What is a Water Cream Moisturizer?

Skin Care

With their recent resurgence in popularity, many people encountering water-based moisturizers find themselves asking—exactly what is a water cream, anyway? Water creams are H2O-based and can provide lightweight hydration for all skin types without leaving behind an oily residue.

But there’s more to water creams than just water! Discover more about what makes water creams like our Moisturizing Hydra-Cream a perfect addition to your skin rituals.

What is a water-based moisturizer?

A cream, gel, or lotion is considered oil-based or water-based depending on the amount of each ingredient contained in the product. If there is more water than oil, it’s considered water-based, and if there’s more oil than water, it’s considered oil-based. In other words, a water-based moisturizer contains water as its first (and thus most highly featured) ingredient, making it lightweight, “gel-like,” and non-greasy in consistency and texture.

Water-based products also harness the power of moisture-attracting humectants and emollients. Humectants like AHAs, Glycerin, and Hyaluronic Acid pull moisture out of the air into the skin, and emollients like Squalane and Coconut Oil help cover the skin as a protective barrier.

Water-based moisturizer vs. oil-based moisturizer

Water-based products are much more lightweight, while oil-based products have a thicker consistency. Water-based moisturizers are great for providing hydration to dehydrated skin during summer months, while oil-based moisturizers are useful for nourishing dry skin during winter months. Water moisturizers also typically absorb into the skin quicker than oil-based moisturizers and are less likely to clog your pores.

How do you use a water cream?

Skin care instructions are highly specific to every product. In general, we recommend applying your moisturizer after your cleansers, exfoliants, toners, and serums. The Moisturizing Hydra-Cream specifically can be used both day and night. Just massage a pearl-sized amount on your face and neck after you’ve cleansed your skin. If your skin is feeling extra dry, we recommend layering our Softening Hydra Whip with the Moisturizing Hydra-Cream.

Need insights into when to apply different skin care ingredients? Check out our post on How to Layer Skin care for helpful tricks and tips.

Who can use a water-based moisturizer?

A water-based moisturizer is perfect for those with dehydrated skin of all types, including oily, combination, and sensitive skin. Additionally, water-based moisturizers are great for warmer climates since they’re a bit more lightweight than your typical oil-based moisturizer.

Worried about skin care ingredients? All of our skin care products are formulated with 100% natural ingredients and no parabens. They are all cruelty free, pregnancy safe, and made in the USA, so you can feel extra good about your skin care rituals.

New to water creams? Try the Moisturizing Hydra-Cream

Our new Moisturizing Hydra-Cream is the perfect introduction to the world of water creams. Its lightweight formula is infused with healing Lychee Fruit, elasticity-boosting Tamarind Seed, and skin-protecting Moringa Leaf to instantly moisturize the skin while providing long-lasting hydration. It helps prevent moisture loss and reduce the appearance of fine lines for a healthy, radiant complexion.

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