Summer skincare is a whole different game. Between the humidity, sweat, sunscreen, and rising temperatures, our skin’s needs shift drastically. The goal? Lightweight hydration that doesn’t clog pores, slide under SPF, or make your face feel like an oil slick by noon. To really put oil-free hydration to the test, I tried nine different moisturisers, some cult-favorites, some under-the-radar gems, and others rooted in ancient skincare rituals. Whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin, there’s something here for you. Keep on reading to find out more,
1) A Melon-Infused Dream for Your Skin –
Brightening Melon Oil-Free Face Moisturiser by Mintree – Let me start by saying: this one stole my heart. While labelled oil-free, it leans into the richer side of hydration, making it an ideal night-time moisturiser for dry to combination skin. Think of this as your all-in-one treatment cream. It’s loaded with 5 types of ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, 14 antioxidants like hyaluronic acid, alpha arbutin, and nano collagen to fight free radicals, and 16 botanicals, including Japanese honeysuckle and witch hazel, to nourish and calm inflammation.
The texture is thicker than expected for an oil-free formula, which is why I used it strictly at night. Each morning, I woke up with glowing, hydrated, balanced skin and no breakouts in sight. For those overwhelmed by layering peptides, niacinamide, ceramides, and vitamin C separately, this one product delivers it all in one luxurious dose.
2) Ayurvedic Glow for Oily Skin
House of Beauty Kumkumadi Face Gel – This feather-light gel is a beautiful blend of Ayurvedic wisdom and modern skincare science, best used morning and night for oily or acne-prone skin. With 10% Kumkumadi oil, niacinamide, and vitamin C, it targets pigmentation, uneven skin tone, and inflammation, without the heaviness typically associated with Ayurvedic creams.
I loved how it calmed my skin during hormonal breakouts while brightening dullness over time. It layers seamlessly under sunscreen and gives that soft, hydrated finish that works beautifully under makeup. The texture is perfect for summer and doesn’t feel sticky even in extreme humidity.
3) Spice Up Your Skin Care
Arrack of Indian Spices Purifying Mousse by Old School Rituals – Infused with traditional Indian spices like cinnamon, clove, and cardamom, this mousse is a standout for those with oily, congested skin, particularly in the evening or after exfoliation. While the fragrance is quite strong (and not ideal for sensitive noses), the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of the spices really deliver.
I found it most effective as a calming treatment on sweaty, pollution-exposed skin at the end of the day. It helped settle minor breakouts and reduce oiliness without drying me out. It’s not for everyone, but if you love a warming, aromatic experience and want something truly unique, this is it.
4) Birch Sap To The Rescue
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra Moisturising Lotion (With Birch Sap) – A cult-favorite for a reason, this lightweight lotion became a staple in my morning routine. It’s perfect for combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, especially when the weather is sweltering. With 70% birch sap, it soothes redness, balances oil, and delivers hydration that lasts all day without any heaviness.
I used this as my go-to moisturiser before SPF and makeup, and it never once pilled or felt sticky. It’s also fragrance-free and gentle, making it a safe bet for irritated or reactive skin during summer.
5) Mushroom Power for Calm Skin
Hydrème Reishi Mushroom Peptide Gel By Juhst – If your skin tends to flush or feel easily irritated, this calming gel is a dream, best used both morning and night for red, sensitive, or easily inflamed skin. The star ingredient is a peptide derived from reishi mushroom, a known anti-inflammatory powerhouse that hydrates, soothes, and strengthens the skin barrier.
The texture is as watery as a serum, making it ideal for layering. I often used it after activities like exfoliating toners or serums and followed it with sunscreen or a thicker cream if needed. It worked brilliantly to keep my skin feeling calm, even after long days in the sun or city smog.
6) Ceramide Love For Your Skin Barrier
Indulgeo CERA MOIST – 1% iActive Ceramide Moisturiser – This deeply moisturising formula is perfect for dry or dehydrated skin types and works best as a PM moisturiser when your skin needs healing and replenishment. With ceramides, aloe, and shea butter, it’s designed to repair the skin barrier while delivering long-lasting hydration.
Although oil-free, it’s quite rich in texture, making it a bit too heavy for daytime use on oily skin. But after sun exposure or a long day in air conditioning, this gave my skin that supple, revived feeling by morning. It’s a fantastic barrier-supporting option when your skin feels stripped or stressed.
7) Rice Water Hug for Your Skin
SkInvest Face Hug Barrier Repair Moisturiser – This gentle, glow-boosting moisturiser replaced water with 70% rice water, meaning every drop is packed with skin-soothing nutrients and minerals. It was a standout both morning and night for dry, dull, or sensitive skin, especially if you’re prone to irritation or barrier damage.
The consistency is lightweight and absorbs quickly, but the hydration payoff is impressive. I found my skin looked more even, calm, and bouncy with continued use. It also wore well under SPF, which made it my go-to for long days out in the sun.
Also Read: Searching For The Perfect Moisturiser? Here Are 4 Things To Consider For Optimal Skin Care
8) Shea Butter Bliss for Soft Skin
Kaya Anytime Moisturising Cream With Shea Butter – This one is for the oily skin crowd who still want long-lasting hydration without a greasy finish. I used it in the mornings as a base for sunscreen and makeup, and it performed beautifully, lightweight, fast-absorbing, and breathable.
Formulated with shea and kokum butter, it locks in moisture without overloading the skin. It doesn’t have the flashiest ingredient list, but sometimes, simple works best. This is a great everyday cream if your skin leans oily but still feels dehydrated in the summer.
9) Snail Mucin Glow-up
Quench 92% Snail Mucin Collagen Boost Moisturiser – For dry, ageing, or dull skin in need of overnight transformation, this Korean snail mucin moisturiser is your bedtime best friend. Packed with 92% snail mucin, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, this is a deeply nourishing PM product that repairs, plumps, and evens out texture while you sleep.
It’s ultra-light despite being rich in actives and absorbs quickly with no sticky finish. After two weeks, I noticed a smoother texture and a more hydrated look overall. Bonus points for being fragrance-free and cruelty-free, even the snails were spared.
So, which one will you be stocking up on?
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