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In This Article
Trying to choose the right bodymoisturizercan be overwhelming.
Maybe you dont want something too thin.
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Perhaps you dont want something too thick.
But right in the middle isnt always exactly your pick either.
Meet the Experts
What Is Gel Moisturizer?
Gel moisturizersare considered to be the lightest out of all three options.
These formulas tend to have a water base, which results in a thin texture.
What Is Lotion?
Consider this the middle option in the cream vs. lotion vs. gel debate.
Lotionhas more hydrating ingredients and may feel heavier than a gel.
The thickness of a lotion is in between a gel and a cream, Dr. Rabach says.
There is still more water content in a lotion than a cream and it is a looser consistency.
What Is Cream?
Out of all three types of moisturizers, cream is considered to be the thickest of the formulas.
Cream moisturizers are the [final] step up in hydration and occlusion," says Dr. Kobets.
“Typically they have more oil or fat-based formulas that protect thebarrier of the skin.
For example, Dr. Kobet explains that gels have a higher concentration of water compared to lotions and creams.
In the end, the choice comes down to two key factorsyour skin throw in and texture preference.
Slight tweaks in this proportion will impact how heavy a formula feels on the skin.
To make it super simple, we ranked the three options in terms of texture below.
Below, Dr. Kobet explains which moisturizer works best foreach skin key in.
