When it comes to treating skin problems, creams and gels are the most used and most effective. Cream and gels are both water-based, but some creams will contain oil. Gels are normally oil-free. They both do a great job at the absorption and may leave a small amount of film behind.
Creams are thicker and white, while the gel is mainly white. Though there are some gels out there that have a tint to them, they are both great for oily skin, because they are easy to spread out. They are also easy to cover a large area of the skin.