Are you curious about face gel moisturizers? For those with oily or combination skin types, finding the right skincare products can be a challenge. Heavy creams and thick moisturizers can leave the skin feeling greasy and the pores clogged, leading to breakouts and other skin issues. That’s why many people with oily skin turn to face gels as a lightweight and effective alternative.
French skincare brands are at the forefront of the face gel trend, offering a range of products that are designed to hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin without leaving behind a greasy residue. If you have a high sebum production, you need to learn about the benefits of face gel-creams and why they’re particularly well-suited for those with oily or combination skin.
Whether you’re struggling with excess oil or simply looking for a lighter alternative to traditional moisturizers, this guide will help you discover the best French face gel moisturizers for your needs.
Gel vs. Cream
Gels and creams are two different types of skincare products with distinct formulations, textures, and functions. Here are some of the key differences between them:
Gels are typically lighter and more watery in texture than creams. They are usually clear or translucent and can feel cool and refreshing on the skin. Creams, on the other hand, are thicker and more viscous, with a richer texture that can feel heavier on the skin.
Gels are often water-based, which means they are formulated with a higher percentage of water and a lower percentage of oil. They may also contain other water-soluble ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera. Creams are usually oil-based, which means they contain a higher percentage of oil and a lower percentage of water. They may also contain other oil-soluble ingredients like shea butter or jojoba oil.
Gels are typically used for hydrating and soothing the skin, as well as for treating specific skin concerns like acne or inflammation. They are also ideal for oily skin or combination skin types that require lightweight moisture without adding extra oil to the skin. Creams are often used for nourishing and moisturizing the skin, as well as for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They are ideal for dry or mature skin types that require richer, more emollient formulas.
While gels are typically lighter and more watery, creams are thicker and more emollient. Go with what works best for your skin type!
Best French Face Gel-Creams and Gel Moisturizers
A gel cream is a hybrid skincare product that combines the lightweight texture of a gel with the nourishing benefits of a cream. Gel creams are designed to provide the best of both worlds: the cooling and refreshing sensation of a gel, and the hydrating and moisturizing effects of a cream.
The texture of a gel cream is usually lightweight and silky, making it ideal for people with combination or oily skin who need hydration without a heavy cream. Here are the best French gel creams from France!
Best All-Around Gel: Darphin Hydraskin Light All-Day Skin Hydrating Cream Gel
The Darphin Hydraskin Light All-Day Skin Hydrating Cream Gel is a great all-around gel that hydrates and soothes the skin while also providing a cooling and refreshing sensation. Its lightweight texture is perfect for those with combination or oily skin, and it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. The key ingredients include salicornia herbacea, butterfly lavender, and kiwi fruit water, which work together to boost hydration levels and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Best Budget: L’Oréal Hydra Genius Moisturizer
L’Oréal Hydra Genius Moisturizer is a budget-friendly gel-cream for French skincare lovers who still want a high-quality product. It features aloe water and hyaluronic acid, which work together to hydrate and soothe the skin. The formula is lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling soft and refreshed.
Best Luxury Gel: Clarins Hydra Essentiel Matte Gel Moisturizer
Clarins Hydra Essentiel Matte Gel Moisturizer is a luxury gel-cream for those who want a premium product that delivers results. Its lightweight texture is perfect for those with combination or oily skin, and it contains organic leaf of life extract and mattifying powders to hydrate and mattify the skin. The formula is also non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. This is my favorite gel cream – I use it all the time!
Best Natural Gel: Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra Grape Water Gel Moisturizer
Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra Grape Water Gel Moisturizer is a natural gel-cream that is perfect for those who prefer to use products with natural ingredients. It contains grape water, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid, which work together to hydrate and soothe the skin. The formula is also free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
Best Long-Lasting Gel: Biotherm Aquasource 48H Continuous Release Hydration Gel
The Biotherm Aquasource 48H Continuous Release Hydration Gel is designed to provide long-lasting hydration for up to 48 hours. It contains Life Plankton™ and mannose, which work together to hydrate and protect the skin from environmental stressors. The lightweight texture is perfect for those with combination or oily skin, and it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Bioderma Hydrabio Face Gel Moisturizer
The Bioderma Hydrabio Face Gel Moisturizer is specially formulated for those with sensitive skin. It contains patented Aquagenium™ technology and hyaluronic acid, which work together to hydrate and soothe the skin. The formula is also hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, making it a great choice for those with reactive or acne-prone skin.
Best Hydrating Gel: Payot Hydra 24+ Gel-Crème Sorbet
The hydrating gel-cream Payot Hydra 24+ Gel-Crème Sorbet is perfect for those who want to boost their skin’s moisture levels. It contains hyaluronic acid and fig extract, which work together to hydrate and plump the skin. The formula is also lightweight and refreshing, making it perfect for use in the summer or in hot climates.
Best Anti-Aging Gel: Biotherm Biotherm Aquasource Hyalu Plump Moisturizer Gel
Biotherm Aquasource Hyalu Plump Moisturizer Gel is an anti-aging gel-cream designed to plump and firm the skin while also providing long-lasting hydration. It contains hyaluronic acid and Life Plankton™, which work together to hydrate and regenerate the skin. The formula is also lightweight and absorbs quickly, making it perfect for use under makeup.
Best Detoxifying Gel: Lancôme Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Moisturising Day Cream-Gel
Lancôme Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Moisturising Day Cream-Gel is a detoxifying gel-cream, perfect for those who want to soothe and calm their skin. It contains rose extract and moringa seed extract, which work together to detoxify and protect the skin from environmental stressors. The formula is also non-greasy and absorbs quickly!
Best Botanical Gel: Yves Rocher 48H Non-Stop Moisturizing Gel Cream
Yves Rocher 48H Non-Stop Moisturizing Gel Cream is a botanical gel-cream that provides intense hydration and comfort to the skin for up to 48 hours. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture is perfect for those with combination or oily skin, and it absorbs quickly without leaving any residue. The key ingredient in this gel cream is Edulis Cellular Water, which is extracted from a succulent plant known for its ability to retain water. It works to hydrate and soothe the skin, while also providing antioxidant protection against environmental stressors. The formula also contains organic aloe vera and betaine, which help to maintain the skin’s moisture balance and provide long-lasting hydration.
Now you know the best French face gels!
