Not All Moisturizer Is Created Equal! What To Know About Gel, Cream, and Lotion Formulas

What Is a Gel Moisturizer and Who Should Use It?

Gel moisturizer is “the couture athleisure of skincare,” at least according to Glass Skin founder Jillian Rollinger. 

“It’s featherlight, supremely hydrating, and effortlessly chic,” she says, of the consistency, typically infused with powerhouse humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. “These water-based formulas deliver deep moisture without a hint of heaviness, oil, or pore congestion,” she explains. “When the weather’s sweltering and your skin feels like it’s about to resign, a gel provides cooling hydration that lets your face breathe.”

As for most fitting skin types? She suggests oily and combination because the formulas are non-comedogenic and fast-absorbing. 

“They help prevent shine without sacrificing glow, and their clean finish also makes them an ideal base for SPF and foundation,” she says. “There’s no pilling, no stickiness, just that lit-from-within dew. I suggest reaching for a gel when your skin craves water, not weight, whether it’s morning, night, after a workout, or post-sauna. The texture is whisper-light, instantly absorbed, and leaves behind a polished, not greasy finish. Think of it as a chilled glass of Evian for your face.”

Some gel moisturizers our team uses regularly? The LANEIGE Water Bank Blue HA Gel Moisturizer melts effortlessly into the skin with a lightweight formula. And the DEW OF THE GODS H-DEW-O Blue Spirulina Daily Gel Moisturizer offers a cooling, refreshing sensation.

The Benefits of Cream Moisturizers

Rollinger is also a fan of cream moisturizer, calling it “the Bentley of your beauty cabinet.” 

The rich, occlusive formulas “cocoon dry or dehydrated skin in deep, lasting moisture, sealing in softness and comfort,” she explains. “For barrier repair, they’re essential because they’re packed with ceramides, peptides, and squalane to smooth, replenish, and protect.” 

Mature skin, especially, benefits from the plumping, glow-boosting effects. 

“Think radiance after a weekend in Paris,” Rollinger says. “In cold or dry climates, cream moisturizers act as armor against flakiness, irritation, or environmental stress. At night, they serve as luxurious support staff, working overtime while you rest. And for sensitive skin, formulas featuring niacinamide and oat extract calm and fortify.”

When a cream feels most suited for us, we always reach for the noncomedogenic FIRST AID BEAUTY

Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer, which feels thick enough without being overbearing. The BYOMA

Moisturizing Rich Cream is also a great budget buy that’s beloved by our IPSY community. 

Lotion Moisturizers: The Middle Ground

If you’ve got normal or balanced skin, you don’t need to focus on anything super lightweight or too heavy. 

“Lotion moisturizers occupy the sweet spot between weightless gels and indulgent creams,” Rollinger says. “For normal or balanced skin types, they offer hydration without the high maintenance, keeping skin luminous with minimal effort. If you’re slightly dry but not ready to commit to a full cream, a lotion smooths without smothering.”

Rollinger goes on to say that their adaptability makes them ideal year-round staples, which are perfect for post-facial, mid-travel, or on days when your skin just needs something steady and reliable. 

“Many are gentle enough for sensitive or reactive skin, delivering comfort without fanfare,” she says. “Lightweight, fast-drying, and non-greasy, lotions also layer beautifully under makeup and SPF.”

We love a tried-and-true oldie but goodie, and nothing speaks to us more in that realm than the CLINIQUE Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+. We’re also big fans of the PURLISSE BEAUTY Blue Lotus Balancing Moisturizer, which includes blue lotus, white tea, vitamin E and more, to create a beautiful, soft consistency.

How to Choose the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin

The right moisturizer for you today could differ from that of tomorrow. First step is considering the current state of your skin, along with climate and overall skincare goals. 

“The right texture often aligns with your skin type,” Sobelman shares. “Gel moisturizers are typically best for oily or acne-prone skin, lotions work well for balanced or combination skin, and richer creams are ideal for dry or compromised skin. However, formulation matters just as much as texture.”

She goes on to say, “You can also consider aligning your moisturizer with your skin’s natural circadian rhythm. This means you can reach for protective, brightening ingredients in the morning and reparative, regenerative actives in the evening. When your skincare supports your skin’s internal timing, you enhance its resilience and radiance over time.”

The expert advises looking for ingredients that target specific concerns:

• Hydration & soothing: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and beta-glucan draw water into the skin and help calm irritation.

• Barrier support: Ceramides and essential fatty acids help restore and maintain the skin’s protective barrier.

• Protection & brightening (ideal for daytime): Antioxidants like vitamin C, green tea, or resveratrol neutralize free radicals, while ingredients like licorice root, arbutin, and kojic acid gently support brightening.

• Age-delay (especially at night): Stem cells, peptides, and gentle retinoids or bakuchiol help boost collagen and encourage healthy cell turnover while you sleep.

Final Thoughts

While not all moisturizer is created equal, there is something for everyone in this crucial step. Using the right formula for your skin type and climate is key to protecting the skin barrier and locking in water and other hydrating ingredients. Gel, lotion, and cream each offer something different to the skin, as some people require a thicker consistency, and others need less. But paying attention to active ingredients and personal skin concerns can help narrow down the search.