Are Gel Moisturizers Better Than Creams?

As self-proclaimed skin care fanatics, we know that hydrating our skin is essential for a healthy, radiant complexion. Chances are, if you’re here, you’re in the same boat. But knowing to moisturize your skin is different than knowing how to moisturize your skin, especially when it comes to confusing product names like gel moisturizer. The rise of this popular skin care product may have you wondering if you should swap a traditional face cream in favor of a moisturizing gel. Ahead, find all the answers you need, including whether or not gel moisturizers are better than creams.

Is Gel Moisturizer Better Than Cream?

We’ll jump straight to the answer—no, gel moisturizer isn’t better than cream. As with any skin care product, it all comes down to your skin type, preferences, and the concern you’re looking to tackle. Technically, cream and hydrating gel are the same thing, as they’re both moisturizers—just different types. In fact, many moisturizers often get confused with each other. The main difference between a lotion, cream, gel, and ointment is the amount of water and oil in their formula. Gels, lotions, and creams are mainly water-based, meaning they contain mostly water. Ointment is oil-based, meaning it contains mostly oil. Gels are typically oil-free and have a high percentage of water. Lotions usually contain only a small amount of oil, whereas creams can contain a bit more and are generally thicker in consistency.

2 Reasons To Use a Gel Moisturizer

If you’re wondering if a gel moisturizer is right for you, here are a few reasons to use one.

Use a gel moisturizer if…you have oily skin. Those with oily skin, as you can probably guess, can benefit from a moisturizer that is formulated without oils. This will help prevent buildup of excess sebum, which could lead to breakouts, while still hydrating your skin.

Use a gel moisturizer if…you’re applying makeup afterward. Thicker moisturizers, like creams, can often leave your complexion feeling greasy and cause makeup to shift throughout the day. If you’re going to use one, it may be best to do so as the last step of your nightly skin care regimen.

2 Reasons To Use a Cream

Like we said, there is no perfect option for moisturizing skin. It all depends on your needs. Here are two reasons to use a cream over a gel moisturizer.

Use a cream if…you have mature skin. As you get older, your oil glands slow down production. Since creams are formulated with oil, they can help replenish what your skin may be lacking.

Use a cream if…you’re going bare-faced. Like we mentioned, creams can cause your makeup to slide around. However, if you plan to go bare-faced whilst running errands and doing chores, feel free to smooth on a moisturizing cream.

Our Best Gel Moisturizer

If you’ve decided that gel moisturizer is for you, you’re in luck. Without further ado, allow us to introduce you to our best gel moisturizer—or should we say, moisturizers. The L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius line consists of three moisturizing gels for different skin types. Each moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid and aloe vera gel for instant hydration. Take your pick from the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Oily Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin, or L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin.

Our Best Moisturizing Cream

For those who prefer a moisturizing cream, we have just the option for you: the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Honey Day Cream. This day cream contains manuka honey extra and nurturing oils to envelop skin in a layer of hydration, leaving mature skin with long-lasting hydration. At night, swap it with our L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Honey Night Balm, which is part of the same line and also formulated with manuka honey extract.

Next up: To tackle another hydrating skin care product debate, head over to our article: Is Body Oil Better Than Lotion?.