Water-based skincare is a refreshing, lightweight option that has become a favourite for all skin types. But what is water-based skincare, and why is it so popular? These skin-quenching staples use water as their primary ingredient, offering hydration without the heavy feel of oil-based alternatives. From cleansers and serums to moisturisers and sunscreens, we’re here to dive into the benefits of water-based skincare, along with the best water-based products on the beauty scene right now.
What is water-based skincare?
Water-based skincare is all about keeping it light, fresh, and hydrating. As the name suggests, these products are powered mainly by water, often combined with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or botanical extracts to deliver moisture and nutrients without feeling heavy on the skin. Unlike oil-based skincare which relies on rich oils to lock in hydration, water-based products are quick to absorb and leave no greasy residue. This makes them the ideal skincare choice for anyone searching for a hit of hydration with a weightless finish.
What are the benefits of water-based skincare?
Water-based skincare offers a range of benefits that make it a go-to choice for many. Here are our top 5 reasons why it deserves a spot in your skincare routine:
• Lightweight and non-greasy: Water-based products absorb quickly, leaving your skin feeling fresh without the heavy feel or oily residue.
• Deeply hydrating: These products are often packed with ingredients that help draw moisture into the skin and keep it nourished for longer.
• Great for all skin types: With fewer oils and fragrances, water-based skincare is gentle on the skin, minimising the risk of irritation. They also hydrate the skin without clogging pores, making them suitable for even oily and acne-prone skin types.
• Ideal for layering: Since they absorb fast, water-based products work well when layered with other skincare items like serums or moisturisers.
• Boosts skin’s radiance: Regular use of water-based products helps keep the skin plump, hydrated, and glowing.
The Best Water-Based Cleansers
Water-based cleansers effectively remove dirt, oil, and impurities while keeping your skin hydrated and balanced, making them ideal for a gentle yet thorough cleanse.
We recommend: The Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser is a must-try for oily skin, powered by green plum extract to control shine and prevent breakouts. Got sensitive or acne-prone skin? The ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam is a top choice, using heartleaf and quercetin to soothe and purify. The Round Lab Dokdo Cleanser is another win for oily skin, removing excess sebum while balancing the complexion with mineral-rich deep-sea water. If you’re looking to gently clear your complexion, try the Bioderma Sensibio Cleansing Micellar Water Sensitive Skin, which protects and soothes the skin without the need to rinse.
The Best Water-Based Serums
Our favourite water-based serums are packed with hydrating ingredients that penetrate deeply, delivering targeted skincare benefits without feeling heavy or greasy.
We recommend: The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics is an essential if you’re after intense and long-lasting hydration. With an ultra-lightweight feel, it leaves skin smoother, plumper, and younger-looking. If you’re a fan of K-Beauty, you’ll love mixsoon’s Glacier Water Hyaluronic Acid Serum, a lightweight, non-sticky serum that strengthens, protects, and hydrates the skin. For an instant dewy, glow boost, look no further than Peter Thomas Roth’s Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum, which provides enhanced hydration for up to 120 hours (yep, you read that right).
The Best Water-Based Moisturisers
From skin-quenching sprays to nourishing creams, water-based moisturisers absorb quickly into the skin for a soft, smooth, and hydrated finish.
We recommend: Laneige is a go-to for hydration, and their Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer is no exception. Packed with up to 100 hours of hydration, this rich moisturiser strengthens and soothes the skin. For an ultra-lightweight option, The INKEY List’s Omega Water Cream deeply nourishes without the heavy, greasy feel, while keeping redness and excess oil at bay. And while it’s not technically a moisturiser, we couldn’t leave out the Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray, which instantly relieves, softens, and hydrates the skin with just one spritz.
The Best Water-Based Sunscreens
The best water-based sunscreens combine effective sun protection with a non-greasy, lightweight formula to keep skin comfortable and safe throughout the day.
We recommend: Another must-have from Beauty of Joseon, the Relief Sun Aqua Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+ soothes, hydrates, and protects the skin while delivering a barely-there, dewy finish. For next-level moisture, we love the Sun Project Water Sun Cream by Thank You Farmer which shields the skin with SPF50 protection while smoothing the skin. Looking for an invisible SPF that won’t clog the pores? Enter the Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Gel, which keeps the skin clear, protected, and glowing.
