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
- Best Lightweight Moisturizer Overall: Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Light
- Best Lightweight Moisturizer for Under Makeup: Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre
- Best Lightweight Moisturizer with SPF: Coola Refreshing Water Cream Moisturizer
- Best Lightweight K-Beauty Moisturizer: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
- Best Lightweight Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer
While I love that this face cream delivers feather-light moisture, its antioxidant-rich profile is what makes it really stand out from the pack. Bisabolol and panthenol help soothe skin irritation, while purslane extract nixes inflammation. It has an almost jelly-like texture that sinks into my skin in seconds, leaving me soothed and supple.
Key Ingredients: Panthenol (moisturizing); hyaluronic acid (plumping); purslane extract (calming)
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Benefits: Antioxidant-rich, calms irritation, good for oily skin
What we love: Soothing for sensitive skin; nice texture
What we don't: Expensive
Review for MC: "I do have pretty dry and easily irritable skin, so I need something that's still going deliver results. For me, that's always going to be this Dr. Sturm cream. I previously used the Face Cream Rich, but I love how the Face Cream Light feels totally weightless on my skin, but still delivers the same amount of hydration and a gorgeous glow. Plus, the purslane is extremely soothing on my rosacea-prone skin." — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender wears Sturm Face Cream Light every night.
A long-time beauty industry favorite—and French pharmacy staple—this vitamin-rich cream has a milky texture that glides on the skin like butter, delivering next-level moisture without making my face feel greasy. It instantly hydrates with ingredients like shea butter and nourishing fatty acids, but it can also be used as a makeup remover milk, makeup primer, or mask.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera (calming), shea butter (moisturizing)
Size: 2.54 fl. oz.
Benefits: Moisturizes, primes, removes makeup, can be used as a mask
What we love: Silky; great under makeup
What we don't: Slightly little oily; contains fragrance
Review for MC: “I have skin that falls on the dry, sensitive end of the spectrum, so if I’m going to use a lightweight moisturizer, it needs to *really* maximize on hydration. Enter: Embryolisse. It's one of the only thin moisturizers to keep my dry, sensitive skin hydrated all day. It eliminates my need for a primer and sinks into my skin in five seconds flat. Pro tip: Apply a thin layer as a lip mask before bed—you’ll have the smoothest lips of your life.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender wears Embyrolisse every morning under makeup.
This dual-action moisturizer from Coola offers on-the-spot hydration and sun protection in one. Its slightly blue tint blends effortlessly into the skin—there is no white cast or streaks. It also shields against blue light damage for even more protection. Another thing adding to its cool factor? It's housed in super sanitary, airless pump packaging that protects it from bacteria.
Key Ingredients: Aloe (calming); coconut water (refreshing); hyaluronic acid (plumping)
Size: 1.5 fl. oz.
Benefits: Blends easily, protects against blue light, layers well with makeup
What we love: Cooling; contains SPF
What we don't: A little greasy for some
Review for MC: “Don’t sleep on this formula. I was—for years—and the regrets are plentiful. It’s my go-to summer moisturizer, so bear with me while I praise it. It contains SPF 50 (great for daily wear!) and comes packed with hyaluronic acid and offers protection from blue light and pollution. It’s one of the lightest textures I’ve ever had the pleasure of wearing and delivers a refreshing cooling sensation that’s highly welcome in the summer heat—or if you live in a warm climate year-round.” — Michelle Rostamian, Contributing Beauty Writer
Michelle Rostamian wears Coola's Refreshing Water Cream.
Parched skin deserves a bouncy formula, like this one from K-beauty brand Belif. The fluffy gel-cream texture deeply hydrates and doesn't leave behind a sheen, making it great for those with oilier skin types. The best part? The hydration lingers, meaning I can apply it in the morning and reap its moisturizing benefits as I move about my day. No dry patches by nighttime is a win in my book.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (plumping); niacinamide (brightening)
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Benefits: Quick hydration, feels refreshing
What we love: Extremely lightweight; long-lasting hydration
What we don't: Contains fragrance so not ideal for sensitive skin
Review for MC: “As someone whose skin turns dull and dry the moment temperatures drop, this Korean moisturizer is my cold-weather savior. It drenches my skin in moisture, and the texture feels refreshing and soothing. The jelly-like, water-gel formula applies to a rich layer that my skin somehow drinks up instantly, and doesn't leave any greasy or sticky residue—just my normal skin, rehydrated, and back to life." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Marisa Petrarca wears the Belif Aqua Bomb Moisturizer.
You'll be proud to display this cute little bottle of Laneige moisturizer on your bathroom counter. Aside from looks, the Sydney Sweeney-approved formula provides a burst of hydration via hyaluronic acid and squalane. True to its name, it has a dewy feel that'll make your skin feel like it's just gulped a tall glass of water, and the glow is undeniably gorgeous.
Key Ingredients: Blue hyaluronic acid (plumping); pepta-penthenol complex (firming); squalane (moisturizing)
Size: 1.6 fl. oz.
Benefits: Repairs moisture barrier, makes skin softer and smoother, has firming properties
What we love: Contains hyaluronic acid; refillable container for better sustainability; hypoallergenic
What we don't: Dewy finish may not be ideal for certain makeup looks
Review for MC: "I've been testing this moisturizer for the last few mornings to see if it could hold up against the harsh we've been having in New York. I have dry skin that is dull in the winter and acne-prone in the summer, so I need a lightweight moisturizer to keep my skin soft and comfortable without breaking me out. This one did just that. The texture is slightly tacky, which I love under makeup, and the unscented formula glides on and melts in quickly. The glow is instant (as you can see), and my skin feels so comfortable." — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor
Julia Marzovilla wears Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer for Moisture Barrier Repair.
This formula is a go-to for Marie Claire Beauty Director Hannah Baxter, especially in the middle of summer. The sinfully smooth texture and bevy of softening and hydrating ingredients are already enough to add this formula to your cart, but the ultra-lightweight formula is the real start, and perfectly breathable during scorching temperatures. The electrolyte blend is basically a powerhouse for skin health so your complexion looks radiant year-round.
Key Ingredients: Magnesium PCA (barrier strengthening); sodium PCA (hydrating); zinc PCA (regulate sebum)
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Benefits: Repairs moisture barrier, makes skin softer and smoother, helps regulate sebum for less shine
What we love: Contains softening and hydrating electrolyte blend, gorgeous texture, price is right
What we don't: It's night quite as mattifying as you might want for a "shine-free" claim
Review for MC: "Since I have particularly dry skin I've always been hesitant to reach for a lightweight moisturizer, even in the summer. But my skin is being finicky at the moment, and I have a few breakouts along my forehead and cheeks, so I wanted to switch up my skincare routine to include a lighter, non-comedogenic option. Now I'm deeply obsessed with this silky smooth formula. I use it day and night during the heat of NYC summer, and my skin has never looked more radiant." — Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director
Acne-prone? Not a problem. This formula from Neutrogena incorporates salicylic acid, an oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that helps to clear out your pores, which means it'll keep your skin acne-free without drying it out. Its lightweight texture makes it easy to layer and wear year-round. I like to apply a few more pumps when I'm feeling extra dry.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid (acne clearing)
Size: 4 fl. oz.
Benefits: Non-comedogenic, treats breakouts
What we love: Drugstore price; matte finish; contains acne-fighting salicylic acid
What we don't: Very fragrant
Review for MC: "I had trouble finding a new moisturizer that also treated acne and so far, this is fantastic. It's light on the skin and a little goes a long way. The smell is nice and the price is budget friendly." — Amazon
I love this water-based moisturizer as much as I love looking at the pretty packaging on my vanity. The formula is infused with Japanese wild rose, which geishas have long used to create a flawless canvas for their makeup. I only need a small amount to help my face look virtually poreless, giving the skin a dewy, shine-free glow that sits beautifully under foundation.
Key Ingredients: Japanese wild rose (balancing); Japanese leopard lily (oil-controlling)
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Benefits: Refillable, refines pores, smoothes texture
What we love: Blurring and dewy finish; wears well under makeup
What we don't: Too greasy for some
Review for MC: "After using this cream for a month I can say I've noticed a significant difference in my pores and hydration. I use this cream both in the morning and at night. I use a pore cleansing oil once a week and I use The Ordinary glycolic acid nightly before I put on the cream. All 3 together has helped me so much. I used to struggle with large pores and extreamly oily skin along with breakouts. Somehow, using the 3 products has actually made a difference and they dont irritate my sensitive skin. I've tried so many different cleansers, moisturizers, oils, serums, etc. and no combination has worked as good as this." — Sephora
Okay, this moisturizer costs a pretty penny, but hear me out. The application process is a sensorial experience that rivals a trip to my aesthetician—the creamy texture melts into a gel upon application, and I'm able quite literally to feel it quenching my skin's thirst. It smells like a Bulgarian rose garden, complete with rose, magnolia, and geranium essential oils that instantly wake up my senses.
Key Ingredients: Hibiscus flower extract (radiance); shea and chamomile oils (smoothing)
Size: 1.6 fl. oz.
Benefits: Plumping, improves radiance, hydrates
What we love: Gorgeous texture; smooths skin; luxe feel
What we don't: Expensive; essential oils aren't great for sensitive skin
Review for MC: "I loved how this cream smelt and felt after application. I received this as a sample but really impressed with the coverage it gives. It really uplifts your face and doesn't clog your pores . I was really pleased with how my skin looked after applying the cream. I took the sample with me on holiday and after being in the sun my skin was really dry. I applied this cream to my skin and felt like I had an instant skin lift." — Nordstrom
My skin is irritated 95 percent of the (super fun, I know), so I love when a moisturizer contains soothing, redness-reducing, and hydrating ingredients. That's exactly what I get with this niacinamide-infused formula. It consistently amazes me how quickly this water cream gets to work; I watch my dry patches and irritation disappear in front of the mirror.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (brightening); biopeptide complex (softening)
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Benefits: Balances oil production, improves uneven skin tone
What we love: Great for day and night use; improves skin barrier function
What we don't: May not be great for sensitive skin
Review for MC: "Better than any moisture I’ve ever tried. Bought this on repeat multiple times. Get my rosacea out of the way and skin just looks so radiant. Texture is flattened and refined. Plus packaging is reusable. Total yes." — Sephora
A derm favorite time and time again, it's easy to see why this lotion is on my list. The hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula works well on all skin types, effectively balancing combination skin, hydrating parched skin, and soothing dry patches—a true cure-all if there ever was one. If you're unsure of where to start with a new moisturizer, I can't recommend this drugstore option enough.
Key Ingredients: Ceramides (skin barrier protecting); hyaluronic acid (plumping)
Size: 8 fl. oz.
Benefits: Supports skin barrier, provides all-day hydration, good for face and body
What we love: Works on all skin types; dermatologist-recommended; hypoallergenic; fragrance-free; unisex packaging; affordable
What we don't: Not traditionally chic packaging
Review for MC: "After years of purchasing very expensive high-end skincare, I woke up one morning, looked at my face and said to myself, "I don't look any better." So, at that moment, I scrapped my entire routine (hundreds of dollars worth of product), made a trip to Ulta and came across this moisturizer. First, it has ceramides and hyaluronic acid which are very prevalent in the more expensive skincare items. Second, it is fragrance free! My skin is your typical combination, non-behaving skin. It is oily is in the T-zone and dry everywhere else. The older I get, the more sensitive my skin has become. On top of all of that, I tend to get the occasional breakouts, especially when stressed. This lotion absorbs nicely, leaves my face feeling hydrated and comfortable without looking like an oil slick." — Ulta
Formulated to tackle signs of aging, this lightweight jelly-like moisturizer is Senior New Editor Halie LeSavage's favorite. Co-founder Charlotte Palermino knows everything there is to know about effective gentle skincare, which is why this formula uses a blend of vegan collagen and glycerin to hydrate the skin without clogging pores. With a velvety matte finish, it's guaranteed to layer nicely underneath makeup and keep your skin radiant (but not shiny) from day to night.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin (hydrating); vegan collagen amino acids (firming and plumping)
Size: 2.53 fl. oz.
Benefits: Plumps fine lines, protects skin barrier, reparative
What we love: Great for both acne and visible signs of aging; fast results; non-comedogenic; fragrance-free
What we don't: Small bottle; pump packaging is difficult to recycle effectively
Review for MC: "Perfect Spring/Summer Moisturizer. I have dry skin, but always find that the thicker creams make me sweat so much on hotter days. Enter Air Angel, I’ve been using this for a few weeks now and my skin looks and feels great without the sweat or makeup slide." — Sephora
Don't let the unassuming packaging of this Sephora Collection moisturizer fool you—what lives inside is a milky, ultra-hydrating formula that sustains moisture levels all day. Made with a blend of antioxidants, it shields the skin from environmental damage that would otherwise lead to a dull, lackluster complexion. Bonus points for acting as the perfect primer for makeup.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (plumping); vitamin E (conditioning)
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Benefits: Protects from environmental damage, all-day hydration
What we love: Affordable; great for all skin types; fragrance-free; matte finish
What we don't: Packaging isn't anything special
If you love matcha in your drinks, you'll be pleased by the benefits of adding this matcha-spiked moisturizer to your skincare routine. The pudding-like texture melts into the skin instantly to help rev up hydration levels while niacinamide helps to brighten stubborn dark marks. I saw this cream in action backstage at Prabal Gurung's NYFW Spring/Summer 2025 show and still think about the models' stunning skin.
Key Ingredients: Matcha (soothing); peptide complex (fine line reducing); cape lilac (calming)
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Benefits: Energizes, protects against environmental stressors, brightens dark acne marks
What we love: Fragrance-free; soft texture
What we don't: Too heavy for some
Review for MC: "Literally love this product so much I bought extras during the Ulta sale so I wouldn't run out any time soon. I have oily/combo skin that errs on the oily side during warm weather and dry side during cold weather -- this face lotion works for all seasons and has never broken me out! I can always trust and rely on it after a facial peel or when my skin feels extra sensitive. My skin looks visibly brighter and less dull after using this product for almost a year now. In the past, my dehydrated skin has made some lotions feel like they dry in an instant, leaving my face feeling super tight. This one leaves me feeling hydrated and moisturized! The only cons are that it's in a jar so you have to be conscientious about using the spatula that comes with it (and disinfecting the spatula), and for the price point, there may be better alternatives that get a similar job done. (If you see this on sale though, BUY asap!!)" — Ulta
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.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
Meet the Experts
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, 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.
