Best all natural moisturizer for dry skin

Best all natural moisturizer for dry skin

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We reach for our moisturizer every single morning and every single evening. With all that repetition, it's worth considering switching to a cleaner, greener formula that's great for you and the planet. But you don't have to sacrifice texture, results, or your skin's health for choosing a formula made without ingredients you may want to avoid. The best natural and organic moisturizers boost skin's health with soothing plant-based actives, and ingredients that derms love like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane, shea butter, and oils.

Ahead, 14 natural and organic moisturizers our editors and experts love.

1

FOR DRY SKIN

Biossance

Squalane + Omega Repair Moisturizer

2

FOR SKIN OF COLOR

Eadem

Cloud Cushion & Fufu Spoon

3

FOR DRY SKIN

EPARA

Epara Moisturizing Face Cream

4

FOR DARK SPOTS

ROSEN

ROSEN Tropics Moisturizer

5

FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Youth To The People

Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream with Ashwagandha + Reishi

6

FOR STRESSED SKIN

Beekman 1802

Beekman 1802 Bloom Cream Daily Probiotic Moisturizer

7

PERFECT UNDER MAKEUP

Weleda

Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream

8

FOR SUN PROTECTION

Josh Rosebrook

Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30

9

FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN

Blemish Balm

10

FOR DULL SKIN

Golden Hour Recovery Cream

11

FOR OILY SKIN

Tata Harper

Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer

12

FOR MATURE SKIN

Drunk Elephant

Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer

13

PREGNANCY-SAFE

Tatcha

The Dewy Skin Cream

14

DOUBLES AS A PRIMER

Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer

Jenna Rosenstein Beauty Director Jenna Rosenstein is the Beauty Director at BAZAAR.com.

At the core of every well-rounded skincare routine is a quality moisturizer, and rightfully so. Your skin acts as a barrier to the outside world, protecting you from the elements and possible infections. Top-notch hydration also prevents pesky cracking and irritation that can leave your skin vulnerable, keeps premature wrinkles at bay, and evens out your complexion.

But more than ever, people are looking to take that protection one step further by choosing moisturizers that not only leave skin feeling soft, smooth, and nourished, but do so sans iffy additives, preservatives, and chemicals.

However, hunting down products that are more “natural” and less synthetic can be daunting. “The European Union has banned thousands of potentially harmful chemicals from their skincare,” says Anthony Youn, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon and author of The Age Fix. “Unfortunately, in the U.S., that’s just not the case.” But fear not: We went to the experts for the lowdown on how to choose the best natural moisturizer for your skin, so you can apply with confidence.

First, what does “natural” mean, anyway?

Here’s where things get murky: “In regards to cosmetics, the term natural isn’t regulated in the U.S., and there’s no official definition for it,” says Gabriella Baki, Ph.D., assistant professor of pharmaceutics and director of the BSPS cosmetic science and formulation design program at The University of Toledo. “This means that anyone can define it their own way.”

A natural product may contain only unprocessed ingredients that occur in nature, or processed ingredients that are sourced from natural products (a.k.a. synthetic ingredients). “A natural-sounding ingredient, such as aloe vera extract, can come from nature, but can also be synthesized in a lab,” says Baki. “It will have the same name on the product label, but the source isn’t the same.”

Generally speaking, natural products tend to play the pure card—a more refined ingredients list that’s mostly found in nature (think: aloe vera, coconut oil, honey) with as few additives as possible (preservatives, fragrances, dyes), says Susan Massick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

“Natural doesn’t always mean better, though, because people can be allergic to natural ingredients as easily as synthetics or other chemicals,” she adds, such as those that are botanically-based. The source of an ingredient doesn’t necessarily determine how safe it is for your skin, per the Food and Drug Administration.

Plus, all skincare products have to be processed in some way (there’s no such thing as a moisturizer tree, for example), and those that are less processed might not feel as luxe.

Take skincare products that are made purely of unaltered oils: “The problem with some of these is they often don’t feel as nice as products that have been specially formulated for the skin,” says Dr. Youn. “You can use olive oil as a moisturizer, and many people do, but I’d rather use something with natural and organic ingredients that may smell nicer and not feel greasy.”

How to choose the best natural moisturizer for your skin

Define what natural means to you.

The best place to start is to decide what natural means to you personally—some people just want a product that’s free of potential endocrine disruptors and carcinogens, like parabens and untreated or mildly treated mineral oils, respectively, whereas others define natural as products that aren’t formulated or combined in a lab.

Because natural certification isn’t necessary and the definition of natural is whatever a particular brand wants it to be, having your own definition in mind can help you decide whether a product’s composition meets your personal criteria. “Brands may also have information on their website about their philosophy toward natural products, and this can help with making an informed decision,” says Baki.

And when you do decide to try a natural product, consider applying it to a small test area first—say, your wrist or the crook of your elbow—to make sure you’re not allergic, says Dr. Massick.

Check for certifications.

It’s not mandatory for companies to get their products certified as natural, but some may do so to help build consumer trust, says Baki. Three such certifying agencies are the National Products Association, EWG Verified, and COSMOS-standard.

“Each association has its own definition for natural, so consumers can look up these definitions and see if that’s what they’re looking for too,” says Baki. “If they like the criteria, they can look for these logos on products.”

Depending on your personal definition of natural, other certifications to look out for might include

  • USDA Organic: These products meet required organic standards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. An annual review and inspection is required each year to maintain the certification.
  • Ecocert: This independent network is recognized as a leader in natural and organic cosmetic certifications by assessing all aspects of a product required for obtaining the label it desires, from fair trade logos to certified organic stamps.
  • Cruelty-Free: Look for the Leaping Bunny logo to ensure a company does not test on animals.
  • Vegan: A certified vegan label is a guarantee that the product contains no animal ingredients or by-products, uses no animal ingredients or by-products in the manufacturing process, and is not being tested on animals.

CERTIFIED CRUELTY-FREE

Best all natural moisturizer for dry skin

Mineral Fusion Intense Hydration Face CreamCredit: Mineral Fusion

Along with hydrators like shea butter and hyaluronic acid, this face cream from Mineral Fusion contains soothing botanicals like aloe and cucumber, as well as natural antioxidants to help protect the skin from further damage.

EWG VERIFIED

Best all natural moisturizer for dry skin

The Spa Dr. Renew Enriched MoisturizerCredit: The Spa Dr

The Spa Dr.’s skincare system is made from over 30 natural and organic ingredients that help hydrate, smooth, and balance any skin type or tone. “It’s a perfectly pH balanced, light moisturizer that feels great on your skin,” says Dr. Youn.

ECOCERT

Best all natural moisturizer for dry skin

Naturopathica Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream

This ultra-moisturizing cream is packed with calendula, borage seed oil, and aloe vera to soothe, hydrate, and protect the skin. Bonus: It’s paraben- and sulfate-free, certified cruelty-free and organic, and works across all skin types.

Shop by skin concern.

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, make sure your moisturizer is hypoallergenic to minimize the possibility of allergic reactions or further irritation, and that it’s non-comedogenic. “Non-comedogenic means the product is non-pore clogging and won’t cause breakouts,” says Zain Husain, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist practicing at the New Jersey Dermatology & Aesthetics Center.

Another way to ensure a natural moisturizer is the right fit is to choose products based on body part. “A different moisturizer may be necessary for dry hands compared to normal back skin,” says Baki.

ALL SKIN TYPES

Best all natural moisturizer for dry skin

boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer

Now 50% Off

Credit: Boscia

This lightweight, preservative-free moisturizer hydrates even the thirstiest of skin, and does so lightning-fast without using oil. “Queen of the night cactus is a rare ingredient that’s known for storing water,” says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Sapna Palep, M.D..

OILY, ACNE-PRONE SKIN

Best all natural moisturizer for dry skin

Juice Beauty Oil-Free MoisturizerCredit: Dermstore

Besides the perks that come from being oil-free, this lightweight moisturizer from Juice Beauty restores your skin’s natural moisture balance with a blend of certified organic ingredients—like grape, pomegranate, and aloe vera—and clears blemishes while doing its thing.

MATURE SKIN

Best all natural moisturizer for dry skin

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2Credit: Dermstore

Infused with essential lipids that restore skin’s hydration and elasticity, this moisturizer by SkinCeuticals also contains vitamin E (to support natural cell repair and reproduction) and essential oils (to fight free radical damage). “It’s a splurge, but extremely hydrating and luxurious,” says Dr. Husain.

Know your moisturizer types.

Your skin needs and concerns should be considered when choosing the right moisturizer. Moisturizers are classified based on how much oil and water they contain, says Dr. Massick. Ointments contain the most oil, which means they’re excellent at sealing in moisture—perfect for those with skin conditions, such as eczema.

Next up are creams. They don’t contain as much oil as ointments, but are great at locking in moisture and are a close second for those who don’t like the greasy vibe of ointments or whose skin doesn’t necessarily require them.

Lotions contain more water than oil, and depending on the formulation, may not be the best choice for super-dry or sensitive skin, as they evaporate quickly and don’t have the staying power of ointments or creams.

OINTMENT

Best all natural moisturizer for dry skin

Burt’s Bees Baby 100% Natural Multipurpose Ointment

Now 40% Off

Credit: Amazon

For dry, irritated skin that just won’t quit, this ointment creates a protective, soothing barrier that also keeps the skin’s own moisture in, creating the ultimate healing environment. (You know, not to brag or anything.) If you prefer to avoid petroleum, which many ointments contain, this one is a safe bet.

CREAM

Best all natural moisturizer for dry skin

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

“My favorite moisturizers are by CeraVe,” says Dr. Husain. “CeraVe uses ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides, which are lipid molecules that help build your skin’s moisture barrier and help lock in hydration.” Not only do they have products for all skin types, they come in large tubs at an affordable price.

LOTION

Best all natural moisturizer for dry skin

Beautycounter Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion

This lightweight lotion provides up to 24 hours of hydration, and its Bio-Mimic Technology actually adapts to your skin’s hydration needs throughout the day, says Dr. Youn, giving your skin exactly what it needs, when it needs it.

Look out for known irritants.

Make sure the product is dye-, perfume-, and fragrance-free. Don’t forget: Fragrance-free and unscented don’t mean the same thing, says Dr. Massick. Fragrance-free means no fragrance, whereas unscented means there is fragrance, but it’s masked so you can’t detect it. Alcohol can also cause allergic contact dermatitis (which can cause redness and itching), and you should check for any botanical ingredients you might be sensitive to.

“If you see these ingredients listed in the beginning of the ingredient section on a product, that means they make up a substantial component of the total product and pose a greater risk of contact dermatitis,” says Dr. Husain.

When using a moisturizer with SPF, look for one with mineral blockers, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are reef-friendly and “generally recognized as safe,” by the FDA.

Best all natural moisturizer for dry skin

Vaniply Ointment

If you need an ointment but prefer a non-greasy feel, look no further. Vaniply Ointment is free of dyes, fragrance, parabens, formaldehyde, and other questionable preservatives. It’s also non-comedogenic for facial use, and was awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association.

Best all natural moisturizer for dry skin

Youth To The People Superfood Hyaluronic Acid MoisturizerCredit: Sephora

A cream free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, mineral oil, and silicone? Check! Plus, it expertly hydrates and soothes the skin, thanks to hyaluronic acid, green tea, kale, and aloe, says board-certified dermatologist Debra Jaliman, M.D., author of Skin Rules. 

Best all natural moisturizer for dry skin

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream

This uber-nourishing formula from Aveeno contains colloidal oatmeal and ceramides that help restore the skin’s protective function without the use of steroids. (It’s also been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Approval.)

Research ingredients you’re unsure about.

Even natural or naturally-derived ingredients can be tricky to identify on an ingredients label. For example, sodium ascorbyl phosphate is vitamin C, and niacinamide is vitamin B3. To find more information about a certain ingredient or product, you can search for them via the EWG’s Skin Deep database or the Think Dirty app (available on iOS and Android).


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Krissy is a regular contributor to Prevention, and she also writes for Cosmopolitan, Weight Watchers, Women's Health, FitnessMagazine.com, Self.com, and Shape.com. 

What is the healthiest natural moisturizer?

7 best natural moisturizers for your skin..
Superbloom Illuminating Gel Moisturizer - For Oily & Combination Skin..
Indie Lee Active Oil Free Moisturizer..
Beauty by Earth Oil Control Facial Moisturizer..
Bulldog Men's Original Moisturizer..
Burt's Bees Sensitive Daily Moisturizing Cream..

What is the best Moisturiser for extremely dry skin?

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. ... .
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion. ... .
Avène XeraCalm Lipid-Replenishing Cream. ... .
Eucerin Advanced Repair Dry Skin Lotion. ... .
Vanicream Moisturising Skin Cream. ... .
Aveeno Dermexa Emollient Cream 200ml. ... .
EltaMD Moisture Rich Body Creme (2 oz.).

How can I moisturize my dry face naturally?

You can also try these natural remedies:.
Whip Up an Olive Oil Cleanser to Soothe Dry Skin. ... .
DIY a Rich, Creamy Avocado Mask. ... .
Make a Natural Olive Oil and Sugar Scrub. ... .
Create an Easy Oatmeal Soak to Calm Your Skin. ... .
Exfoliate Your Face With a Homemade Oatmeal Honey Mask. ... .
Apply Coconut Oil Before Bedtime..

What is the best natural Moisturiser for face?

For instance, safflower oil, honey, turmeric, white tea, oats, coconut oil, soy, licorice and olive oil are some natural ingredients that are great humectants. They lock in moisture to deeply nourish your skin. At the same time, they are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory which ensures that your skin is rash free.