Cruelty-Free Moisturizer: Try These Finds
Everyone wants healthy, radiant skin. Many people want only top-quality ingredients in the products they use, and most people would like to use skincare products made in the most humane way possible. That’s where cruelty-free moisturizer comes into play. A quality cruelty-free moisturizer is good for both your skin and the planet and will keep each party healthier, happier, and a bit more radiant.
What is a Cruelty-Free Moisturizer, Exactly?
A cruelty-free moisturizer is a skincare product that was not tested on animals, nor were any of its ingredients tested on animals. In recent years, the use of animals to test products intended for humans has come under scrutiny. Cruelty-free products, including moisturizers, have boomed in popularity as a result.
But there is a caveat. Many products claim to be cruelty-free, but unless they are certified as such, it may be just a marketing ploy. A certified cruelty-free product will feature a small bunny logo, proving it has been certified either by PETA, The Leaping Bunny, or Choose Cruelty-Free, all organizations committed to ending animal testing.
Beyond being more humane, cruelty-free products are typically better for your skin because they contain fewer and more naturally sourced ingredients.
Top 5 Cruelty-Free Moisturizers: How We Chose
There are a lot of factors that go into picking a quality moisturizer. When looking for natural, cruelty-free products, it can add a lot of criteria to the mix. We picked our favorite cruelty-free moisturizers based on the factors below:
- Key Ingredients: We want the products you use to be free from harmful ingredients, making them better for both your skin and the planet.
- Cruelty-Free: The products listed below are actually cruelty-free, rather than simply claiming to be so.
- Safe for Skin: If a dermatologist doesn’t approve, neither do we.
- Value: We wanted the products we list to be a good value, so you know you’re getting a square deal with these items.
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Glossier After Baume Moisture Barrier Recovery Cream
| Certifications | Cruelty-free, vegan |
| Key Ingredients | Babassu Oil, Green Microalgae Extract, Linoleic Acid |
| Size | 15 mL, 50 mL |
| Price at Publication | $10-$32 |
Glossier’s After Baume recovery cream is a fragrance- and cruelty-free face moisturizer awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the National Eczema Association. This product is proven to lock in moisture for up to 24 hours.
Highlights
After trying this product, 100% of users said their skin felt moisturized and nourished. This recovery cream is plant-based and dermatologist-tested, so you know it’s a quality moisturizer.
Things to Consider
Glossier recommends that you apply this full-body cream before applying your SPF. It’s great after harsh sun or cold weather.
2. Derma E Vitamin C Radiance-Boosting Renewing Moisturizer
| Certifications | Vegan, cruelty-free, non-GMO, soy and gluten-free |
| Key Ingredients | Vitamin C, Probiotics, Rooibos |
| Size | 2 oz |
| Price at Publication | $25 |
Derma E’s Radiance-Boosting plant-based moisturizer is a fantastic product. It even comes in sustainable packaging!
Highlights
This vegan moisturizer is shown to reduce wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines. It fortifies your skin’s natural barrier with vitamins to help protect it from damage, and even brightens dull skin to promote a healthy glow.
Things to Consider
The packaging is recyclable and wind energy certified. It is recommended for use in the morning and evening.
3. E.L.F. SKIN Holy Hydration! Face Cream
| Certifications | Cruelty-free, vegan |
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide |
| Size | 1.76 oz |
| Price at Publication | $13 |
The e.l.f. SKIN hydrating face cream boasts a non-greasy formula that’s great for daytime and nighttime use. It’s great for oily, dry, normal, or combo skin types, meaning it’s right for you no matter what kind of skin you have.
Highlights
As with other products in the e.l.f. lineup, this cream has not been tested on animals. It is specially formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to seal in moisture and Niacinamide to promote radiant skin.
Things to Consider
This hydrating cream is a great buy for only $13. It’s versatile enough to use on all skin types and absorbs quickly and easily.
4. Pacifica Vegan Collagen Every Day Lotion
| Certifications | 100% vegan and cruelty-free |
| Key Ingredients | Vegan collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera |
| Size | 1.7 fluid ounces |
| Price at Publication | $21.99 |
If you want a product that both nourishes the skin and protects it from harmful UV rays, this cruelty-free SPF moisturizer is for you. With SPF 30 protection, this lotion helps reduce the appearance of skin aging. It is gentle enough to use daily and versatile enough for all ages and skin types.
Highlights
A compassionate product free from parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, the lotion comes in an eco-friendly glass bottle with a 30% post-consumer recycled plastic pump. The Hyaluronic Acid holds up to 1000x its weight in moisture, so you know you’re on your way to beautiful-looking skin.
Things to Consider
Make sure you reapply this product at least every two hours during sun exposure for optimal protection. You’ll still want to protect your skin with a water-resistant sunscreen when swimming or sweating.
5. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid Daily Moisturizer
| Certifications | Leaping Bunny and PETA-certified cruelty-free |
| Key Ingredients | Triglycerides, Linoleic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid |
| Size | 1 ounce, 3.3 ounces |
| Price at Publication | $6.70-$14 |
The Ordinary’s nourishing moisturizer is a lightweight product designed for daily use. Free from fragrances, alcohol, parabens, and sulfates, it promotes moisture retention by enhancing your skin’s natural barrier.
Highlights
A non-greasy formula suitable for all skin types, it is especially good for those looking to combat signs of skin dehydration. This brand stands behind its commitment to animal welfare.
Things to Consider
We recommend using this product after applying a serum as part of a complete skincare routine.
How to Choose a Cruelty-Free Moisturizer
There are several factors to consider when choosing a cruelty-free moisturizer. After you have determined the product is certified cruelty-free, it helps to ask yourself questions such as:
- What is your skin type? Certain products may be designed for specific skin types, such as oily or dry skin. Be sure to pick a moisturizer that matches yours.
- Do you need a vegan product? You may need a moisturizer that’s entirely vegan, depending on your lifestyle. The label will likely tell you if the product is 100% vegan, but if not, study the ingredient list thoroughly.
- What are your skincare concerns? Do you have acne, eczema, or rashes? Maybe you have an uneven skin tone. Read through product recommendations before you purchase to ensure your pick is compatible with any concerns you may have.
- Where do you plan to use the moisturizer? Are you looking for a total-body moisturizer? Something for your face? Make sure you confirm that what you buy is the right choice.
If you want healthy skin and you care about animal welfare, you should consider buying a cruelty-free moisturizer. There are lots of options out there, so you can feel good about sporting your best-looking skin yet.
Featured image via Ulta Beauty
