6 Seriously Hydrating Summer Moisturizers for All Skin Types & Budgets
I teased this post on Instagram, and finally it’s here! If you remember, it was actually supposed to go live last week, but I remembered some things I wanted to add and decided to reschedule it for today. The idea for this post came to me in the bathroom a few weeks ago when I was frantically looking for a moisturizer that can keep my skin hydrated without making it look greasy. That’s not an easy task in the summer, when the air outside is hot and humid.
While digging through my drawer I not only found the perfect moisturizer for my needs, but also discovered several others that can work really well for other skin types. The products I will be talking about today are a healthy mix of drugstore, mid-range, and higher end brands, so you will surely find something that will work for your skin type and budget.
Without further ado, here is my list of 6 seriously hydrating summer moisturizers for all skin types & budgets. I’ll list them in the order of their suggested retail vlaue, from more affordable, to more indulgent.
1 // L’Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care Extra Dry Skin ($17.99 for 1.7 oz) – L’Oreal introduced a new line of Daily Liquid Care moisturizers that feature aloe water and Hyaluronic Acid to provide the skin with the essential daily dose of hydration. The line includes several different products for various skin types, but I find this particular cream formulated for Extra Dry Skin the most impressive of the bunch. It has very lovely creamy consistency, and does in fact keep the skin moist and plump throughout the entire day. Heavy glass packaging looks and feels luxurious, but unfortunately it does not come with a spatula. The fragrance is present, but it’s not too strong to be off-putting.
Best suited for: Dry and normal skin types.
You will LOVE it if:
- You are looking for a no-frills daily moisturizer that will keep the skin hydrated all day.
- You prefer to buy drugstore skincare and don’t like paying too much for your beauty products.
- You like using mineral oil/petroleum jelly as an occlusive to hydrate the skin.
You will HATE it if:
- You prefer all-natural beauty products.
- You don’t like jar packaging.
- You avoid synthetic fragrance, mineral oil, or denaturated alcohol in skincare.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat., Paraffinum Liquidum/Mineral Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil/ Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter/Shea Butter, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, C30-45 Alkyl Dimethicone, Peg-20 Stearate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Silica, Peg-100 Stearate, Peg-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Silanetriol, Cera Microcristallina/Microcrystalline Wax, Paraffin, Potassium Hydroxide, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate, Trideceth-6, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Hyaluronate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Hyaluronic Acid, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Disodium Edta, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Acer Saccharum Extract/Sugar Maple Extract, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, T-Butyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Octyldodecanol, Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl, Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Potassium Sorbate, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool, Limonene, Citral, Parfum/Fragrance, F.I.L. # B192230/1.
2 // Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream ($28.99 for 1.7 oz) – This is more than just a hydrating moisturizer, because the formula contains a great deal of anti-aging ingredients, including Amino-Peptide Complex, Niacinamide as one of the top ingredients, collagen, elastin, several vitamins and a bunch of plant extracts. I previously wrote about my experience with this cream here, and I still love it just as much. It’s more expensive than a typical drugstore product, but the ingredients make it well worth the price. The cream comes in jar packaging, and again, no spatula, so I would recommend using it within 6 weeks after opening. Micro-Sculpting Cream is lightly scented, but the fragrance is barely noticeable and not offensive.
Best suited for: Dry, normal, and combination skin types.
You will LOVE it if:
- You are looking for an anti-aging daily moisturizer that will keep the skin hydrated all day.
- You prefer to buy drugstore skincare and don’t like paying too much for your beauty products.
- You are looking for a multi-purpose cream that provides instant results and can be used AM and PM.
You will HATE it if:
- You prefer all-natural beauty products.
- You don’t like jar packaging.
- You avoid synthetic fragrance or parabens in skincare.
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Niacinamide, Isopropyl Isostearate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Nylon-12, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Carnosine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf, Soluble Collagen, Elastin, Allantoin, Stearyl Alcohol, Polyethylene, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyacrylamide, Dimethiconol, PEG-100 Stearate, Stearic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, C12-13 Pareth-3, Laureth-7, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Sodium Hydroxide, Ammonium Polyacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Sodium Benzoate, Mica, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Fragrance. Vitamin B3, Vitamin E, Pro-Vitamin B5, Amino-Peptide, Green Tea, Aloe Vera.
3 // Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream ($52 for 1.6 oz) – This gel-cream feels like a splash of water on the skin that stays with you, it’s seriously so hydrating! Once the cream absorbs, it leaves the surface with a soft velvety finish that doesn’t feel sticky or greasy. Fragrance-free formula includes an impressive multi-ceramide complex to boost skin’s barrier function [to help it better retain water], hyaluronic acid, several types of saccharomyces ferment filtrate, and hydrolyzed silk. The cream comes in jar packaging, but since I had it for a while now I don’t remember it there was a spatula included.
Best suited for: All skin types, including sensitive.
You will LOVE it if:
- You are looking for a soothing lightweight daily moisturizer that is suitable for sensitive skin.
- You avoid synthetic fragrance or parabens in skincare.
- Your skin is very dehydrated.
You will HATE it if:
- You prefer all-natural beauty products.
- You don’t like jar packaging.
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Yeast Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide EOS, Ceramide AP, Ceramide NP, Ceramide NS, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Sodium PCA, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Caprooyl Sphingosine, Saccharide Isomerate, Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment, Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment, Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Methyl Gluceth-20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Cholesterol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Behenic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Ceteareth-25, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Mica.
4 // Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Firming Elasticity Repair ($58 for 1 oz) – Copper peptides are some of the best and most effective skincare ingredients to help soothe redness and irritation, and promote skin healing. These products are often prescribed to people who recently underwent plastic surgery or abrasive skin peeling procedures. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, this moisturizer also offers anti-aging benefits and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dehydration. It comes in jar packaging, and again I don’t remember if it came with a spatula or not. I don’t recall seeing one.
Best suited for: Dry, normal, and sensitive skin types.
You will LOVE it if:
- You are looking for a soothing lightweight daily moisturizer that is suitable for sensitive skin.
- You avoid synthetic fragrance in skincare.
- Your skin is sensitized from peels and dermal procedures.
- You prefer cruelty-free products.
You will HATE it if:
- You prefer all-natural beauty products.
- You don’t like jar packaging.
- You avoid parabens in skincare.
Ingredients: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-8, Cyclomethicone, Butylene Glycol, Saccharomyces Copper Ferment Extract, Polysorbate-20, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Copper PCA, Carnosine, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.
5 // Perricone MD H2 Elemental Energy Hydrating Cloud Cream ($80 for 1.7 oz) – This gel-cream is very similar to PTR cream I mentioned above, but there’s one big difference. Each product in Perricone MD H2 Elemental Energy line features the brand’s proprietary complex to provide rapid, advanced hydration even to the most hopelessly dehydrated skin. Thanks to soothing ingredients and potent humectants, you can rest assured that all that moisture is not evaporating anytime soon. The formula is free of synthetic fragrance and drying alcohol, so it’s suitable for sensitive skin.
Best suited for: All skin types, including sensitive.
You will LOVE it if:
- You are looking for a soothing lightweight daily moisturizer that is suitable for sensitive skin.
- You avoid parabens and synthetic fragrance in skincare.
- Your skin is very dehydrated.
- You prefer cruelty-free products.
You will HATE it if:
- You prefer all-natural beauty products.
- You don’t like jar packaging.
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Porphyridium Polysaccharide, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Phosphatidylcholine, PCA, Sodium Borohydride, Arginine, Dimethyl MEA, Aspartic Acid, Arachidyl Glucoside, Carbomer, Cetearyl Glucoside, Pullulan, Disodium EDTA, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol.
Top to Bottom: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream, Perricone MD H2 Elemental Energy Hydrating Cloud Cream, Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Firming Elasticity Repair, Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, L’Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care Extra Dry Skin, Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream.
6 // Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream ($128 for 1.7 oz) – The most indulgent product on the list is also the most nourishing of the bunch. It contains several natural oils and butters, so I probably wouldn’t recommend it to someone with oily skin to avoid potential breakouts. For everyone else, this would make a great comforting cream that can keep the skin moist, plump, and softened, as long as you don’t mind the fragrance. Unlike other products on the list, this one does not contain hyaluronic acid. Instead, it relies on Mediterranean algae, padina pavonica, to dramatically increase the quantity of water-attracting glycosaminoglycans within the skin, basically making you skin retain more water on its own. This cream is currently available as part of a special set on QVC that costs “only” $99 for 3 full-sized products. Considering the suggested retail price of this moisturizer alone, that is a great deal.
Best suited for: Dry, normal, and combination skin types.
You will LOVE it if:
- You are looking for a soothing, multi-tasking daily moisturizer that can deliver clinically-proven anti-aging results.
- You avoid artificial dyes, mineral oil, and parabens in skincare.
- Your skin is very dehydrated.
- You prefer cruelty-free products.
You will HATE it if:
- You prefer all-natural beauty products.
- You don’t like jar packaging.
- You avoid fragrance in skincare.
- You are on a tight budget. This is a pricey product.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Polyacrylate-13, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Stearic Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Lauryl Laurate, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Polyisobutene, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Potassium Sorbate, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Citric Acid, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Tocopherol, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Rosa Centifolia (Rose) Flower Extract, Acacia Decurrens Flower Extract, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Citronellol, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Cuminum Cyminum Seed Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Limonene, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed putting it together. I’ve been personally testing all of these moisturizers for a very long time, some I had since January, while others were discovered more recently. I try a lot of skincare, and these six impressed me enough to be on this list.
What is the best hydrating moisturizer you’ve ever used? What do you look for in your daily moisturizer? Let me know in the comments below!
