What are the Best Moisturizers: Water-Based vs. Oil-Based for your skin.

If you've ever browsed the personal care aisle or dabbled in DIY formulations, you've probably noticed that skincare products specifically creams, lotions or butters usually lean either more water-based (lighter) or more oil-based (more occlusive).

And no, one isn’t “better” than the other. They just do different jobs and once you understand that, you’ll stop wasting money buying body butter for “hydration” and then wondering why your skin still feels dry. 😭

What is Water-Based Skincare?

Water-based products (lotions, creams, gels, serums) have water + water-soluble ingredients as the main base. Their job is simple:

• Hydrate (boost the skin’s water content)

• Deliver actives easily

• Feel light and comfortable

What does that feel like on your skin?

Water-based moisturizers are the ones that make your skin feel fresh and moisturized without heaviness. They absorb faster, sit lighter, and they’re usually the easiest option for:

• Daytime use

• Hot/humid weather (hi Ghana 😭)

• Oily or combination skin

• Layering under sunscreen without looking greasy

Common water-based products (so you can spot them)

• Body milk – very thin and runny, absorbs quickly (great if you hate heaviness)

• Body lotion – lightweight daily hydration, fast-absorbing

• Body cream – thicker and richer than lotion, but still usually water-based

• Gel moisturizer – cooling hydration with a non-greasy finish

• Body serum – watery, often packed with hydrators/actives

What you’ll usually find inside water-based formulas

Because water is the main base, these products lean heavily on water-friendly ingredients, like:

• Humectants (hydrators): pull water into the skin
  Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol (Vitamin B5)

• Water-soluble acids/actives: exfoliate, brighten, smooth
  Glycolic acid, lactic acid

• Plant extracts: soothing + antioxidant extras
  Aloe vera, green tea, chamomile, cucumber

• Water-soluble vitamins/actives: barrier + glow support
  Niacinamide (B3), sodium ascorbyl phosphate (vitamin C derivative)

• Preservatives (non-negotiable): because water can grow bacteria
  Phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate (and others)

Now here’s where people get confused…

When people hear “water-based,” they think it means 100% water and zero oil.

But if you’ve ever used a cream, you already know that’s not true because creams don’t feel like water. They feel smooth, creamy, and like they actually stay on the skin.

So the real question is:

“If it’s water-based… why does it feel creamy?”

Because lotions and creams are usually a mix (water + oil)

Most lotions and creams are emulsions — meaning water and oil are blended together so you get hydration plus a nicer texture and better “staying power.”

Here’s the easiest way to understand the ratio:

• Body milk / very light lotion: mostly water, very little oil → super light, sinks in fast

• Body lotion: still mostly water, but a bit more oil → hydrates and feels comfortable

• Body cream: still has water as the main base, but more oil than lotion → thicker, richer, lasts longer

So yes, creams have oil, but in most “water-based” creams, water is still the bigger portion, which is why they feel lighter than pure oils or butters.

The oil part is there to help with things like:

• making the product feel creamy and smooth (instead of watery)

• reducing how fast the hydration disappears

• improving comfort on the skin (less “tight” feeling)

Why you’ll love water-based skincare

• Immediate hydration — your skin drinks it up fast

• Lightweight and comfortable — especially in warm/humid weather

• Plays well with actives — easy to layer without feeling heavy

  
  

What is Oil-Based Skincare?

Oil-based skincare is the “seal it and protect it” category. These formulas are made mostly with oils, butters, and waxes, so instead of adding water to your skin, they mainly work by:

• locking in the hydration you already have

• reducing moisture loss

• supporting your skin barrier so your skin stays soft and protected

That’s why oil-based products are usually a win for dry skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, or anytime the weather is doing the most. They’re also naturally rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which help keep skin smooth and resilient.

Common oil-based products

• Body butters – thick, buttery moisturizers (shea, cocoa, mango) for very dry skin

• Balms & salves – waxy, protective formulas for cracked, irritated, or sensitive areas

• Oil serums – concentrated oil blends for nourishment and glow

• Lotion bars – solid butter/oil/wax bars that melt on contact (mess-free but rich)

What you’ll usually find inside oil-based formulas

Carrier oils (nourish + support the barrier):

• Jojoba oil, argan oil, sweet almond oil, rosehip seed oil

Plant butters (soften + protect):

• Shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter

Natural waxes (seal + form a protective layer):

• Beeswax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax

Oil-soluble vitamins + antioxidants (extra protection + elasticity support):

• Vitamin E (tocopherol), retinol (vitamin A), coenzyme Q10

Essential oils (optional):

• Lavender, chamomile, tea tree
  

Why you’ll love oil-based skincare

• Long-lasting moisture: forms a barrier that helps prevent water loss

• Deep nourishment: fatty acids + antioxidants help keep skin soft and resilient

• Often preservative-light or preservative-free: pure oils/butters don’t usually need preservatives

• Perfect for dry seasons: especially when the air is dry, windy, or dusty

Things to consider

• Oil doesn’t “hydrate” — it seals. For best results, apply it over a water-based lotion/gel/body milk.

• It can feel heavy. Too much can feel greasy or sticky, especially in heat — use a thin layer and adjust based on your skin.

So what should you do?

• If you’re oily/combination (like me most of the year), lean toward water-based in the day you’ll get moisture without feeling like you’ve been deep-frying.

• If you’re dry, using both usually works best: water-based first, then oil-based on top to lock it in.

• If your climate has seasons: you’ll probably switch. Ghana rainy season (please the rainy season here is still hot as hell, don't slather yourself with oils oo, this is my personal opinion, different you, different me. koo, you've been warned.) + regular hot months? Water-based. Harmattan? Water then oil, my friend! (know this and know peace). Because harmattan will have you looking like you “lack blood” with ashy skin. 😭😂

  
  

On a side note If you grew up in Ghana or any West African country (because these are the countries I know), you know when we were children you would be slathered with shea butter before going to school and end up looking like a shining star. As the old people would say, those were the days mhen 😂.

Let me know whether you prefer water-based or oil-based moisturizers, or a little of both! Drop a comment and tell me about your climate and skin type, I'd love to hear what works for you.