On sweltering summer days, skin needs a boost of hydration that won't leave it feeling heavy or sticky—especially when combined with your daily dose of SPF. From cooling gels to quick-absorbing face creams, we’ve rounded up the best lightweight moisturizers for hot weather.
Great for all skin types, this affordable moisturizer by Canadian brand The Ordinary contains amino acids, dermal lipids and hyaluronic acid for a serious hit of hydration that penetrates deep into the skin without any greasy residue.
$6, well.ca.
Formulated with a blend of soothing rose water and hyaluronic acid, this gel-cream provides instant hydration to parched skin, leaving it smooth and soft.
$22, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
This new, lightweight version of Charlotte Tilbury's iconic Magic Cream contains SPF 20 and a blend of ingredients that purportedly help protect skin against blue light and pollution.
$125, charlottetilbury.com.
Cica—a green herb known for its wound-healing properties—and magnesium work together to soothe irritated skin in this banana-scented moisturizer that boasts a light-as-air, bouncy texture.
$50, sephora.com.
This oil-free formula keeps excess sebum in check, while also providing plenty of hydration. Packed with vitamin E, it protects and strengthens skin.
$65, etiket.com.
A must-have for sensitive skin, this bestselling moisturizer contains calming camomile extracts and antioxidants to protect against environmental stressors. Plus, it now comes in a sleek eco-friendly bottle.
$64, sephora.com.
This affordable fragrance-free face cream contains a cocktail of ultra-effective skincare ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, peptides and niacinamide.
$14, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
Packed with balancing probiotics and plumping collagen, this lightweight gel-cream also contains lactic acid to provide a gentle exfoliation with each application.
$47, sephora.com.
Light and fast-absorbing, this lotion is a summer favourite. It contains SPF 30 and is formulated with soy to fight hyperpigmentation.
$26, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
A fresh take on the cult-favourite Aqua Bomb formula, this limited-edition gel-cream by Korean skincare brand Belif is infused with soothing aloe vera. Pro tip: Store the jar in the fridge for an instant cooling sensation.
$50, sephora.com.
Vitamin-rich kale, watercress and beet extracts amp up this gentle cooling gel's hydrating power.
$50, sephora.com.
Made with collagen-boosting peptides to help restore elasticity and hydrate, this quick-absorbing cream also strengthens the skin's barrier.
$89, sephora.com.
Honest Beauty—the brand founded by Jessica Alba—landed in Canada just in time for summer. The Hydrogel Cream is ideal for this time of year, thanks to a cooling cream formula that's packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and squalane.
$30, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
Ideal to perk up dull complexions, this gel imparts a radiant glow to the skin without leaving it shiny or greasy.
$28, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
This bestselling lightweight gel-to-water cream is infused with a blend of camomile extracts, organic grape water and antioxidants to hydrate and protect sensitive skin.
$48, caudalie.ca.
Oily skin is no match for this lightweight gel that features a delicate blend of skin-balancing botanicals.
$84, sephora.com.
Neoglucosamine—a gentle exfoliant—is the star ingredient in this lightweight moisturizer that boosts cell turnover, resulting in smoother and brighter skin.
$35, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
Formulated with 30 percent hyaluronic acid, this feather-light face cream plumps, hydrates and locks in moisture for up to 72 hours.
$68, sephora.com.
Editor's note:
I hope you enjoyed reading this article from Chatelaine. Our team is working hard to create quality content that informs, inspires and offers an escape during this challenging time.
But making a magazine—and the stories we put online—isn't free. Chatelaine is built on the hard work and dedication of our writers, editors and production staff. If you can afford it, buying a subscription to our print magazine is a great way to support the work we do—and our team would truly appreciate it. There's an amazing subscription deal on right now, in which you'll receive three print issues for just $5.
Chatelaine has remained an iconic Canadian brand for more than 90 years thanks to its award-winning journalism, triple-tested recipes, trustworthy health advice and joy-sparking style and decor content. If you can, please subscribe here to help ensure we can continue creating journalism that matters to Canadian women.
Sincerely,
Maureen Halushak, editor-in-chief, Chatelaine
Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.