Best 17 Moisturizers for Rainy Season (2025)

Introduction: Why You Need a Moisturizer Made for the Rainy Season

The rainy season brings a welcome break from the scorching summer heat, refreshing the environment with cool breezes and lush greenery. But along with the romance of monsoon, comes a not-so-pleasant challenge—excess humidity. And while that might sound like a good thing for dry skin, the truth is: monsoon humidity can wreak havoc on all skin types.

Your skin may appear shiny on the outside because of moisture in the air, but this shine is deceptive. Inside, your skin might actually be losing essential hydration, especially after washing your face or using soaps that strip natural oils. This confusing combination—hydrated air and dehydrated skin—leads many people to make the mistake of skipping moisturizers during monsoon. Unfortunately, this only worsens the problem.

Here’s why:
When your skin lacks proper moisture, it tries to compensate by producing excess oil. That oil, combined with sweat, grime, and pollution, can clog pores, trigger acne, and cause fungal infections—issues that are especially common during the rainy season in India.

That’s why it’s important to adjust your skincare routine with the changing season, and the first step is choosing the right moisturizer.

In this guide, we’ve carefully selected the 17 best moisturizers for the rainy season in India, suitable for every skin type:

• Oily Skin: Needs lightweight, gel-based, non-comedogenic hydration
• Dry Skin: Requires nourishing creams that don’t feel heavy or greasy
• Sensitive Skin: Demands fragrance-free, calming formulas
• Combination Skin: Benefits from balanced hydration with oil control
• Baby Skin: Needs gentle, hypoallergenic, pH-balanced care

Each product on this list has been evaluated based on texture, effectiveness, ingredients, user reviews, and dermatologist recommendations. Whether you’re a skincare beginner or someone with a complete regimen, this list will help you make a better, more informed choice this monsoon.

So, let’s dive into the best skin-friendly options that will keep your face hydrated, oil-free, and glowing—even on the wettest, most humid days!

Top 17 Moisturizers for Rainy Season in India

S.No	Product Name	Key Benefits	Suitable For
1	Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream	Rich, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free	Dry to Sensitive Skin
2	Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel	Lightweight, hyaluronic acid, oil-free	Oily to Combination Skin
3	Minimalist Sepicalm 3%	Reduces redness & inflammation	Acne-prone, Sensitive Skin
4	Bioderma Atoderm Creme	Intense hydration, restores skin barrier	Extremely Dry Skin
5	Emolene Cream	Water-based, non-sticky	All Skin Types
6	Moisturex Soft Cream	Urea + lactic acid, gentle exfoliation	Flaky, Fungal-prone Skin
7	Saslic DS Gel	Salicylic acid, oil control	Oily, Acne-prone Skin
8	Sebamed Baby Lotion	Mild, pH-balanced, dermatologically tested	Babies (3+ months)
9	Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion	Colloidal oatmeal, soothing	Sensitive, Irritated Skin
10	Aquasoft Cream	Deep hydration, glycerin-based	Combination Skin
11	Venusia Max Cream	Vitamin E, aloe vera, softens rough patches	Dry to Very Dry Skin
12	Pond’s Super Light Gel	Affordable, fast-absorbing	Normal to Oily Skin
13	Mamaearth Oil-Free Face Moisturizer	Tea tree, natural actives	Teen & Adult Acne-prone Skin
14	Nivea Soft Light Moisturizer	Non-greasy, pleasant scent	All Skin Types
15	CeraVe Moisturizing Cream	Ceramides + MVE tech	Wet, Sensitive Skin
16	Himalaya Baby Lotion	Natural, gentle, safe	Infants & Toddlers
17	Dot & Key 72HR Hydrating Gel	Probiotics + hydration, non-sticky	Combination Skin

Detailed Reviews of Each Moisturizer

1. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

Texture: Thick and creamy, yet absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.

Why It Works:
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is a cult favorite among dermatologists and skincare experts—especially for dry and sensitive skin. Despite its rich texture, it doesn’t clog pores (non-comedogenic), making it suitable even during humid monsoon weather when heavy creams can feel suffocating.

The formulation is fragrance-free and gentle, which is ideal for individuals who experience irritation from scented skincare products. Its emollient and humectant-rich composition helps retain moisture for long hours, protecting the skin’s natural barrier from the dampness and pollutants present in the rainy season.

Best For:

• Dry to very dry skin
• Sensitive skin types
• People prone to redness or irritation
• Monsoon skin dryness and barrier repair

Dermatologist Insight:
This cream is often prescribed post-derma treatments (like chemical peels or retinol) for healing and hydration, making it an excellent option for compromised skin during fluctuating weather conditions.

2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Texture: Lightweight, refreshing water-gel consistency

Why It Works:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost is one of the best moisturizers for oily and acne-prone skin, especially during the monsoon. Its oil-free, gel-based formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin without adding any grease.

Unlike heavy creams that can feel suffocating in high humidity, this gel gets absorbed instantly and provides a cooling, fresh feel. It’s also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores, making it ideal for those prone to acne, blackheads, and excessive sebum production during rainy days.

The unique water-based formulation gives a plump, hydrated look, making it a favorite among young adults and working professionals alike.

Best For:

• Oily or combination skin
• Acne-prone skin types
• Urban dwellers facing humidity and pollution
• Those who prefer a non-sticky, matte finish

Dermatologist Insight:
Highly recommended for oily skin types who usually skip moisturizers in fear of breakouts. This one keeps your skin balanced and protected without heaviness.

3. Minimalist Sepicalm 3% Moisturizer

Texture: Light cream, non-greasy

Why It Works:
This moisturizer is specially designed for people with sensitive, acne-prone, or inflamed skin. The key ingredient, Sepicalm, is a combination of amino acids and minerals that calms the skin, reduces redness, and fights irritation caused by pollution, weather, or harsh skincare products.
It also contains oat extract and polyglutamic acid to soothe and deeply hydrate, making it ideal during the monsoon when your skin may react to changing weather conditions.
Free from fragrance, silicones, and parabens, it’s a must-have for barrier-repair during the rainy season.

Best For:

• Sensitive skin with redness or itching
• Acne-prone or irritated skin
• Those using active skincare ingredients (like retinol or AHA)

4. Bioderma Atoderm Creme

Texture: Rich, buttery cream
Why It Works:
Bioderma’s Atoderm Creme is a deeply nourishing formula that targets severely dry and eczema-prone skin. During monsoon, certain areas like knees, elbows, or even the face can become dry or cracked due to indoor humidity and fungal infections.
This cream restores the skin’s protective barrier and provides 24-hour moisture retention. It’s formulated without fragrances and is safe even for allergy-prone individuals.

Best For:

• Very dry or damaged skin
• People with eczema or dermatitis
• Safe for both face and body during humid or changing climates

5. Emolene Cream

Texture: Lightweight, water-based lotion

Why It Works:
Recommended by dermatologists for over a decade, Emolene is a hydrating yet breathable moisturizer, perfect for the damp and sweaty monsoon environment.
It contains propylene glycol and urea, which help retain moisture without blocking pores or feeling greasy. It’s ideal for those who suffer from fungal infections, heat rashes, or mild itching during the rainy season.

Best For:

• All skin types (especially in humid areas)
• Itchy, fungal-prone skin
• Daily use as a light base moisturizer

6. Moisturex Soft Cream

Texture: Creamy yet fast-absorbing

Why It Works:
This is a treatment moisturizer containing urea and lactic acid, two powerful ingredients that exfoliate dead skin cells and improve moisture penetration.
It’s highly effective for people with flaky, rough patches or mild fungal issues in body folds due to excessive sweating in monsoon. Not ideal for facial use unless prescribed.

Best For:

• Rough elbows, knees, feet
• Body folds prone to fungal buildup
• Dry, scaly skin conditions

7. Saslic DS Gel

Texture: Transparent gel

Why It Works:
This medicated gel contains 2% salicylic acid, which unclogs pores, removes dead skin, and controls excess oil—making it perfect for acne-prone skin in humid months.
Using this post-cleansing keeps the skin fresh and breakout-free. It is recommended to follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, as salicylic acid can increase sun sensitivity.

Best For:

• Acne-prone, oily skin
• Teenagers and adults facing monsoon breakouts
• Use before moisturizer or sunscreen

8. Sebamed Baby Lotion

Texture: Smooth, milk-like lotion

Why It Works:
Gentle and safe for babies over 3 months, this lotion is pH 5.5 balanced, which supports the baby’s natural skin barrier.
It is fragrance-free, non-irritating, and prevents diaper rash and fungal growth caused by dampness during the monsoon.

Best For:

• Baby skincare during rainy season
• Daily application after bath
• Preventing irritation or wet skin discomfort

9. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Texture: Silky, fast-absorbing lotion

Why It Works:
Enriched with colloidal oatmeal, Aveeno’s lotion is perfect for sensitive or rash-prone skin in humid weather. Oatmeal soothes irritation, while the glycerin-rich base keeps skin hydrated all day.
It’s also non-greasy and absorbs fast, so it won’t feel heavy on sweaty skin.

Best For:

• Sensitive, allergy-prone skin
• Adults with itching or dryness
• Non-fragranced, daily use lotion

10. Aquasoft Cream

Texture: Soft, non-sticky cream

Why It Works:
Aquasoft Cream uses glycerin as its base to lock in moisture, especially when skin is exposed to varying humidity levels during the monsoon. It spreads easily, gets absorbed within seconds, and leaves no oily residue.
A great pick for those with combination skin who don’t want anything too heavy but still need all-day hydration.

Best For:

• Combination or slightly dry skin
• Office goers and urban lifestyles
• Works well under makeup or sunscreen

11. Venusia Max Intensive Moisturizing Cream

Texture: Rich and creamy with a smooth, nourishing feel.

Why It Works:
Venusia Max is fortified with Vitamin E and Aloe Vera—two ingredients known for their healing and moisturizing properties. This cream targets extremely dry areas such as elbows, knees, and heels, making it an excellent choice for monsoon-related skin roughness.

It provides long-lasting hydration and prevents skin from feeling dry and itchy in changing humidity conditions.

Best For:

• Rough patches on body parts like knees and elbows
• Very dry to extremely dry skin

12. Pond’s Super Light Gel

Texture: Gel-based, ultra-light, and refreshing.

Why It Works:
This gel moisturizer is enriched with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E, offering deep hydration without any heaviness. It is an affordable option that is widely available and suits most skin types, especially oily and young adult skin.

It gets absorbed within seconds and leaves no sticky residue—perfect for busy mornings and college-goers.

Best For:

• Normal to oily skin
• Teenagers and students
• Budget-conscious daily skincare

13. Mamaearth Oil-Free Face Moisturizer

Texture: Creamy yet non-oily.

Why It Works:
Infused with tea tree oil and salicylic acid, this moisturizer helps in reducing pimples and controlling oil production. It’s formulated without harmful chemicals, making it a great choice for acne-prone skin during the rainy season.

Mamaearth is known for its toxin-free philosophy and this product lives up to that promise by being SLS- and paraben-free.

Best For:

• Acne-prone teenagers and adults
• Those seeking clean and cruelty-free skincare

14. Nivea Soft Light Moisturizer

Texture: Creamy, soft, and lightly whipped.

Why It Works:
Nivea Soft is a long-time favorite in Indian households. It delivers soft, hydrated skin without feeling greasy. It contains jojoba oil and Vitamin E, which together nourish and rejuvenate the skin.

This multipurpose cream can be used on the face, hands, and body, making it great for daily use during the monsoon.

Best For:

• All skin types
• Everyday all-purpose moisturization
• Face, hands, and body care

15. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Texture: Thick but not greasy, suitable for both face and body.

Why It Works:
Developed by dermatologists, CeraVe’s formula includes ceramides and MVE Technology, which provide all-day hydration by slowly releasing moisturizing ingredients throughout the day.

It is fragrance-free and great for restoring the skin barrier—especially useful when the skin feels overwhelmed due to rain, sweat, and pollutants.

Best For:

• Sensitive and irritated skin
• Long-lasting hydration in unpredictable climates

16. Himalaya Baby Lotion

Texture: Light and smooth, ideal for infant massage or daily use.

Why It Works:
Himalaya’s Baby Lotion combines Ayurvedic ingredients like almond oil and olive oil to keep the baby’s delicate skin soft, hydrated, and irritation-free.

It absorbs quickly and is free of parabens and synthetic colors, making it safe for regular use, even in sticky weather.

Best For:

• Infants and toddlers
• Herbal baby skincare enthusiasts

17. Dot & Key 72HR Hydrating Gel + Probiotics

Texture: Lightweight gel with a cooling, refreshing finish.

Why It Works:
Dot & Key’s innovative formula includes hyaluronic acid and probiotics, which strengthen the skin’s microbiome and enhance hydration. It’s perfect for maintaining skin health during the rainy season without feeling oily or sweaty.

It also works well under makeup and sunscreen, making it ideal for skincare routines.

Best For:

• Combination and normal skin
• Those looking for clean, tech-driven skincare

Seasonal Skincare Tips for Rainy Days

1. Switch to Gel-Based Moisturizers if Your Skin Gets Oily

During the rainy season, the air is full of moisture and your skin tends to produce more oil. This can make your face look shiny and greasy, leading to clogged pores and acne breakouts. Switching to gel-based moisturizers is ideal because they’re water-based, lightweight, and absorb quickly without leaving any sticky residue. Products like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel or Dot & Key Hydrating Gel are excellent choices. They hydrate without heaviness and suit combination to oily skin types.

2. Use a Mild Cleanser Twice a Day

Excess humidity can cause your skin to attract more dirt, oil, and pollutants—especially if you’re out and about. Using a harsh cleanser strips the skin barrier, but skipping cleansing can clog your pores. The right balance is to use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser twice daily—once in the morning and once before bedtime. This keeps your pores clean without over-drying your skin.

3. Don’t Skip Moisturizer Just Because It’s Humid

A common myth is that you don’t need moisturizer in humid weather. In reality, humidity can create an illusion of hydration on the surface, but your skin may still be dehydrated underneath. This leads to an imbalance where your skin compensates by producing more oil. Using the right moisturizer helps maintain skin health and prevents conditions like breakouts, itchiness, or dullness. Choose a non-comedogenic, light formula suited to your skin type.

4. Always Apply a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen After Moisturizer

Yes – even during monsoon! UV rays can penetrate clouds and windows, meaning your skin is still at risk of damage. Applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher protects you from UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. After moisturizing, let it absorb for a few minutes and then apply your sunscreen. This is crucial for preventing hyperpigmentation and premature aging.

5. For Babies, Keep Skin Dry and Moisturized with Gentle Lotions

Infants and toddlers are particularly prone to rashes, irritation, and fungal infections in humid weather. Use cotton clothing, change diapers frequently, and always dry the skin thoroughly after a bath or wipe-down. Follow up with a baby-safe, pH-balanced lotion like Sebamed Baby Lotion or Himalaya Baby Lotion to keep their skin soft, protected, and rash-free.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Moisturizer for the Rainy Season

Navigating skincare during the rainy season can be confusing. The increased humidity in the air might trick you into thinking your skin is hydrated, but in reality, it could be lacking water deep within. At the same time, using the wrong type of moisturizer—especially thick, oil-based ones—can worsen breakouts, cause clogged pores, or leave your face feeling sticky all day.

That’s why finding the right moisturizer for the monsoon is not just helpful—it’s essential.

Whether your skin is oily, dry, sensitive, combination, or prone to acne or fungal infections, there’s a perfect formula for you. The key is to choose a moisturizer that maintains balance—one that hydrates your skin from within without creating a greasy surface layer. In other words, your moisturizer should lock in moisture, not humidity.

For example:

• Oily skin types benefit from gel-based moisturizers that are lightweight and oil-free.
• Dry or dehydrated skin needs cream-based moisturizers rich in humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
• Sensitive or barrier-damaged skin should go for fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested products that calm and repair.
• Babies and infants need pH-balanced, mild lotions to prevent rash and irritation.

The moisturizers we’ve included in our top 17 list have been handpicked not only for their formulation but also for their compatibility with India’s humid, fluctuating monsoon climate. From drugstore staples to dermatologist favorites and baby-safe options, this guide covers it all.

Quick Reminder:

• Don’t skip moisturizer just because your skin “feels oily.”
• Apply on slightly damp skin for better absorption.
• Always follow with sunscreen—yes, even when it rains.
• Consistency is key. Use the right product day and night.

In conclusion, monsoon skincare is all about balance, not extremes. Hydration, oil control, and skin barrier protection must go hand in hand. So, whichever product you pick from this curated list, know that you’re one step closer to achieving monsoon-ready skin that stays healthy, clear, and radiant—rain or shine.

Note: Do not use any skincare or medical product without consulting a qualified dermatologist or physician. Everyone’s skin is different, and using a product without guidance may lead to irritation, allergic reactions, or worsening of existing skin conditions. Always seek professional medical advice before trying new skincare treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)