Jelly Moisturizers Are The Hottest Thing In Skincare – But Are They Really All That?

Following the rise (and rise) of hyaluronic acid - thank you The Ordinary - looking dewy, hydrated and glowing comes as a top priority for a skincare buff. Now that oils, lotions, acids and creams have had their moment in the spotlight there is a new item that’s fighting for a spot in our precious bathroom cabinets: the jelly moisturiser.

Unlike the gloopy jelly products of our youth - looking at you Vo5 - Gen Z jelly leaves you feeling silky smooth, not sticky. Unlike creams that can leave you feeling clogged down, these bouncy water-based solutions have a three-pronged attack: they cool the skin, hydrate it and leave it feeling satin to the touch. Mind, we’re not talking about the OG jelly, otherwise known as Vaseline, these formulations come to us courtesy of Asia - Korean and Japanese skin nerds have been championing their powers for years.

Shisedo’s WASO range, in particular, has been staning for this moisturizing innovation. The WASO Clear Mega-Hydrating Cream feels like it melts into your skin almost the instant it hits it. But, it’s not the only brand that’s investing in this skincare market - Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser (£15), a hypoallergenic, vegan, sulfate free agent that cleans and moisturizes in tandem, launched way back in 2016. More affordable brands like Garnier and Clarins have also been making moves on this developing beauty arena.

Many say that problem skin struck down by blackheads and their cystic cronies would appreciate this lightweight semisolid formula as it’s less rich than it’s creamy, oily cousins. ‘They're the best of both worlds, with the weight that comes with being a gel and the cushion of a moisturizer,’ cosmetic chemist, Ginger King told Allure. ‘They are suitable for most skin types.’ As they are an oil-free emollient, dry but spot-prone skin may find this lighter, grease-free option cooling for redness and calming to the complexion.

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If you’ve heard of ‘slugging’ then likely you know of its risks too. ICYMI, the internet was enraptured by a Reddit thread that suggested smothering your face with petroleum jelly overnight. Fans said they woke up to plumper, clearer skin. Dermatologists, however, were less keen. By its very nature, Vaseline and other PJ products sit on top of the complexion and act as a barrier, which seals off your pores. ‘We never recommend petroleum-based or derived products to be applied to the face’, Dr Goldfaden told Metro.

‘There are no professional grade jelly moisturisers,’ Jennie Lawson, owner of Mimosa Beauty and ambassador for HiMirror told The Debrief, ‘so their conspicuous absence from the salon scene suggests they are probably a fad. When looking to revitalise your beauty regime, go for products that have filtered down from professionals; only with these can you be sure that they have scientific backing and will, therefore, carry tangible benefits.’ There you have it: if the dermatologists won’t touch it, proceed with caution.

This article originally appeared on The Debrief.