Top 5 Best Natural Moisturizers for Your Face (2025)
In today's world of synthetic skincare, more people are turning to natural face moisturizers as a safer, more effective alternative to chemical-laden products. Your skin is extremely absorbent, so if you use a moisturizer with sulfates and parabens, those ingredients can be absorbed from your skin into your bloodstream, where they could cause damage to your body down the line.
Nontoxic and natural ingredients like organic shea butter, aloe vera, and plant oils keep your skin happy and hydrated without any irritating and unnecessary chemicals that can throw your skin off (or cause an allergic reaction). Plus, choosing organic moisturizers is better for both your skin and the environment.
- Natural moisturizers offer several key benefits:
- No harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances
- Gentle on sensitive skin with fewer irritating ingredients
- Environmentally friendly with biodegradable, sustainable ingredients
- Rich in vitamins and antioxidants from plant-based sources
- Long-lasting hydration without clogging pores
| Rank | Face Moisturizer Name |
|---|---|
| 5 | Bee You Organics Face Moisturizer |
| 4 | True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil |
| 3 | Weleda Sensitive Care Facial Lotion |
| 2 | 100% Pure Restorative Sea Culture Extra Riche Créme |
| 1 | Ursa Major Fortifying Face Balm |
5. Bee You Organics Face Moisturizer - Best Budget Natural Option
Most commonly touted as "life-changing," this Organic Face Moisturizer will help you get rid of dry skin, red skin, bumps, rosacea, eczema and other skin issues, helping to make your skin soft, smooth, soothed, radiant, healthy and glowing.
- Key Ingredients: Organic Beeswax, organic unrefined shea butter, organic Rosehip, Tamanu, Evening Primrose and Pomegranate oils
- Best For: Problem skin, eczema, rosacea
- Why We Love It:
- 100% essential oil-free
- Doubles as an eye cream
- Made by hand in small batches
- Helps with various skin conditions
- Completely plastic-free shipping
- Perfect For: Those with skin conditions or anyone seeking a multi-purpose, healing moisturizer.
- Price: Approximately $38
4. True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil - Best Facial Oil Moisturizer
This luxurious facial oil combines exotic seed oils with marine extracts to deliver deep hydration and powerful antioxidant protection.
- Key Ingredients: Chia, kiwi, passionfruit & papaya seed oils, algae extract
- Best For: All skin types, anti-aging
- Why We Love It:
- Lightweight oil that absorbs quickly
- Rich in omega fatty acids
- Suitable for all skin types, including oily
- Beautiful glass packaging
- Clean, sustainable formulation
- Perfect For: Those who prefer oil-based moisturizers or anyone seeking anti-aging benefits.
- Price: $120
3. Weleda Sensitive Care Facial Lotion - Best for Sensitive Skin
Weleda's Sensitive Care Facial Lotion is made with sustainably sourced almond and prunus seed oils. The lightweight moisturizer works as a balm to relieve redness and dryness, and all ingredients have been ethically sourced.
- Key Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, prunus seed oil, beeswax
- Best For: Sensitive, reactive skin
- Why We Love It:
- Dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin
- Gentle, naturally sweet almond scent
- Lightweight yet nourishing texture
- Ethically sourced ingredients
- Budget-friendly price point
- Perfect For: Those with reactive skin, rosacea, or anyone seeking a gentle daily moisturizer.
- Price: $14.99
2. 100% Pure Restorative Sea Culture Extra Riche Créme - Best for Dry Skin
The Restorative Sea Culture Extra Riche Créme from 100% Pure combines nutrient-rich sea minerals, vitamins, and oils for skin that glows — especially for faces with skin on the drier side. It's vegan and mostly organic, as well as made in the USA.
- Key Ingredients: Nutrient-rich sea minerals, vitamins, and oils
- Best For: Dry, mature skin
- Why We Love It:
- Intensely hydrating for very dry skin
- Rich in marine minerals and antioxidants
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Made in the USA with sustainable practices
- Beautiful floral scent profile
- Perfect For: Anyone with chronically dry skin or those living in harsh climates.
- Price: $46-$54
1. Ursa Major Fortifying Face Balm - Best Overall Natural Moisturizer
Ursa Major is a certified B corp making natural and organic skincare essentials with nature's very best ingredients. The Fortifying Face Balm — which is vegan and made in the USA — includes organic aloe leaf juice, sunflower & carrot seed oils, and willow bark extract.
- Key Ingredients: Organic aloe leaf juice, sunflower & carrot seed oils, willow bark extract
- Best For: All skin types, daily use
- Why We Love It:
- Lightweight, non-greasy formula
- Reduces redness and inflammation
- Convenient pump bottle for easy application
- Certified B-Corp with sustainable practices
- Plastic-negative packaging
- Perfect For: Those seeking a reliable daily moisturizer that feels spa-like and works for sensitive skin.
- Price: Approximately $38
What to Look for in Natural Face Moisturizers
-
Key Natural Ingredients to Seek:
- Humectants (attract moisture to skin):
- Hyaluronic acid
- Aloe vera
- Honey
- Alpha hydroxy acids
- Emollients (smooth and soften skin):
- Shea butter
- Coconut oil
- Jojoba oil
- Squalane
- Antioxidants (protect against environmental damage):
- Vitamin E
- Rosehip oil
- Green tea extract
- Pomegranate seed oil
- Ingredients to Avoid:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic fragrances
- Petroleum-based ingredients
- Alcohol (drying types)
Natural DIY Moisturizer Options
For those who prefer complete control over ingredients, several natural oils make excellent moisturizers including almond oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, oat oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil.
Simple DIY Recipe:
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- Optional: 2-3 drops lavender essential oil
- Mix ingredients and store in a clean glass jar. Use within 3-6 months.
How to Choose the Right Natural Moisturizer for Your Skin Type
- Dry Skin:
- Look for rich, creamy textures with ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.
- Oily/Acne-Prone Skin:
- Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas with tea tree oil, aloe vera, or niacinamide.
- Sensitive Skin:
- Opt for fragrance-free formulas with minimal ingredients and soothing components like chamomile or calendula.
- Mature Skin:
- Seek antioxidant-rich formulas with retinol alternatives, peptides, and vitamin C.
- Combination Skin:
- Use lightweight, balancing formulas that hydrate without over-moisturizing oily areas.
The Science Behind Natural Moisturizers
Humectants are ingredients that help hydrate the skin by attracting water molecules from the dermis like a magnet, drawing them closer to the epidermis to create that moisture barrier. Emollients are ingredients that help smooth and soften the skin by repairing cracks in the skin barrier and preventing water loss.
Natural moisturizers work by:
- Creating a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss
- Delivering nutrients through vitamins and antioxidants
- Supporting skin repair with essential fatty acids
- Maintaining pH balance with gentle, skin-compatible ingredients
Tips for Using Natural Face Moisturizers
-
Application Best Practices:
- Apply to slightly damp skin for better absorption
- Use gentle upward motions when applying
- Allow moisturizer to fully absorb before applying makeup
- Patch test new products before full face application
- Storage Tips:
- Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Use clean hands or a spatula to prevent contamination
- Check expiration dates (natural products typically last 6-12 months)
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a healthcare provider or dermatologist before trying any new skincare products, especially if you have underlying skin conditions or allergies.
