Cruelty-Free, Organic & Vegan Face Moisturizers For All Skin Types
Upgrading your skincare routine with all-vegan products? Firstly, thanks for putting your compassion first and helping to save the animals and our planet! I understand how daunting the process of switching up your skincare can be, especially if you've already found a conventional moisturizer that truly works for you. However, there are tons of vegan moisturizers that are not only effective, but also cruelty-free, clean, non-toxic, and extra nourishing for your skin. So, stumbling across the right one can be much more rewarding in the end!
There are many factors to consider when selecting the right facial moisturizer for your skin type and skin concerns. Those with dry or sensitive skin types may favor fragrance-free options with nourishing oils, while those with oily or combination skin types may need an oil-free or non-comedogenic moisturizer. So, we've broken down all the info you need in order to choose the right product for you. Keep reading for the ultimate guide to vegan face moisturizers!
Cruelty-Free vs. Vegan
One thing to keep in mind is that not all cruelty-free products are vegan, however contradictory it may seem. Although a 'cruelty-free' label accounts for all animals who are lab-testing subjects, it doesn't cover those used as ingredients in the actual product. Seems strange, right?
So, you may want to make sure that on top of being cruelty-free, your beauty products were also made using zero animal derivatives. Similarly, some animal-free products may have been tested on animals. This means they may be labeled 'vegan,' but are not cruelty-free. For example, many 'vegan' beauty products contain lake colorants, which are very frequently tested on animals.
Although any ethical vegan will insist that products that are not cruelty-free cannot be vegan, most companies simply see the vegan label as a marketing strategy. This often means they are not truly interested in the ethical implications, and will label any product made without animal products as 'vegan.' You'll likely need to watch out for this!
The best way to go about finding truly vegan beauty products is by thoroughly researching brands and finding out how they define the term 'vegan' when labeling their products.
Non-Vegan Ingredients To Avoid
There are plenty of animal products that could sneak into your beauty products, and moisturizer is not an exception. Your moisturizer could contain:
Beeswax. Although some vegans may consume sustainably sourced beeswax from local farms, this bee derivative is generally considered non-vegan.
Collagen. This ingredients comes from the hair, skin, nails, bones, and ligaments of various animals. Needless to say, it isn't vegan-friendly.
Lanolin. Squeezed out of wool just after it's shorn, lanolin is basically the grease secreted from sheep skin. Not only is it often a product of cruelty, it's not so pleasant to think about putting on your skin. If you agree, you'll probably want to stay away from any products containing lanolin.
Glycerin. Although glycerin may come from plant oils, it can also be extracted from animal fat. So, if the product is not labeled 'vegan', and the ingredient is not listed specifically as 'vegetable glycerin,' you can't be too sure about its vegan status.
Stearic Acid. Made from either palm oil or animal tallow, this ingredient may not be vegan-friendly. However, it's not very sustainable either way, so you'll possibly want to steer clear of this one altogether.
Do I Need SPF?
If you want to keep your skin soft, supple, and youthful for a very long time, it's always a good idea to select skincare products and makeup that contain some form of SPF. In fact, sunscreen is often described as 'an elixir of youth.' However, it can also help to prevent skin cancer caused by DNA damage from ultraviolet radiation. Aim for at least SPF 30 to be safe, and try to reapply it every 2 hours.
Although you should be fine with a daily SPF and do not necessarily need to have it in all of your cosmetics, including it in your moisturizer can be helpful if you tend to reapply this product throughout your day. This way, you can easily make sure you're always protected from the sun's harmful rays!
Cruelty-Free Vegan Face Moisturizers
For Dry Skin or Sensitive Skin
Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Miracle Cream
Price | $14.50
Key Ingredients | Colloidal Oatmeal, Organic Calendula, Shea Butter.
Fragrance-Free | NO
We highly recommend this super affordable and soothing cream, designed for even the most dry and sensitive skin! Developed by a Certified B Corporation, Babo Botanicals' vegan and cruelty-free cream employs the powerful healing properties of calendula and colloidal oatmeal to provide a quick remedy for flare ups, rashes, and dry patches. This hypoallergenic formula has been clinically tested by dermatologists and is even EWG-Verified, meaning it contains zero toxic ingredients!
Each of the ingredients in this product were ethically sourced from independent farmers. This brand has also supported the Edible Academy at NY Botanical Gardens, and started the Plant For Change initiative, which promotes urban farming and educates children on gardening.
Babo Botanicals' Moisturizing Miracle Cream can be used daily and reapplied as needed. Keep this essential vegan moisturizer on hand at all times to protect your precious skin!
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Pacifica Vegan Ceramide Barrier Face Cream
Price | $18.00
Key Ingredients | Vegan Ceramides, Amino Acids, Niacinamide.
Fragrance-Free | YES
You can effectively protect and repair your skin barrier with Pacifica's Vegan Ceramide Cream. Its soothing, fragrance-free formula is gentle on sensitive skin, and is even accepted by the National Eczema Association! This luxe cream was designed to melt into your skin and provide deep hydration without disrupting its natural protective barrier. You'll also love that it's made clean, without any parabens, phthalates, SLS, or mineral oil. Give it a try today!
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Honest The Daily Calm Lightweight Moisturizer
Price | $29.99
Key Ingredients | Phytosterols/Phospholipids, Micro-Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin.
Fragrance-Free | YES
This calming moisturizer is super lightweight, making it perfect for reapplication throughout the day! It absorbs deep into your skin layers, locking in the moisture for longer-lasting hydration. Plus, its sensitive and fragrance-free formula is Dermatologist Approved, EWG Verified, and accepted by the National Eczema Association!
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Herbivore Pink Cloud Soft Moisture Cream
Price | $44.00
Key Ingredients | Tremella Mushroom, Vegan Squalane, Rose Water.
Fragrance-Free | NO
Non-comedogenic and ultra-hydrating, Herbivore's gentle face cream provides lasting protection for your skin barrier and a gorgeous dewy finish! This dreamy formula addresses both dryness and irritation through the power of squalane oil and tremella mushroom, and is the perfect base for your everyday makeup. Try it out and enjoy a glowing complexion all day!
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Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream
Price | $60.00
Key Ingredients | Copper PCA, Bisabolol, Ginger Root.
Fragrance-Free | NO
Designed for sensitive skin and cold weather, this moisturizer brings in the big guns with intensely hydrating, conditioning, and soothing ingredients like castor oil, copper PCA, bisabolol, and glycerin (plant-derived). Simply massage it into freshly cleansed skin as needed, and keep your skin protected from harsh conditions all day!
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For Combination Skin or Oily Skin
Osea Blemish Balm
Price | $48.00
Key Ingredients | Sea Algae Extract, Tea Tree Oil, Juniper Berry Oil.
Fragrance-Free | NO
Made for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin, Osea's award-winning Blemish Balm is praised for its nourishing and clarifying ingredients, fast-absorbing formula, and for providing balanced hydration. Make this luxurious clean moisturizer a part of your new cruelty-free routine!
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For All Skin Types
Fleur & Bee Creme de la Cream Brightening Moisturizer
Price | $28.00
Key Ingredients | Coenzyme Q10, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid.
Fragrance-Free | NO
This silky moisturizer works on all skin types, but is also a great choice for oily and acne-prone skin types! Its incredibly lightweight formula absorbs into the skin completely, providing moisture without leaving a heavy, greasy feel. Plus, it's loaded with tons of science-backed actives, including coenzyme Q10, squalane oil, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, vitamin C, vitamin B3, and much more!
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Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
Price | $52.00
Key Ingredients | Squalane, Red Seaweed, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate.
Fragrance-Free | YES
Another fragrance-free option accepted by the National Eczema Association, Biossance's Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer melts into the skin for a weightless look and feel! This EWG Verified formula is free from nasties like parabens and PEG. It's also enhanced with tons of active ingredients like non-comedogenic and hydrating squalane oil, calming ginger and seaweed extracts, and probiotics to balance your complexion! Add this product to your clean, ethical skincare routine and feel the difference!
Tip: Keep this moisturizer in the fridge to preserve the effectiveness of its active ingredients.
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Cruelty-Free Vegan Moisturizers With SPF
For Dry Skin or Sensitive Skin
Mad Hippie Hydrating Facial SPF
Price | $24.99
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid.
Sunscreen Active | Zinc Oxide (SPF 25 Broad-Spectrum).
Fragrance-Free | YES
For extra protection from both harsh, drying conditions and from sun damage, try out Mad Hippie's hydrating SPF! This daily moisturizer and sunscreen is reef-safe and loaded with brightening and hydrating actives. These include squalane oil, hyaluronic acid and a combo of vitamin C and ferulic acid, which work together to further protect your skin from sun rays.
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Solara Suncare Time Traveler Ageless Activewear Face Moisturizer
Price | $42.00
Key Ingredients | Copper Peptides, Ceramides, Squalane Oil.
Sunscreen Active | Zinc Oxide (SPF 30 Broad-Spectrum).
Fragrance-Free | YES
Enhance your vegan skin care routine with this hydrating daily SPF! It's both silicone-free and EWG Verified, making it perfect for sensitive and dry skin types. Just watch out if you have a darker skin tone, since it could leave a white cast.
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For Normal Skin
Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30
Price | $55.00
Key Ingredients | Aloe Juice, Shea Butter, Calendula.
Sunscreen Active | Zinc Oxide (SPF 30 Broad-Spectrum).
Fragrance-Free | YES
Now white cast-free, and available in an alternative tinted version, Josh Rosebrook's day cream provides natural hydration and broad spectrum sun protection! This gentle moisturizer is designed to hydrate, firm, support cell regeneration, and reduce redness using effective, science-backed oils and herbs.
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Vegan Tinted Moisturizers With SPF
For Dry Skin or Sensitive Skin
Suntegrity 5-In-1 Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Price | $45.00
Key Ingredients | Astaxanthin (Powerful Algae-Derived Antioxidant), Hyaluronic Acid, Red Algae Extract.
Sunscreen Active | Zinc Oxide (SPF 30 Broad-Spectrum).
Fragrance-Free | YES
This daily SPF and moisturizer provides quick non-greasy sun protection, hydration, and light coverage for your busy day! Its clean formula is free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, sulfates, propylene glycol, and other questionable ingredients. However, it's also enriched with skin-loving ingredients like astaxanthin, hyaluronic acid, red algae extract, aloe vera, and green tea to boost your natural glow!
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Coola Rosilliance Tinted Moisturizer Organic Sunscreen SPF 30
Price | $52.00
Key Ingredients | Orange Fruit Water, Glycerin, Rose Stem Cells.
Sunscreen Active | Titanium Dioxide (SPF 30 Broad-Spectrum).
Fragrance-Free | NO
This organic and non-comedogenic tinted moisturizing sunscreen is gentle and lightweight enough for all skin types, including sensitive skin. However, it also adds sheer coverage in three glowy shades using non-toxic colorants like iron oxides and mica!
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MD Solar Sciences Mineral BB Creme SPF 50
Price | $39.00
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Caffeine, COQ10, Vitamin C, Squalane.
Sunscreen Active | Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide (SPF 50 Broad-Spectrum).
Fragrance-Free | YES
Enhanced with multiple plant-based actives to revive dull or dehydrated skin, this powerful moisturizer and sunscreen is the perfect addition to your vegan skin care routine! This nourishing blend of science-backed ingredients is formulated to soothe redness/irritation, de-puff, brighten, and tone. Plus, it provides gorgeous matte coverage and reef-safe mineral sun protection! Try it today!
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For Combination Skin or Oily Skin
BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Price | $37.00
Key Ingredients | Squalane, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid.
Sunscreen Active | Titanium Dioxide (SPF Broad-Spectrum).
Fragrance-Free | YES
BareMinerals' daily Tinted Moisturizer SPF provides mineral based sun protection, buildable coverage, and 24-hour hydration! Plus, it's oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it ideal for oily, acne-prone, or combination skin types. And best of all, its clean formula contains zero synthetic fragrance, and is enriched with hydrating olive-derived squalane and hyaluronic acid!
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For Aging Skin
Juice Beauty SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Moisturizer
Price | $35.00
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Organic Aloe Juice, Organic Grape Juice.
Sunscreen Active | Zinc Oxide (SPF 30 Broad-Spectrum).
Fragrance-Free | NO
Made with certified organic ingredients, and packaged in a Recyclable Tube and FSC Certified Paper, this moisturizer is better for you and for the planet! Its gentle formula is packed with sun-blocking minerals and natural antioxidant power, leaving you with radiant, even-toned, and protected skin.
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OUR PICK: Ceramedx Soothing Vegan Face Moisturizer
Price | $16.99
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Riceramide®-3, Allantoin.
Fragrance-Free | YES
Made with ultra-hydrating plant-based ceramides, fatty acids, and science-backed actives that are proven to help lock in moisture, our pick had to be Ceramedx's Soothing Facial Lotion! This lotion is dermatologist-recommended; ideal for dry, aging, sensitive, and normal skin types; and doesn't feel greasy or heavy on combination or oily skin. Most importantly, it's formulated with zero animal-derived ingredients, and is PETA-certified cruelty free!
It contains extremely effective moisturizing agents, like glycerin, ceramides, fatty acids, dimethicone, algae extract, and more. It's also infused with powerful plant-based actives that fight redness and irritation, while also nourishing your skin with loads of antioxidants to keep you glowing and youthful. These include algae extract, allantoin, aloe juice, and ascorbic acid, to name a few.
Packaged in a 4oz. recyclable plastic bottle, Ceramedx's Soothing Facial Lotion is one of the best values you'll get for a vegan face moisturizer. It's also one of the most effective pH-balanced and hypoallergenic options on the market. You have to try this well-rounded, versatile, and lightweight vegan face cream!
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