7 Best Gel-Based Moisturisers for Oily Acne-Prone Skin

Ria BhatiaPublished on Jun 24, 2024

7 gel-based moisturisers for oily, acne-prone skin

Top 7 gel-based moisturisers for oily, acne-prone skin. These products hydrate effectively without clogging pores, perfect for sensitive skin types.

Who says moisturisation is just for dry skin?

When you think of a moisturiser that alleviates dry skin in an instant, you might picture a thick, luscious white, nourishing cream. However, not every skin type can handle that level of viscosity. In fact, those with oily skin might succumb to acne, congestion, excessive sebum secretion, and aggravated blackheads or whiteheads if they use a conventional moisturiser that is oil-based, and intensely nourishing. But that’s not a good enough reason to skim over a moisturiser. An alternative exists, in the form of gel-based moisturisers for oily, acne-prone skin. They tick optimum hydration while factoring the characteristics of the said skin type.

What a gel-based moisturiser for oily, acne-prone skin does is that it keeps the skin well-hydrated, preventing it from overproducing sebum to compensate for the absence of moisture. This, in turn, maintains the skin barrier’s resilience and mitigates chances of congestion. Gel-based moisturisers also make for a great fit for the largely tropical climate in India, which is prone to humidity and excessive sweating. So stop dehydrating your skin and opt for these gel-based moisturisers if you have oily, acne-prone skin.

Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer, BiossanceCrafted particularly for skin prone to breaking out, this gel-based moisturiser features encapsulated probiotics, bisabolol, squalane, and allantoin to calm, hydrate, and repair the skin. From redness to sensitivity and irritation, to post-acne inflammation and dryness, it addresses all the common concerns and delivers lasting hydration for a plump, dewy effect.Image: Instagram.com/biossance — **Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer, Biossance**
Crafted particularly for skin prone to breaking out, this gel-based moisturiser features encapsulated probiotics, bisabolol, squalane, and allantoin to calm, hydrate, and repair the skin. From redness to sensitivity and irritation, to post-acne inflammation and dryness, it addresses all the common concerns and delivers lasting hydration for a plump, dewy effect.
Image: Instagram.com/biossance

Vinosource-Hydra Grape Water Gel Moisturizer, CaudalieThis gel-based moisturiser, from the Vinosource-Hydra range, which caters to the specific needs of sensitive skin and a compromised skin barrier, will become your go-to choice, should you have oily, acne-prone skin. A hydration powerhouse, the moisturiser contains hyaluronic acid, grape water, aloe vera extract, and squalane. Its pudding-like texture promises quick absorption. Image: Instagram.com/caudalie — **Vinosource-Hydra Grape Water Gel Moisturizer, Caudalie**
This gel-based moisturiser, from the Vinosource-Hydra range, which caters to the specific needs of sensitive skin and a compromised skin barrier, will become your go-to choice, should you have oily, acne-prone skin. A hydration powerhouse, the moisturiser contains hyaluronic acid, grape water, aloe vera extract, and squalane. Its pudding-like texture promises quick absorption. Image: Instagram.com/caudalie

Moisture Surge 100H, CliniqueLoved by the likes of Halle Berry, Regina King, and Emilia Clarke, Clinique’s Moisture Surge is almost synonymous with a hydration boost for your skin. Loaded with skin-plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid, bio-fermented aloe vera, and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, this gel-based, oil-free hydrator works wonders when it comes to moisturising the skin without overwhelming it. Image: Instagram.com/clinique — **Moisture Surge 100H, Clinique**
Loved by the likes of Halle Berry, Regina King, and Emilia Clarke, Clinique’s Moisture Surge is almost synonymous with a hydration boost for your skin. Loaded with skin-plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid, bio-fermented aloe vera, and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, this gel-based, oil-free hydrator works wonders when it comes to moisturising the skin without overwhelming it. Image: Instagram.com/clinique

Light Moisturizer, ILEM JapanThis made-in-Japan moisturiser features a lightweight gel texture and hosts a unique ingredient complex that enables it to target lacklustre, dry, and wobbly skin at once. Free of congestion-inducing ingredients, this moisturiser can be liberally applied on oily, acne-prone skin without worrying about exacerbated acne or excess sebum secretion. Image: Instagram.com/ilemjapan — **Light Moisturizer, ILEM Japan**
This made-in-Japan moisturiser features a lightweight gel texture and hosts a unique ingredient complex that enables it to target lacklustre, dry, and wobbly skin at once. Free of congestion-inducing ingredients, this moisturiser can be liberally applied on oily, acne-prone skin without worrying about exacerbated acne or excess sebum secretion. Image: Instagram.com/ilemjapan

Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream, Kiehl’sIf you find the original rendition of the Ultra Facial Cream overly nourishing, try this oil-free, lightweight version. With a cooling effect on the skin, perfect for taming inflammation caused by acne, and a shine-free finish, this gel-based moisturiser is a great pick for oily, acne-prone skin. It also contains glycerin and amino acids, two ingredients that fortify the skin barrier. Image: Instagram.com/kiehls — **Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream, Kiehl’s**
If you find the original rendition of the Ultra Facial Cream overly nourishing, try this oil-free, lightweight version. With a cooling effect on the skin, perfect for taming inflammation caused by acne, and a shine-free finish, this gel-based moisturiser is a great pick for oily, acne-prone skin. It also contains glycerin and amino acids, two ingredients that fortify the skin barrier. Image: Instagram.com/kiehls

Water Dam Moisturiser, Put Simply

Made in Korea by homegrown brand Put Simply, this lightweight moisturiser is a respite for oily, acne-prone skin that often develops redness, sensitivity and itchiness for it combines Centella Asiatica, niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin, ceramides and sodium hyaluronate in its weightless formulation. Non-comedogenic and barrier-friendly, this moisturiser also doesn’t leave the skin tacky, which could happen with some gel-based moisturisers. Image: Instagram.com/putsimplyofficial