients.

Audrey Kunin, MD is a board-certified dermatologist, author, and educator. She has appeared on television and written books on wellness and skincare. A Kansas City native, she is currently based in Florida.

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