This New Type of Moisturizer Will Change Your Skin-Care Game
New gel moisturizers are cool and transparent and feel like nothing on the skin. But are they all they’re cracked up to be?
By Meirav Devash
Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Sérum
This gel feels as light as water, and “the top three ingredients—water, glycerin,and propanediol—are potent hydrators,” Cincotta says. Extra emollients ensure moisture stays where it’s supposed to: in your skin.
Ren Clean Skincare Instant Firming Beauty Shot
Packed with temporary skin firmers, “this gel takes down swelling and has a tightening effect you can feel as it dries,” says Cincotta. Because it has a high level of hyaluronic acid, it’s a good hydrator, too.
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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
The Super Soaker of gels gives skin a dewiness we haven’t seen since high school. The source of its magic is a high-tech silicone polymer that stays on the surface and traps moisture inside—without clogging pores.
Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel
This cooling eye gel has cucumber and spirulina to depuff bags, plus skin firmers, like sorbitol, to pull them taut (for a few hours).
Simple Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer
Supersensitive types, this is the gel for you. There are no harsh ingredients, and it includes skin-soothing pro-vitamin B5 (a gentle moisturizer).
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First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Oil-Free Mattifying Gel
This has ceramides to build up the skin’s moisture barrier, plus anti-agers, including niacinamide. As for breakouts? “It absorbs excess oil with zinc PCA,” says Cincotta.
Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Treatment
A mix of glycolic, lactic, and citric acids gently sloughs off the top layer of dry, dull skin. When you wake up, rinse away the gel and follow up with a moisturizer.
(Photos: Courtesy of brands)
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