My Skin Always Gets Oily in Summer—This Clever Product Switch Is My Solution

Summer is upon us, and I'm feeling motivated to clean my flat from top to bottom, clear out my wardrobe and give my skincare cupboard a good old declutter. I don't know what it is about this season, but the change in weather always has me switching out my skincare for lighter, more refreshing alternatives that will help put a spring in my step. Rich cleansers are stored away in favour of water-based formulas and heavy moisturisers are replaced by lightweight, gel consistencies.

Now, if you're yet to get onto the gel moisturiser hype, let this article be a lesson as to why they are a staple in this beauty editor's skincare routine. As someone with dry and oily skin, I've always found it tricky to know what sort of products I should be using to hydrate my complexion without leaving it feeling greasy and weighed down. However, after using a gel moisturiser, it was like all my prayers had been answered. If you're struggling with a similar issue, keep on scrolling to find out how these clever moisturisers could help. Plus, shop my edit of the best gel moisturisers on the market. Summer, our skin is ready for you...

What's the Difference Between a Gel Moisturiser and a Normal Moisturiser?

First things first, what is the difference between a gel and a cream moisturiser? "Gel-moisturisers and traditional moisturisers differ primarily in their consistency and formulation, which can affect their suitability for various skin types and conditions," explains Marc Elrick, CEO and founder of skincare brand, Byoma. "Gel-moisturisers have an ultra-lightweight consistency, designed to absorb quickly into the skin without leaving a heavy or greasy feeling."

"On the other hand, traditional moisturisers typically have a cream or lotion consistency that can be richer and thicker. Typically, these formulas contain more emollients and occlusives, making them better suited for dry or mature skin that requires more intensive hydration." Although gel moisturisers contain less occlusives, they tend to contain ingredients that attract water, which is why some popular gel moisturisers are also called "water creams".

Is a Gel Moisturiser Better Than Other Moisturisers?

So, are these moisturisers better for your skin? "This ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of your individual skin," says Elrick. "Gel moisturisers are generally better suited for oily, combination or breakout-prone skin. Their lightweight consistency and non-greasy formula make them ideal for hydrating these skin types without exacerbating oiliness or causing breakouts."

"Gel moisturisers might be preferred during hot and humid weather conditions as they provide hydration without feeling heavy on the skin. However, gel moisturisers may not provide enough hydration for individuals with dry or mature skin, who may benefit more from the richer, emollient properties of traditional moisturisers."

What Products Work Well With Gel Moisturisers?

A gel moisturiser is designed to replace your usual moisturiser, so you can still use all of your everyday products when making this skincare swap. That being said, there are definitely some products that I like to use with this lightweight consistency. I love using a gel moisturiser after retinol as it feels super soothing and refreshing on the skin (of course if you need more moisture, give a thicker cream a go). The same goes for exfoliating cleansers and liquid exfoliants. Basically anytime my skin feels like it needs something cooling and calm, I reach for my gel products.

Now that you know everything there is to know, if you think a gel moisturiser might be for you, keep on scrolling to shop my top picks.

The Best Gel Moisturisers

1. Best for oily skin: BYOMA Moisturising Gel Cream
2. Best for dry skin: Biossance Squalane and Probiotic Gel Moisturiser
3. Best for sensitive skin: Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel Hydrating Cream-In-Gel
4. Best for combination skin: Temple Spa Moisture to Go Moisturiser for Combination Skin
5. Best for dull skin: Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream Moisturiser

1. BYOMA Moisturising Gel Cream

2. Biossance Squalane and Probiotic Gel Moisturiser

3. Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel Hydrating Cream-In-Gel

4. TempleSpa Moisture to Go Moisturiser for Combination Skin

5. Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream Moisturizer

6. e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Gel-Yeah Moisturiser

7. Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturiser

8. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel

9. Tatcha The Water Cream

10. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream

11. The Inkey List Omega Water Cream

12. Aveeno Face Calm+Restore Oat Gel Moisturiser

13. Bubble Skincare Level Up Balancing Gel Moisturiser

How We Tested

To curate this list of the best gel moisturisers, we tested each formula over the course of several weeks, paying close attention to texture, absorption, hydration levels, and how well each product layered under SPF and makeup. We included a range of skin types—from oily and acne-prone to dry and sensitive—to see how each moisturiser performed across different needs and conditions.

Why Trust Us

AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.