Choosing the right skincare products can be tricky as it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all sorta thing. Each person's skin and skincare needs are different. And because a good moisturiser is the foundation of every beauty routine, choosing the right formula becomes very important.
The right moisturiser formula will nourish your skin and allow for better absorption of the products that follow. Pick a lighter texture for dry skin and it won’t moisturise enough; choose something that is too thick for oily skin and you’re inviting pimples!
To help you choose, we have laid out in detail, the difference between gel, lotion and cream moisturisers so that you can pick one that works best for your skin.
Gels
Gel is nothing but thickened liquid comprising mainly water and water-soluble compounds such as aloe vera extract and glycerine. The liquid is thickened so that it becomes easier to apply to your skin without being too runny in consistency. If you have oily, combination or acne-prone skin, gel-based moisturisers are what you should be using. This is because the high liquid content in the gel feels very light on the skin and does not make it greasy or clog pores. The quantity of oils or oil-soluble substances in a gel is usually less than 5% because anything more than this and you are mostly looking at a lotion or a cream.
Ideal for – Oily, combination and acne prone skin types
Lotions
Those skin moisturisers that contain anything between 5-25% oil soluble substances are lotions. Lotions are moisturising agents that are used both on the face as well as the body. Lotions are designed to sink right into your skin and deliver much-needed moisture. The consistency of a lotion is sort of liquid-y, as it is designed to spread easily and absorb quickly into your skin. They are made to deliver hydration as well as strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Generally speaking, lotions will be richer formulations than their gel counterparts.
Ideal for – Normal to dry skin types
Creams
If you use the words 'dry' and 'flaky' to describe your skin, then a cream-based moisturiser is what you need. A cream usually has between 15-40% oil content. Creams are ideal for dry skin because they have a thicker consistency than both gels and lotions and take more time to get completely absorbed into the skin. They leave behind a thin film of oil that helps retain moisture in the skin and keeps it soft and supple for a longer period of time.
Ideal for – Extremely dry and flaky skin types
Written by Urvi Dalal on Sep 17, 2019
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!