18 Lightweight Moisturizers For Hot Summer Days
On sweltering summer days, skin needs a boost of hydration that won't leave it feeling heavy or sticky—especially when combined with your daily dose of SPF. From cooling gels to quick-absorbing face creams, we’ve rounded up the best lightweight moisturizers for hot weather.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Great for all skin types, this affordable moisturizer by Canadian brand The Ordinary contains amino acids, dermal lipids and hyaluronic acid for a serious hit of hydration that penetrates deep into the skin without any greasy residue.
$6, well.ca.
Garnier SkinActive Water Rose 24H Moisture Cream
Formulated with a blend of soothing rose water and hyaluronic acid, this gel-cream provides instant hydration to parched skin, leaving it smooth and soft.
$22, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light
This new, lightweight version of Charlotte Tilbury's iconic Magic Cream contains SPF 20 and a blend of ingredients that purportedly help protect skin against blue light and pollution.
$125, charlottetilbury.com.
Glow Recipe Banana Soufflé Moisture Cream
Cica—a green herb known for its wound-healing properties—and magnesium work together to soothe irritated skin in this banana-scented moisturizer that boasts a light-as-air, bouncy texture.
$50, sephora.com.
Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer
This oil-free formula keeps excess sebum in check, while also providing plenty of hydration. Packed with vitamin E, it protects and strengthens skin.
$65, etiket.com.
REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream
A must-have for sensitive skin, this bestselling moisturizer contains calming camomile extracts and antioxidants to protect against environmental stressors. Plus, it now comes in a sleek eco-friendly bottle.
$64, sephora.com.
E.l.f. Cosmetics Hello Hydration! Face Cream Fragrance Free
This affordable fragrance-free face cream contains a cocktail of ultra-effective skincare ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, peptides and niacinamide.
$14, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
Korres Greek Yogurt Nourishing Probiotic Gel-Cream
Packed with balancing probiotics and plumping collagen, this lightweight gel-cream also contains lactic acid to provide a gentle exfoliation with each application.
$47, sephora.com.
Aveeno Positively Radiant Sheer Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30
Light and fast-absorbing, this lotion is a summer favourite. It contains SPF 30 and is formulated with soy to fight hyperpigmentation.
$26, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
Belif True Cream Aqua Bomb Aloe Vera
A fresh take on the cult-favourite Aqua Bomb formula, this limited-edition gel-cream by Korean skincare brand Belif is infused with soothing aloe vera. Pro tip: Store the jar in the fridge for an instant cooling sensation.
$50, sephora.com.
Laneige Water Bank Hydro Gel
Vitamin-rich kale, watercress and beet extracts amp up this gentle cooling gel's hydrating power.
$50, sephora.com.
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer
Made with collagen-boosting peptides to help restore elasticity and hydrate, this quick-absorbing cream also strengthens the skin's barrier.
$89, sephora.com.
Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream
Honest Beauty—the brand founded by Jessica Alba—landed in Canada just in time for summer. The Hydrogel Cream is ideal for this time of year, thanks to a cooling cream formula that's packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and squalane.
$30, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
Clarins Re-Boost Refreshing Hydrating Cream
Ideal to perk up dull complexions, this gel imparts a radiant glow to the skin without leaving it shiny or greasy.
$28, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet
This bestselling lightweight gel-to-water cream is infused with a blend of camomile extracts, organic grape water and antioxidants to hydrate and protect sensitive skin.
$48, caudalie.ca.
Tatcha The Water Gel
Oily skin is no match for this lightweight gel that features a delicate blend of skin-balancing botanicals.
$84, sephora.com.
Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel Cream
Neoglucosamine—a gentle exfoliant—is the star ingredient in this lightweight moisturizer that boosts cell turnover, resulting in smoother and brighter skin.
$35, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream
Formulated with 30 percent hyaluronic acid, this feather-light face cream plumps, hydrates and locks in moisture for up to 72 hours.
$68, sephora.com.
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