13 best water-based moisturisers for hydration, reviewed
Looking for lightweight hydration that creates juicy, glass skin finish without any greasiness? Look no further than water-based moisturisers.
As the name implies, “water-based moisturisers employ water as the main ingredient into which other water-attracting humectants (such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid) are mixed,” says GP and dermatology expert Dr Sonia Khorana.
In terms of texture, “a water-based moisturiser can be a gel, or a gel-cream," says cosmetic chemist Ginger King, the only proviso is that "the water content is higher than other ingredients.”
Better still, water-based moisturisers hydrate just as well as their richer, oil-based cousins. The mechanics are just different. Rather than seal in hydration with a heavy, occlusive blanket of cream, water-based moisturisers are virtually weightless and use humectants such as hyaluronic acid to draw water to the top layers.
So they still quench thirsty skin – but they do so from within and without feeling sticky or clogging pores. Instead, they deliver a sensorially pleasing, cooling sensation as soon as they hit the skin – exactly what you want in a heatwave or if your skin is prone to acne or sensitivity.
Another bonus is that water is an effective vehicle for transporting actives such as vitamin C and niacinamide into the skin. “Many active ingredients are water-soluble so it's important to incorporate water into skincare products in order to enjoy their skin brightening and firming results,” Ginger notes.
Best water-based moisturiser Black Friday deals:
- Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream, WAS £42 NOW £33.60
- Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, WAS £98 NOW £73.50
- Tatcha The Water Cream, WAS £67 NOW £56.95 with code FIRST15 at Space NK
- Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer, WAS £33 NOW £25.12
- Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion, WAS £64 NOW £57.60
- Kate Somerville Hydrakate Recharging Water Cream, WAS £72 NOW £57.60
- Chanel Hydra Beauty Camellia Water Cream, WAS £55 NOW £44
Meet the experts:
- Dr Sonia Khorana, GP and dermatology expert.
- Ginger King, cosmetic chemist.
- Jonathan Reynolds, director of scientific development at Charlotte Tilbury.
Your water cream FAQs, answered:
What skin type would benefit from a water-based moisturiser?
Anyone with a dry skin type produces too little oil and should still use a "rich, oil-based moisturiser that is white in appearance," adds Ginger. Think fatty ingredients such as shea butter that make cocooning face creams creamy.
But a water-based moisturiser is particularly beneficial if you have oily or acne-prone skin and prefer lighter textures. "Oily skin still needs hydration,” says Ginger, especially if you've been using more aggressive products to wither away a spot or strip the skin of excess sebum.
The trouble with oil-based moisturisers is that they have large molecules so they sit on the skin's surface. This means that they "may feel quite greasy and, depending on the ingredients and formulations, may clog pores,” Dr Sonia adds.
Water-based moisturisers are also a good fit for dehydrated skin, which is flaky because it lacks water.
How can I tell if my moisturiser is water based?
The easiest way to check is by looking at the ingredients list: if water (or aqua) is the first ingredient, it’s a water-based moisturiser. These formulas typically feel lightweight, absorb quickly, and leave little to no greasy residue. They often include humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin, rather than heavy oils or butters that sit on the surface.
How I tested the best water-based moisturisers
Testing moisturisers isn’t just about slapping a product on and hoping for the best, at least, not if you want an honest, editorial-grade verdict. I tried each water-based moisturiser over several weeks, paying attention to texture, absorption, hydration, and how my combination, breakout-prone skin responded. Did it feel fresh without leaving a greasy film? Did it balance oil in my T-zone while keeping cheeks comfortably hydrated? I also tracked long-term effects: breakouts, skin clarity, and whether the moisturiser worked under makeup. Only the products that consistently delivered on hydration and comfort made the cut.
Why you can trust me
As a freelance beauty journalist for Glamour, who has spent half a decade testing products for publications like HELLO!, Marie Claire, Women's Health and Harper’s Bazaar, you could say I've been around the beauty block. I’ve tested hundreds of skincare products across budgets, formulations, and skin types. Every product in this guide has been carefully evaluated for effectiveness and wearability, tested over several weeks on my combination, breakout-prone skin, so you can trust these picks to hydrate, balance, and keep skin looking effortlessly polished.
Ahead, shop Glamour's edit of the best water-based moisturisers in the UK right now.
1. Best Overall: Tatcha The Water Cream
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Why we love it: When Victoria Tsai, the founder of Tatcha, described The Water Cream as a “sprinkler for your skin,” she was alluding to how it lightly and continuously hydrates rather than flooding skin with one giant, overwhelming wave of moisture. The formula, which is infused with 23-karat gold for luminosity, also boasts skin-smoothing Japanese wild rose, oil-controlling leopard lily and Tatcha's signature superfood trio of green tea, rice and algae. No wonder it is one of Sephora's best-selling moisturisers in the US.
- Size: 50 ml
- Key ingredients: Rice ferment filtrate (Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment), multi-weight glycerin, Camellia Sinensis (green tea) leaf extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus extract, sodium hyaluronate
- Pros: Very lightweight, ‘water-burst’ texture that rapidly absorbs, clinically shown to hydrate for up to 72 hours and improve skin barrier function.
- Cons: On the more expensive side, contains fragrance and alcohol (so may not suit very sensitive skin).
2. Best For Dehydrated Skin: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Why we love it: After a few weeks of using this daily, it’s easy to see why this cream has such a loyal following. The texture is beautifully light - almost gel-like - and sinks in instantly, leaving skin feeling fresh, plump and radiant rather than shiny. It gives that “I’ve slept eight hours and drank two litres of water” kind of glow, even on days when you’ve done neither. After a couple of weeks, I noticed my skin looked smoother and more elastic, and whenever I wore makeup, it glided on top with zero pilling. It’s not the most affordable choice, but as with any Elemis product, this formula genuinely earns its cult status.
- Size: 50 ml
- Key ingredients: Mediterranean algae Padina Pavonica, Chlorella Vulgaris extract, Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract, collagen amino acids, glycerin
- Pros: Lightweight, water-based texture absorbs instantly, Deeply hydrating with visible smoothing over time, works nicely with makeup
- Cons: Not suitable for sensitive skin, can sting for a few seconds after application
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3. Best For Travel Days: Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream
The silky texture of the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream feels indulgent but sinks in fast, leaving skin soft, hydrated and fresh - never greasy or heavy. The built-in SPF 15 helps guard against UV rays (though I'd always top it with SPF 50 in the summer), and it wears beautifully under makeup without pilling. After a couple of weeks, my skin looked more even and felt consistently comfortable, and even stayed hydrated after a long haul flight.
- Size: 50 ml
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (high & low molecular weight), organic Leaf of Life extract, organic edelweiss extract
- Pros: Light yet nourishing texture, long-lasting hydration and plumping effect
- Cons:Contains fragrance (may not suit sensitive skin), SPF 15 is relatively low for strong sun exposure
4. Best For Under Makeup: Charlotte's Magic Water Cream
Why we love it: Designed for all skin types that are dehydrated, this Charlotte Tilbury gel-based version of the OG cream encourages the skin barrier to retain more moisture thanks to two powerful ingredients. The first, says Jonathan Reynolds, director of scientific development at the brand, is glyceryl glucoside. It increases the number of water-transporting aquaporins on the surface of skin cells, "while also boosting the hydrating properties of glycerin,” he notes. The second is beta-glucan, which “supports the skin barrier function and reduces the appearance of redness" over time.
- Size: 50 ml
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, bio-peptide complex, hydrating aquaporin blend
- Pros: Lightweight, gel-cream texture that feels instantly fresh, and is ideal for oily or combination skin
- Cons: Pricey for everyday use, might not feel rich enough for very dry skin
Save when you shop in the Charlotte Tilbury Black Friday sale.
5. Best K-Beauty Water-Based Moisturiser: Laneiege Water Bank Hyaluronic Cream Moisturiser
Save when you shop for the best water-based moisturisers with these Cult Beauty discount codes at checkout.
Why we love it: Korean skincare brands are serious about plumper, smoother skin. Laneige is the perfect example of this, having nailed intense yet weightless hydration with a formula that locks in moisture for up to 100 hours. The star ingredient here is fermented deep sea algae, which has a low molecular weight of hyaluronic acid, meaning it is able to sail into the deeper layers of skin where it strengthens and reduces redness.
- Size: 50 ml
- Key ingredients: Blue-Hyaluronic Acid (double-fermented hyaluronic acid + fucoidan), Pepta-Panthenol Complex, ceramide NP, cholesterol and fatty acids
- Pros: Deep hydration that lasts, supports and reinforces the skin’s moisture barrier, refillable option available.
- Cons: Some fragrance included (may not suit ultra-sensitive skin)
6. Best For Oily Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluroic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion
Why we love it: Don't be fooled by its weightless finish – there's a lot packed into this day cream. Alongside time-released spheres of hyaluronic acid for all-day dewiness, it has additional tricks up its sleeve. Namely, the inclusion of Japanese marine algae, which is especially rich in amino acids and B vitamins to boost elasticity; glycolic acid to soften the appearance of fine lines and collagen for firming.
- Size: 60 ml
- Key ingredients: Japanese marine algae (amino acids & B-vitamins), hyaluronic acid, aloe extract
- Pros: Instantly plumps and hydrates without a hint of shine; cooling, lightweight texture ideal for combination or oily skin; leaves skin soft, fresh, and makeup-ready.
- Cons: May feel too light for very dry skin; packaging isn’t travel-friendly; slightly pricey for an everyday moisturiser.
7. Best Affordable: The Inkey List Omega Water Cream
Save when you shop for the best water-based moisturisers with these Cult Beauty discount codes at checkout.
Why we love it: A quadruple threat of glycerin and omegas 3, 6 and 9 work in tandem to first draw hydration in and then prevent it from escaping through microscopic cracks in the skin barrier. The addition of niacinamide regulates oil production and dials down redness, making this purse-friendly buy ideal for sensitive and acne prone skin, too – impressive given its lightweight gel formula.
- Size: 50 ml
- Key ingredients: Omega fatty acids + glycerin to lock in moisture, niacinamide to help minimise pores and regulate sebum.
- Pros: Ultra‑light gel‑cream that hydrates without heaviness, making it ideal for oily/combination skin.
- Cons: Might feel too feather‑light for very dry skin.
8. Best For Combination Skin: Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturiser
Why we love it: Light-as-air and oil-free, this moisturiser won't leave a sticky, greasy residue on your T-Zone. Instead, it bathes skin in hyaluronic acid and watermelon extract, a star ingredient hailed by Korean beauty buffs as deliciously cooling on sensitive areas, while restorative vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids tend to dry, flaky cheeks. Wear neat or mix a few pumps in with your foundation to capitalise on the glow.
- Size: 50 ml
- Key ingredients: Watermelon fruit extract, hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract
- Pros: Lightweight, oil‑free gel‑cream texture that leaves skin feeling cool, fresh and plumped.
- Cons: Might not feel rich enough for very dry skin; contains fragrance notes which may not be best for sensitive skin.
9. Best With Retinol: Kate Somerville Hydrakate Recharging Water Cream
Why we love it: Not many skincare brands can add Nobel Prize-inspired technology to their bragging rights. But Hollywood facialist Kate Somerville has done precisely that by elevating her water cream with ‘AquaPort Technology’. Put simply, it mimics her signature microchanelling treatment during which, microneedling opens up tiny ‘channels’ for ingredients to deep-dive into the skin. But in this case, aquaporin channels in the skin are stimulated minus needles, so that cells are better able to absorb hyaluronic acid. Your buffer against the drying effects of retinol just became more fool-proof.
- Size: 50 ml
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Blue‑Light‑Activated Algae Extract, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide‑7, Rosemary and Calendula extracts
- Pros: Ultra‑light gel‑cream sinks in fast and delivers visible hydration and plumping effect overnight.
- Cons: Premium price tag and fragrance may not suit ultra‑sensitive skin.
10. Best For Brightening: Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturiser
Why we love it: Mineral electrolytes including calcium, potassium, and magnesium re-boot dull, parched skin. But that's not all. You can always rely on skincare expert Paula Begoun to go above and beyond so of course she's turbo-charged these effects with ceramides and glycerin to draw moisture into skin and hold it there. It doesn't hurt that the cooling liquid also leaves dull, deflated skin looking more luminous.
- Size: 50 ml
- Key ingredients: Electrolyte minerals (potassium PCA, magnesium PCA, calcium PCA), olive‑derived fatty acids, apple & super‑fruit antioxidant complex.
- Pros: Weightless lotion texture that quenches dehydrated skin and leaves it soft without any heaviness.
- Cons: Light texture might feel too minimal for very dry skin types; may need additional richer cream for night use.
11. Best Under £10: Simple Smooth+ Soothing Water Cream
Why we love it: Not only is the texture of this gel-cream sensorially soothing, it's also laced with aloe vera to dial down redness and hydrate. But the real stars of Simple's Smooth+ Soothing Water Cream are the lipids that work with your skin's own biology to help restore its natural lipid barrier, locking moisture in and keeping aggressors out.
- Size: 50 ml
- Key ingredients: Organic aloe vera, 15% skin‑conditioners, ceramide‑boosting complex
- Pros: Instantly calms and hydrates with a lightweight water‑gel texture, great for sun damaged skin - all for under £10.
- Cons: Might be too light for very dry skin types.
12. Best Premium: Chanel Hydra Beauty Camellia Water Cream
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Why we love it: In the wild, white camellia flowers are prized for their resistance to winter frost. According to Nicola Fuzzati, director of innovation and development of cosmetic ingredients at Chanel, this is because they are a rich source of plant polyphenols. "These help to restore and maintain water reserves by targeting a key skin mechanism that continuously activates natural hydration,” he says. Hence the bloom has been a prized active in the brand's Hydra Beauty line, including the Water Cream, which imparts a well-rested, light-reflecting glow and plays nicely with foundation. You'll mourn the bottom of this bottle.
- Size: 30 ml
- Key ingredients: White camellia flower water, Blue ginger PFA (antioxidant), sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid)
- Pros: Ultra‑light fluid texture that hydrates and visibly boosts radiance while prepping skin beautifully for makeup.
- Cons: Premium price point and fragrance/alcohol present (less ideal for fragrance‑sensitive or very dry skin).
13. Best For A Matte Finish: Sisley Hydra-Gloval Intense Anti-Ageing Hydration
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Why we love it: Many water creams are oil-free but it's not the blanket rule; some “may still include oil to lock in moisture,” Dr Sonia notes. Good news if your skin is both dry and dehydrated: Sisley has combined essential oils (marjoram, lavender and sage) with hydrating padina pavonica algae and the mineral malachite for its copper content (an antioxidant that is also excellent for calming and clarifying skin) – and wrapped them all up in a matte gel formula. So moisture and balance is restored without a super-shiny, pore-clogging finish.
- Size: 40 ml
- Key ingredients: Essential oils of lavender, marjoram and sage; malachite extract (anti‑free‑radical); stevia leaf; wild pansy + Padina Pavonica (moisture & water‑circulation support)
- Pros: This dermatologist-approved, plush gel‑cream formula hydrates deeply and works to improve elasticity, smoothness and visible signs of ageing.
- Cons: Let’s be real - at £219 for 40 ml it’s a serious splurge; fragrance from essential oils means patch‑test if you’re sensitive; ultra‑premium finish may feel over‑the‑top if you just need basic hydration.
For more from Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director, follow her on @fiembleton.
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