15 Best Non-Toxic Moisturizers for Every Skin Type
Key Takeaway
Non-toxic moisturizers should not contain parabens, phthalates, toluene, synthetic fragrance, coal tar, phenoxyethanol, formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, chemical UV filters, triclosan, polyethylene glycols
What Does a Moisturizer Do?
Keeping your skin moisturized is a fundamental step in an effective skincare routine. A good moisturizer traps all the hydration and nutrients in your skin, preventing moisture loss. Whether you are dealing with dry skin in winter or oily skin in summer, moisturizers help strengthen your barrier and keep your face soft and plump throughout the day
They also improve your skin texture and help regulate oil production, making them beneficial for acne-prone skin.
So, whether your skin is dry, oily, or sensitive, there is a perfect, clean moisturizer out there for you.
Ingredients to Look For in Natural Non-Toxic Moisturizers
Clean and non-toxic moisturizers are formulated with the following three types of ingredients.
Humectants
Humectants are substances that bind to water molecules in the environment or deeper skin layers, bringing them to the surface of the skin for hydration and moisture retention. The outermost layer of your skin is prone to getting dry, flaky, and rough. Therefore, keeping that layer hydrated supports soft, supple skin.
The most well-known humectants in skincare are
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Glycerin
- Urea
- Alpha hydroxy acids
- Honey
- Aloe vera
- Panthenol (vitamin B5)
- Sorbitol
Occlusive
As explained above, humectants are skin hydrants that attract water in your skin. Occlusives, on the other hand, form a barrier on your skin to prevent that water from escaping. They are thicker in texture than humectants and form a protective layer for prolonged moisture retention. Not only do occlusives seal hydration, but they also protect your skin from external irritants and dry winds.
Common occlusives you find in a non-toxic moisturizer are
- Shea butter
- Cocoa butter
- Jojoba oil
- Avocado oil
- Beeswax
- Squalane
- Petroleum jelly (when refined for cosmetic use and approved by the FDA)
Dewdrop Tip:
Some occlusives can be too heavy and comedogenic for acne-prone skin. So, always test first before using.
Emollients
Emollients are also moisturizing agents that you often find in toxin-free moisturizers. Emollients make your skin smooth rather than adding hydration. When your skin is dry and dehydrated, it becomes flaky and develops small, open cracks. Emollients fill these gaps, giving your skin a smooth, even appearance.
It is important to note that some emollients, like certain oils, also act as occlusives in moisturizers, face creams, or lotions.
Common examples of good emollients include
- Ceramides
- lipids
- Jojoba oil
- Squalane
- Amino acids
What is Clean Beauty?
Clean beauty has become a buzzword in the cosmetic and skincare world. This term promotes the use of products that contain non-toxic, natural ingredients, are eco-friendly with sustainable packaging, and ethically sourced.
However, there is no official body to regulate this movement and ensure the product is actually “clean”. As a result, different companies created their own standards for a non-toxic product and began greenwashing their customers. It is a tactic where a marketer exaggerates their eco-friendly and clean practices by using vague terms like natural, organic, or chemical-free.
To avoid getting trapped by such marketing gimmicks :
- Research the brand and dig into the information about their manufacturing practices.
- Read the complete ingredient list available on the website.
- Run the ingredients list through a trustworthy analyzer like INCIDecoder.
- Look for some reliable third-party certifications like PETA or USDA.
Ingredients to Avoid in Clean Face Moisturizers
According to research, avoid three types of ingredients in a clean moisturizer or skincare product.
Potential Allergens or Skin Irritants
Irritants or allergens are the ingredients that trigger an immune reaction upon skin contact. They also disrupt your skin barrier, leading to redness, itching, and skin sensitivity.
Some irritants can cause inflammation in a single application, while others require multiple contacts to induce a reaction.
The most common irritants in moisturizers are
- Fragrance
- Formaldehyde
- Petroleum distillates (occlusive)
- Chemical UV filters like octocrylene
- Phenoxyethanol (preservative)
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone (preservative)
Potential Hormone Disruptor
Hormone disruptors are chemicals that alter the hormonal system of your body. These toxic chemicals in moisturizers enter your body through skin absorption. Once in your system, they either block the action of a hormone or alter its normal levels in the body. Exposure to such substances is linked to various hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive disorders.
Some hormone disruptors to avoid in natural, non-toxic moisturizers are:
- Triclosan
- Triclocarbon
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Toluene
- Petroleum distillates
- Phenoxyethanol
- Sodium borate
- Placenta extracts
Potential Cancer-Causing Agents
These are the substances that might cause or increase the risk of cancer in some people. You can find potential carcinogens in moisturizers, such as UV filters, preservatives, or coloring agents. These agents have the potential to disrupt your DNA structure and cause uncontrolled cell growth.
Carcinogens to avoid in your moisturizer are
- PEGs (polyethylene glycols)
- Coal tar ingredients
- Formaldehyde
- Petroleum distillates
How to Know if My Moisturizer is Clean?
When shopping for a new moisturizer or any skincare product, always use a trustworthy source to analyze all the ingredients. For example, INCIDecoder is a website that helps you understand every single ingredient of a product.
You need to paste or upload a photograph of the ingredient list. The online tool will then provide you with information about the function of each ingredient and its potential to irritate.
You can evaluate the product composition according to your skin concerns and then make an informed choice.
Our list of 15 Best Non-Toxic Moisturizers
We have shortlisted 15 non-toxic moisturizers for you based on
- Non-Toxic Ingredients
- Hydrating capabilities
- Ethical Sourcing
Honest Hydrogel Cream
Ideal for: Dry, Dehydrated Skin
Texture: Lightweight cream
Key ingredients
- Hyaluronic Acid – humectant
- Jojoba oil – provides lasting moisture
- Squalane – supports skin barrier
Benefits
A non-toxic face cream that hydrates, moisturizes, and smooths skin. There is no petrolatum, parabens, fragrance, dyes, or any other harsh chemicals.
Kinfield Rescue Mission Whipped Moisturizer
Ideal for: Very Dry skin, Sensitive skin
Texture: Thick Cream
Key Ingredients
- Ceramides – strengthen skin barrier
- Chamomile – reduces inflammation and redness
- Meadowfoam Seed Oil – lightweight acne-safe oil that seals in moisture.
Benefits
It is a hydrating and nourishing clean moisturizer that does not feel heavy on the skin. It makes your skin soft, smooth, and supple without being greasy.
Acure Incredibly Clear Mattifying Moisturizer
Ideal for: Oily Skin
Texture: Lightweight cream with matte finish
Key Ingredients
- Aloe vera- humectant
- Lilac Extract – calms irritation and improves acne scars
- Chlorella – supports collagen production and even tones skin
- Coenzyme Q10 – an antioxidant, retains moisture and brightens and tightens skin.
Benefits
It is an organic moisturizer that deeply hydrates your face without adding the greasy shine. It is easily absorbed, improves your skin texture, and has anti-aging properties. The formula is acne-friendly and free of toxic ingredients like parabens, sulfates, or formaldehyde.
Attitude Oceanly Face Cream Stick
Ideal For: Dry, Mature skin
Texture: Rich Creamy
Key ingredients
- Peptides – strengthen the moisture barrier of the skin
- Phytoglycogen – minimizes the signs of aging
- Watercress extract – hydrates and improves overall skin texture and tone.
- Glycerine – humectant
Benefits
This non-toxic moisturizer is formulated using naturally sourced ingredients. Apart from deep hydration, it also helps smooth wrinkles and rejuvenate mature skin.
Three Ships Radiance Stem Cells Cream
Ideal for: Dry Skin
Texture: Whipped, lightweight cream
Key Ingredients
- Grape Stem Cells Extract – fights free radicals throughout the day for a healthy, radiant complexion.
- Squalane – supports the skin barrier and locks in moisture for a hydrated and plump skin
Benefits
This clean face cream provides lasting moisture and promotes a radiant and glowing complexion. Its key ingredients are naturally sourced and free from synthetic and harmful chemicals.
100% Pure Hydra Drench Cream
Ideal For: Oily Skin type
Texture: Lightweight silky cream
Key ingredients
- Chia seed gel – tightens skin, provides hydration, and barrier support.
- Rose Water – soothes and calms skin
- Chia seed oil – source of omega fatty acids, good for skin barrier
- Hyaluronic Acid – humectant
Benefits
It is a lightweight cream that moisturizes skin without feeling greasy or heavy. All the ingredients are non-toxic and plant-derived, including the pigments used for colors.
Burt’s Bees Calming Night Cream
Ideal For: Sensitive Skin
Texture: Rich Creamy
Key Ingredients
- Aloe Vera – hydrates skin
- Rice Milk – promotes a radiant complexion
- Squalane – locks in moisture
Benefits
Sensitive skin often has a compromised skin barrier. This night cream deeply hydrates, strengthens the barrier, and calms redness and itchiness. The non-toxic moisturizer is free from harsh ingredients like parabens, phthalates, fragrance, and petrolatum etc.
Cocokind Ressurection Polypeptide Cream
Ideal For: Dry, Sensitive Skin
Texture: Rich, velvety moisturizer
Key ingredients:
- Polypeptide complex – supports collagen production, reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Resurrection plant extract – helps retain moisture
- Watermelon seed oil – natural antioxidant, fights free radicals
- Squalane – locks in moisture
Benefit
This eco-friendly moisturizer hydrates, prevents moisture loss, and helps reduce the visible signs of aging.
Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream
Ideal for: Dry Sensitive skin
Texture: Whipped lightweight cream
Key Ingredients
- Omega fatty acid – helps retain moisture
- Ceramides – part of the skin’s natural moisturizing factors
- Hyaluronic Acid – Humectant
- Squalane – strengthen skin barrier
- Acai berry Sterols – plant-derived lipid that improves overall skin hydration
Benefits
This Bisossance moisturizer is best for hydration, firming, and calming inflammation on your skin. All the ingredients in this moisturizer are vegan and eco-friendly.
Alpyn Melt Moisturizer
Ideal For: Aging, Dry Skin
Texture: Rich, Creamy Texture
Key Ingredients
- Bakuchiol – minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
- Hyaluronic Acid – humectant
- Vitamin C – brightens the skin
- Squalane and Ceramides – retain moisture and support the skin barrier
Benefit
This toxin-free vegan moisturizer hydrates, brightens, and softens wrinkles on your face.
Jones Road Oil-Free Moisturizer
Ideal for: Acne Prone Skin
Texture: Lightweight water-based cream
Key Ingredients
- Niacinamide – brightens skin, minimizes large pores, and helps regulate sebum production.
- Ginger Water – antioxidant-rich water that calms inflammation.
- Squalane – moisturizes skin and supports the barrier.
Benefit
It is a fragrance-free light moisturizer that works best for oily skin in summer and winter. It not only hydrates but also enhances glow and smooths skin texture.
ILIA The Base Face Milk
Ideal for: Use before makeup
Texture: Lightweight milky
Key ingredients
- Hyaluronic acid – humectant
- Lipid Complex – strengthen skin barrier
- Microalgae extract – antioxidant properties
- Prickly pear flower extract – smooths skin texture
Benefits
This clean plant-based face milk moisturizes, calms, and smooths your skin. The light hydrating formula works best to prep your skin before makeup.
Osea Atmosphere Protection Cream
Ideal For: Normal, Combination Skin
Texture: Lightweight, silky cream
Key ingredients
- Seaweed Marine Blend – comforts dry skin and supports skin’s microbiome
- Elfdock – antioxidant properties
- Niacinamide – helps refine pores and enhance overall skin smoothness.
Benefits
Osea is one of the best non-toxic moisturizers that hydrates and protects against external pollutants. This eco-friendly face cream also evens out skin tone and enhances skin elasticity.
Necessaire The Body Lotion
Ideal: Non-toxic Body Moisturizer
Texture: Rich Lotion
Ingredients
- 2.5% Niacinamide – Brightens and smooths skin
- Peptides – firms and support collagen production
- Vitamin C + E – antioxidant and brightening properties
- Omega 6 and 9 – moisturizes and supports the natural skin barrier
- Vitamins and omega fatty acids are derived from plant oils.
Benefits
This clean multivitamin body lotion hydrates and firms your skin. It is an eczema-approved, non-toxic moisturizer, safe for even sensitive skin types.
Honest Everyday Radiance + C Moisturizer
Ideal for: Brightening Dull Skin
Texture: Lightweight cream
Ingredients
- Vitamin C – antioxidant and brightening properties
- Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) – helps improve skin texture and tone
- Squalane- moisturizing properties
- Hyaluronic acid – hydration
Benefits
This everyday moisturizer provides prolonged hydration while supporting smooth and supple skin. It is a non-comedogenic vegan moisturizer free from synthetic fragrance and dyes.
