The 14 Best Lightweight Moisturizers for a Barely-There Feel and Otherworldly Glow

Hydration without the heaviness.

model with glowing skin after using a lightweight moisturizer
(Image credit: Getty Images/Lorenzo Palizzolo)

I've used rich and creamy moisturizers for most of my adult life. But recently, I've found that my skin can't always handle the heavier textures. My pores have been clogged, and my complexion looks shiny—and not in the glowy, desirable, glazed donut way. That's why I've been determined to find the best lightweight moisturizers that deliver a more subdued radiance but still leave my skin hydrated.

Don't get me wrong: I still need a decent amount of moisture. My skin gets dry, especially in the fall and winter. But my new top priority is finding an airy formula with a silky texture that works well under makeup, especially in the summer when the heat and humidity leave me sweaty and shiny. Thankfully, there are plenty of breathable moisturizers to choose from, no matter your primary skin concerns.

My fellow Marie Claire editors were quick to offer up their favorites. E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla swears by Laneige's Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream, which happens to contain SPF, while Contributing Beauty Writer Marisa Petrarca told me Belif's K-Beauty moisturizer would "change my life."

Naturally, I tested their picks and dozens of other highly-rated lightweight moisturizers. I also consulted with board-certified dermatologists Audrey Kunin, M.D. FAAD, and Naana Boakye, MD, FAAD to ensure that my top picks are suitable for oily, acne-prone skin and contain nourishing ingredients. Shop my new go-to lightweight moisturizers ahead.

Best Lightweight Moisturizers

samantha holender wearing lightweight moisturizer in a brown sweater.

Samantha Holender wears Sturm Face Cream Light every night.

(Image credit: Samantha Holender)

samantha holender applying lightweight moisturizer in a white tube.

Samantha Holender wears Embyrolisse every morning under makeup.

(Image credit: Samantha Holender)

Freelance writer Michelle Rostamian wears Coola's Refreshing Water Cream

Michelle Rostamian wears Coola's Refreshing Water Cream.

(Image credit: Michelle Rostamian)

marisa petrarca wearing moisturizer

Marisa Petrarca wears the Belif Aqua Bomb Moisturizer.

(Image credit: Marisa Petrarca)

julia marzovilla wears laneige

Julia Marzovilla wears Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer for Moisture Barrier Repair.

(Image credit: Julia Marzovilla)

What to Look For in a Lightweight Moisturizer

  • Ingredients

A lightweight moisturizer will feel thinner on the skin, but that doesn't mean it will sacrifice hydration. "Heavier moisturizers are thicker and have more occlusive ingredients, whereas lightweight moisturizers have more humectants," explains Dr. Boakye. An occlusive ingredient helps to lock hydration into the skin (making it more suitable for dry skin types), while a humectant attracts water to the skin to combat dehydration. Look for hydrating ingredients like glycerin, urea, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides in your moisturizer to ensure your skin will receive adequate moisture.

If inspecting the INCI list isn't your thing (which helps to decode skincare ingredients), Dr. Boakye says to look for terms like weightless, gel, serum, or oil-free on the packaging.

  • Texture

What makes a great moisturizer texture is subjective, but as a good starting point, steer clear of rich creams if you want a more lightweight feel. You want to look for gels, water creams, or in some cases, an uber-hydrating serum that can double as a moisturizer.

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

How to Tell If a Moisturizer Is Lightweight

Lightweight moisturizers will absorb quickly and feel weightless 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," says Dr. Boakye. Avoid rich moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, petrolatum, or lanolin, which are great for thicker formulas but no necessarily ideal in a lighter formula. While the best lightweight moisturizer for you will vary based on personal preference, you truly can't go wrong with one of the items on this list. For a more personalized recommendation or if you have any concerns, check with your dermatologist.

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Meet the Experts

Dr. Naana Boakye
Dr. Naana Boakye MD, MPH, FAAD

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
Audrey Kunin, MD

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.

Michelle Rostamian is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire, where she covers beauty-related commerce content. She has been in the beauty industry for over 10 years, previously working as a publicist, and now as an editor and writer covering all realms of beauty (skincare, makeup, hair) as well as wellness, lifestyle, and travel. She was also formerly a Quality Editor for Byrdie where she researched and performed revisions and updates to articles to ensure quality, tone, and voice. Outside of Marie Claire, Michelle has contributed to Allure, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, The Zoe Report, W Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, People, Popsugar, and more. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.A. in Communication Studies.

With contributions from