Blue bottle of Ursa Major Fortifying Gel Moisturizer and carton on a white background

Fortifying Gel Moisturizer

SOOTHE + BALANCE

4.6
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 Stars (256 Reviews)

A lightweight gel moisturizer that soothes and balances skin while delivering all-day hydration.

50 mL| 1.7 FL OZ

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Free shipping over $40

Free shipping over $40

Free & easy returns

Free & easy returns

Love It Guarantee

Love It Guarantee

Blue bottle of Ursa Major Fortifying Gel Moisturizer on a white background
Fortifying Gel Moisturizer

After 15 years in the beauty world, I was fed up. Toxic ingredients, false promises, and over-priced products. So we moved to Vermont and started Ursa Major: skincare that uses clean, forest-infused ingredients for real results, without all the BS of traditional beauty.

Emily• Ursa Major Co-Founder
Emily

Hydrating not heavy

This lightweight daily moisturizer has a serum-like texture that absorbs quickly to deliver lasting hydration.

Actively soothes

Packed with nourishing plant-derived actives to calm and clarify—leaving skin clear, smooth, and shine-free.

Picky skin-approved

Made with gentle ingredients for oily, combo, acne-prone skin (or those whose skin prefers a lighter touch).

Easy to layer

Works as a non-pilling primer under makeup and SPF, as well as a soothing after-sun step and cooling post-shave balm.

Lightweight
Lightweight
Fast-absorbing
Fast-absorbing
All-day hydration
All-day hydration
Clean ingredients
Clean ingredients
Certified Plastic Negative
Certified Plastic Negative
Vegan & cruelty-free
Vegan & cruelty-free
Key Ingredients

Pure, Powerful, Refreshing

No sulfates. No parabens. No synthetic fragrances. Just a delightfully effective assortment of clean, forest-infused ingredients, formulated for maximum efficacy and a sublime experience.

  • Willow Bark

    A natural source of salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid), which soothes and conditions skin

  • Organic Aloe

    Hydrates and soothes skin

  • Organic Kendi Seed

    Delivers lightweight, fast-absorbing hydration

  • Prickly Pear

    Calms skin while providing lightweight hydration

  • Olive Leaf

    Contains antioxidants that moisturize and soothe skin

  • Birch Sap

    Delivers serious hydration along with a dose of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals

Full Ingredients

How To Use

Apply 1-2 pumps to clean, dry skin. Use AM or PM (or both).

Pro Tip: Apply after shaving or sun exposure for a soothing boost from calming actives like Aloe.

Herbs including lavender, rosemary, and mint on a white background

An enticing herbal blend infused with Lavender, Lime, Spearmint, and Rosemary.

Carton + Carton Liner: Recycle in your curbside bin.

Glass Bottle: Rinse and recycle in your curbside bin.

Pump: Rinse and drop off at your nearest specialty recycler—we recommend a Pact collection bin.

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“...soaks right in for a full day of non-greasy hydration.”

“...our favorite for its sticky-free feel and non-pore-clogging ingredients.”

“...lightweight, vegan, and doesn’t leave a heavy residue.”

“...a weightless moisturizer that increases firmness and elasticity…”

“...provides you with a shine-free finish…”

    FAQs

    Is this the moisturizer for me?  

    We’ve found Fortifying Gel Moisturizer to be a great fit for those with oily or combination skin—or anyone whose skin simply prefers a lighter touch.

    If you’re looking for a bit more moisture, you may enjoy our bestselling Golden Hour Recovery Cream. Its fast-absorbing, water-based formula makes it a great daily moisturizer for all types of skin—including dry, oily, combo, sensitive, and even acne-prone skin.

    If you have dry, sensitive, mature skin, or are craving even more moisture, Alpine Rich Cream is our go-to for delivering serious moisture while reinforcing the skin barrier and smoothing the look of fine lines.

    How and when do I use this product?  

    After cleansing and toning (and applying any serums you may use), apply 1-2 pumps to clean, dry skin to lock in hydration without clogging pores or creating shine. Use it morning, night, or whenever your skin needs hydration.

    Pro Tip: Because Fortifying Gel Moisturizer is infused with soothing actives like Organic Aloe and Birch Sap it also makes for a super-soothing post-shave or post-sun step.

    Is this product pregnancy-safe?  

    Fortifying Gel Moisturizer does contain a very small amount of natural salicylic acid (a type of BHA) from Willow Bark. While some healthcare providers recommend avoiding salicylic acid during pregnancy, it is included in this formula at a very low amount (less than 0.5%).

    That said, we always recommend checking in with your healthcare provider about ingredient lists and any new products during pregnancy.

    Does this contain fragrance?  

    Fortifying Gel Moisturizer has an enticing herbal aroma that comes entirely from real plant extracts—never synthetic fragrances.

    What if I don’t love it?  

    We totally understand that skincare is not one-size-fits-all and that everyone’s skin is unique. If you are not satisfied with your Ursa Major products, you may return your product for a full refund or store credit within 30 days of receiving your order.

    Do you offer free shipping?  

    We happily offer free standard shipping via DHL/USPS for all domestic orders $40+ placed on our website. Orders below $40 will ship via DHL/USPS for a flat $7 fee. 

    How do I start a return?  

    Super easy! Just head on over to our Returns Portal, where you’ll just need your order number (the one starting with UM) and your email address or zip code to get started.
    MADE FOR SKIN AND SPIRIT

    The Ursa Major Difference

    Powerful, forest-infused formulas

    Powerful, forest-infused formulas

    Our pristine ingredients are tapped straight from the forest, with proven benefits to deliver maximum efficacy.
    Clean, healthy ingredients

    Clean, healthy ingredients

    No harsh chemicals or hidden junk—just safe, quality ingredients that meet our (and your) sky-high standards.
    Sublime experience

    Sublime experience

    From lightweight textures to subtle (never synthetic) aromas, every product is a treat for your skin—and your senses.
    Love It Guarantee

    Love It Guarantee

    If you don’t love your experience within 30 days of receiving our products, we’ll offer you a full refund or exchange.

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    Fortifying Gel Moisturizer Reviews

    4.6
    Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
    Based on 256 reviews
    Write a Review (Opens in a new tab)
    256 reviews
    • Ron
      I do not recommend this product
      Rated 1 out of 5 stars
      3/24/23
      Too Pricey for So Little

      Product is good, but I don't understand how it is increased price by 64% in volume on 36% less. Used to be a staple but can't justify the price.

      Was this helpful?
      Ursa Major Skincare
      4/4/23

      Thank you so much for the review, Ron, we totally understand where you are coming from and would love to provide some more information. Keep your eyes out for an email from us shortly.

    • David W.
      Rated 3 out of 5 stars
      8/29/23
      Love the product, don't love the price change

      I've been using this for years (I have a subscription), and it's a great moisturizer. I'm disappointed that the price per ounce has gone up about 66%. I understand that the glass bottle costs more, and I can accept that. The marketing materials say that bottle cost has gone up 33%, though, which makes the remaining 33% increase sound like it's just added profit. I hope there's something else going on to explain that change.

      Was this helpful?
      Ursa Major Skincare
      8/31/23

      We really appreciate the call-out here, David! We would love to offer some more insight and have reached out via email.

    • ashinzard
      Flag of United States
      I recommend this product
      Rated 4 out of 5 stars
      10/17/23
      SHRINKFLATION

      This is a fantastic product, been using it for years! I go to reorder and see that they've changed the name, made the bottle SMALLER and it costs MORE.

      Was this helpful?
    • Jaime B.
      Verified Buyer
      I recommend this product
      AGE RANGE 30's
      SKIN TYPE Sensitive
      SKIN CONCERN Dryness
      Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      3/21/24
      Perfect Light Moisturizer for Warm Months

      I fell in love with how light, quick-drying, and moisturizing this is. A little goes a long way (it spreads super easily), and it's great for hot days when you don't want to put a heavy cream on your face. I use this in warm months and the golden hour recovery cream in winter. Perfect combo.

      Was this helpful?
    • John S.
      Verified Buyer
      I recommend this product
      AGE RANGE 50's+
      SKIN TYPE Balanced
      SKIN CONCERN Dryness
      Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      12/14/23
      Haven't used it yet

      I will let you know when I do. I love the predecessor product, fantastic face balm and look forward to trying the new formula.

      I have one mild critique/observation about the direction Ursa Major is going. First, I LOVE this company and the products. I use the fantastic face wash, the toner, and the moisturizer I just bought. Formulations, and fragrances are always spot on. It is obvious to me that private equity crowd has gotten ahold of Ursa Major, and the pricing changes reflect that. I understand capitalism, and I am all in favor of it, but the general direction of new products is not very interesting to me. Eye creams, and zen body lotions, flavored soaps, and candles. It's too "fru fru " for my taste. But overall, the core products are wonderful.

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