Box of Ursa Major Fortifying Gel Moisturizer next to the jar on a white background.  Both the Box and jar are white with blue mountains on them.

Fortifying Gel Moisturizer

4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 Stars (187 Reviews)
A lightweight, serum-like gel moisturizer that keeps skin feeling clear, refreshed, and hydrated all day. It’s a simple but powerful daily moisturizing step that’ll leave you ready to tackle whatever comes next.

Formerly known as Fortifying Face Balm.
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Why It’s Special

Hydrates without heaviness

This lightweight, invisible daily moisturizer has a serum-like texture that absorbs fast and delivers long-lasting hydration. The finishing touch: a light, natural aroma, with hints of real lavender and rosemary.

Actively soothes & firms

Actives like Aloe and Willow Bark nourish and condition skin, for that brightening and tightening effect. It leaves skin feeling clear and firm, with a smooth, shine-free finish.

Picky skin-approved

We kept it simple, with gentle yet effective ingredients that you can trust. It’s a great choice for folks with combination, oily, or acne-prone skin (and any skin that likes a lighter touch).

Layers nicely

Weave it into your routine anywhere you like. It makes for a perfectly smooth, non-pilling primer under makeup and SPF, a soothing after-sun step, even a refreshing post-shave balm.

Refreshingly Different

Nothing to hide here. Just naturally awesome ingredients that help you achieve your healthiest, happiest skin.

Lightweight

Fast-absorbing

All-day hydration

Clean ingredients

Certified Plastic Negative

Vegan & cruelty-free

“This serum-style moisturizer soaks right in for a full day of non-greasy hydration.”

Well + Good

“Fresh scent, and lightweight feel. Great for summer”

Today

“A cooling jar of magic.”

Business Insider

“It’s a cornucopia and works on the most volatile, sensitive, oily, dry, or acne-prone [skin].”

Byrdie

Pure, Powerful Ingredients

Formulated without petrochemicals, sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, or other suspect chemicals.

  • Aloe

    Soothes and hydrates

  • Willow Bark

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

  • Kendi Seed

    Delivers fast-absorbing, lightweight hydration

  • Olive Leaf

    Contains antioxidants that moisturize and soothe skin

  • Prickly Pear

    Provides immediate and long-lasting relief from irritation

  • Birch Sap

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

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  • ,
  • Apply 1 pump to clean, dry skin making sure to cover entire face and neck. Works great for all skin types, especially sensitive, oily or acne-prone skin.

    Q: How does this product differ from Fortifying Face Balm?
    A: The formula is exactly the same! The only thing that’s new is the name, and the glass packaging.


    Q: How and when do I use this product? 
    A: After cleansing and toning (and applying any serums, if that’s part of your routine), we recommend applying Fortifying Gel Moisturizer to lock in hydration and calm the skin without clogging pores or creating shine. It’ll keep skin looking clearer, firmer, smoother, with an all-around healthy glow. As a final step, you can apply a daily sunscreen (we’re partial to our Force Field Daily Defense Lotion!), especially if you are heading outside.


    Pro tip: Apply post-shave and post-sun for extra soothing moisture.


    Q: Is this the right moisturizer for me?
    A: This product works great for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin types (or any skin that likes a light touch). If you have dry skin, or you’re looking for a thicker moisturizer to incorporate into your routine, you may want to check out our Golden Hour Recovery Cream. 


    Q: Why is there a change in packaging?
    A: We’ve heard your calls for less plastic! That’s why the packaging for our Fortifying Gel Moisturizer has been updated to glass. It’s more sustainable, and in line with our commitment to phasing out plastics. It means less waste for the planet — and rest assured, it’s still the same formula you know and love, just sporting a fresh new (and recyclable) look. 


    A: What is the aroma?
    Q: An enticing herbal elixir infused with lavender, lime, spearmint, and rosemary.


    Q: How do I recycle this product?
    A: When you run out, just give the glass container a rinse and recycle it at home. The plastic pump is mixed material and cannot be recycled at this time.

    Fortifying Gel Moisturizer Reviews

    4.5
    Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
    Based on 187 reviews
    187 reviews
    • Paul G.
      Verified Buyer
      I recommend this product
      AGE RANGE 50's+
      SKIN TYPE Sensitive
      SKIN CONCERN Dryness
      Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      12/23/24
      Great for the face

      favorite facial and neck moisturizer of all time. Feels wonderful. Terrific pine/fir scent.

    • Jill T.
      Verified Buyer
      I recommend this product
      AGE RANGE 50's+
      SKIN TYPE Balanced
      SKIN CONCERN Redness / Irritation
      Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      12/20/24
      LOVE

      I cannot say enough about this product! It is light and moisturizing, disappearing into your skin quickly. Perfect alone or under makeup. My 22 year old son loves it too because it doesn’t aggravate acne. It also SMELLS AMAZING and I look forward to using it for the relaxing smell. My skin looks fantastic and I am not slathering a bunch of chemicals on my skin!

    • Rev B.
      Verified Buyer
      I recommend this product
      AGE RANGE 40's
      SKIN TYPE Sensitive
      SKIN CONCERN Dryness
      Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      12/18/24
      My warm weather go-to

      In the warmer months this is my go-to daily moisturizer. Love the soothing, cooling texture. I have sensitive skin that is prone to dryness, and this keeps me feeling tiptop. (If you're wondering, in the colder months I switch to the Alpine Rich Cream.)

    • Michael
      I recommend this product
      Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      12/15/24
      5 Stars

      On time & always awesome.

    • Amie F.
      Verified Buyer
      I recommend this product
      AGE RANGE 50's+
      SKIN TYPE Balanced
      SKIN CONCERN Dryness
      Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      12/15/24
      Good stuff

      normal to dry aging skin, works well

    Reviews LoadedReviews Added

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