The best cruelty free face moisturizers for 2023
If you’re looking for the best cruelty free face moisturizers, you’re in luck! Many brands now offer vegan and cruelty-free face moisturizers that are just as effective as their non-cruelty-free counterparts. Today, I’m sharing some of the best!
With so many great options available, I’ve spent hours researching, reading reviews and conducting my own testing to identify the 10+ best cruelty-free face moisturizers on the market.
11+ Best Cruelty Free Face Moisturizers
Note: One critical factor to keep in mind when purchasing a cruelty-free face moisturizer is the brand’s cruelty-free certification. Look for certifications from organizations such as PETA or Leaping Bunny to ensure the brand does not test on animals.
Versed Dew Point – Daily Lightweight Gel Face Moisturizer
If you’re looking for a cruelty-free face moisturizer that’s perfect for all skin types, then Versed Dew Point is the right choice for you. It’s a lightweight gel cream moisturizer that absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling hydrated and bouncy without any greasiness or shine.
Pros
- The gel cream contains sodium hyaluronate that helps retain moisture in the skin.
- Aloe leaf juice hydrates while antioxidant-rich green tea extract fights damaging free radicals and quiets inflammation.
- It’s a non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog pores, making it perfect for oily and acne-prone skin.
Cons
- It may not provide enough hydration for extremely dry skin.
- It’s a bit pricey compared to other moisturizers on the market.
- The jar packaging may not be hygienic for some people.
Versed Dew Point is a high-performance gel face moisturizer that delivers results that warrant restocking. It’s easy to use, and you only need to smooth a peanut-size amount of Dew Point gel face moisturizer into clean, dry skin on your face and neck. Use it in the morning and/or evening after cleansing and applying serums.
The lightweight gel texture is perfect for summer, especially for oily and combination skin types. It provides good hydration without feeling heavy or oily. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy finish to your skin. It’s also great for sensitive skin since it’s non-comedogenic and doesn’t cause any breakouts.
Overall, if you’re looking for a cruelty-free face moisturizer that’s lightweight, hydrating, and perfect for all skin types, then Versed Dew Point is definitely worth trying.
Burt’s Bees Sensitive Moisturizing Cream
If you are looking for a cruelty-free face moisturizer that is gentle on your sensitive skin, then Burt’s Bees Sensitive Moisturizing Cream is worth considering.
Pros
- Provides all-day hydration without causing redness or irritation
- Infused with rice extract and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate your skin
- 98.8% natural origin formula that is fragrance-free and formulated without harmful chemicals
Cons
- The cream may settle during shipping, causing the container to appear partially full
- May not be as rich and moisturizing as some other night creams
- Some users may not like the smell of the cream
This dermatologist-tested moisturizing cream is formulated with a blend of humectants, oils, and squalene to calm and soothe visible signs of redness and irritation on your sensitive skin. It also helps to restore your skin’s moisture barrier over time when used daily as directed.
The cream is infused with rice extract and aloe vera, which are known for their hydrating and soothing properties. It is also 98.8% natural origin and fragrance-free, making it gentle on your skin and safe to use.
One of the best things about this cream is that it provides all-day hydration without causing redness or irritation. It is clinically shown to be gentle on your sensitive skin, leaving it refreshed and nourished.
However, some users may find that the cream settles during shipping, causing the container to appear partially full. Additionally, it may not be as rich and moisturizing as some other night creams, and some users may not like the smell of the cream.
The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer
Pros
- Absorbs quickly into the skin
- Helps support natural collagen production
- Visibly hydrates and brightens skin
Cons
- Might not be moisturizing enough for very dry skin
- Packaging can be difficult to use
- Some users experienced breakouts after using the product
This nurturing yet fast-absorbing daily moisturizer contains a dual peptide formula that aims to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while balancing your skin’s natural oil levels. With continued use, the Peptide Moisturizer helps support natural collagen production and hydrates your skin, leaving it looking youthful and radiant.
To use, simply apply a pea-sized amount of the Peptide Moisturizer onto your face and neck after cleansing and hydrating with a hyaluronic acid serum. You can use it in the morning and at night for best results.
The Peptide Moisturizer contains 2% Royal Epigen P5 that helps even out your skin tone and delay the aging of skin cells. Its hydrating peptide solution supports your skin’s moisture barrier for visibly radiant skin.
Overall, The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer is a great option for those looking for a cruelty-free face moisturizer that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, if you have very dry skin, you might want to look for a more moisturizing product.
Burt’s Bees Renewal Firming Day Lotion
If you’re looking for a cruelty-free face moisturizer that will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, Burt’s Bees Renewal Firming Day Lotion might be just what you need.
Pros
- The natural sunscreen in this lotion helps hydrate and protect your skin from premature aging caused by sun damage.
- Clinically shown to reduce the look of deep wrinkles and visibly improve skin firmness.
- Made from 98.9% natural origin ingredients, this lightweight moisturizer is noncomedogenic and dermatologist tested.
Cons
- Some users report that the lotion leaves a white tint on their skin.
- The pump can be difficult to use, and the lotion may be too heavy for some skin types.
- The fragrance may not be to everyone’s liking.
Burt’s Bees Renewal Firming Day Lotion is a great choice if you’re looking for a natural, cruelty-free face moisturizer that will help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The natural sunscreen in this lotion helps hydrate and protect your skin from premature aging caused by sun damage, while the clinically proven formula helps visibly improve skin firmness making it a great cruelty-free face moisturizer with spf.
One potential downside to this lotion is that some users report that it leaves a white tint on their skin. Additionally, the pump can be difficult to use, and the lotion may be too heavy for some skin types. However, if you’re looking for a natural, cruelty-free face moisturizer that will help keep your skin looking healthy and supple, Burt’s Bees Renewal Firming Day Lotion is definitely worth considering.
Honest Beauty Deep Hydration Face Cream
If you’re looking for a cruelty-free face moisturizer that can hydrate your skin for up to 8 hours, Honest Beauty Deep Hydration Face Cream is a great option.
Pros
- The cream is infused with Daikon Radish and Baobab Seed Oils that can help support your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
- It is hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores.
- Honest Beauty Deep Hydration Face Cream is cruelty-free and comes in a 100% tree-free paper carton, which makes it an eco-friendly choice.
Cons
- Some users might find the scent of the cream too strong.
- The moisturizer might feel a bit oily on the skin, especially if you have oily or combination skin.
- The pump dispenser might not work properly sometimes, which can be frustrating.
This face cream has a lightweight formula that can soften and condition your skin, leaving it feeling baby-soft. It is made with Shea Butter, which is known for its nourishing and moisturizing properties. The cream is free from parabens, phthalates, PEGs, dyes, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrances, which makes it safe to use on sensitive skin.
Honest Beauty Deep Hydration Face Cream is easy to apply and absorbs quickly into the skin. You only need a small amount of the cream to cover your face and neck. The cream can be used as a day or night moisturizer, depending on your preference.
Overall, if you’re looking for a cruelty-free face moisturizer that can hydrate your skin and support its natural moisture barrier, Honest Beauty Deep Hydration Face Cream is definitely worth trying out.
Ursa Major Hydrating Daily Moisturizer
If you’re looking for a cruelty-free face moisturizer that is lightweight and non-greasy, Ursa Major Hydrating Daily Moisturizer is a great option.
Pros
- Fast absorption and nourishes skin without clogging pores
- Plant-based ingredients that are clean and all-natural
- Lightweight herbal aroma that is infused with subtle notes of lavender, lime, spearmint, and rosemary
Cons
- May not be moisturizing enough for extremely dry skin
- Some users may not like the herbal scent
- May not work well under makeup for some users
Ursa Major Hydrating Daily Moisturizer is a lightweight gel moisturizer that provides fast absorption and nourishes skin without clogging pores, while being non-greasy. It feels like a serum, repairing skin after sun exposure or cold weather. Great for sensitive skin, it can help you experience clearer, smoother, and healthier skin.
The skin care is formulated with clean, all-natural plant-derived ingredients including soothing aloe, hydrating kendi oil, toning birch sap to counter redness, and carrot for rejuvenating beta carotene and boosting vitamin A. It is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free, and contains no petrochemicals, no sulfates, no synthetic fragrance or color, no glycols, no silicones, or PEGs. It is also gluten-free. Since it doesn’t blog pores, it’s also a great cruelty-free moisturizer for acne-prone skin.
The moisturizer is infused with subtle notes of lavender, lime, spearmint, and rosemary. It is a quick-drying weightless formula with no oily residue. Nourishing lotion feels like a serum, quick absorption as a base layer for sunscreen or on its own. This regenerative moisturizer is ideal for men and women, suitable for all skin types including normal, oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. Use morning or night for skin that appears clearer, firmer, and smoother to keep you looking healthier, longer.
Overall, Ursa Major Hydrating Daily Moisturizer is a great cruelty-free face moisturizer that is perfect for those with normal to oily skin. If you’re looking for a lightweight, all-natural moisturizer that will leave your skin feeling nourished and refreshed, this is definitely worth a try.
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream
If you’re looking for a vegan and cruelty-free face cream that provides powerful hydration and nourishment, e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream is a great choice.
Pros
- Provides a powerful boost of hydration and luminous skin
- Nourishes and plumps skin with key ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Squalane, and Vitamin B5
- Good for normal, dry, combo and oily skin types and can be used both day and night
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with very sensitive skin
- Some users report that it can leave a slightly greasy feeling on the skin
- May not be moisturizing enough for extremely dry skin
This lightweight cream immediately sinks into the skin for a smooth, non-greasy feel and soft, supple skin. It’s packed with skin-loving ingredients that even out skin tone and replenish lost moisture for a firmed up, bouncy complexion. Hyaluronic Acid helps provide hydration by locking in moisture and reducing water loss, while Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) helps brighten and even out skin tone. Squalane helps improve moisture balance and elasticity, and Peptides help promote collagen for a more refreshed complexion.
The e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream is great for daytime and nighttime use and is suitable for normal, dry, combo, and oily skin types. It’s made from skin-loving ingredients you want, minus the toxins you don’t—all at good-for-you prices. All e.l.f. products are 100% cruelty-free and vegan.
Overall, if you’re looking for a vegan and cruelty-free face cream that provides powerful hydration and nourishment, e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream is a great choice.
LILY SADO MILK + MANUKA™ Coconut Milk & Manuka Honey Natural Face Moisturizer
You should definitely Coconut Milk & Manuka Honey Natural Face Moisturizer if you want a daily facial cream that is non-greasy and delivers long-lasting hydration.
Pros
- Provides all-day hydration
- Contains amazing botanicals for maximum hydration, circulation & skin cell regrowth
- Packed with anti-aging Retinoids to reduce hyperpigmentation & puffiness
Cons
- May not be suitable for people with very oily skin
- The container may be smaller than expected
- Some people may not like the natural scent of coconut and honey
This luxuriously creamy & smooth Manuka Honey Collagen Radiance Face Cream is carefully curated with ingredients like Manuka Honey, Coconut, Gotu Kola, Vitamins B5 & E, Soluble Collagen, and Cocoa Butter. It delivers long-lasting hydration & nutrients to soften and firm skin for a healthy, glowing complexion. The silky smooth texture absorbs quickly and is non-greasy.
Ursa Major Golden Hour Face Moisturizer
If you’re looking for a cruelty-free, vegan face moisturizer that hydrates your skin and protects it from aging, Ursa Major Golden Hour Face Moisturizer is the perfect choice.
Pros
- Deep hydration and quick absorption
- Plant-based formula with natural ingredients
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- May not be as effective for anti-aging as other products
- Some users reported no visible results for brown spots
- A bit pricey compared to other face moisturizers
Ursa Major Golden Hour Face Moisturizer is a great choice for those who want to keep their skin hydrated and protected from aging. Its natural formula contains hydrating sea buckthorn, soothing calendula, and moisture-retaining sunflower, making it rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E, carotenoids, phytosterols, essential fatty acids including omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 oils.
This face moisturizer has a rich, fast-absorbing texture that works as a recovery cream and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier. It serves as an anti-aging wrinkle cream that restores weary skin, and improves fine lines, dryness, and loss of firmness. You can use it as a night cream and protective winter face cream, but it’s fantastic for year-round use.
Ursa Major Golden Hour Face Moisturizer is cruelty-free, 100% vegan, paraben-free, gluten-free, and fragrance-free. It contains no petrochemicals, sulfates, synthetic fragrance or color, glycols, silicones, or PEGs making it a great cruelty-free face moisturizer for sensitive skin. The aroma is neroli, sandalwood, and a touch of sour rose anchored with fresh-soaked earth.
This face moisturizer is suitable for all skin types, including normal skin, oily skin, combination skin, dry skin, and sensitive skin. It leaves your skin smoother, softer, and more supple without adding shine.
Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer
If you’re looking for a cruelty-free face moisturizer that is hydrating, balancing, nourishing, and multi-tasking, then Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer is a great choice.
Pros
- The moisturizer is hydrating and nourishing, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth.
- It is multi-tasking, serving as an after-shave, makeup primer, and unisex moisturizer.
- It is cruelty-free and vegan, making it a great choice for those who care about animal welfare.
Cons
- It is a bit pricey compared to other face moisturizers on the market.
- It may not be suitable for those with oily skin, as it can leave a slightly greasy feeling.
- Some users may not like the chamomile scent.
This face moisturizer is perfect for those with dry, sensitive skin. It is lightweight and absorbs quickly, making it perfect for use both morning and night. It is also great for use as an after-shave balm, as it helps to soothe and hydrate the skin.
One of the best things about this moisturizer is that it is multi-tasking. It can be used as a makeup primer, helping to create a smooth, even base for your foundation. It is also a great unisex moisturizer, making it a great choice for couples who want to share their skincare products.
The only downside to this moisturizer is that it is a bit pricey compared to other face moisturizers on the market. However, a little goes a long way, so a single bottle should last you for several months.
Overall, if you’re looking for a cruelty-free face moisturizer that is hydrating, nourishing, and multi-tasking, then Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer is definitely worth considering.
St. Ives Renewing Collagen & Elastin Moisturizer
If you’re looking for a cruelty-free face moisturizer that promotes a youthful glow, St. Ives Renewing Collagen & Elastin Moisturizer is a great option.
Pros
- Conditions skin for a youthful glow
- Made with 100% natural moisturizers and safflower seed oil
- Dermatologist tested, paraben free, non-comedogenic, and certified cruelty-free by PETA
Cons
- Some users may find it too thick
- May not be suitable for very oily skin
- Some users may prefer a moisturizer with more anti-aging ingredients
This facial moisturizer is made with collagen, elastin, and safflower oil, which work together to hydrate and nourish the skin. The safflowers used in this face lotion are harvested from trusted sources in countries like Argentina and Australia, ensuring that you’re getting high-quality ingredients.
The formula is thick and creamy, which may not be ideal for those with very oily skin. However, for those with normal to dry skin, it provides a great level of hydration without feeling greasy or heavy.
Overall, if you’re looking for a cruelty-free moisturizer that will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and youthful, St. Ives Renewing Collagen & Elastin Moisturizer is definitely worth a try.
Body Merry Retinol Surge Moisturizer
If you’re looking for a cruelty-free face moisturizer that helps reduce signs of aging, Body Merry’s Retinol Surge Moisturizer could be a great option for you.
Pros
- The moisturizer contains Retinol, which helps minimize signs of aging and evens skin tone.
- Hyaluronic Acid floods skin with moisture, leaving it looking bright and radiant.
- The moisturizer is Leaping Bunny Certified cruelty-free and made in the USA using natural and organic plant-based ingredients.
Cons
- The moisturizer may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.
- Some users have reported a strong fragrance, which may be overpowering for some.
- The moisturizer may take some time to show visible results.
Body Merry’s Retinol Surge Moisturizer is a rich, hydrating cream that helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, plumping, firming, and tightening skin for a smoother, more youthful complexion. The moisturizer is gentle enough to use as an eye cream and is packed with natural and organic plant-based ingredients, including Aloe, Green Tea, Shea Butter, and Jojoba Oil.
One of the key ingredients in the moisturizer is Retinol, which is known for its anti-aging properties. Retinol helps minimize signs of aging, correct dark spots, discoloration, and redness from acne, leaving skin looking brighter and more radiant. The moisturizer also contains Hyaluronic Acid, which floods skin with moisture, leaving it looking plump and hydrated.
While the moisturizer is suitable for most skin types, it may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin as some users have reported a strong fragrance, which may be overpowering for some. Additionally, the moisturizer may take some time to show visible results.
Overall, if you’re looking for a cruelty-free face moisturizer that helps reduce signs of aging, Body Merry’s Retinol Surge Moisturizer could be a great option for you.
How to decide which moisturizer to use
When it comes to choosing the best cruelty-free face moisturizer, there are a few key features to look for to ensure you are getting a product that meets your needs.
What is your skin type?
Firstly, consider your skin type. Do you have dry, oily, or combination skin? Look for a moisturizer that is specifically formulated for your skin type to ensure it provides the right level of hydration without causing any irritation or breakouts.
What the ingredients being used
Next, consider the ingredients in the moisturizer. Look for natural and organic ingredients, such as aloe vera, jojoba oil, and shea butter, which can provide deep hydration and nourishment to the skin without any harmful chemicals. Avoid products that contain lots of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances, which can be harsh on the skin and cause irritation.
Do you want SPF?
Another important factor to consider is the SPF level. If you plan on using the moisturizer as a daily sunscreen, look for a product with at least SPF 30 to provide adequate protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
Do you prefer a light or heavy formula?
When it comes to application, consider whether you prefer a lightweight or heavier formula. A lightweight moisturizer is ideal for daytime use under makeup, while a heavier formula may be better suited for nighttime use to provide more intense hydration.
What is your budget?
Finally, consider your budget. There are plenty of high-quality cruelty-free face moisturizers available at a range of price points, so it’s important to find a product that fits within your budget while still providing the features you need.
Overall, choosing the right cruelty-free face moisturizer comes down to considering your personal needs and preferences. By taking the time to research and compare different products, you can find a moisturizer that provides the perfect balance of hydration, nourishment, and sun protection for your skin.
