27 Water-Based Beauty Products For The Driest, Thirstiest Skin

Because some of the most common skin woes are related to dehydration.

1. Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream because bags belong on your arm, not under your eyes. It uses hyaluronic acid, licorice extract, and a vitamin complex to help brighten and smooth skin.

amazon.com

Promising review: "Incredible! I was having some serious redness and flaking skin around my eyes. Nothing helped; other 'natural' products burned and made it worse. After researching online, I came across this product and the consistently five-star ratings. And bonus, it’s a fraction of the price of prestige beauty brands. I saw results within hours. Photos [above] are within 24 hours of each other. The gel is lightweight-feeling, smooth, doesn’t sting/burn, and has no scent. New lifetime consumer of this product! Can’t wait to see the long-term results!" —SierraSue

Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

2. Slippery, slimy COSRX Snail Mucin Essence coats my skin in the most comfortable, non-oily way. This never fails, so it's always in rotation after I get a chemical peel. Snail mucin repairs damage, reduces hyperpigmentation, and improves elasticity.

Nusrat Sultana / BuzzFeed

Former BuzzFeed Shopping writer Nusrat Sultana says, "I swear by this! That's my photo above, and as you can tell from the bottle, I use it every day. Whatever other essence I use, I always go back to this. It's one of the biggest credits to brightening my skin, improving my texture, and keeping my acne at bay. I use it as the step before my serums and lotions. This is fragrance-free and great for all skin types." 

Choc Choc is a small business that features predominately Korean skincare brands. "Choc choc" means "well moisturized" in Korean and is used to describe luminous skin!

Get it from Amazon for $21 or from Choc Choc for $19.99.

3. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% sounds complicated, but it's not. It's a soothing water-based formula that's great for reducing inflammation and scarring while also regulating excess sebum production that makes you visibly shiny.

Christine Forbes / BuzzFeed

This product was made for all skin types but may be particularly useful for those with oily skin, since it helps cut down on excess sebum production. It is alcohol-free, silicone-free, vegan, and gluten-free.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. I started using it a few months ago for acne and textured skin, and it has done wonders considering the price. It can be quite sticky, so make sure you don't use too much. Two drops worked fine. —anishhax

Get it from Sephora, Target, or Ulta for $6.50 (available in three sizes). 

4. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer is a surefire way to get supple, water-kissed skin on a budget. It comes in a super-travel-friendly size, making it easy to throw in your carry-on bag and refresh your skin when you're on a long, ultra-drying flight. I like this because it is simple, gets the job done, and is easy to find.

instagram.com

Promising review: "I bought a jar for my mom and one for myself. It gave both of us incredible and fast results. With only one use I really could see a difference in the lines between my brows as well as the 'bracket' lines around my mouth. It has a very pleasant smell, is not greasy or sticky, and is refreshingly cool when applied. This does not make my skin feel tight and drawn like many other such products have done. I have lots of allergic reactions to skin products. I use lots of Neutrogena products, and like most of them, this gel does not cause me any allergic problems. The price is in an acceptable range for a product as good as this one. Both of us plan to continue using this gel." —dg305

Get it from Amazon for $17.49.

5. Lightweight Belif True Cream Aqua Bomb has never done me dirty, and it won't fail you either. It's my favorite lightweight, water-gel day cream because it never leaves me too oily or dry.

Sephora, img.buzzfeed.com

I have oily skin, and this product doesn't leave me looking like an oil slick. It's hydrating enough to keep my skin balanced all day. I've alternated between using this and Peter Thomas Roth's Cloud Cream for four years. Both are amazing, but Aqua Bomb works just as well for a lower price.

BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Rachel Dunkel says, "Aqua Bomb moisturizer is easily my desert island skincare product. Although I have dry-leaning combination skin, I hate most moisturizers because creamy formulas feel heavy and just yucky to me, especially under makeup. Aqua Bomb's gel-like consistency absorbs like a dream. It's soothing to stressed-out skin in the winter and cooling through the heat of summer. I recommend it to friends of all skin types because it gives your skin that bouncy hydration it craves without feeling oily in the slightest. I've put it on every night and most mornings for years and have no plans of stopping anytime soon!"

Promising review: "WOW!! MY FACE FEELS SO AMAZING!! One day I was like screw it, my face needs this! I bought the Belif True Cream Aqua Bomb. After drying, my face would feel so soft and moisturized (also, it doesn't get sticky like other products)! I do recommend this product for people with any skin type, due to the fact that it's a small moisturizer and it lasts a long time! It has also helped me clear my acne in a little over a month! I 110% recommend this product!!" —KiarasStuff

Get it from Sephora for $22+ (available in three sizes) or Amazon for $38.

6. The spectacular Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum stays in my nighttime skincare rotation because it 👏🏾 works 👏🏾. I always wake up with hydrated, radiant skin and less noticeable scarring — especially when used with marula oil.

Sephora, Christine Forbes / BuzzFeed

It ushers away dead skin cells with a hydrating formulation of tartaric, lactic, and citric acids. If you have uneven texture or tone, dullness, and large pores, you should try this.

Promising review: "I have struggled with scarring, hormonal cystic acne for the past three years. I’ve tried different strengths of retinol, antibiotics, and even spironolactone. I was about to go on Accutane when I decided to try this, and I’m so glad I did. I use this every other night, and I have seen a MAJOR change in my skin. Now, I have a few small blackheads here and there. My acne scars are fading, and my skin has a glow to it. I am honestly so grateful for this brand and product because I truly think it is saving my skin. It’s a little on the pricier side, but ask anyone struggling with acne, and they will happily pay $90 for a product if it works." —christinferg

Get it from Sephora for $90+ (available in two sizes) or from Amazon for $134.

7. Dr. Jart+ Water Jet Soothing Sheet Masks transform dry, tight skin into a supple, dewy dream. This is the perfect night mask because it supports collagen synthesis, and your skin already repairs itself while you sleep.

Sephora, Christine Forbes / BuzzFeed

I've been using these masks for years because they work. Every time they're on sale, I buy them. The way my skin responded to these proved my main issue was really dehydration. When my skin is charged up, it really performs. This mask helps get me there, and it's ultra-relaxing. To date, I haven't found anyone who had problems with these masks. Moisture is universal.

Promising review: "This mask always gives me the hydration boost I need. I have eczema and deal with severely dehydrated and sensitive skin, especially during winter. This mask provides immediate relief to my parched skin, and I notice it also helps get rid of dry flakes and redness. In Canada, the early months of the year can be quite brutal, so I find myself reaching for this mask quite often. For the price point, I couldn't have any complaints!" —lookingforapril

Get it from Sephora for $6.

8. Honest Beauty Deep Hydration Eye Cream surprised me — I'm not going to lie. Most eye creams are a bit too thick for my liking and cause a lot of little bumps. This one doesn't bother my skin and layers well with my water-based moisturizers.

Honest Beauty

Promising review: "I have extremely sensitive skin around the eye area, so I was very skeptical to try this eye cream, especially since I had been having trouble with other brands that claimed they were good for sensitive skin. I absolutely love this eye cream! It feels like I am rubbing silk on my eyes every morning and night. It makes my eyes feel very hydrated, and I have not had any type of reaction to the cream." —Chickadee

Get it from Target for $19.99, Honest Beauty for $23.99, or Amazon for $19.99.

9. Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser delivers cold-pressed antioxidants derived from kale, spinach, and green tea to easily remove makeup and dirt as well as help rebalance skin's pH.

instagram.com, Sephora

This product is vegan, clean, and works for all skin types.

Promising review: "I am obsessed with this cleanser! It smells incredible, and does an amazing job taking off makeup. The ingredients are amazing and natural. Every time I use this cleanser, it makes my skin feel so clean and so soft! I have bought this cleanser two times, and I don't think I'll ever stop. I am an avid collector in skincare and makeup and am always trying out new products, but I can confidently say this is my FAVORITE cleanser." —ErinaG

Get it from Sephora or Amazon for $36 (available in three sizes).

10. Erno Laszlo Firmarine Night Cream contains bio-actives that are clinically proven to possess anti-inflammatory properties. I love this cream because it's not too oily, yet heavy enough for me to wake up with hydrated skin.

Christine Forbes / BuzzFeed

Promising review: "I get this for my mother. She has been using Erno Lazlo products for years. She is 93 years old and looks like she is in her late 60s, early 70s. Before her stroke at 83, she looked like she was in her early 50s. I cannot argue the results." —Mikel Brooks

Get it from Amazon for $120.

11. Highly concentrated Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Serum maintains your skin by reinforcing the microbiome complex (a network of healthy bacteria that guards against pathogens). Use this to protect your skin from damage, irritation, and redness.

Sephora

Promising review: "I’ve struggled with redness and enlarged pores (nose, forehead, chin, and cheeks) for about five years now. I don’t have rosacea or acne; it’s more like inflamed pores. I got this serum after reading the reviews, and I’m so happy that I did! My skin is back to PERFECT! Pores so small and redness completely gone! And I mean completely gone! If you’re struggling with redness and enlarged pores, this is for you! I highly recommend!" —NalleKatt

Get it from Sephora for $49.

12. Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream can help you achieve the healthiest skin of your life. It's all thanks to Japanese purple rice, an Okinawa algae blend, and more.

Tatcha, Sephora

This product is cruelty- and gluten-free.

Promising review: "It's a heavy price tag but worth every dollar! The cream is luxurious and moisturizing, and it made my skin look like it was glowing and healthy. My makeup went over it like a dream and lasted well. I even had friends comment on how glowy my skin looked. No reactions, no sensitivities, which all in all is a win!" —sv222

Get it from Sephora for $69 (available in three sizes).

13. The Milky Jelly Cleanser + Futuredew relies on Aquaxyl to cover two of the most important steps in your skincare routine: cleansing and moisturizing. Not only will these replenish your skin's water reserves, but they'll also prevent dehydration.

Glossier

The water-based cleanser is pH-balanced and has five skin-softening conditioners so your face won't be tight and irritated. Use it dry to remove makeup or just use it wet. Futuredew is a plant-based oil serum hybrid (but is still, technically, water-based). It can be applied on top of makeup and sunscreen for extra dew.

Promising review: "Holy Grail MUST-HAVES! I could not be more obsessed with these products. On vacation a friend recommended the Milk Jelly Cleanser to me, and now I can never live without it. This cleanser leaves my skin feeling clean, soft, and glowy! It melts my makeup off as well. Game changer. I use the Futuredew as the last part of my skincare routine in the morning and night. I also add it as the final step on top of my makeup for a natural glowy healthy skin look. It melts into my skin. I've honestly never received more compliments on my skin. Like, a stranger has come up and complimented me. So if you're on the edge or not sure about this product, think no further and buy it! I promise you won't regret it!" —Stephanie

Get the pair from Glossier for $34 (originally $42).

14. Nothing hits quite like Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment on a parched under-eye. Trust me, I've searched. I love this because it layers well with my water-based products (even though the highlight ingredient is actually avocado oil). On days when I feel like a zombie, a few dabs of this antioxidant-packed cream bring me back to life.

Sephora

I have yet to find an under-eye cream that makes my skin look as dewy and youthful. I've looked, because the price? A bit steep. I've purchased another bottle (that I can't find), but I'm so tempted to buy another because it's that good. It's basically like a glass of water for under my eyes to keep me from feeling like SpongeBob.

Promising review: "I LOVE this product! I was hesitant to purchase it because it is so expensive, but a little goes a VERY long way, so I am not upset about the price. It is SO rich and creamy, so hydrating, and nice and thick. I wear it only at night because it is a little greasy, so I am not sure how it would wear under makeup. I am so excited to continue using this product, especially in the Minnesota winter. Would recommend!" —CaiHan

Get it from Sephora for $34+ (available in two sizes).

15. Enriching, vegan Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask bears the gift of the most antioxidant-dense fruit: maqui. It helps with oxidative stress, dull skin, and dryness.

Sephora

Promising review: "One of my favorite masks by far! I love the ingredients and love using it every night to wake up with hydrated, moisturized, and glowing skin. A little goes a long way. I would repurchase and recommend to others, especially if you have dry skin." —ConsciousAlisa

Get it from Sephora for $15+ (available in two sizes) or Amazon for $48.

16. Vegan Youth to the People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream with Ashwagandha + Reishi immediately goes to work, soothing and relaxing your skin with ashwagandha (an herb) and fermented reishi (a mushroom).

instagram.com

Promising review: "This cream has been a game changer in my beauty routine. It's amazing after a long night out when your face is feeling dry and deflated. This cream instantly rehydrates my skin, making it feel super refreshed. I also use this cream when my skin is starting to feel inflamed from breakouts. It calms my skin overnight and significantly reduces the redness. I'm in love!!!" —LV459

Get it from Sephora or Amazon for $18+ (available in two sizes).

17. Water-activated La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Cleanser lathers away all the icky things lurking in your pores and causing skin issues.

instagram.com

Try the gentle cleanser if you're not into suds.

Promising review: "This stuff is magic! My entire life I have had oily, sensitive skin and was very recently diagnosed with rosacea. My skin was in the worst flare I've ever experienced, and I broke out in eczema on my face at the same time from my adult braces (how embarrassing), and I decided to order this. I was on antibiotics, which helped so much, but this stuff helped as well! Moisturized so well, not greasy, very lightweight. I'm sold! I could never find a good skincare routine that didn't bother my rosacea. Never ever using anything ever again besides this!!" —Surfmom

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

18. Rich, vegan First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is quite literally a lifesaver for your skin. Tell your flakes and dry patches "BE GONE" with this oatmeal and shea butter-infused cream.

Sephora

Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE this moisturizer. I’m a total beauty addict, and there isn’t much I haven’t tried in the way of skincare. This product really stands out! It has an amazing, thick texture, and a lovely scent. I was blown away when I put this cream on my face. It felt so soothing and took away the redness! I can’t recommend this moisturizer enough to anyone who has sensitive skin, has a skin condition like eczema, or is like me and uses strong skincare products. Plus, it’s insanely moisturizing. That being said, it is not one of those moisturizers that you use, and it instantly soaks right into the skin. This cream does actually feel like a cream, but I wouldn’t say that it feels greasy. I will always have a big tub of this stuff around for sure. It really does work wonders on dry skin!" —ilamarie10

Get it from Amazon for Sephora for $16+ (available in three sizes).

19. Sioris Time Is Running Out Mist makes a fantastic mist, serum, and toner for parched pores. It's made of 78% organic fruit water and seals in moisture with macadamia, jojoba, and sunflower seed oils. To ensure potency, every ingredient is harvested at its freshest.

Ohlolly

This has no parabens, artificial fragrance, additives, or harmful chemicals.

Sioris is a clean, sustainable small-biz beauty brand with vegan-certified formulas that contain organically farmed, in-season ingredients. Their mission is to make skincare simple and effective.

Promising review: "This has to be my favorite new skincare discovery. It does not sting at all!! The spray is a lightweight, fine mist that leaves a layer of refreshing and gentle hydration. I use it like a spray toner after washing my face, and it prevents that dehydrated feeling right after you wash your face. It has a light citrusy scent, which I’m assuming is from the yuzu, since fragrance is not listed in the ingredients. I’m extremely sensitive, oily, and acne-prone, and I haven’t had any breakouts or reactions. If you’re looking for a lightweight, soothing layer of hydration, this fits the bill." —smuglilpug

Get it from Amazon for $23.99.

20. Son & Park Beauty Water can do pretty much anything. Beyond being a rosewater-based hydrating toner, it's got willow bark and papaya to slough away dead skin cells and reduce hyperpigmentation. Not to mention soothing lavender— your skin's pH is going to LOVE that.

Nusrat Sultana / BuzzFeed

Former BuzzFeed Shopping writer Nusrat Sultana says, "I never go anywhere without this; it's truly one of my holy grails. Its scent is subtle but divine, and the bottle's so huge it lasts forever. It has so many great uses. I use it as an extra cleansing/toning step after my face wash just to get any remaining gunk off my skin, and it always refreshes me." 

Get it from Walmart for $20.50.

21. Fresh Soy Makeup-Removing Face Wash rocks because it's the most effective, gentle cleanser I've ever used — and I have oily skin. This pH-balanced face wash gets through my many layers of SPF without all the agitation or dryness.

instagram.com

This cleanser was a splurge for me, but my skin desperately needed a change. My esthetician said my moisture barrier was MIA. I used to want my skin squeaky clean, but this cleanser showed me how unnecessary all of that is. Unlike most gels, this cleanser isn't ultra-concentrated. I still lather it in my hands before use to avoid pulling on my skin much. Beyond my moisture barrier being in a much better place, my skin looks even, which could be because this cleanser is pH-balanced. So many products are overloaded with drying active ingredients, which makes me appreciate the simplicity of this face wash. It barely has a smell, and it's worth it every time.

Promising review: "This is a super-gentle cleanser that removes makeup really well. Doesn't irritate my eyes, and most things do. My boyfriend has sensitive acne-prone skin that he is on medicated creams for, and this is the only face wash that helps calm his skin that we have tried. We buy the value size 400-mL bottle now because it is worth the money for us." —littlestilly

Get it from Sephora for $15+ (available in four sizes).

22. Topicals Like Butter Mask could be the breakthrough for your dry, sensitive-skin needs. Pollutants, redness, and eczema don't stand a chance against its ceramides and oatmeal-packed formula. Rest assured, the oaty smell isn't overwhelming, and it won't clog oily skin.

instagram.com, instagram.com

Promising review: "When I first received this, I was like, '$30 for this small of a tube?!' After reading the instructions, I realized you only need a max of one-quarter teaspoon to cover your face (you only need a thin layer). So, I think this product is definitely worth the price. This is the BEST mask for dry skin!! I have never used a product that simultaneously hydrated my skin and gave it a glow WITHOUT any fragrance! Love this brand and will continue to purchase this product." —ashleydarlyn

Topicals is a Black-owned skincare brand that makes dye-free, clinically informed products that are peer-reviewed. Their goal is to make products effective, efficient, and accessible.

Get it from Sephora or Topicals for $34.

23. Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask lives in my mind — and on my face — rent-free. Every time I do a harsh chemical treatment, I use this mask to re-moisturize my skin. It's so soothing that you might forget you have it on.

Sephora

This product was made for all skin types.

Promising review: "One of the best purchases I have ever made! Gentle enough for my fiancé's sensitive skin and soothing enough for my acne treatments. I use this mask every time I exfoliate, dermaplane, or just need some extra help with this winter cold. Slight burn when first placed but it is quickly replaced by a cold sensation. Definitely worth the price; large jar with soooo many uses in it." —MrsMaddyPaddyB

Get it from Sephora, Ulta, or Amazon for $55.

24. Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Moisturizer delivers everything you'd want in a watery but whipped moisturizer — and for up to 72 hours (please bathe though). Everything from the Rose Hyaluronic line is calming and reparative. I swear by this stuff.

instagram.com

This moisturizer goes onto my skin like butter. I love a thicker moisturizer because hydration is key to having healthy skin. Plus, the rose extract and hyaluronic acid are so gentle and soothing. The scent doesn't bother me because it's a product of the rose extract and a testament to Fresh's high-quality ingredients. If I have the money to splurge on a moisturizer, I'm buying this one.

Promising review: "This moisturizer is sooooo good for my sensitive skin! And it smells amazing. I use a lot of the Fresh line and have never been disappointed in anything. 10/10." —EpicMama

Get it from Sephora for $17+ (available in two sizes).

25. Beauty Strike Rosewater Toner rebalances and hydrates your paper-tight skin. And when you're done, recycle the bottle for 15% off your next Beauty Strike purchase.

Beauty Strike

My skin was about as tight as Kim K's Mugler dress when I decided to switch to this toner. It's non-irritating, and I love that the spray bottle doesn't require me to touch my face.

Promising review: "I love the rose water and glycerin toner. It leaves my skin moisturized, dewy, and soft. I just had to get used to how the spray comes out. It’s literally a fine mist, which isn’t an issue, but I do find myself spraying more to cover my whole face. Other than that, it’s amazing." —Ariel G.

Beauty Strike is a Brooklyn-based small business founded by Emani-Mone Jeter, a third-generation beauty professional and licensed esthetician. She creates natural cleansers, toners, treatments, moisturizers, and more that are recyclable.

Get it from Beauty Strike for $14+ (available in two sizes).

26. Rose Ingleton MD Signature Moisturizer goes to work on your skin barrier courtesy of peptides, vitamin C, and their special Jamaican SuperFruit Blend. You'd never expect a formula this rich to apply so lightly, until you've tried this.

Sephora

Promising review: "I am in my 50s and have always dealt with some skin issues. From my teens into my 40s, acne was always an ongoing issue. When I reached my late 40s, I thought I was out of the woods, but when I took a topical steroid out of my skin regimen, my skin went haywire. For five years straight, I had eczema that was horrible to look at and even more horrible to endure through. As aging begins to set in, my eczema combined with wrinkles. I really thought there was no hope. My husband told me to check out this skincare line that he had seen on Tamron Hall. I decided to try it. At first, it was just a blessing to finally have a moisturizer that didn't irritate or couldn't moisturize my skin. I decided to continue on, and three months in, there is light at the end of this tunnel. My skin color and texture are slowly returning, and my face doesn't hurt anymore. Yes, hurt! Can you imagine walking around with your face hurting? Not wanting to smile, cry, yell because it hurts...sad but true. The texture serum didn't agree with my skin, but this moisturizer is working wonders, and I have another on standby as to not run out. I know this is long, but I'm hoping I can help someone out there that has lost hope with their struggle with this skin condition. Please try it!" —Serina R.

Rose Ingleton MD is a Black-owned skincare line inspired by Ingleton's 20-year dermatology career. She's passionate about making clean products that address blemishes, dullness, redness, and more.

Get it from Sephora or Rose Ingleton MD for $85.

27. Finally, a Dennis Gross Pro Facial Steamer to open your pores so serums, exfoliants, and extractions can be even more effective. Doing weekly steams with this can help you save money on facials.

Sephora

After months of contemplation, I finally got my hands on one of these steamers. It's been a crucial part of my skincare routine ever since. Steam is great for opening pores for deep cleanses, serum application, and exfoliation. Using this steamer has saved me so much money on estheticians. All I need to do to nail a basic extraction between facials is this steamer and a pore vacuum. Since I test a lot of products, I found my skin relatively dry. Luckily, this steamer wonderfully hydrates my skin and wakes me up in the morning. The smell some reviewers have mentioned goes away after a few uses. It's definitely a splurge, but steaming has helped my skin a lot.

Promising review: "My skin has never looked better!! This facial steamer purifies and hydrates my skin like no other. I’m left with clear, glowing skin every single time!" —jen101

Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $149.

Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s gift guides!

BuzzFeed

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.