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Best moisturizer for summer 2025: Top 8 picks for hot and humid weather

Keep your skin cool, fresh and glowing with the best moisturizer for summer. Say goodbye to sticky skin and hello to summer-ready radiance!
Written by: Tanya Shree
Updated On: 11 Apr 2025, 06:43 pm IST
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best moisturizer for summer
Use the best moisturizer for summer to keep your skin hydrated. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
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Are you skipping moisturizers because of the hot and humid weather? Think again! Summer heat can trick you into thinking your skin doesn’t need hydration, but sun exposure, sweat and blasting AC actually rob your skin of moisture. Dryness, dullness and even excess oil. That’s why using the best moisturizer for summer is essential. Light as air but big on hydration, these formulas keep your skin fresh, balanced and glowing without the grease. Whether you love gel-based coolers or featherlight lotions, these options can lock in moisture and never feel sticky. Check out these top-rated picks for the dewy and non-greasy glow.

8 best moisturizers for summer

Investing in the best face moisturizer for summer can upgrade your skincare game! Here are some of the top picks to try in 2025.

1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Face Moisturiser

Enjoy smooth skin with the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Face Moisturiser. This best moisturizer for summer contains amino acid, hyaluronic acid, and electrolytes, which help strengthen the skin barrier, lock in moisture and boost ingredient absorption. With its lightweight texture, it offers hydration for up to 72 hours.

Specifications:

  • Concern: Hydration
  • Specific feature: Dermatologically tested

Reasons to buy: 

  • Gel-based
  • Lightweight
  • Suitable for all skin types

Reasons to avoid:

  • Contains fragrance, which may not suit people with sensitive skin.

Customer reaction: Customers liked the lightweight and oil-free formulation of this moisturizer. Many find it pocket-friendly.

2. Cetaphil Moisturising Cream for Face & Body with Niacinamide & Vitamin B5

Hydrate your dry to normal and sensitive skin with this best moisturizer for summer from Cetaphil. It contains sweet almond oil, niacinamide, pro-vitamin B5 and glycerin to soothe irritated skin, lock in moisture, improve moisture retention and boost hydration.

Specifications:

  • Concern: Dryness
  • Special feature: Dermatologically-tested

Reasons to buy:

  • Paraben-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Defends against five signs of sensitivity

Reasons to avoid:

  • Unsuitable for oily skin

Customer reactions: Users like its hydrating formula. However, some raise concerns over its suitability for all skin types.

3. Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturiser

Replenish lost moisture with this best moisturizer for summer from Clinique. This gel-based Clinique moisturizer claims to glow and hydrate your skin. Packed with aloe bioferment, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, this moisturizer for dry skin can provide antioxidant protection.

Specifications:

  • Concern: Deep nourishment
  • Special feature: Fragrance-free

Reasons to buy: 

  • Fragrance-free
  • Lightweight
  • Long-lasting hydration
  • Oil-free

Reasons to avoid:

  • Expensive

Customer reactions: Customers like the hydrating formula and non-greasy texture of this best moisturizer for face. However, some complain about its mild chemical smell.

Also Read: Beat summer skin dryness with these 4 DIY face moisturizers

4. KAMA AYURVEDA Eladi Hydrating Face Cream Mini

Minimise the signs of ageing with this best moisturizer for summer. Kama Ayurveda Hydrating Face Cream contains sandalwood, and aloe vera. Saffron and cardamom to soften and smoothen your skin.

Specifications:

  • Concern: Hydration
  • Special feature: Natural

Reasons to buy:

  • Natural
  • Repairs the skin barrier

Reasons to avoid:

  • May not suit every skin type

Customer reactions: Users of this best moisturizer for summer praise its effectiveness. However, some raise concerns over its work on pimples.

5. Forest Essentials Hydrating SPF25 Facial Moisturiser with Sandalwood & Orange Peel

Hydrate your dry skin with this best moisturizer for summer from Forest Essentials. It contains sandalwood essential oil, orange peel, aloe vera, ashwagandha and coconut water to combat free radical damage, soothe your skin and reveal brighter skin.

Specifications:

  • Concern: Hydration
  • Special feature: Paraben-free

Reasons to buy:

  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Lightweight
  • Non-greasy

Reasons to avoid:

  • Can be sticky or greasy for oily skin

Customer reactions: Customers praise how it can keep your skin soft, firm and hydrated. However, some raise concerns over its smell.

6. M.A.C Hyper Real Skin Canvas Balm Moisturizing Cream

M.A.C Hyper Real Skin Canvas Balm Moisturizing Cream may be one of the best moisturizer for summer. It claims to strengthen the skin barrier, prevent visible irritation and deliver a soft and healthy-looking glow.

Specifications:

  • Concern: Deep nourishment
  • Special feature: Cruelty-free

Reasons to buy: 

  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide and Japanese peony extract

Reasons to avoid:

  • Expensive

Customer reactions: Customers like this best moisturizer for summer. Some like its glowing effect, while others praise it for its hydrating formula.

Also Read: Face cream for dry skin: Laneige moisturizer and its 7 budget-friendly alternatives

7. Ponds Youthful Miracle Hexyl Retinol Complex, Renew & Repair Night Cream

Repair and renew your skin with this best moisturizer for summer. It contains hexyl-retinol to boost collagen production. This product also promises to smoothen the fine lines within 1 week.

Specifications:

  • Concern: Anti-ageing
  • Special feature: Dermatologically-tested

Reasons to buy: 

  • Rich texture
  • Non-sticky
  • Fast absorbing

Reasons to avoid:

  • Some raise concern over its effect on wrinkles.

Customer reactions: Customers praise this best moisturizer for oily skin for its rejuvenation effect and value for money.

8. THE BODY SHOP Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser for Dull & Tired Skin

Include the benefits of vitamin C in your skincare routine with this best moisturizer for summer. This glow-boosting product is perfect for tired and dull skin. Regular use of this moisturizer can reduce dark spots in 8 weeks and strengthen the moisture barrier.

Specifications:

  • Concern: Pigmentation
  • Special feature: Cruelty-free

Reasons to buy:

  • Vegan
  • Natural
  • 24-hour hydration

Reasons to avoid:

  • May feel sticky

Customer reactions: Customers like this moisturizer for its effectiveness, lightweight and fragrance. However, some raise concerns over its suitability for sensitive skin.

Best Overall Product:

Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator may be the best moisturizer for summer. It is lightweight, oil-free, and has long-lasting hydration with powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe bioferment, and vitamins C & E. Moreover, it is suitable for multiple skin types and delivers deep moisture without greasiness.

Best Value for Money:

Ponds Youthful Miracle Hexyl Retinol Complex, Renew & Repair Night Cream offers anti-aging benefits, rich hydration, and fast absorption at an affordable price. It may effectively boost collagen production, smoothen fine lines, and revitalize skin, which makes it a great budget-friendly choice for summer.

Is it okay to use moisturizer in the summer?

Yes, it is absolutely okay—and essential to use the best moisturizer for summer! Hot weather, sun exposure, and air conditioning can dehydrate your skin, making it feel dry, dull, or even oilier as it tries to compensate. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer helps maintain hydration, supports your skin barrier, and keeps your complexion balanced and healthy. Just switch to gel-based or oil-free formulas that absorb quickly without clogging pores.

How to choose the best moisturizer for summer?

When choosing the best moisturizer for summer, make sure to consider your skin type and needs. Opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic, and oil-free formula to prevent clogged pores and excess shine. Gel-based or water-based moisturizers work best for oily and combination skin, while dry skin benefits from hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera for deep hydration. Look for ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C to control oil and brighten the skin. Always choose fragrance-free and dermatologically tested products if you have sensitive skin to avoid irritation. If you are still not sure how to choose moisturizers, consult your dermatologist for better guidance.

What are the benefits of using the best moisturizer for summer?

1. Prevents dehydration: Hot weather and air conditioning can strip moisture from the skin. A lightweight moisturizer may help retain hydration.
2. Controls excess oil: Using gel-based or oil-free moisturizers may balance sebum production to prevent greasy skin and breakouts.
3. Soothes sun damage: The best moisturizer for summer with ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E can calm sunburned or irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation.
4. Strengthens skin barrier: Moisturizers with ceramides and hyaluronic acid lock in moisture to keep your skin healthy and resilient.
5. Enhances glow: Using moisturizers can make your skin look plump, radiant, fresh and prevent dullness.

Opt the best moisturizer for summer to keep your skin hydrated.

(Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we make a constant effort to break the clutter for our readers. All products listed are carefully curated by the editorial team but use your discretion and an expert’s opinion before using them. Their price and availability may differ from the time of publication. If you buy something using these links in the story, we may earn a commission.)

Related FAQs

Why do you need a moisturiser?

Moisturisers are essential as they can help reduce fine lines, and wrinkles, improve hydration levels and boost skin radiance. They can also provide a cooling effect to your skin and reduce itching.

How often should I use face moisturisers?

You should use a moisturiser every day whenever your skin feels dry. Apply it after every wash to make your skin feel hydrated and lock in moisture.

Which type of moisturiser is best?

It depends on skin type and preference. For dry skin, oil-based moisturisers work best, while for oily skin, gel or water-based moisturisers are beneficial.

Is it better to use a moisturiser that contains SPF?

It is a good idea to use a moisturiser that contains SPF as it can provide additional protection against sun damage. When you need to be out in the sun for an extended time, apply broad-spectrum protection sunscreen after your moisturiser.

Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we are committed to providing accurate, reliable, and authentic information to support your health and well-being. However, the content on this website is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised advice regarding your specific medical condition or concerns.

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About The Author
Tanya Shree
Tanya Shree

Meet Tanya Shree! Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and a flair for photography and visual communication, she is a stickler for detail.An avid reader and a shopping aficionado, she has a knack for spotting hidden gems and dissecting products. Her own passion to check out the best deals online matches her dedication to ensure our readers get information that is research-backed and fact-checked.With her clear, concise and reliable content, Tanya helps users make the best choice when it comes to choosing health and wellness products from the vast online pool.

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