Summer is here. This means oily and greasy skin is here too. Or if you’re like me then dehydrated skin? It is tough to handle skin tantrums! Don’t fret, we have got you covered. Here is a list of the best cruelty-free moisturizer that is sure to change the way your skin looks and feels. Up your cruelty free skincare with these amazing gems!
This list includes vegan moisturizers too, alongside some drugstore picks. Also includes anti-aging moisturizers that are cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.
There are plenty of amazing brands that don’t test on animals. Alongside, they are also vegan-friendly. You had no idea until now that I have a big smile while writing this down, particularly the ‘plenty of brands’ part. I remember just a few years back, how difficult it was to find these brands.
Andalou, Yes To, Elf, Pacifica, SheaMoisture, Cosrx, and Garnier, among others are great options for drugstore brands. Drunk Elephant, Dermalogica, IT Cosmetics, Paula’s Choice, Murad, Mario Badescu – all of these are cruelty-free.
Avoid brands that are involved in testing. Some examples are Dove, Olay, Neutrogena, Cetaphil, CeraVe, L’Oreal, Estee Lauder, Nivea, and Vaseline. These brands are involved in testing in one way or another. For example, they can fund the testing or outsource it altogether.
Ideally, a moisturizer should be hydrating. So look for moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E, squalane, etc. For the anti-aging benefit, ingredients such as peptides, retinol, collagen, etc should be present. There are vegan-friendly versions of these anti-aging ingredients available as well.
Tips
- Do not use moisturizer as an eye cream unless the product says it is safe to use around the eye area.
- Always patch test to be on the safe side.
Why are multiple beauty stores listed?
We have provided multiple options for you to choose the best one. Go through multiple and look for deals, discounts, or ongoing sales before zeroing in on one.
Best Vegan & Cruelty Free Moisturizer 2026
Youth To The People Superfood Air-Whip Moisturizer
This is mass favorite. A lighteight gel cream that hydrates up to 48 hours. It contains goodness of Kale, Green Tea and Hyaluronic Acid. It gives you that Tiktok dewy glow.
A little goes a long way, so I feel the price gets justified. I am worth investing, and since it works for me, I like it. If you wanna try, they do have a trial verison that’s more affordable.
YTTP is free from PEGs, dimethicone, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and artificial dyes.
Pros:
- Anti-aging
- Lightweight
- Clean Beauty
- Long lasting hydration
- Smooths + Hydrates
- Dewy Finish
- Non-Greasy and Non-sticky
- Non-comedogenic
Cons:
- None
I’m loving the Youth To The People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream! It feels incredibly light on the skin but provides lasting hydration. The blend of kale, green tea, and hyaluronic acid makes my face feel nourished and refreshed without any greasy residue.
It absorbs quickly, leaving my skin soft, smooth, and glowing. Perfect for everyday use, especially under makeup. Definitely a high-quality moisturizer that delivers results – I’ll be repurchasing for sure!
PÜR Get A Lift Age-Defying Cream
Cruelty-Free & Vegan Checker iOS App is here!
Check latest Cruelty-Free status and hidden vegan ingredients of any product intantly with Keru App.
A toxic ingredient checker that helps you scan ingredients of beauty products.
Are your beauty products cruelty-free, vegan and clean? Know with Keru.
Get Keru App on App store.
PUR Firming Moisturizer is a nice option for anti-aging face lotion. It helps with sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. This moisturizer helps to retain elasticity and achieve firm skin. You’ll definitely find it worth repurchasing.
The cream has a smooth texture and is lightweight. It has a light scent to it that is not bothersome. The fragrance is fruity but mild. The price is reasonable for the result it offers and a little goes a long way. Don’t over-apply, or else you might find it greasy. Like a regular moisturizer, it hydrates your skin and provides soft skin. You can use this as a day or night cream.
Pros:
- One of the best anti-aging moisturizers
- Lightweight
- Firms skin & restores elasticity
- Non-sticky
- Gluten-free
Cons:
- None
The Ordinary Daily Moisturizer
A perfect daily moisturizer that is non-comedogenic and lightweight. It works well for dryness and can be worn under makeup. Contains hyaluronic acid, peptides and amino acids.
If you are looking for a good daily day cream that won’t pinch your pocket and work effortlessly, then go for this one.
Pros:
- Lightweight & hydrating
- Deals with dry patches
- Dry skin friendly
Cons:
- No anti-aging benefit
ELF Holy Hydration Moisturizer
Are you looking for a regular affordable vegan moisturizer? Look no further ELF Holy Hydration is all you need. It is ideal for sensitive skin and free of parabens, phthalates, triclosan, and other harsh chemicals. Works great as a primer. For the price, it is a wonderful drugstore gem.
Holy Hydration is nourishing and adds a brightening effect. Contains good ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide, and peptides. There is a fragrance-free version too.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Free from harsh chemicals
- Comfortable as a primer
- Drugstore
Cons:
None
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair
Look no more if you’re looking for a moisturizer that repairs alongside immense hydration.
It works with your skin barrier and provides a healthy looking skin.
It has shea butter, ceramides and oatmeal. Soothes skin and keeps moisture locked in.
It is a calming face lotion that won’t irritate your sensitive skin or flare up allergies. The ingredients are clean and consistency is easy to absorb.
Pros:
- Hydrating
- Absorbs well
- Dry Skin uitable
Cons:
- Don’t over apply
Farmacy Daily Gel Moisturizer
A vegan face cream that leaves you with soft skin. It is a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer that is calming to your skin. Suitable for oily and combo skin. Has ita fruity fragrance to it that is refreshing for summers.
Pros:
- Oil Free
- Fragrance Free
- Vegan
- Suitable for oily & combo skin
Cons:
- Scent
Drunk Elephant Firming Moisturizer
A lightweight gel moisturizer that deals with firmness and elasticity. You’ll like it if Drunk Elephant products work for you. It quenches the thirst of dry skin particularly during winter. But you will need a serum if you are on the super dry side. Regarding the anti-aging claims, there is a noticeable result.
Pros:
- Anti-aging
- Vegan
- Clean ingredients
- Works for dull and irregular texture
Cons:
- Not for very dry skin
IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream
IT Cosmetics moisturizer is quite popular. The cream is thick and hydrating and fights the signs of aging. Nice facial cream for cold winter. However, recently it went under reformulation. I’ve used the original and it is a holy grail. Luckily, the new formula didn’t flare my skin or anything. Still, I would prefer the original one comparatively. Probably because old habits die hard.
Pros:
- Plumps & softens the skin
- Anti-aging; promotes elasticity
- Makes skin even-toned
- Clean ingredients
- Vegan
Cons:
- Thick texture
Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Dew Cream
A light facial cream that provides the popular dewy look that we all love! I like that it absorbs quickly and didn’t cause any breakouts. The texture is nice and almost fragrance-free. Wasn’t sticky or tacky. Totally loved how it felt on my skin. This Mario Badescu Dew moisturizer provides soft skin. It contains hyaluronic acid and squalane.
It is great to wear under makeup if you have dry skin as it helps to achieve the dewy makeup look. You will get a well-hydrated base if you use a pH-balanced cleanser and hydrating mist alongside.
Pros:
- Goodness of Hyaluronic acid and squalane
- Suitable for dry and sensitive skin
- Can wear under makeup
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons:
- Not for very dry skin
Skinfix Barrier+ Face Cream
A nourishing moisturizer that is suitable for AM and PM routine. It is clean and free of harsh ingredients. You can get the refill instead of the whole product if repurchasing. Skinfix moisturizer provides healthy glowing and soft skin that is visibly plump. Best suited for dry and sensitive skin. It may feel greasy if your skin is super oily. The texture is smooth and goes on smoothly. Worth the money.
Pros:
- Vegan
- Clean beauty
- Hyaluronic acid and shea butter
- Fragrance free
Cons:
- Packaging
The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer
An anti-aging moisturizer that is vegan, clean and nourishing. It absorbs fast with a dual peptide formula aiming to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It is a nice soothing vegan moisturizer for daily use that is deeply nourishing. You’ll like it if you need a replenishing cream for your morning routine.
Pros:
- Contains Peptide
- Vegan
- Anti-aging Daily Cream
Cons:
- Not for oily skin
Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer
Jack Black moisturizer is often less talked about. So here we are to fill in the gap. It is a great SPF moisturizer without any greasiness. A light moisturizer with SPF 20 and UVA, and UVB protection that soaks in well. It is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. There is a fresh scent to it.
Pros:
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Free of gluten and paraben
- Travel-friendly tube
- Clean scent
Cruelty-Free & Vegan Checker iOS App is here!
Check latest Cruelty-Free status and hidden vegan ingredients of any product intantly with Keru App.
A toxic ingredient checker that helps you scan ingredients of beauty products.
Are your beauty products cruelty-free, vegan and clean? Know with Keru.
Get Keru App on App store.
Cons:
- None
FAQ
How often should you use a face moisturizer?
Use the moisturizer during the morning on freshly cleansed face. You should use a night cream in your PM routine in the evening before heading to bed.
You can use face moisturizer on the neck. But if you’re looking for intense repair and care for your neck area, you should use a cruelty free neck cream.
These are some of our favorite vegan and cruelty-free moisturizer. Which one is your favorite pick out of all the above?
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Hi you should include the parent companies with brands that are listed as “cruelty-free”. IT Cosmetics, for example, it’s parent company is not “cruelty-free” so this information should be disclosed so that consumers, especially those who don’t do a lot of research, can make a better informed decision.