Once the heat really settles in, many of us start instinctively switching up our beauty routine by paring down our makeup, reaching for a lighter fragrance, and opting for a simpler skincare approach. And although rich, creamy textures may not be as appealing come summer, your skin still needs hydration! Enter water creams: water-based moisturizers with a gel-like texture that boast hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, get absorbed in a flash, and are just a joy to apply—especially when it’s hot and humid outside. Here are 9 fabulously fresh formulas to try.

1/10

Frozen Over Gel-to-Ice Hydrator, Skin Proud

skinproud-frozenover-hydrator

This unscented clear gel gives skin an instant hit of freshness that is hard to resist. Use the innovative product at room temperature or leave in the freezer for a few hours for an icy, de-puffing effect!

Price: $20

SHOP

Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer, Laneige

laneige-waterbank-gelmoisturizer

Not only does this gel feel cool on the skin—it also contains hyaluronic acid for lasting hydration and forest yeast extract for its soothing benefits. Plus, it only takes a few seconds to sink in.

Price: $52

SHOP

Water Sleeping Mask, Uriage

uriage-watersleepingmask

Think of this lightweight gel formula as an overnight hydration bath, which you apply last in your nighttime routine to wake up with soft, supple skin. We love its non-sticky formula and gentle, calming scent.

Price: $21

SHOP

Cactus Water Moisturizer, Boscia

boscia-cactuswatermoisturizer

Flooding your face with hydration thanks to the Queen of the Night cactus extract contained in its formula, this cool gel soothes the skin without any heaviness, leaving it feeling supple and replenished.

Price: $50

SHOP

Vinosource-Hydra Grape Water Gel Moisturizer, Caudalie

caudalie-vinosourcehydra-grapewatergelmoisturizer

Blending organic grape water with organic aloe vera, this delightful gel cream melts into the skin and works hard to strengthen its barrier and replenish its hydration levels. Hello, dewiness!

Price: $52

SHOP

The Water Cream, Tatcha

tatcha-thewatercream

Sure, its elegant jar and integrated spatula are attractive, but what got us hooked on this water cream is its dreamy texture and its effectiveness. It deeply hydrates while helping regulate sebum production, providing a lovely glow to the skin.

Price: $90

SHOP

Aqua Bomb Hydrating Body Moisturizer, Belif

belif-aquabomb-bodymoisturizer

Fans of Korean skincare brand Belif’s Aqua Bomb lineup will want to get their mitts on this new body moisturizer. The lightweight gel cream contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, melts into the skin, and has the same fresh scent as the other (wonderful!) Aqua Bomb products.

Price: $39

SHOP

Aqualia Thermal Gel Cream, VICHY

vichy-aqualiathermal-gelcream

Gel containing hyaluronic acid and Vichy mineralizing water seeks dehydrated skin. Swipe right if you’re looking for excellent hydration, a soothing effect, and an incredible feeling of freshness!

Price: $41

SHOP

Omega Water Cream, The INKEY List

theinkeylist-omegawatercream

This practical little tube contains a gel moisturizer that combines an omega ceramide complex, glycerin and niacinamide to hydrate and soothe the skin while remaining super lightweight.

Price: $13

SHOP