The Best Natural Face Moisturizer (15+ Products Ranked!)
Last Updated: September 8, 2023
Today we’ll be looking at…
- The problem with conventional moisturizers.
- The benefits of using a non-toxic moisturizer.
- The concerning ingredients in conventional moisturizers.
- Why “hypoallergenic” and “fragrance-free” are tricky terms.
- Debunking the “dermatologist-recommended” myth.
- The best non-toxic moisturizers analyzed by ingredients.
For many, moisturizers are an essential part of their skincare routine. Applying a face moisturizer daily to keep the skin hydrated is the first line of defense in keeping healthy, glowing skin—regardless of your age, skin type, or gender.
As our understanding of skincare ingredients has evolved, so too has our desire for clean and non-toxic products. But when it comes to finding the perfect non-toxic moisturizer for your face, the search can be overwhelming. Where do you begin, and how do you sift through the ingredient lists that read like a science experiment?
Not all moisturizers are created equal, and in a world filled with synthetic ingredients, questionable additives, and environmentally harmful components, finding the perfect non-toxic moisturizer for your face can feel like a daunting task.
For this reason, we took a deep dive into the world of facial moisturizers—specifically, the ingredients—to create an objective, science-based list of the best clean and safe facial moisturizers.
Want to jump directly to our recommended clean moisturizers?
If you want to skip directly to our list of the best-rated moisturizers, click here.
The Problem With Conventional Moisturizers
Moisturizing is a crucial step in any skincare routine, but it’s important to know that not all moisturizers are safe to use.
While many conventional moisturizers contain synthetic and potentially harmful ingredients, non-toxic moisturizers prioritize natural and safe ingredients to nourish your skin.
So why should you care about using a non-toxic moisturizer? Let’s explore the benefits and considerations of making this important skincare choice.
The Risks of Harmful Ingredients in Conventional Moisturizers
Since moisturizer is something you’ll probably be putting on your face daily, it’s very important that the product you use is clean and free from potential toxins.
Some of the potential downsides to using a conventional moisturizer with harsh ingredients include:
- Skin Irritation – Some synthetic ingredients and fragrances in conventional moisturizers can cause skin irritation, redness, and rashes, especially for sensitive skin.
- Endocrine Disruption – Certain chemicals, such as parabens and phthalates, can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances and reproductive issues.
- Allergic Reactions – Allergens in some moisturizers can trigger allergic reactions, resulting in skin discomfort and inflammation.
- Long-Term Health Concerns – Repeated exposure to certain toxic ingredients in skincare products may contribute to long-term health issues, including cancer and organ toxicity.
Benefits of Using a Non-Toxic Moisturizer
Thankfully, many brands have stepped up to the plate in recent years and we now have a wide selection of non-toxic and clean face moisturizers available.
There are a lot of great reasons to switch to a clean moisturizer, including:
- More Skin-Friendly – Non-toxic moisturizers often contain natural, plant-based, and organic ingredients that are gentle on the skin and less likely to cause irritation or sensitivity.
- Environmentally Conscious – Choosing non-toxic skincare products helps minimize environmental impact, as many harmful chemicals found in conventional products can pollute water sources and disrupt ecosystems.
- Transparent Ingredients – Non-toxic brands are more likely to be transparent about their ingredient lists, allowing you to make informed decisions about what you put on your skin.
- Nourishing and Healing – Non-toxic moisturizers are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential oils that provide deep hydration, promote skin regeneration, and support a healthy complexion.
Ingredients of Concern in Conventional Face Moisturizers
None of these ingredients were found in the products we looked at, but are still important to know about.
Synthetic Fragrances
Fragrance is a a very common reason for skin irritation, and a 2008 study found that 83% of drugstore creams contained fragrance or a fragrance-related allergen.
The term fragrance, when used in products, is an umbrella term, and there are currently 3059 chemical ingredients that can be used in fragrances. And what’s worse is that manufacturers can just list “fragrance” and not the individual ingredients that go into the fragrance.
Some of these 3059 ingredients have been linked to health effects like cancer, allergies, reproductive issues, and more.
We always considered undisclosed, non-natural fragrance an ingredient to avoid.
Parabens
Some moisturizers may include a collection of chemical preservatives known as parabens. This contentious ingredient has been investigated due to its potential connection to endocrine disruption and breast cancer. You’re not likely to find parabens under the ingredient list of any brand of truly clean moisturizer.
Parabens—commonly labeled as methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, or propylparaben on product packaging—are often used as preservatives. An in-vitro study on human scalp skin tissue found that these chemicals can potentially be absorbed through the scalp and have been linked to various health issues, such as cancer, endocrine disruption, and reproductive toxicity.
Preservatives play an essential role in beauty and personal care products. Any product containing water, aloe, or essential oils requires preservation, as mold and bacterial growth can pose risks. This growth may sometimes be undetectable by the naked eye.
Because there are products with safer alternatives, like sodium benzoate and phenoxyethanol, we don’t recommend using products with parabens.
Chemical Sunscreens
Moisturizers with SPF often use chemical sunscreens to achieve sun production.
If your moisturizer has SPF, make sure it’s not using a chemical sunscreen to achieve this. For an in-depth look at these chemicals, see our sunscreen guide.
Chemical sunscreen active ingredients include:
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
- Homosalate
- Octocrylene
- Avobenzone
- Octisalate
A 2020 study showed that these active ingredients found their way into the bloodstream after just a single application. What’s worse is that the amount is accumulative—the more these chemicals are applied, the more they end up in the bloodstream.
The exact effect these chemicals might have on the human body is unclear, but since alternatives exist in the form of physical sunscreens, there aren’t a lot of good reasons to use products with these ingredients.
Mineral Oil
The mineral oils used in cosmetic products are derived from petroleum.
Mineral oil is occlusive—meaning it seals off the skin, preventing air, water or anything else to get in or out. This
“Your skin will look good at first (because the lines are stretched out), but in the long run various cellular processes will work somewhat less efficiently,” says Dr. Jetske Ultee, research physician in Cosmetic Dermatology. “Eventually, this will lead to your skin not being able to protect itself, and you find yourself in a vicious circle; your skin quickly dries out if you don’t put any cream on, and so you keep applying it.“
Silicone
Brands love putting silicone in their moisturizers because it makes them feel smooth when applying them, and they’re very cheap. They’re also used to make the product water-resistant.
In terms of human health, they’re most likely non-toxic. However, the Government of Canada declares some types of silicones—namely siloxane—as a danger to the environment.
However, there are a few good reasons not to use products with silicone in them:
- They form a barrier on the skin that can trap sweat, debris, bacteria, sebum, and other debris.
- If you’re acne-prone, this can lead to breakouts.
- They’re not actually helping your skin in any way. It’s more of a band-aid solution that makes the product feel better going on but isn’t doing anything for your skin.
- They can make your skin drier. Since the silicone clogs the pores, it can throw the skin’s natural hydrating process off. This is on top of the silicone’s seal that prevents moisture from getting in.
- They block other ingredients from absorbing. If you’re layering products as many do, the silicone barrier will prevent them from absorbing into the skin.
- They’re hard to remove. If you do a typical cleansing routine, it might not even be enough to get all of the silicone off of your skin.
Hydroquinone
As a result of contamination, hydroquinone can sometimes be found as an impurity in tocopherol acetate (Vitamin E). This chemical is commonly marketed as a skin-lightening cream. Hydroquinone can sometimes be found in face moisturizers and carries risks enough that we don’t recommend it.
Banned in the European Union, Japan & Australia and restricted for use in Canada. This chemical is linked to skin cancer, ochronosis (a skin condition where the skin turns blueish-grey), and permanent eye damage if exposure to the eye occurs.
In a 2020 animal study, researchers revealed that hydroquinone damaged the outer layer of the skin and caused swelling in the cells of deeper skin layers, as well as in the cells around the oil-producing glands and hair roots.
In a presentation at the 2022 Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) annual meeting in Portland, Oregon, scientists discovered that being exposed to hydroquinone significantly increased the risk of getting melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer, and all types of skin cancer combined.
Artificial Dyes
Synthetic dyes have long been contentious in the beauty and personal care industry. In the past, these dyes were made from coal tar, but most are now derived from petroleum.
The potential risks of dyes in non-rinse-off products, like moisturizers, remain uncertain compared to their use in food. One noticeable ingredient in some of these products is FD&C Yellow #6.
This coloring agent can be contaminated with benzidine, a cancer-causing compound. A 2018 in-vitro study discovered that Yellow #6, along with other dyes, contributed to inflammation and can cause allergic reaction.
Generally, we at Better Goods advise steering clear of products containing artificial dyes.
Retinyl Palmitate
You might see this labeled as retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, retinyl linoleate, and retinoic acid. Known as retinoids—a synthetic form of vitamin A—this ingredient is credited with both treating acne and reducing wrinkles.
This ingredient is controversial—there have been a number of conflicting studies published about the safety and efficacy of retinyl palmitate.
A 2012 U.S. National Toxicology Program study explored the risks of retinyl palmitate. Mice were exposed to artificial sunlight for four hours daily and treated with creams containing retinyl palmitate or retinoic acid. These mice developed more tumors at a faster rate compared to mice exposed to sunlight without cream treatment or those treated with just carrier cream.
Another 2005 study investigated the effects of treating mouse lymphoma cells with retinyl palmitate and exposing them to UV-A light, which penetrates deeper into the skin than UV-B rays. Researchers found that the mutation frequency of cells—a factor leading to cancer—was three times higher when cells were treated with retinyl palmitate and exposed to UV-A, compared to cells exposed only to UV-A light.
However, there is some pushback in the opposite direction.
An independent analysis published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found no evidence that sunscreens containing retinyl palmitate (vitamin A) cause cancer in humans.
The American Academy of Dermatology heavily criticized the studies and those using them as proof of danger of retinyl palmitate. In fact, retinyl palminate, among other vitamin A derivates, has been touted as an antioxidant and cancer fighting substance time and again.
The jury is out on this ingredient, but right now we believe in the adage of “better safe than sorry”, and will not recommend products with retinyl palmitate.
Ingredients With Contamination Concerns
Some of the products we looked at had ingredients that have a risk of contamination with harmful chemicals.
These ingredients include all ethoxylated ingredients, namely those starting with polysorbate-, PEG-, and Ceteareth-.
These ingredients are at risk of being contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a known human carcinogen. For this reason, we give them an “iffy” rating.
Beware of the Hypoallergenic & Fragrance-Free Claims
If you see the term “hypoallergenic” on a moisturizer, take it with a grain of salt.
While the term is typically used to indicate that the product has no ingredients that will cause allergic reactions, there’s an issue: the term is unregulated by the FDA. This means that manufacturers don’t need to support these claims when they put them on the packaging.
According to Dr. Steve Xu, assistant professor, and dermatologist at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine, he and some of his colleagues tested the 100 best-selling moisturizers from Amazon, Target, and Walmart.
The results were shocking—they found that 83% of the products labeled “hypoallergenic” actually contained a potential allergenic chemical.
Not only that but nearly half—45 percent—of the products they tested were labeled “fragrance-free” but contained some form of fragrance.
Another more general study of 187 children’s products labeled hypoallergenic or otherwise safe for children’s skin found that 89 percent of them contained a potential allergen.
There’s really only one thing you can do to protect yourself as a consumer—try to understand which ingredients your skin reacts to and avoid products that contain those ingredients.
Debunking the “Dermatologist Recommended” Myth
The terms “dermatologist-recommended” and “dermatologist-tested” are often used on skincare product labels as a marketing tactic to convince consumers that the product is safe, effective, and backed by professionals. However, this label doesn’t necessarily guarantee the product’s quality or suitability for your skin.
Why these terms can be misleading…
- The terms aren’t regulated – There is no universally accepted or regulated standard for using the “dermatologist recommended” or “dermatologist tested” labels. Companies may use this term without having to provide proof of their claim, making it difficult for consumers to determine the legitimacy of the endorsement.
- Biased recommendations – Some dermatologists may have financial ties or partnerships with specific skincare brands. In these cases, their recommendations may be biased, which means they might endorse a product based on their affiliation rather than the product’s efficacy.
- Individual skin needs differ – Skincare is highly individual, and what works for one person may not work for another. A product recommended by a dermatologist for one patient might not necessarily be suitable for your specific skin concerns or sensitivities.
What About Alcohol?
The presence of alcohol in skincare is another controversial topic.
There are two types of alcohol: denatured alcohol derived from petroleum products, and fatty alcohols derived from natural materials like coconut and nuts.
The bad alcohols people dislike are denatured alcohols—because they’re drying. On top of that, they’re a potential irritant for those with sensitive skin.
It’s worth noting that some studies like this one have concluded that alcohol is skincare is safe to use.
Typically, the higher the concentration (indicated by being higher in the ingredients list) is more problematic for those sensitive to it.
So, why do brands use denatured alcohol in their products? The alcohol gives the product a cooling or tightening sensation that oily-skinned gals might find pleasant. This is even though it’s stripping away the skin’s natural—and important—oils. Alcohols are also used as preservatives.
On the other hand, natural fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol, made from coconuts, and stearyl alcohol, made from coconut or vegetable oil, can have a positive effect on the skin. These fatty alcohols are typically used as emulsifiers in skin care products, creating a thick, pleasant texture.
If you have sensitive skin, be careful—fatty alcohols can also be irritating to your skin, and if you’re acne-prone, they can cause breakouts. But overall, they’re generally a good ingredient, not a bad one.
Face Oils vs. Moisturizers: Understanding the Differences
Face oils and moisturizers serve distinct purposes and function differently in your skincare routine. Understanding their unique characteristics can help you make informed choices for your skin’s individual needs.
Face Oils
Face oils act as occlusives, retaining and sealing moisture in your skin while providing nourishment. These oils should contain a blend of essential fatty acids (EFAs) or omegas and are entirely water-free. Additionally, they can include a mixture of essential oils that help balance the skin and provide therapeutic benefits.
Face oils work in harmony with our skin’s natural barrier, reaching the core of the epidermis. Contrary to popular belief, individuals with oily or acne-prone skin can benefit from using face oils. These oils help restore balance to the skin and do not clog pores like other moisturizers that contain emulsifiers and waxes.
It’s important to note that face oils and essential oils aren’t regulated by the FDA, and do carry a significant risk of allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers, available as lotions or creams, consist of oil and water. This composition allows them to not only hydrate your skin with their water content but also seal in the moisture with the oil. The primary difference between creams and lotions is their consistency; creams are heavier and contain more oil. Moisturizers act as humectants, drawing moisture to the skin.
What’s The Difference Between Body Lotion & Face Moisturizer?
You might be wondering why you can’t buy a big bottle of body lotion and use it on your face. It’s true that—in general—body lotions are much more inexpensive than face moisturizers. So, what’s the difference?
The skin on the face and the body varies in thickness, sensitivity, and oil production. The facial skin is thinner and more sensitive, while the skin on the body is thicker and more resilient.
Additionally, the face has a higher concentration of sebaceous (oil) glands, making it more prone to acne and other skin issues. As a result, facial skin requires a different level of care and hydration compared to body skin.
- Body Lotion – Body lotions are generally formulated to provide deep hydration to the skin on the body. They tend to be thicker and richer in consistency, often containing occlusive agents like shea butter and petroleum to lock in moisture. Not so great to put on the face.
- Face Moisturizer – Face moisturizers are designed to address the unique needs of facial skin. They are typically lighter in texture and less greasy, allowing easy absorption without clogging pores. Additionally, face moisturizers often contain active ingredients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and peptides to target specific skin concerns like aging, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
In short, body lotions and face moisturizers aren’t interchangeable, and if you want to avoid acne and other potential issues, you shouldn’t try putting them on your face.
Our Methodology
We researched the internet, online stores, and social media for the most popular clean moisturizers (along with some popular non-clean moisturizers for context).
Each ingredient in every product was researched and analyzed for safety based on available public research. Where possible, sources for information are included.
Products are ranked from best to worst with an internal score based on the ingredient rankings.
Brands are rated as follows:
This ranking is for the best of the best. Only exemplary brands will receive a ranking of best for any category.
This ranking is for brands that are typically quite good, but don’t go above and beyond like our best choices.
This ranking is for when we find something we find iffy. Not a good sign.
This ranking is reserved for the worst of the worst.
The Best Clean Moisturizers, Rated By Ingredients
Below is our vetted list of clean, non-toxic moisturizers ranked from best to worst based on their ingredients. Every product contained at least one potential irritant, denoted with an asterisk (*).
Products are ordered from best to worst, based on an internal algorithm that scores products based on their individual ingredients. This is not a rating based on the product’s actual performance, only the ingredients.
Clean Moisturizers Rated: Best
Nourish Organic
Containing mostly organic ingredients, it’s no surprise that this moisturizer tops our list based on its ingredients. Nourish Organic’s Ultra Hydrating Face Cream is rich without feeling overwhelming, thanks to its fast-absorbing qualities. A combination of its organic ingredients, such as Moroccan argan oil and pomegranate seed oil, hydrates the skin while leaving a light scent.
The only “iffy” ingredient in our favorite moisturizer is denatured SD-Alcohol 38 (also known as ethanol), which is known to be a penetration enhancer. In other words, it increases the skin absorption of other ingredients. However, without other ingredients of concern, this is not a concern.
Denatured SD-Alcohol 38 (also known as ethanol) is known to be a penetration enhancer, increasing the skin absorption of other ingredients. In the absence of other ingredients of concern, this is not dangerous.
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 1*
Clean Moisturizers Rated: Good
The Outset
The Outset’s daily moisturizer uses a combination of clean and natural moisturizing ingredients in the formula. Like all products from the brand, it’s fragrance-free and vegan, and contains no ingredients we recommend avoiding.
Pentylene glycol has shown evidence of being an irritant. Studies show that it can cause contact dermatitis, which indicates that Pentylene Glycol is a sensitizing ingredient and can be considered as an allergen. (source)
Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative. Typically, this ingredient is considered safe in products not meant for babies. An EU study found skin irritation in animal studies even when exposed to very low amounts. (source)
There is some concern that tocopheryl acetate is at risk of being contaminated with hydroquinone, a known human carcinogen. While we believe this risk to be small, we consider tocopheryl acetate an iffy ingredient. (source)
Sodium benzoate is a chemical preservative. Reports show that people with sensitive skin should not use products which contain sodium benzoate as it may induce contact allergy. (source)
Ingredients
The Outset
Clean and safe vegan ingredients make up the formulation of this night cream. You’ll find niacinamide and backuchiol in the ingredients list, both of which are trendy skincare ingredients from natural sources.
Pentylene glycol has shown evidence of being an irritant. Studies show that it can cause contact dermatitis, which indicates that Pentylene Glycol is a sensitizing ingredient and can be considered as an allergen. (source)
Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative. Typically, this ingredient is considered safe in products not meant for babies. An EU study found skin irritation in animal studies even when exposed to very low amounts. (source)
There is some concern that tocopheryl acetate is at risk of being contaminated with hydroquinone, a known human carcinogen. While we believe this risk to be small, we consider tocopheryl acetate an iffy ingredient. (source)
Ingredients
Weleda
The aptly-named Skin Food by Weleda is a rich, thick cream that feeds your dry skin with nourishing plant oils, lanolin, beeswax, and more. As an intense moisturizer, don’t expect harsh scents – instead, you’ll get a unique blend of natural orange, lavender, and vanilla notes.
If you have sensitive skin, there are essential oils included in its ingredients list that are recognized as human allergens. This product also contains sweet almond oil, which is not suitable for those with a nut allergy.
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 6*
Drunk Elephant
For a moisturizer that does more of what it’s asked for, take a look at Drunk Elephant’s Protini™ Polypeptide Cream. In addition to moisturizing the skin, its formula reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and signs of sun damage, for revived and younger-looking skin. Its main ingredient – signal peptide complex – are made up of amino acids, which form proteins in the skin to plump, firm, and restore bounce.
Note that this product contains polysorbate 60, which can become a potential human carcinogen when contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Preservatives are also included, specifically phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate, which are safe but may affect those with sensitive skin.
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 4*
RMS Beauty
Believe it or not, but there is a moisturizer out there that contains only one, pure ingredient. RMS Beauty’s Raw Coconut Cream is made up of 100% raw and unrefined organic coconut oil. This multitasking cream can remove the most stubborn of makeup, as well as moisturize the face and body. Without using heat or chemical solvents to extract the coconut oil, the result is a natural moisturizer that helps soften and soothe the skin.
Although going completely natural can be a positive thing, coconut oil may cause breakouts for acne-prone skin. If you are one to have skin blemishes, it’s recommended to avoid products with this ingredient.
Ingredients
Acure
A 2-in-1 solution for dull and dry skin comes in this petite tube from Acure. Their Brightening Day Cream evens out the skin tone to make way for a brighter appearance. With cica and argan oil, as well as pomegranate and blackberry, this cream moisturizes and protects even when a small amount is applied.
Included in its ingredient list is glyceryl laurate – a penetration enhancer, which can be a concern if included with other ingredients that are unsafe. Other ingredients are tocopheryl acetate, which has been linked to a possible increase of photocarcinogenesis (skin cancer), and clove oil, which has shown to be a contact allergen in patch tests.
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 4*
Youth to the People
Fun product names tend to get all the attention, but what’s inside of Youth to the People’s Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream jar deserves all the focus. Air-whipped to lightweight perfection, this cream is filled with superfoods like kale, spinach, and green tea for all your antioxidant and vitamin needs. This moisturizer absorbs into the skin quick, making suitable to use before applying makeup, or it can be mixed with your go-to foundation for an added boost of hydration.
Pentylene glycol, which is an ingredient in this moisturizer, has shown evidence of being an irritant that can cause contact dermatitis. Other ingredients of concern are ethylhexylglycerin, chemical preservatives (phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate), and unknown natural fragrance.
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 3*
Mineral Fusion
Perfectly plumped skin is possible with the application of the Intense Hydration Face Cream from Mineral Fusion. They’re all about the plump: the concoction of shea butter, rosehip oil, and mineral water was designed to achieve skin that’s full of bounce. Natural antioxidants and soothing ingredients like aloe and cucumber are also added for a glowing and smooth feel.
Apart from the inclusion of a common preservative, phenoxyethanol, this product also has ethylhexylglycerin. This can be a mild skin and eye irritant and should be applied with extra care, especially around the face. While the ingredient list mentions natural fragrance, the exact ingredients are unknown, which may be a concern if you’re prone to skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 3*
Ursa Major
Are you having trouble finding a cream that works for your dry, sensitive or neglected skin? Golden Hour Recover Cream from Ursa Major is a fast-absorbing face cream that you can slather on when your skin is craving moisture. With sea buckthorn that’s rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids, and sunflower to help skin retain moisture, you won’t find any of the cheap and impractical ingredients.
For its aroma and to help reduce the appearance of redness, the cream has rose flower oil added to its formula. Out of all the ingredients, this is the only one that can sometimes be irritating for some with sensitive skin.
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 1*
OSEA
Protect your skin from environmental pollutants and moisturize it at the same time with Osea’s Atmosphere Protection Cream. It’s light enough to use under sunscreen or makeup, making it the perfect everyday moisturizer. Although this California-made cream is filled with seaweed, shea butter, and omega-rich oils, the formula is neither sticky or oily. It will also dry quickly, which is suitable to apply just before bed and before you head out the door.
Grapefruit peel oil can be found in a bottle of this cream, which is composed of several terpenes including limonene, geraniol, and linalool. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants, and are often associated with contact dermatitis.
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 1*
Pai Skincare
It’s not easy to find the right moisturizer for sensitive skin, but if you do, you would want to hold it close to your heart. Pai Skincare’s Chamomile and Rosehip Calming Day Cream was designed for the sensitive skin in mind, including eczema and rosacea-prone skin. Using the CO2 extracts of organic chamomile and rosehip, this cream is all about its soothing properties to calm flare-ups, redness, and irritation.
Rosehip oil contains lactic acid, which can cause skin irritation in some people.
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 3*
Andalou Naturals
Starting the day off with a lather of this Andalou Naturals cream may as well be like having a bunch of roses to greet you good morning. The 1000 Roses Beautiful Day Cream for sensitive skin features a key ingredient, alpine rose stem cells, for hydration and vitality to nourish and soothe. Other equally beneficial ingredients include pomegranate to tone and aloe vera to revive the skin’s hydro lipid barrier. You won’t have to worry about that greasy texture after applying this on, and expect a gentle and light feel instead.
Potential irritant in this product is ethylhexylglycerin, which can be irritating on the eyes and skin when not applied carefully.
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 3*
Everyone
Editor’s Note: As of April 2021, this product appears to be discontinued.
Natural ingredients? Check. Cruelty free? Double check. For an all-round clean and good moisturizer, this one from Everyone may be for you. It’s also synthetic fragrance-free, so you won’t get any of that painfully obvious fake scents. The Nourishing Face Moisturizer has a mild hypoallergenic formula that replenishes and softens using argan oil, hyaluronic acid, and kombucha extracts.
Unfortunately, this product has dimethicone – a petroleum-derived ingredient in the silicones family. While silicones can make the skin feel hydrated, it can also trap debris in the pores, which causes acne and congestion. Other ingredients to note are phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin.
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 2*
Derma E
When a cream mentions hyaluronic acid on its packaging label, you know it’s a good sign. Derma E’s Hydrating Day Cream has this key ingredient, which acts as a thirst quencher for the skin, leaving long-lasting moisture. In addition to having nature’s ‘moisture magnet’, this cream also contains vitamin C-Ester, which plumps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles to keep you youthful-looking.
With all its benefits, this product tocopheryl acetate, which is at risk of being contaminated with hydroquinone – a human carcinogen. Fortunately, the risk is small, but it’s still something to look out for. Other concerning ingredients are phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, and natural fragrance.
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 1*
Clean Moisturizers Rated: Iffy
Kiehl’s
Potentially concerning ingredients include a few common preservatives; stearate (PEG-8), a known human carcinogen when contaminated with other ingredients; and sweet almond oil, which is not suitable for someone with a nut allergy.
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 4*
Sukin
Ceteareth-20 is an ethoxylated ingredient, meaning it can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a known human carcinogen. (source)
Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative. Typically, this ingredient is considered safe in products not meant for babies. An EU study found skin irritation in animal studies even when exposed to very low amounts. (source)
Benzyl alcohol is listed by the The European Union’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) as a well-recognized consumer allergen. (source)
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 6*
La Mer
Citronellol is naturally occurring but can also be made synthetically. This ingredient falls into the list of allergens under the EU legislation. It may cause pigmentary anomalies, known as melanosis faciei feminae. This ingredient may also cause contact allergy. (source)
Benzyl Salicylate has a potential of developmental toxicity at specified high concentrations. (source)
Sodium benzoate is a chemical preservative. Reports show that people with sensitive skin should not use products which contain sodium benzoate as it may induce contact allergy. (source)
The ingredient “fragrance” means that there is a mixture of several essential oils or synthetic or natural chemicals that makeup the scent of the product. According to European and US legislation, the ingredients of the fragrance do not have to be revealed on the product’s ingredients list. Because these ingredients are not disclosed, we always consider this a “bad” ingredient.
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 7*
Clean Moisturizers Rated: Avoid
L’Oréal Paris
This product has dimethicone, a petroleum-derived ingredient in the silicones family. Silicone makes the skin feel like it’s being hydrated, but it’s simply a short-term effect. Silicones can trap debris in the pores, cause acne and congestion, and can accumulate on the skin.
Triethanolamine (TEA) has been shown to be carcinogenic in animal studies. (source)
This product contains one or more parabens. These are preservative linked to endocrine disruption and is associated with the proliferation of breast cancer cells. (link)
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 8*
CeraVe
Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen linked with endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, and reproductive organ disruption in both males and females. (source)
Octinoxate is a chemical sunscreen linked with endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, and reproductive organ disruption in both males and females. (source)
Octocrylene is a chemical sunscreen linked with endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, and reproductive organ disruption in both males and females. (source)
A study found a link between behentrimonium methosulfate and possible reproductive toxicity in mice. (source)
This product has dimethicone, a petroleum-derived ingredient in the silicones family. Silicone makes the skin feel like it’s being hydrated, but it’s simply a short-term effect. Silicones can trap debris in the pores, cause acne and congestion, and can accumulate on the skin.
This product contains one or more parabens. These are preservative linked to endocrine disruption and is associated with the proliferation of breast cancer cells. (link)
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 1*
Clinique
This product has dimethicone, a petroleum-derived ingredient in the silicones family. Silicone makes the skin feel like it’s being hydrated, but it’s simply a short-term effect. Silicones can trap debris in the pores, cause acne and congestion, and can accumulate on the skin.
PEG-100 Stearate can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, a possible human carcinogen and known human carcinogen respectively.
Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative. Typically, this ingredient is considered safe in products not meant for babies. An EU study found skin irritation in animal studies even when exposed to very low amounts. (source)
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 2*
Embryolisse
Triethanolamine (TEA) has been shown to be carcinogenic in animal studies. (source)
Steareth-10, an ethoxylate, can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a human carcinogen. (source)
Polyacrylamide is controversial because acrylamide, which is a decomposition residue of polyacrylamide, is a demonstrated neurotoxin in humans and a carcinogen in animal tests. Acrylamide is banned in the EU. (link)
Perfume is a blanket term that hides the exact chemical makeup of the fragrance used in this product. We never recommend products that have chemical fragrance: read here for a full explanation.
Laureth-7 can be contaminated with ethylene oxide, a likely human carcinogen. (source)
Propylene glycol acts as a penetration enhancer, increasing skin absorbtion of other ingredients in a product. When none of the other ingredients in a product is potentially dangerous, this isn’t a concern. (source)
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 2*
Aveeno
This product has dimethicone, a petroleum-derived ingredient in the silicones family. Silicone makes the skin feel like it’s being hydrated, but it’s simply a short-term effect. Silicones can trap debris in the pores, cause acne and congestion, and can accumulate on the skin.
Isoceteth-20 can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, possible human carcinogens.
Polyacrylamide is controversial because acrylamide, which is a decomposition residue of polyacrylamide, is a demonstrated neurotoxin in humans and a carcinogen in animal tests. Acrylamide is banned in the EU. (link)
The ingredient “fragrance” means that there is a mixture of several essential oils or synthetic or natural chemicals that makeup the scent of the product. According to European and US legislation, the ingredients of the fragrance do not have to be revealed on the product’s ingredients list. Because these ingredients are not disclosed, we always consider this a “bad” ingredient.
Laureth-7 can be contaminated with ethylene oxide, a likely human carcinogen. (source)
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 2*
Neutrogena
This product has dimethicone, a petroleum-derived ingredient in the silicones family. Silicone makes the skin feel like it’s being hydrated, but it’s simply a short-term effect. Silicones can trap debris in the pores, cause acne and congestion, and can accumulate on the skin.
Cyclomethicone is linked to several adverse health effects., including being found to interfere with ovulation in animal studies. (source)
PEG-10 Soy Sterol, being an ethoxylated ingredient, is at risk of being contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. (source)
PEG-100 Stearate can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, a possible human carcinogen and known human carcinogen respectively.
Diazolidinyl Urea is a formeldahyde-releasing preservative banned for use in cosmetics in Japan and Sweden. (source)
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 2*
Fresh
Pentylene glycol has shown evidence of being an irritant. Studies show that it can cause contact dermatitis, which indicates that Pentylene Glycol is a sensitizing ingredient and can be considered as an allergen. (source)
This product has dimethicone, a petroleum-derived ingredient in the silicones family. Silicone makes the skin feel like it’s being hydrated, but it’s simply a short-term effect. Silicones can trap debris in the pores, cause acne and congestion, and can accumulate on the skin.
Steareth-2 is an ethoxylated ingredient. The risk of such ingredients is that 1,4-dioxane—a carcinogen—could be a byproduct of the exhalation process. (source)
There is some concern that tocopheryl acetate is at risk of being contaminated with hydroquinone, a known human carcinogen. While we believe this risk to be small, we consider tocopheryl acetate an iffy ingredient. (source)
Polyacrylamide is controversial because acrylamide, which is a decomposition residue of polyacrylamide, is a demonstrated neurotoxin in humans and a carcinogen in animal tests. Acrylamide is banned in the EU. (link)
Laureth-7 can be contaminated with ethylene oxide, a likely human carcinogen. (source)
The ingredient “fragrance” means that there is a mixture of several essential oils or synthetic or natural chemicals that makeup the scent of the product. According to European and US legislation, the ingredients of the fragrance do not have to be revealed on the product’s ingredients list. Because these ingredients are not disclosed, we always consider this a “bad” ingredient.
Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative. Typically, this ingredient is considered safe in products not meant for babies. An EU study found skin irritation in animal studies even when exposed to very low amounts. (source)
Citronellol is naturally occurring but can also be made synthetically. This ingredient falls into the list of allergens under the EU legislation. It may cause pigmentary anomalies, known as melanosis faciei feminae. This ingredient may also cause contact allergy. (source)
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 4*
Olay
This product has dimethicone, a petroleum-derived ingredient in the silicones family. Silicone makes the skin feel like it’s being hydrated, but it’s simply a short-term effect. Silicones can trap debris in the pores, cause acne and congestion, and can accumulate on the skin.
There is some concern that tocopheryl acetate is at risk of being contaminated with hydroquinone, a known human carcinogen. While we believe this risk to be small, we consider tocopheryl acetate an iffy ingredient. (source)
Laureth-7 can be contaminated with ethylene oxide, a likely human carcinogen. (source)
Polyacrylamide is controversial because acrylamide, which is a decomposition residue of polyacrylamide, is a demonstrated neurotoxin in humans and a carcinogen in animal tests. Acrylamide is banned in the EU. (link)
PEG-100 Stearate can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, a possible human carcinogen and known human carcinogen respectively.
Benzyl alcohol is listed by the The European Union’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) as a well-recognized consumer allergen. (source)
This product contains one or more parabens. These are preservative linked to endocrine disruption and is associated with the proliferation of breast cancer cells. (link)
Ingredients
Potential irritants: 4*
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2 Comments
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Nancy Paddock
Just saw your list!!!!!! I have used some of these. You are right! THANK YOU????❤️
Rebecca Alexander
I brought a jar of CeraVe Moisturing Cream in Walmart. Reading the ingredients on the jar, it doesn’t mention it having parabens. I bought it but on doing more research found it does have parabens! Should I return it because of false advertising??