12 Best Cruelty-Free Moisturizers, As Per A Professional Makeup Artist (2024)
Safe and nourishing moisturizing solutions for environment-conscious skin care.
Shawnda Dorantes, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is the founder and Master Injector at Beauty Lounge Medical Spa. She has 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and 13 years as a registered nurse. Dorantes began her career as a Beaut... more
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of ... more
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If you have just ventured into the world of cruelty-free makeup, try starting with the best cruelty-free moisturizer. While cruelty-free moisturizers are safe and nourishing for your skin, they also do not endanger the animals. By opting for a cruelty-free moisturizer, you make sure you are doing your tiny but significant bit in discouraging any test and trial on innocent animals.
Shawnda Dorantes, a California-based beauty nurse practitioner, “Most cruelty-free skincare brands invest in alternatives to animal testing. While ensuring animal safety, these brands often strive for high-quality formulations, utilizing the latest advancements in skincare research.”
Scroll down to check our list of the 12 best cruelty-free moisturizers that we have curated after careful analysis of formulations and reviews.
In This Article
What Does “Cruelty-Free” Mean?
The cruelty-free label on skin care and hair care products means they are not tested on animals. Most products contain preservatives and ingredients, and to test the safety of these elements on the skin, pigs or rats are used. A cruelty-free moisturizer does not include any harsh ingredients and eliminates the need for animal testing.
Why Should You Use Cruelty-Free Moisturizer?
Cruelty-free products do not contain synthetic fragrances, chemicals, preservatives, and dyes that might damage your skin. These products need not be tested on animals for side effects and irritation. A cruelty-free moisturizer is made with organic ingredients like essential oils and natural preservatives that are environment-friendly and safe on the skin.
Let’s now look at the 12 best cruelty-free moisturizers available online.
12 Best Cruelty-Free Moisturizers For Every Skin Type
1. Best Potent Ingredients:Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream
The Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream is suitable for dry and sensitive skin types. It contains potent ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter, anise fruit extract, and grapefruit extract. The shea butter and ceramides keep your skin moisturized throughout the day. The mild formula of this facial moisturizer helps soothe skin irritation and reduce redness, diminishing the appearance of enlarged pores.
Pros
- Vegan
- Ethanol-free
- Steroid-free
- No artificial colors
- Paraben-free
- Absorbed easily
- Minimizes pores
- Pleasant scent
- Mild formula
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Might feel heavy on the skin.
2. Best For Fast-Absorbing:Pacifica Dreamy Touch Day And Night Face Cream
The Pacifica Dreamy Touch Day And Night Face Cream is lightweight and non-greasy. It is infused with grape seed oil, aloe vera extract, sweet almond oil, cocoa butter, coconut water, sweet iris extract, cucumber extract, Damascus rose extract, and shea butter. The floral stem extracts and concentrated peptides are rich in antioxidants. This fast-absorbing moisturizer sinks into the skin and doesn’t clog pores. The natural oils and butter in the night cream hydrate and rejuvenate your skin. To find out more about this facial moisturizer, check out this video review to view the tester’s experience.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Silicone-free
- SLS-free
- Petroleum-free
- Vegan
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Pleasant smell
Cons
- May cause breakouts.
3. Best For Makeup Base:Mario Badescu Aloe Moisturizer
The Mari Badescu Aloe Moisturizer is non-greasy and suitable for sensitive skin. It is rich in aloe vera that soothes and hydrates the skin. This lightweight moisturizer also contains SPF 15 and can also be used as a makeup base.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Oil-free
- Contains SPF 15
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Can be used daily
Cons
- Expensive
Pro TipFirst, cleanse your skin with the Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel. Then, apply this moisturizer to protect and hydrate your skin.
4. Best Plant-Based Ingredients:Pacifica Coconut Probiotic Water Rehab Cream
The Pacifica Coconut Probiotic Water Rehab Cream contains plant-based ingredients and coconut water, which restores the skin’s balance. The probiotic technology helps soothe inflammation and de-stresses the skin. This lightweight moisturizer is non-greasy and suitable for daily use. If you are an absolute beginner, this video review might be useful.
Pros
- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Lightweight
- Suitable for all skin types
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Strong fragrance
Quick TipDot the cream all over your face, then smoothen it with upward circular motions. Avoid dragging the skin, but massage with gentle patting motions for enhanced absorption.
5. Best For Overall Skin Health:Andalou Naturals Oil Free Moisturiser
The Andalou Naturals Oil-Free Moisturizer is specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. It contains vitamin C, white tea extracts, orange peel oil, kombucha, acai fruit extract, willow bark extract, and bioactive 8 berry complex that are rich in probiotics and help nourish and even tone your skin. Aloe vera hydrates, soothes, and improves overall skin health. This moisturizer helps fight acne-causing bacteria. It balances oil production and removes excess sebum without stripping the natural moisture of your skin.
Pros
- GMO-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not long-lasting
6. Best For Youthful Glow:TWINLAB na–pca Natural Moisturising Factor In Human Skin
The TWINLAB na-pca Natural Moisturising Factor In Human Skin is specifically formulated for mature and sensitive skin. It combines powerful antioxidant protection that helps repair, rejuvenate, and hydrate your skin. This non-irritating moisturizer helps soothe razor burns and can be used as a base for makeup.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Vegan
- Non-oily
- Absorbed quickly
- Suitable for mature and sensitive skin
Cons
- Expensive
7. Best Lightweight:Boscia Cactus Water Moisturiser
The Boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer is infused with natural ingredients like jojoba seed extract, aloe vera extract, cactus extract, basil leaf extract, eggplant extract, and turmeric extract. The queen of the night, the cactus helps nourish, rejuvenate, and condition the skin. This lightweight, vegan face moisturizer also revitalizes dull skin and keeps it soft, smooth, and supple.
Pros
- Gluten free
- No artificial fragrance
- No artificial color
- Vegan
- Preservative-free
- Mild formula
- Non-greasy
- Absorbed easily
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 168 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
8. Best For All Skin Types:Beauty Without Cruelty Vitamin C Renewal Cream With CoQ10
The Beauty Without Cruelty Vitamin C Renewal Cream With CoQ10 is a premium aroma therapeutic moisturizer. It is infused with skin-loving ingredients such as aloe vera juice, calendula extract, sweet orange oil, rosehip extract, chamomile oil, cocoa butter, green tea extract, and ylang-ylang oil.
This all-natural moisturizer supports skin regeneration and is suitable for all skin types. Vitamin C and green tea extracts are rich in antioxidants that help protect your skin from environmental aggressors and sun damage. Chamomile extracts soothe skin irritation and nurture and condition it. This skin care product helps smoothen and soften your skin, making it youthful.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- All-natural
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Absorbed quickly
Cons
- Unpleasant scent
9. Best Antioxidants Rich:Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream
The Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream is suitable for oily skin as well as sensitive skin types. It contains aloe vera, sunflower oil, calendula extract, sea buckthorn, sandalwood oil, neroli oil, meadowfoam oil, and black currant oil. These key ingredients are rich in vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants that nourish and protect the skin. This non-greasy moisturizer helps strengthen the skin barrier, combat dryness, soothe, and nourish the skin.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
- No synthetic color
- Silicone-free
- Glycol-free
- PEG-free
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Unpleasant scent
10. Best For Skin Elasticity:Fresh Rituals Aloe Vera Moisturizer
The Fresh Rituals Aloe Vera Moisturizer is suitable for all skin types. It is infused with aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, vitamin B5, vitamin C, and niacinamide.
The results-driven, active ingredient, hyaluronic acid, hydrates, plumps, and repairs your damaged skin. The aloe vera helps restore collagen production and enhances your skin elasticity. This vegan moisturizer helps replenish your skin without clogging the pores. It evens out the skin tone and makes the skin healthy and youthful. This daily moisturizer is absorbed quickly and does not leave any residue.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Talc-free
- Gluten-free
- Vegan formula
- Sulfate-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Overpowering scent
11. Best For Whitening:Dearskin All In One Coconut Cream
The Dearskin All In One Coconut Cream is formulated with 8% coconut oil. It is infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, kojic acid, green tea extracts, licorice root extract, bearberry acid, and B complex.
This moisturizer with anti-aging properties helps minimize free radical damage and boosts collagen production. The vitamins control excess sebum production, reducing acne and breakouts. Vitamin C protects your skin from environmental aggressors. The coconut oil nourishes your skin, improves texture, and bolsters elasticity, making your skin look youthful. The gentle formula is absorbed easily and helps even out the skin tone.
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Absorbed easily
- All-natural
- Value for money
Cons
- Greasy
12. Best For Fine Lines:Organics Store Hyaluronic Acid Face Cream
The Organics Store Hyaluronic Acid Face Cream is suitable for combination and dry skin types. It is infused with collagen, electric daisy extract, and hyaluronic acid. The electric daisy extracts and collagen help hydrate your skin and enhance radiance. The hyaluronic acid locks in moisture and replenishes your skin. This hydrating moisturizer reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- SLS-free
- Silicone-free
- Phthalate-free
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
Cons
- None
That was our round-up of the best cruelty-free moisturizers. Here are a few things to consider while buying one.
What To Look For In A Cruelty-Free Moisturizer
1. Certification Stamps
Look for these certifications on your cruelty-free moisturizer to ensure the validity of its claims:
- Leaping Bunny
- Bunnies Without Borders
- Choose Cruelty-Free (CCF)
2. Ingredients
Many harsh ingredients might cause allergic reactions and irritate your skin, therefore, choose scientifically formulated and clinically verified products with no irritants. Choose a moisturizer that does not contain any such elements to keep your skin damage-free. If you have sensitive skin, pick products that are dermatologically tested or doctor-recommended. Steer clear of alcohol, SLS, SLES, artificial fragrances, phthalates, and synthetic colors or dyes. Instead, opt for natural ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal or amino acids in your cruelty-free face moisturizer as they are gentle and safe on your skin.
The Bottom Line
Now that the world is shifting towards conscious choices, this article is an amazing guide for ethically-minded skincare enthusiasts. It navigates through a plethora of options by spotlighting various ethical brands and ingredients that have proven efficacy in effective moisturization. If you are looking for a moisturizer that reduces redness, then the Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream is the ideal pick, or you can choose the Pacifica Dreamy Touch Day And Night Face Cream for a non-greasy and lightweight formula that can be used for both daytime and nighttime hydration. And if you want hydration with sun protection, then go for the Mario Badescu Aloe Moisturizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a cruelty-free moisturizer different from a normal moisturizer?
Cruelty-free moisturizers are not tested on animals. They are safer than regular moisturizers as the ingredients are less toxic.
Are all cruelty-free moisturizers also vegan and organic?
No. Not all cruelty-free moisturizers are vegan and organic. A cruelty-free certification only indicates that the product is not tested on animals. There can be animal-based ingredients like honey or beeswax.
Why do people prefer cruelty-free products?
Apart from the ethical side of it, people prefer cruelty-free cosmetics because they are often made free of all hazardous compounds and instead, contain natural components that are beneficial to the skin.
What is a good cruelty-free moisturizer for wrinkles?
The Fresh Rituals Aloe Vera Moisturizer is a cruelty-free moisturizer for wrinkles. It helps moisturize your face and resorts collagen production which reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It is even suitable for all skin types.
Can we use moisturizer and sunscreen together?
Yes, apply the moisturizer first, then use sunscreen before heading outdoors.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach who advocates a sustainable lifestyle. In this article, she has cherry-picked the best cruelty-free moisturizers currently available. She carefully analyzed the ingredients of each of these products to ensure they are non-toxic and skin-friendly. The shortlisted moisturizers are made with organic ingredients like essential oils and natural preservatives that are environment-friendly and safe on the skin.
