Gel moisturizers are the skin care products du jour this year—and while they aren’t exactly new to the Mario Badescu line (they’ve been part of our core collection for a few decades now), there’s no perfect time to spotlight our favorite gel formulas than now.

For oily, troubled, or congested skin types, water-based formulas are a blessing: they deliver the hydration your skin needs without the shine traditional face creams tend to leave behind. Come summer, gel moisturizers become a universal favorite. Sweltering heat and humidity has all of us craving something lightweight and refreshing—what better way to hydrate your skin than with a tall glass of water, literally and through your skin care, too?

These are our top three gel moisturizers and water-based serums that have been making waves since the 80s:

Herbal Hydrating Serum

When Herbal Hydrating Serum first launched in the 1980s, it was aptly called “Spring & Summer Drops” for its perfect-for-warm-weather formula. What was supposed to be a seasonal release was brought back by popular demand and renamed “Herbal Hydrating Serum.”

Since then, this gel-serum has become a staple in all skin care regimens, no matter the skin type. With invigorating botanical extracts like Ginkgo and Ginseng to give the complexion a refreshing boost, and Glycolipid Ceramides to help bind water to the skin, Herbal Hydrating Serum is essentially like give your skin a drink of infused H2O.

Oily skin types love its ultra-light texture and dry skin types adore it for its versatility. Wear the Herbal Hydrating Serum on its own, or layer it over your favorite moisturizer—either way gives skin a fresh-faced finish.

Anti Acne Serum

“Acne” and “serum” are two words that don’t seem to go together—but in the world of Mario Badescu, they can, and do.

Anti Acne Serum is another ultra-lightweight gel that glides on easily and absorbs seamlessly into skin. What’s unique about this product is that it works to balance, hydrate, and promote a clearer-looking complexion all at once—thanks to its oil-free Salicylic Acid and Thyme Extract formula. In just one step you get the hydration you need and the clarifying measures essential for and maintaining happy skin.

Ceramide Eye Gel

Unique in texture and formulated with water-binding Ceramides, this lightweight, oil-free eye gel absorbs seamlessly to deliver essential moisture without feeling heavy on skin. It’s refreshing on application as is, but we recommend stashing the jar in the fridge to add an extra cooling, wake-me-up boost to your skin care routine.

. . .