Ursa Major Fortifying Gel Moisturizer

Light, serum-like moisturizing gel / 1.6 oz full size 

Ursa Major Fortifying Gel Moisturizer (formerly known as Fortifying Face Balm) is actually an extraordinarily light, serum-like gel that absorbs quickly and dries down to a matte finish. (Not like most other heavy, oil-based balms in the least.) It’s perfect for those of you who find most moisturizers too heavy or whose skin tends to be oily. And, in warm, humid climates, it’s a fabulous layer underneath sunscreen.

What surprised us most about this product is that its shockingly low price belies its power-packed ingredient list. It boasts a host of anti-agers, like prickly pear cactus stem extract, Kendi seed oil, carrot seed oil, and olive leaf extract — all of which work together to provide firming, elasticity-boosting benefits. This is, quite possibly, one of the best values out there for women with oily skin and for men who prefer lightweight product textures.

And, like most Ursa Major products, it smells wonderful: this one’s herbal blend includes lavender, lime, spearmint, and rosemary.