2023 has been a big year for water cream moisturizers. If you’re not familiar with that category, I’m talking about moisturizers with a lightweight gel or gel-cream texture. This type of cream is usually oil-free and formulated with water and humectant ingredients (rather than occlusive ones). Following in the footsteps of Tatcha’s popular Water Cream Moisturizer, at least a dozen of these moisturizers were launched this year from brands like Charlotte Tilbury and The Inkey List — but my favorite is Dr. Jart’s Vital Hydra Solution Water Cream. 

My skin is oily but that doesn’t mean it’s moisturized — in fact, it's usually pretty dehydrated. It’s also quick to break out, so finding a product that will replenish and nourish my complexion without congesting my pores and feeling too heavy (or like it’s sitting on top of my face) is difficult. Dr. Jart’s Vital Hydra Cream, however, excels in all of these areas and then some. 

My skin almost literally inhales this stuff. There is only a two-second delay between applying the Vital Hydra Cream to my skin and complete absorption. There is no trace of its existence in the tactile sense — no stickiness, grease, or sheen. Despite being basically undetectable, thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and pentavitin, it does make a profound difference in the softness, elasticity, suppleness, and long-term hydration of my complexion. 

Pentavitin (aka saccharide isomerate) is a plant-derived ingredient that effectively soothes, strengthens, softens, and retains moisture thanks to the way it mimics your skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF). Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that doubles down on those benefits by endlessly drawing in moisture throughout the day while also plumping skin and softening signs of aging. 

I use Dr. Jart’s Vital Hydra Cream every morning; I even use it as a mask when my skin needs a real punch of hydration. To do so, just apply a very thick, goopy layer and leave it on for 10 to15 minutes before rinsing.

Head to Sephora to shop one of my favorite skincare products of 2023, Dr. Jart’s Vital Hydra Solution Water Cream, and shop some similar options, below.

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Water Cream

The Inkey List Omega Water Cream

Beautycounter Mighty Plump Ceramide Water Cream