logo
logo
  • Home
  • Art Supplies
  • Beads and Jewelry
  • Crafts and Hobbies
  • Art Life Today
  • Art Supplies

The Best Gel Crayons to Take Your Coloring to the Next Level

Art Life Review Team
Written By Art Life Review Team
Last updated: Jan 22, 2025, 03:44 AM
Affiliate Disclosure ↓

Gel crayons have surged in popularity as a versatile and vibrant tool for children and adults alike. With their uniquely smooth glide and rich pigmentation, they are actively transforming the world of coloring and drawing.

Our team looked at many gel crayons on the market and compared factors like color intensity, smudge resistance, and longevity and found the U.S. Art Supply Super Crayons Set to outshine the rest. This set offers a diverse color palette with a robust build, ensuring hours of creative exploration.

best crayons
View all Contents
  • Gel Crayons: A Buying Guide
    • Quality
    • Safety
    • Versatility
    • Ease of Use
    • Price
  • Gel Crayon FAQs
  • Trusted Insights from Artists
  • Contributors
  • Related Reads

Our Top Picks of Gel Crayons

  • U.S. Art Supply Gel Crayons: Best Overall (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this gel crayon set ↓
  • ARTEZA Gel Crayons: Most Portable (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this gel crayon set ↓
  • Ooly Gel Crayons: Smoothest Coloring (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this gel crayon set ↓
  • Shuttle Art Gel Crayons: Best for Children (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this gel crayon set ↓
  • Mr. Pen Gel Crayons: Easiest to Use (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this gel crayon set ↓

Detailing the Best Gel Crayons of 2025

U.S. Art Supply Gel Crayons

Best Overall
image
Check On Amazon

Create colorful masterpieces with ease with the U.S. Art Supply Super Crayons Set, featuring a twist-up design to eliminate the need for sharpening. This set is great for coloring large areas and provides an unmatched vibrant color spectrum to bring your art to life.

What makes them even more exceptional is their versatility and ease of use, especially for little hands. They’re also washable and come in a carrying case to keep everything neat and organized. If you are looking for a gel crayon set designed with artists both young and old in mind, we cannot recommend this set more!

Product Pros
  • Bright and vibrant colors
  • Smooth and easy glide application
  • Great for blending and mixing
Product Cons
  • Not suitable for intricate details
Key features/specs
Set of 36 vibrant gel crayons
Twist up mechanism
Includes a case with individual crayon spots
Allows for color blending
Comes with a 100% lifetime satisfaction guarantee

ARTEZA Gel Crayons

Most Portable
image
Check On Amazon

Create vibrant artwork and watercolor paintings with the ARTEZA Kids Gel Crayons, boasting a retractable and twist-up design and non-toxic washable ink. Available in a 16-count set, these crayons are bright and vibrant tools for coloring, drawing, and bringing your creative ideas to life.

They feature a simple twist-up design for easy use, getting rid of the need to re-sharpen them, and they don’t just offer a palette of vivid shades but are also washable, ensuring easy clean-up after art sessions. We think that these gel crayons would be perfect for classroom use or for coloring on-the-go due to their super convenient round carrying case.

Product Pros
  • Vibrant and bold variety of colors
  • Comes with a cylindrical carrying case
  • Washable and durable ink
Product Cons
  • Crayons crumble when pressed hard
Key features/specs
Jumbo-sized crayons designed for kids
Easy grip for small hands
Set includes 16 vibrant colors
Can be used for watercolor techniques
Free from harmful chemicals and toxins
Comes in a cylindrical carrying case

Ooly Gel Crayons

Smoothest Coloring
image
Check On Amazon

If you’re looking for gel crayons that glide easily across the page to create a smooth coloring experience, the Ooly Gel Watercolor Crayons Set has you covered! With a set of 25 brightly-colored crayons, they empower both kids and adults to unleash their creativity on any canvas. These gel crayons masterfully blend on paper, offering a more smooth and fluid coloring experience than traditional wax crayons.

What we think really sets these gel crayons apart is their versatility as watercolor crayons. They come equipped with a paintbrush, transforming the crayons into beautiful watercolor paints, providing a seamless transition from coloring to painting. This dual-purpose feature adds value to the product, encouraging a broader range of artistic expression. 

Product Pros
  • Excellent for blending and painting
  • Bright and vibrant colors
  • Easy and smooth application
Product Cons
  • Wide tips limit precision coloring
Key features/specs
Includes 24 vibrant gel crayons
Rich and intense ink colors
Suitable for glass and paper surfaces
Soft and buttery crayon texture
Compatible with watercolor techniques
Water-soluble for easy clean-up
Comes in a clear, portable plastic box

Shuttle Art Gel Crayons

Best for Children
image
Check On Amazon

The Shuttle Art 24-Color Gel Crayons for Kids Set is the perfect gel crayons set for children who enjoy coloring and creating artwork. Geared towards promoting vibrant and smooth coloring, these gel crayons redefine the usual drawing experience.

The non-toxic, twistable crayons allow you to create an array of eye-catching, rich hues. Kids can easily glide the gel crayons across paper, creating a unique crayon-pastel-watercolor effect. These gel crayons not only promise a mess-free coloring session, but also ensure a hassle-free cleanup with their washable formula.

Product Pros
  • Smooth and vibrant colors
  • Easy to clean off surfaces
  • Great for various art techniques
Product Cons
  • Can smear easily
Key features/specs
24-color gel crayon set
Twistable crayon tubes for convenience
Compliant with ASTM D4236 and EN71
Non-toxic crayon formulation
Lightweight plastic tube storage

Mr. Pen Gel Crayons

Easiest to Use
image
Check On Amazon

With the Mr. Pen Washable Gel Crayons, adults and children alike can let their creative minds flow and make colorful and fun images on the page. This 20-pack of twistable soft crayons features a dazzling spectrum of hues that truly bring your creative projects to life.

Unlike your ordinary crayons, these gel crayons glide effortlessly across the paper, offering you a smooth, easy-to-use experience. I think the rich pigmentation and the ease of use make these crayons a great choice for coloring intricate patterns in adult coloring books. Plus, they are washable and non-toxic, making them safe for kids too.

Product Pros
  • Twistable and non-toxic formula
  • Super smooth and easy application
  • Blendable and mixable colors
Product Cons
  • Can break easily with pressure
Key features/specs
Pack of 20 soft gel crayons
Comes in an assorted color range
Twistable and retractable design
Acid-free and non-toxic material

Gel Crayons: A Buying Guide

Are you on the hunt for the perfect gel crayons for coloring and DIY projects? Then you are in the right place! This guide will highlight the essential factors you need to consider to find quality gel crayons that are worth your hard-earned money and that are made to last.

Quality

High-quality gel crayons guarantee you vibrant, bold colors, smooth application, and excellent blending. It’s not just about the pigmentation, but also the texture and durability. The crayon should glide on paper effortlessly without leaving clumps behind. It should also resist breaking even when handled by little hands. Don’t settle for something that crumbles with the slightest pressure or that fades quickly after application.

Safety

Safety takes on a whole new level when it comes to art supplies, particularly if children use them. The best gel crayons should be non-toxic and meet the safety standards. Look for crayons that are labeled as non-toxic and that conform to ASTM D-4236 or EN71-3 safety standards. Guaranteeing your peace of mind, these safety standards ensure that the crayons are free from harmful substances.

Versatility

Versatility can unlock the floodgates of creativity. Gel crayons that work on multiple surfaces such as paper, canvas, wood, glass, and fabric offer you unlimited artistic possibilities. Whether you’re planning a DIY home decor project or a school art assignment, versatile crayons can cater to all. Be careful though; some crayons may work better on certain surfaces than others. Always check the product details before making a purchase.

Ease of Use

Gel crayons should feel comfortable in your hand, allowing you to draw or color with ease. Some even have a twist-up design that keeps your hands clean while offering the convenience of not requiring sharpening. Some crayons come in triangular shapes to prevent them from rolling off the table, while others feature grips for a comfortable hold. Go for the ones that meet your preferences and needs.

Price

Price is a significant factor to consider. Gel crayons come in a wide range of prices, and it’s easy to get lured into buying the cheapest or the most expensive. However, the cost should align with the value offered. High-end brands often deliver on quality, safety, and durability, but you can also find some reasonably-priced options that do not compromise on these key features. Remember, you should get value for your money.

Gel Crayon FAQs

What are gel crayons?

Gel crayons are a unique type of coloring tool that combines the best of crayons and gel pens. They provide vibrant, bold colors and glide smoothly on paper and can also be used to create watercolor effects.

How do I use gel crayons?

To use a gel crayon, just twist it up and start drawing or coloring. If you want to create a watercolor effect, draw with the crayon first, then use a wet brush to spread the color around.

Are gel crayons safe for young children to use?

Yes, most gel crayons are specifically designed to be safe for children, made with non-toxic materials. However, as with any art supplies, children should be supervised during use.

How can I maintain my gel crayons?

To maintain your gel crayons, always remember to twist them back down before replacing the cap to prevent them from drying out. Also, avoid dropping, stepping on, or otherwise damaging the crayons, as this can break the gel inside.

Can gel crayons be used on any type of paper?

Gel crayons can be used on most types of paper, including construction paper, drawing paper, and even wood or canvas. However, they may not work well on glossy or very smooth surfaces, as the gel may not adhere properly.

Are gel crayons washable?

Most gel crayons are washable and can be cleaned up with soap and water. However, some colors may stain certain materials, so it's always a good idea to test the crayon on a small area first.

Trusted Insights from Artists

At Art Life Today, our passion for arts and crafts is at the heart of everything we do. We understand that the right tools and materials can make all the difference in your creative projects, so we take our responsibility as reviewers seriously. Our goal is to help you discover the best products that will inspire your creativity and bring your artistic visions to life.

Contributors

Art Life Review Team
Art Life Review Team
Drawing Supplies
Related Reads
  • Debunking the Myth: Is Acrylic Paint Toxic?
  • Channel Your Inner Banksy and Learn How to Draw Graffiti Art
  • Art Tips: How To Blend Colored Pencils
  • 10 Painting Ideas for Kids They Are Sure to Love
Back to top
logo

©2025. All Rights Reserved

  • About Us
  • FAQ
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy
  • Terms
Contact

[email protected]

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Click here to learn more about our process.