Frequently Asked Questions

Will gel moisturizers pill under makeup?

Gel textures are generally among the most makeup-friendly moisturizers in your skin-care routine because they absorb quickly and leave a smooth, lightweight finish rather than a thick or greasy layer. That said, pilling can still happen depending on the formula and how many products you’re layering on top. “Silicone-heavy primers, certain sunscreens, or overapplying skin care can increase the chance of pilling,” says Dr. Collins. Her best advice: Let each layer fully absorb before moving on to the next step, especially before applying foundation or primer.

Do gel moisturizers clog pores?

Any product can contribute to breakouts if it contains pore-clogging ingredients like thicker waxes or heavier oils (coconut oil or cocoa butter, for example), says Dr. Collins. That said, a gel moisturizer is less likely to clog pores than a rich cream because they’re typically oil-free or contain fewer rich, occlusive ingredients. If you’re especially breakout-prone, look for lightweight formulas without heavy oils or fragrance and pay attention to how your skin responds over time.

Are there any drawbacks to using gel moisturizer?

Since they typically contain fewer rich, occlusive ingredients, “gel moisturizers may not lock in hydration as effectively as richer creams, especially if you have very dry, eczema-prone, mature, or dehydrated skin—or if you’re in low-humidity or cold climates,” says Dr. Collins. Another thing to watch for: Some gel formulas use alcohol or fragrance to enhance that lightweight, fast-drying feel, which can irritate sensitive skin. If your skin is reactive, Dr. Collins recommends sticking with fragrance-free moisturizers that include barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides or niacinamide.

Meet the experts

• Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
• Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, Florida
• Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Mount Sinai based in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best gel moisturizers, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.