25 Best Vegan Face Moisturizers for Every Skin Type
In the world of vegan skincare, few products are as essential as face moisturizers. Serving as the cornerstone of daily skincare routines, these hydrating wonders play a pivotal role in maintaining skin health, vitality, and youthfulness. From combating dryness and soothing irritation to providing a nourishing base for cruelty-free makeup application, the benefits of face moisturizers are manifold.
In this vegan body care guide, we delve into the best option for vegan face moisturizers, and the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect lotion for your unique skin type.
Lush botanicals, cruelty-free formulas, and luminous skin, here you come!
Table of Contents
What are the Benefits of Using a Vegan Face Moisturizer?
Similar to body lotion, a facial moisturizer is like a green smoothie for your skin! It helps keep your skin soft and hydrated, preventing it from feeling dry or tight. Facial moisturizers come in different forms, like creams or lotions, and you typically use them after washing your face.
Vegan and cruelty-free moisturizers are free of any animal-derived ingredients and animal testing. Instead, they’re made from plants or synthetic ingredients like plant oils, shea butter, and aloe vera. All of these are gentle and nourishing for the skin.
Choosing a vegan moisturizer can be a great way to support ethical and sustainable skincare practices, too!
Common Animal-Derived Ingredients in Moisturizers
Ever thought about what’s in your facial moisturizer? Some of these common ingredients might surprise you, especially if you’re vegan. Here are some animal ingredients in many facial moisturizers you’ll want to avoid:
- Beeswax: Honey bees produce this natural wax. The wax softens and protects the skin, as well as gives the moisturizer more solid texture. Plant-based substitutes include candelilla, rice bran, or sunflower wax.
- Honey: A sweet substance produced by bees from flower nectar. Honey is moisturizing and soothing, but vegan-friendly options (such as shea butter and vegetable glycerin) are a great alternative.
- Lanolin: This waxy substance comes from sheep’s wool. Although lanolin can soften and moisturize skin, you can get the same results from coconut oil, cocoa butter, and almond oil.
- Collagen: This protein comes from animal tissues like bones and skin. Collagen improves skin elasticity and firmness. Thankfully, there are more and more vegan options for both collagen and elastin on the market today.
- Elastin: Another protein from animal tissues. Elastin improves skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
- Glycerin: It can come from animals or plants, so check the label. Glycerin helps the skin retain moisture.
Best Vegan Face Moisturizer Brands
Looking for the best cruelty-free and vegan moisturizer brands? You’re in the right place! We’ve rounded up some of the top brands that prioritize both your skin and the planet. Let’s dive in and discover your new favorite moisturizer!
Acure
Offering face moisturizers that are refreshing drink for your skin, packed with natural, plant-based ingredients. They hydrate and nourish your skin without any harsh chemicals or cruelty to animals. With options for every skin type, Acure makes it easy to find the perfect moisturizer for your daily skincare routine.
Biossance
This skincare company offers products are like a hug for your face, made with clean, sustainable ingredients. They’re gentle yet effective, giving your skin extra hydration and nourishment without any harmful chemicals. With a range of options for different skin types, Biossance makes it easy to find a moisturizer that suits your needs.
Boscia
A popular brand with amazing products! Boscia’s face lotions are crafted with natural goodness and refreshing ingredients. They’re gentle and soothing, giving your skin the hydration it craves without any harsh stuff. Whether your skin is dry, oily, or somewhere in between, this newly cruelty-free company has a moisturizer that’ll leave your skin feeling happy and health!
Ceramedx
Ceramedx moisturizers are formulated with plant-based ceramides and are a great swap for CeraVe (a company that is not vegan-friendly or cruelty-free). They’re super gentle and hydrating, perfect for sensitive skin or anyone looking for a natural option. Their fragrance-free facial lotion will nourish your skin without any harsh chemicals or animal ingredients.
Cocokind
Vegan skincare by Cocokind is packed with organic and superfood ingredients. They’re really gentle yet super effective, keeping your skin hydrated and happy without any synthetic stuff. Plus, Cocokind’s all about sustainability and making a positive impact, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your skin.
Derma-E
A classic and popular brand for face lotion! Derma-e’s formulas are made with natural, cruelty-free ingredients that are good for your skin. They’re gentle yet effective, providing hydration and nourishment without harsh chemicals. With a range of formulas to suit different skin types, Derma-e makes it easy to find a face cream that works for you.
E.L.F.
The best drugstore brand to choose for skincare (and make-up)! E.L.F. is accessible and amazingly effective—their moisturizers are like a beauty secret you’ll want to share. They’re affordable yet luxurious, offering high-quality hydration without the high price tag. With a variety of formulas, including options for sensitive skin, E.L.F makes it easy to find a moisturizer that fits your needs and your budget.
Earth Harbor
This conscious brand is on a mission to harness the natural power of the earth and the ocean to create natural, ethical, and sustainable skincare. Founded by a herbalist with impeccable style and design, Earth Harbor offers plant-derived facial moisturizers, hydrating creams, SPF sunscreen, serums, and eye creams. Their Mermaid Milk boasts over 700 5-star reviews on their site, and their brand is carbon neutral, plastic negative, and partners with 1% For The Planet®.
Fleur & Bee
Fleur & Bee’s face moisturizers are made with natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals. They’re gentle and effective, keeping your skin hydrated and healthy without any extra stuff. Choose between anti-aging, brightening, and dry skin formulas. Plus, this premium vegan skincare company is committed to being 100% clean, sustainable, and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using their products.
Morrocco Method
This raw handcrafted facial cream is thick and luxurious for ultimate hydration after a steamy shower. It’s made with clean ingredients like sweet almond oil, jojoba, and hints of wild rose. It is hypoallergenic, won’t clog pores, and doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily.
OSEA
Face creams by Osea Malibu are a blend of ocean-inspired ingredients, crafted to hydrate and revitalize your skin. They’re made with natural, organic elements, perfect for gentle and effective skincare. Their moisturizers leave your skin feeling refreshed and nourished, reflecting Osea’s commitment to clean, sustainable beauty. Luxurious and well-worth the price!
Pacifica Beauty
A favorite brand for all ages and skin types! Pacifica’s face creams hydrate and soothe, leaving your skin feeling happy and healthy. Plus, they come in delicious scents that make skincare fun. This cutting-edge company is always one step ahead of the game—offering effective products with amazing results on a regular basis.
The Ordinary
The Ordinary’s skincare products are like your skin’s best friend, simple yet effective. They offer a range of solutions for all skin types, from acne to aging. You can trust that your skin is getting exactly what it needs, without any fuss or frills. Choose between phytoceramides, hyaluronic acid, or beta-gluten for the perfect formula for your needs.
Versed
Described as a “bouncy moisturizer”, Versed’s gel cream provides lightweight hydration. It’s packed with good-for-you ingredients like green tea extract and aloe vera. This gel cream absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and looking dewy all day long! If you’re looking for something more substantial, take a look at their rich moisture cream or daily brightening moisturizer.
Eco-Friendly Solid Vegan Moisturizers
Solid, eco-friendly vegan moisturizers are like bars of soap but for moisturizing your skin. All without any animal ingredients and often come in recyclable or compostable packaging. These moisturizers are great for reducing waste and are gentle on the environment.
Solid bars or sticks are also awesome when flying (less liquids for your liquids bag—woo!) or when you’re afraid of accidental oozing while in your purse or travel bag. They’re so handy for any occasion, while making your skin feel utterly supple and smooth. Here are our favorite solid moisturizer brands:
Vegan Moisturizers with SPF
Want to protect your skin from the sun while keeping your skin hydrated at the same time? Daily vegan moisturizers with sunscreen are your new best friend! Here are our top picks that keep your skin supple, happy, and sun-safe!
- Acure Seriously Soothing SPF Day Cream
- Alba Botanica Even & Bright
- Coola Clear Sun Silk Moisturizer with SPF
- E.L.F. Holy Hydration Face Cream
- Fre Lightweight Daily Moisturizer
- Pacifica Beauty Vegan Collagen Every Day Lotion
There are also dozens of vegan sunscreen brands to explore.
Cruelty-Free Moisturizer FAQs
Yes! Coola’s Rosilliance Tinted Moisturizer and Organic Sunscreen is a great choice, as well as Ilia’s Skin Tint and Pacifica Beauty’s Kind Tint. All are 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
A vegan milk moisturizer is a moisturizer made with plant-based milks like almond, coconut, or oat milk, instead of dairy milk. This type of vegan face moisturizer is great for anyone who prefers cruelty-free and dairy-free skincare. They can hydrate and nourish your skin just like regular moisturizers.
When it comes to natural moisturizers for your face, the options are endless! Coconut oil is great for dry skin, while shea butter is super rich and perfect for dry or sensitive skin. Aloe vera is soothing and hydrating, ideal for oily or acne-prone skin. Jojoba oil is a versatile option that works well for all skin types, and argan oil is packed with Vitamin E, making it a nourishing choice for dry or aging skin. Experiment and find the one that leaves your skin feeling its best – remember, a little goes a long way with natural skincare!
Choosing a vegan face moisturizer isn’t just about skincare – it’s a statement. By opting for cruelty-free, plant-based products, you’re not only showing kindness to animals but also supporting sustainable, eco-friendly practices. So, go ahead, pamper your skin and your conscience with these compassionate choices. It’s a win-win for more beautiful skin!
Always check the ingredients list on the back of the bottle (or via the company’s website) to make sure your moisturizer is vegan-friendly!
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