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Looking for a lightweight moisturizer? Derms break down what to look for

These are the brands the pros reach for as the weather heats up— plus a few of our personal favorites.
Woman putting moisturizer on her face
Getty Images
/ Source: TODAY

What to look for | Expert picks | Editor faves | How we chose | Meet our experts

When you stumble upon a moisturizer that seamlessly tackles all of your skin's needs, it can be tempting to stick with it all year long. However, switching up your moisturizer as the weather heats up is one of the best things you can do for your complexion (aside from wearing sunscreen, of course).

Skin naturally feels more moisturized in the warmer months since our sweat glands tend to increase oil production. So you'll want to ditch heavier creams and instead opt for lotions or gels since they tend to dry faster, Chicago-based dermatologist Dr. Edidiong Kaminska tells us.

To help you navigate the process, Shop TODAY sought the expertise of renowned dermatologists and asked them to share a few of their favorite lightweight moisturizers. Plus, we shared a few of our own seasonal staples.

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What to look for in lightweight moisturizers

Having hydrated skin in warm weather can help strengthen your skin barrier, protecting from harmful pollutants and UV rays. Also, it gives you a great foundation to layer on sunscreens and makeup.

Our experts say people with acne prone skin should opt for moisturizers with a lightweight formula that won’t clog up pores.

New York-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner says moisturizers with a ultra-light formula typically include hyaluronic acid which plumps and hydrates the skin.

If you have dry skin, hydration is even more important. In addition to Zeichner's suggestion, Boston-based dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch also suggests searching for moisturizers with ceramides to give your skin an extra boost.

Glycerin is another a hydrating ingredient shoppers should look for. It is pulls water from the air to the outer layer of your skin to leave your face hydrated and soft.

Dermatologist-approved lightweight moisturizers

Eucerin Redness Relief Night Creme

What we like
  • Reduces redness
  • Softens skin
  • Works on sensitive skin
Something to note
  • Little results on rosacea

Size: 1.7 oz | Key ingredients: Glycerin, squalane, licorice root extract and panthenol (pro-vitamin B5)

Constant exposure to the sun can cause sensitive skin to experience bouts of redness. This soothing nighttime moisturizer helps repair skin and tackles redness while you're sleeping.

"With licorice root extract as its key active ingredient, and its balance of humectants and sealants to provide a good amount of evening moisture replenishment, the formula has serious skin-soothing properties to provide relief while minimizing risk of irritation," says Dr. Orit Markowitz, associate professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine.

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

What we like
  • Hydrates psoriasis
Something to note
  • Thin consistency

Size: 3 oz | Key ingredients: Niacinamide and ceramides 

CeraVe's lightweight, hypoallergenic formula contains several hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and niacinamide. Even better, the night cream releases moisturizing ingredients for up to 24 hours of hydration, according to the brand. Plus, it gets Kaminska's seal of approval.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel

What we like
  • Doesn't leave sticky residue
  • Formula perfect for year-round wear
Something to note
  • Has a slight floral scent

Size: 1.7 oz | Key ingredients: Glycerin and hyaluronic acid

This bestseller's oil-free, non-comedogenic formula is a favorite of both Kaminska and Zeichner

“It's perfect for oily, dry and combination skin and leaves behind a nice, non-oily finish on the skin because it dries like a gel, but moisturizes like a cream," Kaminska says.

“The gel base does not weigh the skin down. While it can be used all year, it is ideal for the humid months,” adds Zeichner.

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Face Lotion with Sunscreen

What we like
  • Works on all skin types
  • Leaves face dewy but not greasy
Something to note
  • Lower SPF

Size: 1.7 oz | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and ceramides

Pressed for time? Try a moisturizer that's already got built-in SPF. This light moisturizer offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays and won't clog pores thanks to its oil-free, non-comedogenic formula.

"It's incredibly light and perfect for summer. The matte finish is great considering it’s also a broad-spectrum sun protectant. The hyaluronic acid plus ceramides make this especially good for dry skin," Hirsch says.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Moisturizer

What we like
  • Controls shine
Something to note
  • Does not eliminate wrinkles

Size: 4.7 oz | Key ingredients: Vitamin E, glycerin and panthenol

This gem provides a nice thin base layer when layering sunscreen on top of your daily moisturizer.

"It goes on super light with a dewy finish, hydrates really well and has a lovely texture," Hirsch says.

The antioxidants in this daily moisturizer offer 24-hour hydration and its lightweight formula is perfect for multiple skin types, including normal, dry, combination, oily and sensitive, according to the brand.

Olay Regenerist Whip

What we like
  • Diminishes fine lines
Something to note
  • Includes fragrance

Size: 1.7 oz | Key ingredient: Niacinamide

The amino-peptide complex in this whipped moisturizer fights pesky signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles while hyaluronic acid plumps up skin over time. The best part? It's so light that you'll barely notice you're wearing it.

"The whipped formula makes this moisturizer lighter in consistency than traditional creams. Because of its light and airy feel, it is easy to spread and does not leave skin feeling heavy or greasy," says Zeichner.

Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer

What we like
  • Refreshing green tea scent
Something to note
  • Does not pair well with benzoyl peroxide products

Size: 3 oz | Key ingredients: Zinc PCA (reduces acne-causing bacteria), green tea and vitamin A

If you're already dealing with acne-prone skin, steer clear of rich moisturizers in the warmer months and opt for a lightweight formula like this non-comedogenic lotion that won't clog pores. The hydrating moisturizer is also filled with minerals, emollients and hyaluronic acid, which helps attract water to skin.

"It contains green tea, a soothing antioxidant that helps with any irritation that may be caused by acne treatments," says Markowitz.

Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 40

What we like
  • Works well on combination skin
  • Does not leave white cast
Something to note
  • Formula is thicker than other sunscreen combos

Size: 1.7 oz | Key ingredients: Glycerin, avobenzone (UVA protection) and homosalate (UVB protection)

If you're craving a sun-kissed summer glow, a lightweight moisturizer like this one Kaminska and Markowitz swear by is a seasonal skin care essential. The daily moisturizer's blue-green algae hydrates skin while cerium shields your complexion from blue light. It also includes a moisture-binding plant fermentation film that protects skin from pollution.

"The best part is that it also serves as a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect skin from harmful UV rays, plus it’s free of parabens, sulfates, oxybenzone and even synthetic fragrances that can irritate the skin," Markowitz notes.

Shop TODAY editor favorites

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

What we like
  • Pairs well with glycolic acid 
Something to note
  • Leaves a small white film

Size: 3 oz | Key ingredients: Carnosine (antioxidant peptide), squalane and hyaluronic acid

Page Ava Schwartz says this hyaluronic acid and ceramide-packed version of Vanicream is her favorite for her sensitive skin. It's free of fragrance and also formulated with ceramides, squalane and glycerin to provide ample hydration.

Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

What we like
  • All day hydration
Something to note
  • Has a small fragrance

Size: 1 oz | Key ingredients: Green tea leaf extract

SEO intern Domonique Tolliver is a fan of this moisturizer from Clinique. Like the name implies, the brand says it provides hydration for a whopping 100 hours.

Rhode Barrier Restore Cream

What we like
  • Mattifies on skin
Something to note
  • Small product size

Size: 1.7 oz | Key ingredients: Shea butter, niacinamide, peptides, acai and vitamin E

This is production coordinator Camryn Privette's favorite lightweight moisturizer for warm weather. She says it gives her a "great dewy glow and keeps her skin happy." Its key ingredients include shea butter, squalane, peptides, açai and niacinamide.

Korres Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Probiotic Gel-Cream

What we like
  • Light, nourishing and rich
Something to note
  • Has a gel-like texture

Size: 1.35 oz | Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, chia seed oil and lactic acid

"I adore how dewy this makes my skin look and feel!" raves senior SEO editor Jess Bender. "My boyfriend also didn't have a proper skin care routine until I introduced him to this and now he swears by it." They're not the only ones that are fans. According to a study conducted by the brand, 100% of participants saw improvement in moisture and skin softness after just one use.

Shani Darden Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer

What we like
  • Plumps dry skin
Something to note
  • Not the best for sensitive skin

Size: 2.5 oz | Key ingredient: Hyaluronic acid

Commerce editor Julie Ricevuto says this moisturizer has changed her skin during warmer months. "It's hydrating but doesn't clog my pores and I've noticed less blackheads than usual when I wear it. It feels weightless!"

According to the brand, it's suitable for not only all skin types but multiple skin concerns, including dryness, dullness, uneven texture and oiliness.

Coola Refreshing Water Cream Sunscreen

What we like
  • Perfect for very dry and sensitive skin
Something to note
  • Includes fragrance

Size: 1.7 oz | Key ingredients: Argan oil, turmeric root extract and hyaluronic acid

Former associate SEO editor Fran Sales calls this broad-spectrum pick "no ordinary face sunscreen." She has combination skin that is oily around her forehead and T-zone but dry on her checks and around her nose. "It feels super hydrating, goes on smoothly and it sinks in pretty quickly but still gives my face a nice plumpness and glow," she says.

Covey Last But Not Least Moisturizer

What we like
  • Doesn’t clog pores
Something to note
  • Tub packaging

Size: 1.7 oz | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, zinc PCA (limits acne-causing bacteria) and aloe vera

Commerce editor Vivien Moon has been using this moisturizer for the last month and calls it a "lovely addition" to her routine. The brand touts it as a two-in-one moisturizer and eye cream that is packed with powerhouse ingredients such as squalane, caffeine, green tea extract and glycerin.

"I typically cant be bothered to use a moisturizer in the warmer weather (bad, I know) but this is so soft and velvety that I actually enjoy using it and how soft it leaves my skin so it's a great pick for me personally in the summer. The whipped formula soothes my skin after a hot and sweaty day," Moon raves.

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery

What we like
  • Sun protection for oily skin
Something to note
  • Strong fragrance

Size: 1.7 oz | Key ingredients: Green tea leaf extract and squalane

Photo editor Vivian Le likes this moisturizer because it has SPF 50 and leaves her skin "feeling glowy." It provides broad-spectrum protection and, according to the brand, smooths the look of wrinkles so it's perfect for wearing before makeup.

How we chose the best lightweight moisturizers

Board-certified dermatologists spilled on their favorite moisturizers and what ingredients shoppers should look for when hydrating their skin. We also asked our editors to share their favorite picks to create a selection that works for all different skin types and climates.

Meet our experts

  • Dr. Ranella Hirsch is a Boston-based board certified dermatologist and an expert in cosmetic and laser dermatology.
  • Dr. Edidiong Kaminska is a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Her expertise include medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology with a special focus on acne and pigmentary disorders.
  • Dr. Orit Markowitz is an associate professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine. Markowitz is a skin cancer specialist developing minimally-invasive diagnostic and treatment protocols for skin cancer.
  • Dr. Joshua Zeichner is a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s department of dermatology.