What is the best cruelty-free moisturizer?
Cruelty-free moisturizers are products with ingredients that have not been tested on animals. Not only are they far kinder to animals and the environment, cruelty-free products are also healthier for your skin because they don’t contain parabens, sulfates and synthetic dyes, which cause breakouts and aggravate existing skin conditions.
For younger-looking, healthier skin, the Poppy Austin Organic Retinol Cream uses a special blend of jojoba oil, vitamin A, green tea and antioxidants to enhance your natural glow and revitalize your complexion.
What to know before you buy a cruelty-free moisturizer
Benefits
Switching to cruelty-free products has numerous benefits over and above the fact that they aren’t tested on animals. Cruelty-free products are cleaner cosmetics, which is safer for your skin and reduces inflammation. The skin absorbs approximately 60% of what you apply to the surface, which means that harsh chemicals on the skin will eventually make their way into your body. Manufacturers of cruelty-free cosmetics make products that are both kinder to animals and kinder to you.
Skin type
Regardless of your skin type, there is a cruelty-free and luxurious moisturizer available to complement your beauty and skincare routine. For oily skin, Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream balances natural oils for firmer and more supple skin. For sensitive skin, Poppy Austin Organic Retinol Cream is gentle and soothing. For normal to combination skin, Bliss Ex-glow-sion is an excellent option that gives a dewy, fresh look and combats dryness.
Facial care
Cruelty-free moisturizers are best when used as part of a complete yet simple skincare routine, which includes gentle cleansing and sun protection. Limiting the number of both the products you use and the ingredients they contain is the first step to clearer, smoother skin. Choose a facial cleanser or bar soap that is gentle and free of chemicals or detergents, wash your face thoroughly and pat dry. Next, apply your cruelty-free moisturizer. Avoid layering it on too thickly so that it feels light and doesn’t clog your pores. Finally, if you’ll be exposing your face to direct sunlight, apply sunscreen.
Cruelty-free moisturizer features
Vitamins
Cruelty-free moisturizers often feature the inclusion of vitamins rather than chemicals to moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. Cruelty-free moisturizers containing vitamins A, C and B5 will promote cell regeneration, fight against free radicals, even out your skin tone and promote collagen production.
Anti-aging
Many cruelty-free moisturizers enhance the youthful glow of your skin and repair the damaging effects of the sun. Products which contain retinol, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, peptides and shea butter will help heal damage to your skin. These products will reduce the appearance of fine lines, age spots and wrinkles, giving your skin a youthful glow. Other strategies for fresher, younger-looking skin include drinking plenty of water and taking supplements like collagen, which increase the body’s collagen production to help reverse the effects of aging on the skin.
Vegan skincare
Vegan skincare products and cruelty-free skincare products are not the same thing. In fact, there are different certifications from PETA for both of these separate types of moisturizing cream. The label on your moisturizer will indicate with an icon which type of cream you are purchasing. If you are vegan, it helps to be aware that some creams may be both vegan and cruelty-free, but that is not always the case.
Cruelty-free moisturizer cost
There is a pervading common misconception that cruelty-free moisturizers are far more expensive than products tested on animals. This is simply not true. While cruelty-free moisturizers are typically made with healthier ingredients, they aren’t necessarily overpriced. For high-quality and vitamin enriched cruelty-free moisturizers, expect to spend $16-$22 for 1.5-3.4 ounces.
Cruelty-free moisturizer FAQ
How do I know if a product is cruelty-free?
A. To determine whether your moisturizer is cruelty-free, look for a Leaping Bunny icon or PETA certification seal. PETA has two separate certifications; one for cruelty-free and another for vegan products.
Are cruelty-free products more expensive?
A. No, cruelty-free products are not more expensive than products tested on animals, and it’s unclear how this myth was first perpetuated. The cruelty-free status of a particular brand of moisturizing cream doesn’t impact its price. Cruelty-free product testing is actually cheaper than testing on animals. Some creams feature more expensive ingredients, particularly anti-aging creams with retinol. However, this price difference is reflective of the quality of the cream, not the ethics of the manufacturer.
Which cruelty-free moisturizer should I get?
Best of the best cruelty-free moisturizer
Poppy Austin Organic Retinol Cream: available at Amazon
Our take: This hugely popular, cruelty-free moisturizer for the face, hands and body contains 13 anti-aging ingredients, contains luxurious jojoba oil, promotes younger-looking skin and comes in a 3.4-ounce bottle.
What we like: This product is well known for fighting premature aging and creating dewy-looking, supple skin. It smoothes fine lines and reduces the look of wrinkles and age spots beautifully.
What we dislike: When the bottle is nearly empty, it’s difficult to get the remainder of the cream from the bottom.
Best bang for your buck cruelty-free moisturizer
Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream: available at Amazon
Our take: This cream contains hyaluronic acid to reduce the appearance of fine lines dramatically. This vegan cream quenches the skin and restores your youthful glow.
What we like: This miracle cream is dermatologist tested, cruelty-free, light, gentle and soothing.
What we dislike: It has a unique watery texture, which most reviewers loved. However, some users found it strange to apply.
Honorable mention cruelty-free moisturizer
Bliss Ex-glow-sion: available at Amazon
Our take: The Bliss Ex-glow-sion is a premium, cruelty-free moisturizing cream containing shea butter to hydrate combination skin. This cream is velvety and contains vitamin C for added youthful brightening of the face.
What we like: This cream truly refreshes the face. It’s light and dreamy, and it rejuvenates dull skin after only a few applications.
What we dislike: This cruelty-free moisturizer is more suitable for combination skin than for oily skin; some reviewers felt it created a sheen.
Ashley Britten is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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