The 19 Best Lightweight Moisturizers for a Barely-There Feel, Reviewed by Editors

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. Thankfully, there are plenty of options to choose from right now.

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, M.D. 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, Tested and Reviewed

samantha holender lightweight moisturizer

Samantha Holender wears Sturm Face Cream Light every night.

(Image credit: Samantha Holender)

samantha holender lightweight moisturizer

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)

Other Lightweight Moisturizers We Love

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 occulsive 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. 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," adds Dr. Boakye.

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 We Chose the Best Lightweight Moisturizers

We asked the Marie Claire team to share which lightweight moisturizers they use in their daily lives. We also called in over 20 fan-favorite, highly-rated formulas for testing.

We evaluated each moisturizer on application, ingredients, texture, benefits, and efficacy across different skin types. We also assessed how well the moisturizer played with other skincare products and makeup products. Our resulting pool comprises the 19 best lightweight moisturizers on the market.

Why Trust Us

Marie Claire is an authority on moisturizers, having written stories on the best moisturizers for every skin type, from acne-prone skin to sensitive skin and dry skin. The products on this list have all been tried and tested by one of our editors or hand-picked by beauty writers after testing the product over a few weeks.

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.

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.

Samantha Holender
Senior Beauty Editor

Samantha Holender is the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and shares the breakdown on the latest and greatest trends in the beauty space. She's studied up on every ingredient you'll find on INCI list and is constantly in search of the world's glowiest makeup products. She's constantly tracking the biggest nail and hair trends to pop up in the beauty space, going backstage during fashion weeks, tracking celebrity looks, and constantly talking to celebrity hair stylists, nail artists, and makeup artists. Prior to joining the team, she worked as Us Weekly’s Beauty and Style Editor, where she stayed on the pulse of pop culture and broke down celebrity beauty routines, hair transformations, and red carpet looks. Her words have also appeared on Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, Delish.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Samantha also serves as a board member for the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME). She first joined the organization in 2018, when she worked as an editorial intern at Food Network Magazine and Pioneer Woman Magazine. Samantha has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from The George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. While at GWU, she was a founding member of the school’s HerCampus chapter and served as its President for four years. When she’s not deep in the beauty closet or swatching eyeshadows, you can find her obsessing over Real Housewives and all things Bravo. Keep up with her on Instagram @samholender.