If you’ve been diligently following your mom’s skincare routine, then you know how important a moisturizer is to your skin. Even Cleopatra herself has bathed in milk for its moisturizing benefits. A good ole bottle of moisturizer has been a staple in every person’s skincare routine, and there are plenty of reasons why.
For one, moisturizers help protect your skin’s barrier from irritation, making it more youthful and glowing. It locks moisture deep within your skin, helping you avoid dry, flaky, and itchy skin. Lastly, moisturizers help fight acne. Yes, it can! Adding a moisturizer to an oily face may seem strange, but it actually helps keep your skin hydrated, which stops your glands from producing more oil that can turn into a pimple.
Today is the best time if you haven’t tried adding a moisturizer to your skincare routine. If you already do, then you may be wondering what’s the best cruelty-free moisturizer in the market. Lucky for you, we have a list of the best cruelty-free face moisturizers in the market based on your skin type.
Best Cruelty-Free Moisturizers for Oily and Sensitive Skin
From bright red pimples to a shiny T-zone, these are the common problems of people who have oily skin. If you’re one of them, you may be a bit confused as to why you need to add more moisture to your skin. The fact is when you use products that fight off the acne-producing bacteria; it strips down your skin from the essential oils you need.
This sends a signal to your glands to produce more oil which exacerbates your situation. To help stop your glands from overproducing oil, you need to use a moisturizer. Lucky for you, we created a list of non-greasy and shine-free moisturizers!
Best Overall: No products found.
What we like about it:
- Fades dark spots
- Creates a smoother and youthful appearance
- Uses organic formulas such as Vitamin C and Chamomile
- Antioxidant-rich formula
What we don’t like about it:
- It may sting if applied near the eyes
- Round plastic packaging
If you’re on the hunt for a lightweight moisturizer, Avalon Organics Intense Defense Oil-Free Moisturizer with Vitamin C is your best choice. This fast-absorbing and antioxidant-rich moisturizer contain Vitamin C, which helps in repairing tissues and boosting collagen in your body. Vitamin C also helps fade dark spots, neutralizes perky free radicals from pollution, lightens discoloration, and stimulates collagen production.
It’s also 100% cruelty-free, paraben-free and fragrance-free. Apply a small amount on your face and gently lather it. You may notice that it easily absorbs into your skin, unlike other greasy moisturizers.
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Best Value: No products found.
What we like about it:
- Best for acne-prone and oily skin
- Cruelty-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free, oil-free
- Soothes flaky and itchy skin
What we don’t like about it:
- A bit on the pricey side
Paula’s Choice is a brand known for its high-quality and cruelty-free products. They’re very transparent about their product’s ingredients, and they always release articles backed by science regarding these ingredients. One of their cult-favorite products is the Paula’s Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer.
This soothing and non-greasy moisturizer is packed with antioxidants, ceramides, and Niacinamide that helps achieve a clear, smooth, and lightweight complexion. The antioxidants coming from pumpkin and blueberry help in soothing redness and flaky patches, while Niacinamide minimizes pores and improves skin tone.
It’s perfect for acne-prone skin because it offers the right amount of hydration without clogging your pores resulting in dark red bumps. So, if you need a moisturizer that doesn’t cause acne, try Paula’s Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer.
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Budget-Friendly: No products found.
What we like about it:
- Made from naturally derived ingredients
- Made without mineral oil, parabens, silicones
- Cruelty-free
- Reduces fine lines
What we don’t like about it:
- It can be a bit heavy
If you need a budget-friendly moisturizer that gets the job done, pick Garnier’s SkinActive 3-in-1 Face Moisturizer. Made with rose water, it hydrates, soothes, and smoothes skin without leaving a greasy film behind. It’s 3-in-1 because you can use it as a day cream, night cream, and mask. Plus, it contains salicylic acid, an ingredient known for targeting dirt, oil, and acne.
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Best Cruelty-Free Moisturizers for Dry Skin
Dry, flaky skin is one of the problems faced by dry-skinned individuals. Slathering on moisturizers helps keep your face plump, hydrated, and smooth. But what are the best and cruelty-free moisturizers? Here is our list:
Best Overall: No products found.
What we like about it:
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free
- Helps repair skin
- Creates a dewy and luminous glow
What we don’t like about it:
- Scented moisturizer
Moisturize your dry skin using Pacifica Beauty Coconut Probiotic Water Rehab Cream. This face cream can take back your healthy, plump, and moisturized face as it is infused with vegan probiotics, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and coconut water. Coconut water is its main ingredient, giving it a fruity smell while profoundly hydrating your face.
If you’re not a big fan of fragrance, don’t worry because its coconut scent is only mild. The texture of the cream is also lightweight. Overall, this moisturizer helps restore dry skin caused by stress, pollution, and lack of sleep.
It comes in a tube bottle which is very handy if you are traveling. Lastly, it does not leave a greasy feeling on your face, making it easier for you to layer your makeup and sunscreen.
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Best Value: No products found.
What we like about it:
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, and gluten-free
- Locks in moisture
- Creates a dewy and luminous glow
What we don’t like about it:
- A bit expensive
Made from Japanese rice and plant extracts, Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream is formulated to hydrate your dry and itchy skin, replenish ceramides to bring back your natural glow, and repair your skin caused by stress, pollution, and UV rays. It also has hyaluronic acid to promote healthier and more supple skin.
It’s also very lightweight, which makes it easier to apply on top of your serums. Plus, this is a good anti-aging moisturizer due to its Japanese ingredients. Apply this cream on your face and neck after cleansing and toning twice a day.
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Budget-Friendly: No products found.
What we like about it:
- Best for dry and mature skin
- Boosts collagen production and hydrates the skin
- Cruelty-free and paraben-free
What we don’t like about it
- It’s best paired with other anti-aging serums to get the maximum effect
The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer contains five key ingredients: Glycerin and betaine, which helps moisturize your skin; acetyl hexapeptide-37, pentapeptide-48 which are two anti-aging and repair peptides; and shea butter which nourishes the skin. The combination of these three ingredients provides a nourishing and moisturizing effect on dry and aging skin.
It will smooth fine lines and wrinkles while keeping your skin plump and dehydrated. It also comes in a sealed jar packaging with a small opening which is very hygienic and avoids overspills. The texture is very rich without being too heavy. It’s a perfect moisturizer, especially on a hot day. So, if you need an affordable moisturizer, grab a bottle of The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer.
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Best Cruelty-Free Moisturizers for Normal Skin
A lot of people would love to have a normal skin type since your skin isn’t too dry or too oily. But having a normal skin type does not exempt you from taking care of it. One of the ways to protect your skin barrier is to use a good moisturizer.
Here are some of the best moisturizers for normal skin types:
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What we like about it:
- A very lightweight moistures
- It comes in a sustainable, recyclable glass
- Plumps and hydrates the skin
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines
- Cruelty-free and paraben-free
What we don’t like about it:
- A bit expensive
Do you need a moisturizer that not only hydrates your skin but boosts collagen production? Juice Beauty Antioxidant Moisturizer will do the trick! Apply a small amount on your face, and you will instantly feel the glow.
It’s super lightweight, making it easy for you to apply makeup on top of it. It also comes in a sustainable, recyclable glass bottle. The best thing about it is it’s packed with rich and soothing antioxidants that deliver powerful results in your skin. These ingredients include Vitamin C, which brightens and evens skin tone. Jojoba and sunflower oil to hydrate dull and dry skin, grapes and apples to restore skin from damages, and vegetable hyaluronic acid to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
No wonder many skincare bloggers and experts love Juice Beauty’s Antioxidant Moisturizer.
Grab a bottle now and try out its amazing benefits!
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Best Value: No products found.
What we like about it:
- Instantly gives instant hydration
- Cruelty-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, preservative-free, vegan
- Lightweight texture
What we don’t like about it:
- A bit more expensive than your average drugstore product.
Boscia is a skincare brand that offers cruelty-free, clean, and high-value skincare products. Despite being a bit on the expensive side, the cost is indeed worth it! It contains aloe vera extract, cactus extract, jojoba seed extract, eggplant extract, and basil leaf extract that help nourish the skin.
The aloe vera extract restores skin moisture after sun exposure and provides antibacterial or anti-inflammatory properties. As for the South African Resurrection Plant infusion, it improves the texture of your skin and restores the skin barrier. Overall, Boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer is a good moisturizer that hydrates the skin without leaving a sticky and heavy residue behind.
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Budget-Friendly: No products found.
What we like about it:
- It helps soothe and rejuvenate dull skin
- Packed with peptides and antioxidant
- Cruelty-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, vegan
What we don’t like about it:
- The bottle is a bit small.
If you need a lightweight and affordable moisturizer, pick Mad Hippie’s Face Cream. It’s packed with peptides and antioxidants that provide enough moisture for people with normal skin. Just grab your bottle, apply a generous amount on your face, and you’re good to go.
Think of it as your daily moisturizer that you can carry with you wherever you go. As much as it saddens us that it only comes in a 30ml bottle, it’s quite advantageous if you’re traveling around. But if you’re wondering where its moisture comes from, the answer lies in Aloe Vera extract.
Aloe Vera is the second ingredient in Mad Hippie’s Face Cream, which is a good sign. Aloe Vera is also a humectant which means it traps moisture in the air and locks it in your skin which helps in boosting your skin’s hydration. Aside from Aloe Vera, it contains Niacinamide, which lightens dark spots, treats acne, and alleviates skin irritation.
The best part about it is the antioxidants that protect your skin from free radicals. Mad Hippie’s Face Cream is definitely a steal! It just has a light herbal scent which is natural for a moisturizer that contains natural ingredients. Overall, it’s a great daily moisturizer that you can carry anywhere.
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Final Verdict
Choosing cruelty-free moisturizers based on your skin type has been made easier than ever. These moisturizers aren’t only cruelty-free, but they were made by brands who care about their consumers and the planet. They may use different ingredients to cater to particular needs, yet they all work to hydrate and soothe the skin.
But, if we are to narrow down the best among each skin type, this is our list:
- Oily and Sensitive Skin – No products found.
- Dry Skin – No products found.
- Normal Skin – No products found.
There are several other brands that offer cruelty-free products you can also try. Don’t forget to patch test before you try the product and research if it’s genuinely cruelty-free or not. If you have any questions on whether a brand is cruelty-free or not, you can check some of our articles.