8 Best Sebum Balancing Gel Moisturizers for Summer Hydration—Editor’s Picks

Glass-skin babes looking effortless with their flawless, shine-less complexion? You don't have to be gel-ous (wink-wink) because we've cracked the code for you — gel moisturizers! When it comes to finding the right hydrators for your summer skincare routine, the good ol' "heavy on hydration, light on texture" nature of a gel moisturizer simply gives you the best of both worlds. So take this as a sign to swap away your rich cream (and save it for winter) for something with a more featherlight texture. Here we have rounded up some of our best gel moisturizers (plus a few pretty yummy-looking ones) that are currently on the market for comfortable, long-lasting hydration!


No. 1

Pyunkang Yul - Balancing Gel

Pyunkang Yul Balancing Gel

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Pyunkang Yul

Sometimes all you need is the perfect oil-moisture balance to restore that healthy glow to your skin. Don't sleep on the Pyunkang Yul Balancing Gel. Its honey-like formula, infused with 7 skin-loving ingredients like Milk Vetch root extract and jojoba seed oil, is everything you want in a skin quencher! Not only does this balancing gel level up the hydration but it also keeps the skin in a healthy balance to prevent excess sebum, stopping acnes and pimples in their track during the summertime.


No. 2

Saturday Skin - Carrot + Niacinamide Moisturizing Cream

Saturday Skin Carrot Niacinamide Moisturizing Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Saturday Skin

Let's be real, the Saturday Skin Carrot + Niacinamide Moisturizing Cream sounds (and looks) like a dream treat. Packed with yummy superfood extracts from carrot, this gel moisturizer also features an all-star lineup of ingredients including ceramides and lipids to help replenish and boost your skin's hydration while protecting your skin from dehydration and digital exposure. (Think bluelight glasses for your skin!) This Saturday Skin gel moisturizer is enriched with Niacinamide which works to balance oil and excess shine, while Centella Asiatica extract assists with the appearance of healthier-looking skin overall.


No. 3

COSRX - Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream

COSRX Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - COSRX

The COSRX Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream is a godsend for those whose skin struggles with redness and excess oily shine when summer rolls around. This skin-soothing gel cream is a summertime delight that keeps the skin well balanced and replenished with hydration throughout the day, thanks to a potent blend of panthenol, allantoin and, of cource, antioxidant-rich green tea. The gel-like texture provides a cooling relief while leaving your skin with a fresh finish, the perfect regimen for the skin during hot summer.


No. 4

Dr. Jart+ - Cicapair Calming Gel Cream

Dr. Jart+ - Cicapair Calming Gel Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Dr. Jart+

The Dr. Jart+'s Cicapair Calming Gel Cream makes good on its promise of calming and soothing complexions in crisis: think sensitive, dry, irritated skin. This ultra-light gel cream comes with a whole host of nourishing, skin-comforting ingredients like probiotics ferments that are made specific for Dr. Jart's own famed microbiome complex, Jartbiome, as well as the Centella Rx complex and Cicabond complex which features centella asiatica + houttuyniae extracts to relieve irritations and repair compromised skin.


No. 5

Dr.Ceuracle - Vegan Kombucha Tea Gel Cream

Dr.Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Gel Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Dr.Ceuracle

Dr.Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Gel Cream is giving us all the zen vibes we need this summer. Formulated with 20% fermented black tea (Kombucha) extract to help strengthen the moisture barrier while balancing oil production, this vegan gel cream also contains 58.9% Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf water, which has protective antioxidant benefits while calming any irritation. Together these two power ingredients supply a nourishing concentration of tannins, amino acids and proteins that boost the skin's overall fullness and suppleness.


No. 6

Isntree - Onion Newpair Gel Cream

Isntree Onion Newpair Gel Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Isntree

The Isntree Onion Newpair Gel Cream really kicks it into high gear when it comes to tackling blemished skin. The secret? A concoction of 71% Muan Red Onion Extract + Isntree's NoSCalm Complex (sodium heparin, allantoin, panthenol and Heartleaf Houttuynia) that really kicks excess sebum production to the curb. Blended with Tranexamic Acid and Vitamin C derivatives, this gel cream also helps even the skin tone and tackle pigmentation.


No. 7

A'PIEU - Madecassoside Moisture Gel Cream

A'PIEU Madecassoside Moisture Gel Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - A'PIEU

The A'PIEU Madecassoside Moisture Gel Cream is a wiz at calming the skin with its pure centella asiatica magic. Jam-packed with amino acids and phytochemicals, this gel cream works overtime to deliver intense hydration and rebalance your skin, leaving a youthful glow and flawless finish. This A'PIEU gel cream also serves well during summer, thanks to its featherlight, non-sticky texture that will feel especially divine on hot, humid days and nights.


No. 8

heimish - Watermelon Moisture Soothing Gel Cream

heimish Watermelon Moisture Soothing Gel Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - heimish

Saving the best for last! Introducing some juicy watermelon goodness in the form of heimish Watermelon Moisture Soothing Gel Cream as your skin's next favorite summer staple. This very delicious-looking Watermelon Moisture Soothing Gel Cream just melts into the skin almost instantly that is ultimately absorbed — leaving you with smooth, supple skin that stays hydrated for hours. Featuring 10% watermelon extract + heimish's patented fermented Moringa oil, this gel moisturizer keeps your skin balanced and calms irritation!


It‘s high time to consider adding a lightweight, hydrating gel moisturizer to your skin-care routine. Can't decide which one is your next add-to-cart favorite from the list? Don't worry, explore more of our best gel moisturizers here and pick your favorites! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram and Facebook, as well as keeping an eye on the VANA Blog, so you receive all the latest news, promos and information!