13 Best Cruelty-free Moisturizers for Ultimate Hydration

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 20, 2024
cruelty-free moisturizer
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Drawing from our experience as dedicated skincare enthusiasts, we have come to realize that selecting the best cruelty-free moisturizer is more than just a matter of personal preference – it's a conscious choice that mirrors our ethical values. In fact, picture yourself standing in front of your bathroom mirror, eager to begin your daily skincare ritual. As your hand reaches out for that cherished moisturizer, have you ever paused to wonder about its remarkable journey before landing in your hands? In a world increasingly conscious of the impact of our choices, it is high time to elevate our skincare game too. And that's where a sustainably sourced, vegan, and cruelty-free moisturizer can help you, where ethics and skincare meet. These moisturizers have emerged as a testament to our evolving understanding of beauty – one that embraces compassion and responsible choices.

Shawnda Dorantes, a California-based beauty nurse practitioner, expresses the essence of cruelty-free skincare beautifully: "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." Choosing cruelty-free moisturizers is not merely a trend; it is in fact a conscious step towards a brighter, kinder, and more sustainable future for the beauty industry. By opting for these products, you are supporting innovation, ethical values, and the well-being of animals.

What is the Significance of Cruelty-free?

"Cruelty-free" is a term that holds a lot of importance in the world of cosmetics and personal care products. Simply put, it means that a product and its ingredients were not tested on animals. Imagine a world where bunnies, mice, and other animals don't have to go through those painful experiments for the sake of our beauty and skincare. When you see a product labeled as cruelty-free, it means you can enjoy looking and feeling your best without causing harm to our furry and feathered friends. So, choosing cruelty-free products is not just about cosmetics but a way of standing up for what is actually right and making the world a kinder place.

In this guide, we are all set ready to spill the beans on the beauty industry's best-kept secret – best cruelty-free moisturizers. These remarkable products offer the ultimate blend of skin-friendly hydration and a compassionate approach to beauty.  Keep reading to know more!

13 Best Cruelty-free Moisturizers

This award-winning facial cream from e.l.f. is the ultimate hydration hero, and drawing from our experience, here's why you'll love it too. Packed into a creamy texture, it's an oasis for your skin, with niacinamide to blur those pesky pores and even out your skin tone, hyaluronic acid for a bouncy and plump complexion. Moreover, it contains squalane to bring balance and elasticity, and vitamin B5 to soothe and hydrate. Whether you have dry skin, normal, combination, or oily texture, it is suitable for everyone, and it plays well day and night without making your face feel like an oil slick. Plus, it is cruelty-free and vegan, meaning it's good for you, the animals, and your wallet.

Pros
  • Artificial fragrance-free
  • Lightweight
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Cruelty-free and vegan
  • Quick absorption
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Best All-season Care Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin

    dearKlairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream

    dearKlairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream
  • No more battling sensitive skin through the seasons; this dearKlair's cream has got your back, whether it's dry, overheated, or just plain irritated. This superhero is enriched with yeast-derived Beta Glucan and packed with shea butter, ceramide 3, and lipidure for an intensive moisture boost that will have your skin singing 'Hallelujah!' And the best part? It has got an ethical side too. Our findings show that it is cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and free from ethanol, parabens, steroids, artificial coloring, and artificial fragrance. So, while it is busy making your skin happy, it is also kind to our furry friends and the planet.

    Pros
    • Lasting moisturization
    • All season skincare
    • Non-sticky texture
    • Soothing benefits
    • Vegan-friendly
    Cons
    • May not suit all skin types
  • Most Desired Fragrant Moisturizer

    Pacifica Dreamy Youth Day And Night Face Cream

    Pacifica Dreamy Youth Day And Night Face Cream
  • Meet the Dreamy Youth Day And Night Face Cream, a true cruelty free moisturizer for aging skin! After putting it to the test, we could see this cream turning out to be like a time machine for all human skin types, especially those longing for a hydration boost. You can easily say goodbye to the ticking clock with this vegan and clear formula, free from parabens, phthalates, SLS, and mineral oil. It is packed with concentrated peptides, floral stem cells, antioxidants, and advanced extracts that team up to deeply moisturize and restore your skin's youthful glow, with a scent that adds a luxurious and pleasant sensory experience to your skincare regimen.

    Pros
    • Luscious fragrance
    • Versatile for all skin types
    • Cruelty-free and vegan
    • Clean formula
    • Better packaging
    Cons
    • Scent sensitivity
  • Best Anti-aging Moisturizer

    Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream

    Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream
  • Prepare to meet your skin's new BFF! This hydrating Golden Hour facial moisturizer is not just your average skincare product; it's your daily dose of skin-loving magic. As per our expertise, it is the ultimate multitasker, offering deep hydration and swift soothing absorption. This vegan cruelty free face moisturizer is a gem which is rich in plant-based goodness, featuring sea buckthorn, calming calendula, and moisture-locking sunflower, a trio that packs a punch with antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, plus a host of other skin-loving nutrients. And let us not forget the irresistible aroma – neroli, sandalwood, and a hint of sour rose grounded in fresh-soaked earth. For all skin types, it's your ticket to smooth, supple and soft skin, without the unwanted shine.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free and vegan
    • Day and night use
    • Lightweight
    • Soothing formula
    • Chemical-free
    Cons
    • Overwhelming scent
    • Expensive
  • Best Lightweight Moisturizer

    boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer

     boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer
  • Imagine your skin sipping on pure hydration – and that's the magic of this ultra-lightweight, cruelty free gel moisturizer! Boscia is like a refreshing drink for your skin, instantly quenching its thirst. But there's more to this beauty secret. It's a rejuvenating wonder that can turn desert-dry skin types into a lush oasis. It's all thanks to the 'Queen of the Night' Cactus Succulent, a resilient plant from Mexico that thrives in extreme conditions. This botanical powerhouse not only reduces redness and improves texture but also leaves your skin revived for over 48 hours with just a single application. So, if you are ready to treat your skin to a desert-inspired makeover, grab this moisturizer and let the hydration party begin!

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Ultra-lightweight
    • Long-lasting Hydration
    • Soothing formula
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • May not suit all skin types
  • Most Suitable Hydrating Moisturizer

    Bliss Drench & Quench Moisturizer

    Bliss Drench & Quench Moisturizer
  • This ultra-lightweight moisturizer doesn't just hydrate but drenches your skin in blissful refreshment. And here is the kicker — it transforms from cream to water on contact, effortlessly melting into your skin for that all-day comfort. We are talking about a spa-at-home experience, complete with a rejuvenating aquatic scent that will transport you to the relaxation center. This magical potion boasts not one, not two, but four types of hyaluronic acid, each targeting a different layer of your skin to plump and hydrate from the inside out. And the best part? It is weightless! Your skin drinks it up in a flash, leaving no heavy, greasy aftereffects.

    Pros
    • Weightless and non-greasy
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Rejuvenating scent
    • Rejuvenating scent
    • Cream-to-water transformation formula
    • Makeup-friendly
    Cons
    • Overwhelming scent
  • Most suitable Oil-free Moisturizer

    Andalou Naturals Acai + Kombucha Oil-Free Moisturizer

    Andalou Naturals Acai + Kombucha Oil-Free Moisturizer
  • Think of this moisturizer as your daily dose of nourishing goodness, thanks to the fruit stem cell complex with argan stem cells, acai berry, and kombucha probiotics. It's oil-free, so you can kiss excess shine goodbye and say hello to a balanced, clear complexion. But that's not all – Andalou Naturals is all about the beauty of nature. They are on a mission to support superior source ingredient standards, using only organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, sustainable, fair trade, cruelty-free, and nature-derived ingredients. This means each of their products resembles a skincare love letter to Mother Earth herself!

    Pros
    • Oil-free hydration
    • Non-GMO commitment
    • Made with natural ingredients
    • Clear skin focus
    • Cruelty-free and vegan
    Cons
    • Overwhelming scent
  • Best All-body Lotion

    CERAMEDX Natural Ceramide Lotion

    CERAMEDX Natural Ceramide Lotion
  • Say goodbye to dull skin woes and hello to a world of moisturized bliss with Ceramedx! This lotion isn't just your average skin savior—it's a superhero for your body, hands, and face. Imagine a formula that's non-greasy, ultra-hydrating, and synthetic fragrance free- and you have got that in this one. But here's where it gets even more exciting: Ceramedx is all about Ceramide-3, an exclusive blend of plant extracts like ceramides, lecithin, and essential fatty acids like oleic acid. This powerhouse ingredient helps restore your skin's lipid balance, ensuring moisture is locked in where it belongs. With regular use, it doesn't just moisturize; it renews your skin, making it healthier than ever.

    Pros
    • Dermatologist-recommended
    • Cruelty-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Non- greasy and hydrating
    • Versatile usage
    Cons
    • Seems a bit watered down
  • Best for Blemish-prone Skin

    Pacifica Kale Luxe Oil-free Moisturizing Face Cream

    Pacifica Kale Luxe Oil-free Moisturizing Face Cream
  • Unleash the power of plants with this 100% vegan and cruelty-free daily moisturizer, specially crafted for those with oily and blemish-prone skin. Say goodbye to unwanted ingredients and hello to the goodness of kale extract, lime pearls, vitamin E, and flax in a refreshing oil-free formula. Pacific Kale moisturizer is like a green smoothie for your skin, but without the calories! This cruelty free face moisturizer isn't just about skin care but self-care. And it is not just about what is in it, but also what's NOT. Formulated without parabens, phthalates, and other nasties, it is a clean beauty delight you will love.

    Pros
    • Vegan-friendly
    • Ideal for oily and blemish-prone skin
    • Clean formula
    • Made with natural ingredients
    • Better packaging
    Cons
    • Not suitable for all skin types
  • Best Vegan Moisturizer

    Beauty without Cruelty Renewal Moisturizer

    Beauty without Cruelty Renewal Moisturizer
  • Unlock the secrets of premium aromatherapy with BWC's Vitamin C Premium Facial Renewal Cream, your passport to radiant skin! This is not just any ordinary cream but a skincare revolution packed with benefits for all skin types. Whether you are a devoted vegan or simply skincare-savvy, it's a match made in heaven – 100% vegan, no animal ingredients in sight! This clean moisturizer is a multitasking superhero- it nourishes, conditions, revitalizes, and restores your skin, thanks to CoQ10, green tea extract, and antioxidant vitamins.

    Pros
    • Premium aromatherapy experience
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Vegan-friendly
    • Hydrating and restoring formula
    • Clean formula
    Cons
    • May not address specific skin concerns
    • Strong fragrance
  • KORA Organics Turmeric Glow Moisturizer

    KORA Organics Turmeric Glow Moisturizer
  • Introducing the secret to radiant, healthy skin: KORA Organics Turmeric Glow Moisturizer! Certified Organic and clean, it's a powerhouse of hydration and beauty benefits that'll leave your skin feeling like a million bucks. What's the secret sauce, you ask? It's a blend of turmeric extract, licorice extract, marine microalgae, desert date, rosehip, and maracuja oils. Together, they firm, illuminate, and lock in moisture like a dream team. And it gets even better! Make it part of your daily routine by gently massaging it onto your face and neck in the morning and evening. Plus, it is eco-friendly with refill pods, so you are doing good for your skin elasticity and the planet.

    Pros
    • Certified organic
    • Eco-friendly refill option
    • No artificial fragrances or colors
    • Ultra-hydrating and brightening
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Fresh Rituals Aloe Vera Moisturizer

    Fresh Rituals Aloe Vera Moisturizer
  • Are dry skin woes keeping you up at night? Meet your new skin savior – the Aloe vera Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid! Say goodbye to parched, lackluster skin, and hello to the dewy, plump, and youthful complexion you've been dreaming of. It's like a tall glass of water for your skin, in a jar. This cruelty free hyaluronic acid moisturizer plays nice with all types, from oily to sensitive, acne-prone skin to combination one. And the best part? It's the Candid Promise. Non-comedogenic, 100% vegan, and free from the nasties like parabens, phthalates, harsh chemicals, sulfates, synthetic dyes, or GMO's.

    Pros
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Cruelty-free and vegan
    • Hyaluronic acid benefits
    • Free of harmful ingredients
    • Nourishes skin
    Cons
    • Overpriced
  • NuRevealSkincare Two Moons Night Cream

    NuRevealSkincare Two Moons Night Cream
  • Unveil your skin's natural radiance with the magic of NuReveal LLC! This cruelty-free night wonder is on a mission to transform your complexion, and it is not your average skincare lineup. Led by a women-owned brand, this collection calms skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis with the care and attention your mature skin deserves. glycerin, dog rose fruit oil, cocoa seed butter, jojoba oil, shea butter, and more join forces to hydrate, soothe, and protect your skin. But it's not just about looking good; it's about feeling good too. With ingredients like mandarin orange peel oil, lavender oil, and evening primrose oil, your skin will thank you with a radiant glow.

    Pros
    • Certified organic
    • Cruelty-free and vegan
    • Effective exfoliation
    • Calms skin conditions
    • Rich in antioxidants and vitamins
    Cons
    • Complex ingredient list

    Now, as we have journeyed through the finest selections, it's time for you to get with  us on a simple yet crucial guide to help you in finding your perfect skincare moisturizer for that perfect glow.

    Key Considerations for Choosing the Best Cruelty-free Moisturizer

    When it comes to selecting the best cruelty-free moisturizer, several key points can really help you find the perfect match for your skin. Not only are cruelty-free products ethically responsible, but they can also provide the hydration and nourishment your skin needs. Here are some important factors you can keep in mind:

    1.Cruelty-free Certification: Look for reputable cruelty-free certifications on the product label. These symbols indicate that the brand does not conduct animal testing at any stage of product development.

    2.Ingredients List: Pay attention to the ingredients list. Opt for products with natural and plant-based ingredients, as they are often gentler on the surface and less likely to cause irritated skin. Avoid products containing animal-derived ingredients like lanolin or collagen.

    3.Skin Type Compatibility: Consider your skin type. Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive, or combination skin barrier, there is a cruelty-free moisturizer designed to address your specific needs. Look for a product tailored to your skin type to maximize its effectiveness.

    4.       Texture And Consistency: Moisturizers come in various forms, including creams, lotions, gels, and serums. Choose a texture that suits your preference and skin type. Creams are generally richer and more hydrating, while gels are lightweight and ideal for oily skin.

    5.       SPF Protection: If you want extra protection from the sun's harmful UV rays, consider a cruelty-free moisturizer with built-in SPF. This can simplify your skincare routine by combining hydration and sun protection in one product.

    6.Fragrance And Sensitivity: If you are dealing with sensitive skin types or are sensitive to scents, opt for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic options. These products are less likely to trigger skin reactions.

    7.Specialized Concerns: If you have specific skin concerns such as aging, acne, or hyperpigmentation, look for cruelty-free moisturizers formulated to target these issues. They often contain additional active ingredients to address your unique needs.

    8.Ethical Brand Values: Research the brand's overall commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Cruelty-free goes beyond animal testing; it also encompasses eco-friendly packaging, fair trade sourcing, and other responsible practices.

    9.Reviews And Recommendations: Read product reviews and look for recommendations from others who have similar skin types and concerns. Real-life experiences can provide valuable insights into a product's performance.

    10. Price Factor: Determine your budget and explore cruelty-free moisturizers within your price range. Remember that quality skincare doesn't always come with a hefty price tag, and there are affordable options available too.

    The Benefits of Choosing a Cruelty-free Moisturizer

    Choosing a cruelty-free moisturizer isn't really just about feeling good—it's also about doing good. When you opt for a cruelty-free moisturizer, you make a compassionate choice that aligns with your values. Not only do these products give your skin the love it deserves, but they also ensure that no animals are harmed in the process. It's like a win-win for your beauty routine and your conscience. Plus, many cruelty-free moisturizers are crafted with environmentally friendly practices in mind, reducing their overall impact on the planet. So, by making this simple switch, you are not just nourishing your skin; you are contributing to a kinder, more sustainable world.

    By considering these factors, you can confidently choose a cruelty-free moisturizer that aligns with your values and caters to your skin's unique needs, ensuring skin-friendly hydration without compromising on ethics.

    By choosing the best cruelty-free moisturizer for you, you are not just enhancing your skin health and radiance but you are also supporting a movement towards a kinder and more ethical beauty industry. Every application becomes a testament to your values and a step towards a future where beauty is cruelty-free. So, whether you are looking for that hydrating bliss, age-defying magic, or simply a daily dose of self-love, rest assured that the aforementioned cruelty-free brands have got you covered. Your skin deserves nothing less than the best, and the best should always be kind. Here's to amazing skincare that makes you look and feel beautiful, inside and out.

    FAQ's

    How do cruelty-free moisturizers differ from regular ones?
    Since no animals are used in the testing process, cruelty-free moisturizers are produced sustainably.
    Do cruelty-free moisturizers always come in vegan and organic formulations?
    Not necessarily; some are, but not all cruelty-free moisturizers are vegan or organic.
    What drives the preference for cruelty-free skincare among consumers?
    People prefer products with cruelty-free formulae to support animal welfare and ethical choices.
    What are some recommended cruelty-free moisturizers for tackling wrinkles?
    Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream and Pacifica Kale Luxe Oil-free Moisturizing Face Cream
    Can you use both moisturizer and sunscreen simultaneously?
    Yes, it's safe to use moisturizer and sunscreen together for added protection.
    Are there cruelty-free moisturizers available with built-in sun protection?
    Yes, you can find cruelty-free moisturizers with SPF to protect from sun damage.
    Are cruelty-free moisturizers suitable for individuals with sensitive skin?
    Yes, many cruelty-free moisturizers are suitable for sensitive skin, but always check labels for specific formulations.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Anoushka, the skincare connoisseur, was on a quest for the perfect cruelty-free moisturizer. With a passion for ethical beauty, she meticulously researched and tested a multitude of options to unearth the ultimate cruelty-free moisturizer gems. Armed with a treasure trove of knowledge, she came across these amazing top picks moisturizers and couldn't stop herself from guiding her beloved audience towards skin-loving, guilt-free hydration. So, here’s her list of product recommendations that might transform your skincare routine into a whimsical, guilt-free, and utterly fabulous experience. Prepare for radiant, hydrated skin like you have never seen before! 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health and fitness on board to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More