11 Best Alcohol-Free Moisturizers Of 2024, Esthetician Picks
These alcohol-free moisturizers can give you the soft and smooth skin of your dreams!
Brianne Larrabee is a licensed esthetician with over 12 years of experience. She specializes in clean beauty and has a special interest in holistic approaches. She spent several years as a working esthetician before changing her focus to education. She has been featured in various publications on clean skin care and strives to educate the public on the importance of combining skin care, a clean diet, and elimination of harmful ingredients for healthy, glowing skin.
Read full bio of Brianne Larrabee
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
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Hydration is the key to achieving your skin care goals. If you want to provide your skin with long-lasting hydration, invest in the right moisturizer. And having the best alcohol-free moisturizer can amp up your skin care game. You will see alcohol in many skin care products for its preservative properties. It also makes the products lightweight and helps them to get absorbed quickly. However, alcohol can cause skin dryness and discomfort. It may irritate sensitive skin and make it itchy, flaky, and cause dry skin patches. Hence, it is best to make a shift from your regular alcohol-based moisturizer to an alcohol-free one.
There are plenty of moisturizers available with an alcohol-free formula – they can be non-comedogenic alcohol-free moisturizers, vegan, and water-based, alcohol-free moisturizers. And selecting the right moisturizer according to your skin type can get confusing. But don’t worry. We can help you out. We have curated a list of the 11 best moisturizers without alcohol that are suitable for all skin types in this article. They can keep your skin healthy and offer a natural glow. They have also received a good number of reviews from customers on various e-commerce websites. Scroll down and check them out.
In This Article
11 Best Alcohol-Free Moisturizers Of 2024 For Healthy And Radiant Skin
1. Best Water-Based Formula: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
Boost your skin with the goodness of the ingredients in this alcohol-free face moisturizer such as hyaluronic acid, Pentavit in and ProHyal+. While the 3 molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid add long-lasting moisture to the skin, they also draw in water and make the skin look plump. This hyaluronic acid moisturizer is perfect for nighttime. This botanical formulation contains soothing ingredients such as Sambucus nigra fruit extract and olive leaf extract, and hydrolyzed silk to help make the skin feel soft and smooth. The Pentavitin in the formula helps keep the skin moisturized up to 72 hours, even after cleansing and ProHyal+ is the reason why this moisturizer leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. With a rich formula that reduces fine lines and wrinkles, this hydrating face moisturizer is a great pick for aging and mature skin. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product.
Pros
- Water-based
- Non-greasy
- Sensitive skin-friendly
- Smooth and light
- Hydration for up to 72 hours
Cons
- Some may find the consistency slightly sticky.
Review:
A reviewer writes, “This Peter Thomas Roth Cream is a worthy addition to my skin care routine. It’s like a silky cloud of moisture that lasts all day, making my skin feel fantastic.”
Did You Know?
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 3,931 rave reviews on Amazon.
2. Best For Sensitive Skin: Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer
The Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer is a mild, water-based formula that is effective on even the most sensitive and delicate skin. This dermatologist-tested product gets absorbed quickly without leaving the skin oily or glossy. The product contains glycerin, which aids in long-lasting hydration for firmer, finer, younger-looking skin. This clinically-tested, exceptionally mild, and irritant-free moisturizer will not dry the skin or cause skin irritation or redness. The non-greasy moisturizer also acts as a sunscreen as it offers wide-spectrum protection from the sun to help prevent early symptoms of aging.
Also Recommended By: Good Housekeeping and Womens Concepts have also listed Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Facial Moisturizer in their top 10.[1]18 Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin, According to Skincare Pros – Good House Keeping https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/g30298302/best-moisturizers-for-sensitive-skin/
Pros
- Oil-free
- Clinically-proven
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Allergy-tested
- Alcohol-free
- Ideal for daily use
Cons
- None
Review:
A user gladly writes, “This Neutrogena moisturizer is a lightweight formula that hydrates my skin without making it feel greasy. It leaves my skin soft and smooth. Overall, it is a reliable and effective choice.”
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 15,964 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
3. Best For Sensitive Skin: THRIVE Natural Face Moisturizer
The soothing THRIVE Natural Face Moisture hydrates your skin and reduces irritation after shaving. It consists of natural, organic, and super-plant ingredients such as fierrillo, coralillo, and juanilama that offer germ-fighting properties, phytonutrients, skin-restoring benefits, and anti-inflammatory properties. The lightweight and non-greasy face moisturizer and aftershave balm is ideal for soothing razor bumps and to get smooth, sleek skin after shaving. The botanical formulation ensures a gentle and effective skincare solution for your post-shaving needs. The gentle formula can be an ideal choice for dry and sensitive skin types.
Pros
- Vegan
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Color-free
- Shine-free
- GMO-free
Cons
- None
Review:
A reviewer enthusiastically writes, “The Thrive Natural Face Moisturizer doesn’t cause burning sensations or irritation. It soothes and hydrates my skin without any discomfort. I’m so impressed with this product that I’m ordering a 3-pack now.”
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer Best Water-Based Formula | Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer Best For Sensitive Skin | THRIVE Natural Face Moisturizer Best For Sensitive Skin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7 x 6.1 x 3.9 inches | 1.49 x 2.16 x 6.18 inches | 1.6 x 1.1 x 4.8 inches |
| Weight | 1.76 Ounces | 2.47 Ounces | 2.08 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 3,931 | 15,964 | - |
| Price | $113.9 | $10.49 | $15.95 |
4. Best Non-Comedogenic Formula: Fortify Nourishing+Protecting Moisturizer
The Fortify Nourishing+Protecting Moisturizer works day and night to fill your skin with intense moisture. This gentle, non-greasy, non-sticky formula is infused with zeolite that kills the potentially harmful pathogens in your skin, momordica charantia that treats hyperpigmentation and improves your skin structure, and the fermented bitter melon complex that boosts the growth of beneficial bacteria on your skin. This non-comedogenic rich formula with aloe barbadensis leaf extract soothes skin irritations caused due to acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis and diminishes the signs of aging. Apply this moisturizer twice daily after cleansing your face and achieve hydrated, smooth skin.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Lightweight texture
- Non-greasy
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Leaves no sticky residue
- Cruelty-free
- GMO-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- None
Review:
A user says, “The Fortify Nourishing+Protecting Moisturizer is a cost-effective formula that leaves my skin feeling fantastic! It is a lightweight and non-greasy product that is perfect for all seasons. It does not irritate my sensitive skin either.”
Quick Tip
5. Best Organic Option: Kleem Organics Advanced Retinol Moisturizer
This lightweight moisturizer doubles as a retinol cream and addresses the signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. With soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and green tea, this alcohol-free moisturizer can help boost natural collagen synthesis. It also provides deep hydration to the skin that lasts up to 72 hours. Moreover, the product is cruelty-free, dermatologically-tested, and certified organic.
Pros
- Certified organic
- Doubles as retinol cream
- Boosts collagen
- Ideal for dehydrated skin
- Fights age-spots, fine lines, and wrinkles
Cons
- Specially designed for mature and aging skin
Review:
A tester says, “The results of using the Kleem Organics Retinol Moisturizer are impressive – I have noticed visible skin improvements in just 3 weeks. My skin feels firm and even-toned. I am definitely in love with this product!”
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 8,487 great reviews on Amazon.
6. Best For All Skin Types: Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Facial Moisturizer
The Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Facial Moisturizer lightweight, non-greasy facial moisturizer is designed to help soothe, nourish, and restore your skin’s natural balance. It contains prebiotic and antioxidant-rich oats, which help protect the skin against environmental aggressors and restore the skin’s moisture barrier. Its calming formula helps reduce redness and irritation. It is also formulated with hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture for long-lasting hydration. For the best results, apply this moisturizer every day after cleansing to help restore your skin’s natural balance.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Dye-free
- Phthalate-free
- Tested on sensitive skin
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- No SPF
Review:
A reviewer jovially exclaims, “This moisturizer from Aveeno is ideal for my sensitive, acne-prone skin. It has a lightweight, luxurious texture that feels nice on the skin. It’s great for my face, neck, eyes, and even my elbows.”
7. Best Hypoallergenic Formula: Luxe Lotion Lavender Luxury Face Moisturizer
This mineral oil and alcohol-free face moisturizer boasts a patented non-toxic formula that promises to hydrate the skin without clogging the pores. Made with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, allantoin, organic aloe vera leaf juice, raspberry seed oil, sea buckthorn, papaya extract, and bearberry extract, this moisturizer is non-greasy and helps rejuvenate the skin. It also creates a protective barrier to shield the skin against environmental stressors. While hyaluronic acid plumps up the skin with moisture, the omega fatty acids of the raspberry seed oil add a protective layer to the skin. Sea buckthorn is rich in vitamins and nourishes the skin. This daily moisturizing lotion is ideal for those looking for vegan-friendly products.
Pros
- Uses patented non-toxic formula
- Botanical extracts
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-greasy
- No mineral oil
Cons
- No SPF
Review:
A user writes in favor of the product, “This face moisturizer from Luxe Lotion in the variant Lavender cleared up my skin beautifully. It is non-greasy, lightweight, and deeply moisturizing. It’s a go-to for my sensitive, picky skin.”
8. Best For Daily Use: L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Cicacream
Designed as a daily moisturizer to fight premature aging and rejuvenate the skin, this moisturizer doesn’t contain any alcohol that strips the skin of its moisture. The formula is packed with pro-retinol and centella asiatica. Centella asiatica is more commonly referred to as tiger grass and is known to reduce the signs of aging, plus heal the barrier of the skin by nourishing it with hydration. This is essentially an anti-aging moisturizer with ingredients such as shea butter, theobroma cacao seed butter, cocoa seed butter, sesame seed oil, and citric acid that battle damage to the skin caused by external factors. Watch this YouTuber’s honest review to check the reviewer’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Anti-aging
- For all skin types
- Suitable for daily use
- Dermatologically-tested
- Paraben and fragrance-free
Cons
- No SPF
Review:
A reviewer says, “The L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Cicacream has become a staple in my routine. After six months of continued use, my skin’s texture and lines have improved noticeably. Its thick yet non-greasy texture is perfect for my combination skin.”
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 321 reviews claiming its efficacy.
9. Best Lightweight Frmula: {Save} Ultra-Light Moisturizer
As the name suggests, this moisturizer for oily skin has an ultra-light texture that absorbs into the skin easily, without leaving it greasy. Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, it uses a bamboo-derived ingredient (natural bamboo bio ferment), apart from other natural ones, that mixes prebiotics and probiotics to hydrate and boost the natural barrier of your skin and combat uneven skin tone. The added advantage of this vegan-friendly brand is that the moisturizer has a light smell that is likened to spring air – and who would not want their skin to smell like that?
Pros
- Ultra-light texture
- Contains shea butter
- Non-greasy
- Suitable for all skin types
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- May need reapplication throughout the day
10. Best For Hydration: Infinite Aloe Skin Care
The brand uses aloe barbadensis leaf extract as a cream base, which is the aloe used for medical purposes. “Aloe vera in this moisturizer makes it very versatile for all skin types since it moisturizes the skin without leaving a heavy film that could clog pores,” says Brianne Larrabee, a Licensed Esthetician. The ingredient list boasts of organically-grown aloe, deionized water, soluble collagen, caprylic triglycerides from coconut oil and glycerin (sourced from kelp) which help hydrate the skin, alongside grapeseed oil that is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, to repair skin damage. This moisturizer also doubles as great for hydrating the entire body and is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Uses organically-grown aloe
- Uses plant-based glycerine
- Aloe helps combat sun damage
- Suitable for all skin-types
Cons
- Contains preservatives
Review:
A tester shares, “The Infinite Aloe Skin Care is my long-standing favorite. It is pricey but lasts for months. It lightens my acne scars and reduces the feeling of dryness. My husband and I both love it.”
11. Best Matte Finish: Embryolisse Emulsion Hydra-Mat Face Cream
This alcohol-free moisturizer for dry skin is a cool, gel-based formula, infused with tapioca starch derivative that controls excess shine. The formula ensures a long-lasting matte effect by absorbing excess sebum and regulating oil production in the skin. Enriched by a sugar derivative that acts as a micro-sponge to balance the moisture level in the skin, this non-alcoholic moisturizer hydrates and softens the skin. It is formulated without using harmful alcohols that irritate the skin. It offers dry skin relief and is suited for even normal, oily, very oily, and combination skin types.
Pros
- Mattifies the skin
- Balances the secretion of sebum
- Softens the skin
- Long-lasting
- Gel moisturizer
Cons
- Does not contain SPF
- Mature skin-unfriendly
Review:
A user writes, “The Embryolisse Emulsion Hydra-Mat Face Cream has transformed my skin care routine. I have tried countless products, and this one stands out. It absorbs beautifully, smells divine, and keeps my dry skin hydrated.”
TriviaWith our review of the 11 best alcohol-free moisturizers out of the way, let’s now look at a few things that you should keep in mind while picking out one for yourself:
Things To Keep In Mind While Picking A Non-Alcoholic Moisturizer
- Good alcohol vs bad alcohol
It is important to note that not all kinds of alcohol are bad for the skin. There are a few that, in fact, help in trapping moisture and are popularly known as fatty alcohols. These kinds of alcohol are not only considered safe for use in skincare and beauty products, but are also FDA-approved in products labeled alcohol-free due to its chemical constitution. However, the ones to avoid are ethanol, methanol, isopropyl, etc.
- Know your skin needs
Understand your skin type foremost before zeroing in on a moisturizer as this is vital for the health of your skin. Moreover, if you are fighting any skin issues, you should look for brands that offer to tackle them for you. For example, get a moisturizer that is suitable for acne-prone skin if you are prone to breakouts and get a hypoallergenic one if you are prone to skin-allergies. For oily skin type, opt for light, natural oil, and gel-based moisturizers that hydrate without clogging the pores. For normal skin, balanced moisturizers with a cream base are the best bet. For sensitive skin, choose ones that are free of sulfates, parabens, chemicals and are hypoallergenic, while for combination skin, it is safe to use moisturizers that contain plant-based, natural ingredients that take care of both oily and dry patches. Pay attention to the ingredients to know what they do for your skin and also keep your skin texture in mind.
In addition, it is recommended to perform a patch test before trying any new moisturizer to avoid allergic reactions. Also, check the product videos to view the reviewer’s experiences with the product to make an informed choice. Online reviews and articles about people’s experiences with the product can give you a brief idea about its results.
Keep your skin regime in mind
If you do not like unnecessarily elaborate skincare, choose a moisturizer that takes care of multiple concerns such as protection from the sun, aging, and hydration. This way, you will be out of the door and ready to go about your day faster. But if you’re okay to spend more time on your skin, go for a moisturizer that focuses solely on hydration and incorporate more steps and products to take care of other concerns.
Infographic: Things To Remember While Picking A Non-Alcoholic Moisturizer
Hydration is one of the most important steps in any skin care regimen. A moisturizer, thus, ensures that your skin receives proper nourishment to alleviate dryness, itchiness, and signs of aging. But with so many options available today, how do you choose the best one? Check out the infographic below to know more about the parameters to be kept in mind while choosing a moisturizer.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
With more awareness about how bad alcohols in moisturizers are harmful for the skin, the market is slowly but surely getting more products that use the right kind of ingredients instead. While some are all-natural, some use the good, fatty alcohols and take care of a host of concerns for the skin. All you need to do is be aware of the ingredients and the needs of your own skin to pick the right one for yourself. For instance, you can choose the Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer which reduces fine lines and softens the skin texture, or the Kleem Organics Advanced Retinol Moisturizer which provides hydration and boosts collagen production, and the Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Facial Moisturizer which restores skin’s natural balance and soothes irritation. So, it is safe to say that there is an alcohol-free moisturizer fit for every person’s needs and with this guide, we hope you can pick one that suits you best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is alcohol in moisturizers bad for your skin?
It depends on the kind of alcohol being used. Alcohols like ethanol, methanol, and isopropyl can potentially be harmful for the skin as they leave it dry. But fatty alcohols such as cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohols, etc. are not bad for the skin.
How does alcohol in skin care products affect the skin?
The bad kind of alcohol strips the skin of moisture.
Is a product containing alcohol always bad for the skin?
They are bad for the skin unless the variant of alcohol is a fatty one that helps trap the moisture, instead of drying the skin.
What skin types should absolutely avoid alcohol denat/SD alcohol?
Sensitive, dry, aged or aging skin-types should absolutely avoid alcohol denat/SD alcohol.
Is denatured alcohol safe on skin?
It’s best to avoid them as they can cause excessive drying out of the skin.
Is isopropyl alcohol harmful to skin?
Yes, it is known to be harmful for the skin.
Is polyvinyl alcohol good for skin?
It could be okay in small quantities. However, it is known to leave the skin dry and irritated, especially in cosmetic products such as peel-off face masks.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Medha Deb, the author of this article, dedicates her time scanning skin care products and reviews to help you choose the best. She listed the best alcohol-free moisturizers so you can up your skin game. These non-alcohol moisturizers are lightweight, absorbed easily, and help keep your skin healthy and radiant.
Read full bio of Brianne Larrabee
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