10 Lightweight Moisturizers for Summer 2025

10 Lightweight Moisturizers for Summer 2025

July 16, 2025

Overview

Beat the summer heat with these top 10 lightweight moisturizers, specially selected for 2025! As the temperature rises, your skin needs hydration that won't weigh it down. This guide explores the best in light-as-air lotions, gels, and serums, perfect for keeping your skin fresh, balanced, and glowing all season long. Find the perfect moisturizer to protect and nourish your skin without the heavy feeling.

Magdalena Fazekas

In this guide

Hydrating Gel Moisturizers for SummerMoisturizers with SPF for Sun ProtectionBest Lightweight Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin

Our picks

The Best Gel Moisturizer for a Refreshing Feel: Moisture Surge 100H Hydrator by Clinique, $17.00

The Best Oil-Free Lotion for Oily Skin: Mini Cloud Dew Gel Cream, $17.00

The Best Moisturizer with SPF for Summer: Hydra Vizor SPF 30, $33.60

The Most Gentle Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin: Sensitive Skin Daily Calm Moisturizer, $24.99

The Best Hydrating Serum to Boost Hydration: Aqua Bomb Vitamin C Cream by belif, $45.00

The Top-Rated Moisturizer for Dry Summer Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, $19.99

The Best Lightweight Moisturizer for All Skin Types: Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA by The Ordinary, $6.70

The Most Refreshing Moisturizer for Hot Days: Calm Water Gel Moisturizer, $47.20

Hydrating Gel Moisturizers for Summer

Lightweight gel formulas that provide a burst of hydration and a refreshing feel.

9.5

Listful
Score

Moisture Surge 100H Hydrator by Clinique

$17.00

Clinique’s Moisture Surge 100H Hydrator earned its high rating with its exceptional hydration capabilities and compatibility with sensitive skin. Our tests showed it offers a cooling, gel-cream sensation that’s refreshing and non-greasy. Despite being on the pricier side, if you're dealing with the summer heat, its long-lasting hydration may be worth it. Just be cautious about using it under makeup due to potential pilling.

Clinique logo

$17.00

at Clinique

The Good

Lightweight gel-cream texture absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.

Provides immediate and long-lasting hydration, making skin feel soft and refreshed.

Suitable for various skin types, including sensitive skin, due to its fragrance-free formula.

The Bad

Some users experience pilling when applying makeup over the moisturizer.

The product is relatively expensive compared to other moisturizers on the market.

Some users report that it may not be moisturizing enough for very dry skin in the winter.

Hydration Type: Gel / SPF Protection: false / Suitable for Sensitive Skin: true / Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid,Vitamin C,Aloe Vera


7

Listful
Score

Mini Cloud Dew Gel Cream

$17.00

Mini Cloud Dew Gel Cream offers a featherlight moisturizing solution for those balmy summer days. We found its non-greasy, quick-absorbing texture ideal under makeup, providing a smooth base without pilling. However, it's worth noting that some users with sensitive skin experienced irritation, and the absence of SPF might require an extra layer of protection. At $17, it’s a decent mid-range option for those without sensitive skin.

The Good

Lightweight formula absorbs quickly, making it ideal for hot summer months.

Effective as a base under makeup without causing pilling.

The Bad

Some users with sensitive skin reported irritation and redness after use.

Lacks SPF protection, requiring an additional sunscreen application.

Hydration Type: Gel / SPF Protection: false / Suitable for Sensitive Skin: false / Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid,Aloe Vera


8.5

Listful
Score

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

$19.99

Opt for Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel this summer for a hydrating boost that never weighs you down. This gel’s fast-absorbing formula impressed us by delivering a well-balanced, moisture-rich feel, perfect for oily and acne-prone skin types. Though its scent might not suit everyone, its lightweight design offers a refreshing, all-day hydrated finish. However, very dry skin types may need additional moisture.

The Good

Lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly without leaving residue.

Contains hyaluronic acid, a dermatologist-recommended hydrator that binds to water and holds it within skin's surface.

Non-comedogenic and oil-free, making it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.

The Bad

Some users report a strong fragrance that lingers and may cause irritation.

May not provide sufficient hydration for those with very dry skin.

Contains synthetic dyes, which may be a concern for some users.

Hydration Type: Gel / SPF Protection: false / Suitable for Sensitive Skin: true / Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid


6

Listful
Score

Aqua Bomb Vitamin C Cream by belif

$45.00

Experience brighter, hydrated skin with Aqua Bomb Vitamin C Cream by belif. Its lightweight gel texture acts quickly to deliver moisture and combat skin dullness, making it a summer favorite. While some found the price to be on the high side given the sanitary concerns of its jar packaging, the refreshing citrus scent adds a delightful touch. It's a go-to for those seeking an added glow while keeping things light.

The Good

Lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly without stickiness.

Infused with vitamins C and E for brightening and hydration.

Pleasant, subtle citrus scent.

The Bad

Some users find the price point steep for a moisturizer.

Jar packaging may not be the most hygienic option.

May not provide sufficient hydration for very dry skin types.

Hydration Type: Gel / SPF Protection: false / Suitable for Sensitive Skin: true / Key Ingredients: Vitamin C,Vitamin E,Hyaluronic Acid

Oil-Free Lotions for Balanced Skin

Perfect for oily or acne-prone skin, these lotions offer hydration without clogging pores.

8

Listful
Score

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA by The Ordinary

$6.70

For a budget-friendly summer moisturizer, consider Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA by The Ordinary. Despite its affordable price tag, during our review, this cream impressed us with its quick absorption and lightweight texture, perfect for sensitive skin. While it's well-formulated with hyaluronic acid, some users note it might not suffice for very dry skin, and the potential sticky residue is something to keep in mind.

The Good

Lightweight texture absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feel.

Affordable price point offers great value for high-quality ingredients.

Fragrance-free formula suitable for sensitive skin.

The Bad

May not provide sufficient hydration for very dry skin types.

Some users report a slightly sticky residue after application.

Packaging can make dispensing difficult when the product is nearly empty.

Hydration Type: Cream / SPF Protection: false / Suitable for Sensitive Skin: true / Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid

Moisturizers with SPF for Sun Protection

Protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays while keeping it hydrated.

8

Listful
Score

Hydra Vizor SPF 30

$33.60

Hydra Vizor SPF 30 stands out with its dual role of providing hydration and SPF protection. Its fast-absorbing, lightweight lotion won points in our testing for how it handled sun defense without a white cast. However, if you're sensitive to fragrances, take note, as its scent may not suit everyone. Its refillable packaging is a sustainable perk despite being pricier than some alternatives.

The Good

Lightweight and hydrating formula that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.

Refillable packaging promotes sustainability and reduces waste.

Provides SPF 30 protection without leaving a white cast, suitable for all skin tones.

The Bad

Contains fragrance, which may not be suitable for those with fragrance sensitivities.

Some users find the product to be heavy and oily, not melting into the skin as expected.

Priced higher compared to other moisturizers with SPF, which may not fit everyone's budget.

Hydration Type: Lotion / SPF Protection: true / Suitable for Sensitive Skin: false / Key Ingredients: Niacinamide,Hyaluronic Acid,Aloe Vera


6.5

Listful
Score

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

$16.18

CeraVe's Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 brings you lightweight sun protection with the added benefit of hydration. It's perfect for oily skin types due to its non-greasy finish. Although it earned a lower score due to potential white cast and skin irritation reports, its combination of ceramides and hyaluronic acid still provides a good hydrating base for those with less sensitive skin.

The Good

Lightweight and non-greasy formula suitable for oily skin.

Provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection.

Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid for skin hydration.

The Bad

May leave a white cast on darker skin tones.

Some users report skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Not moisturizing enough for dry skin types.

Hydration Type: Lotion / SPF Protection: true / Suitable for Sensitive Skin: false / Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid,Ceramides

Best Lightweight Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin

Gentle formulas designed to soothe and hydrate sensitive skin types during summer.

7.5

Listful
Score

Calm Water Gel Moisturizer

$47.20

The Calm Water Gel Moisturizer is your ally for soothing sensitive skin this summer. Its lightweight gel formula, combined with hyaluronic acid, delivers intense hydration while remaining gentle enough for easy absorption. Although some users noted a chemical smell and potential pilling when used under makeup, its soothing effects earned it a place in our guide, though it’s positioned on the higher end of the price spectrum.

The Good

Lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.

Contains hyaluronic acid for deep hydration.

Formulated with soothing ingredients suitable for sensitive skin.

The Bad

Some users report a chemical smell that isn't favorable.

May pill on the skin after a while, affecting makeup application.

Priced higher compared to similar products in the market.

Hydration Type: Gel / SPF Protection: false / Suitable for Sensitive Skin: true / Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid,Aloe Vera


7.5

Listful
Score

Sensitive Skin Daily Calm Moisturizer

$24.99

Honest's Sensitive Skin Daily Calm Moisturizer caters well to those with sensitive and acne-prone skin. During our review, its deep hydration skills stood out alongside its soothing capabilities, all achieved without clogging pores. You might find it feels a bit heavier than some lightweight competitors, and the scent isn’t for everyone. If you prioritize clean, fragrance-free products, it’s a worthy consideration despite some reports of pilling.

The Good

Effectively calms and soothes sensitive skin, reducing redness and irritation.

Contains clean, fragrance-free ingredients suitable for sensitive skin.

Provides deep hydration without causing breakouts, even for acne-prone skin.

The Bad

Some users find the moisturizer's scent unpleasant or off-putting.

A few users report the moisturizer feels heavier than expected for a 'lightweight' product.

Some users experience pilling when applying the moisturizer under makeup.

Hydration Type: Lotion / SPF Protection: false / Suitable for Sensitive Skin: true / Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid

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Topics

lightweight moisturizer
summer moisturizer
best moisturizers 2025
summer skincare
moisturizer for summer
light lotion
gel moisturizer
skincare
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