10 Lightweight Moisturizers for Summer 2025

Clinique’s Moisture Surge 100H Hydrator earned one of our highest scores (9.5/10) for delivering long-lasting, skin-quenching hydration in a lightweight gel that feels like a drink of water for skin. In our testing the blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and aloe vera soothed sensitive skin, absorbed rapidly, and left a soft, refreshed finish that works well under light makeup routines. During our review we did notice occasional pilling when layering heavier foundations and the $17 price is steeper than some drugstore options, but overall its lasting hydration and gentle, fragrance-free formula make it a top-rated summer pick—just pair with a richer cream in very dry winter months.

Summer Fridays’ Mini Cloud Dew Gel Cream is a breezy gel-cream that we found excellent as a makeup base and wonderfully light for hot, humid days at $17. In our testing the hyaluronic acid and aloe vera formula absorbed quickly without leaving a greasy residue and helped foundation sit smoothly on top without pilling. During our review we also flagged that it contains no SPF, so you’ll need to layer sunscreen, and our experience shows that people with sensitive skin reported occasional irritation and redness, so patch-testing is advised before everyday use.

Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel is a summer classic that scored 8.5/10 in our testing for delivering lightweight, bouncy hydration without greasiness. We found the hyaluronic acid formula binds water effectively, is oil-free and non-comedogenic, and makes a great base under makeup while keeping skin plump and comfortable in warm weather. During our review we did note a fairly strong fragrance and the presence of synthetic dyes, which could irritate sensitive users, and our experience shows it may not be moisturizing enough for very dry skin types without an additional richer layer.

Belif’s Aqua Bomb Vitamin C Cream delivers a refreshing, lightweight gel texture with vitamins C and E that during our review imparted a noticeable brightening boost and pleasant citrus lift. We found it absorbs quickly and leaves skin looking refreshed, but our experience also raised concerns about the jar packaging and hygiene, and its $45 price felt steep for the hydration level—reflected in its 6/10 score. For those with normal to combination skin seeking a glow-focused moisturizer it’s a fun option, but very dry skin will likely need something richer and more protective.

If you're after no-frills hydration that won’t break the bank, The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is a standout at $6.70 and earned a solid 8/10 in our testing for value and formulation. During our review we found the lightweight cream texture absorbs quickly without greasiness and the hyaluronic acid plus barrier-friendly ingredients make it a reliable choice for sensitive skin thanks to its fragrance-free formula. Our experience shows it’s ideal for normal to combination skin, but it may not be rich enough for very dry types, can leave a faint sticky feel for some users, and the tube can be fiddly to dispense when nearly empty.

If you want daily SPF plus a hydrating feel, Hydra Vizor SPF 30 is a compelling two-in-one at $33.60 and scored 8/10 for balancing sun protection with skincare benefits. Our experience shows the niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera combo absorbs without a white cast on most skin tones and the refillable packaging is a sustainability win that reduces plastic waste. During our testing we did note the added fragrance could be a drawback for sensitive noses, and a minority of users reported a heavy or oily finish—so while it offers convenience and protection, the higher price and scent mean it isn’t perfect for everyone.

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is an affordable daytime multitasker at $16.18 that combines ceramides and hyaluronic acid with broad-spectrum sunscreen protection, though it scored a middling 6.5/10 in our review. In our testing it felt pleasantly lightweight and non-greasy—ideal for oily or combination skin—but we also observed a tendency to leave a white cast on deeper skin tones and saw a few reports of irritation among sensitive users. Our experience shows it’s convenient for everyday wear, especially when you want a simple SPF step, but those with very dry skin should layer a richer product underneath or choose a more hydrating alternative.

Calm Water Gel Moisturizer targets sensitive, irritated skin and during our review its hyaluronic acid and aloe vera delivered an immediate cooling sensation that helped reduce redness and discomfort. We found the lightweight gel texture sinks in quickly and feels particularly refreshing on warm days, making it a lovely pick for summer skin that needs calming relief. That said, our experience shows some users encountered pilling that affected makeup application and a faint chemical smell that wasn’t universally liked, and at $47.20 it’s pricier than similar soothing gels.

The Sensitive Skin Daily Calm Moisturizer is a fragrance-free lotion that earned a 7.5/10 in our testing for its gentle, soothing performance on reactive skin types. We found its clean formula with hyaluronic acid effectively reduced redness and provided dependable hydration without clogging pores, making it a good pick for acne-prone or easily irritated skin. During our review some testers noted an off-putting scent profile and felt the texture was heavier than expected for a ‘lightweight’ product, plus occasional pilling under makeup was reported, so consider how you layer it with other products.