One of the most essential products for comprehensive skincare is a good moisturizer that can keep your skin well hydrated. But we urge you to keep an arm’s length from any moisturizer that has alcohol in it and instead include one of the best alcohol free moisturizers in your skincare routine. Because this is where the tone is set for your skin’s general nourishment and hydration. Often you’d end up choosing a moisturizer and then end up realizing that it’s just not working out for you. This might be because of a lot of reasons, all of which stem from its ingredients.

Dr. Vanitta Rattan, doctor and cosmetic formulator, says, “There are two types of alcohol in skincare, the good and bad ones. Good alcohols tend to be emollients and bad alcohols tend to be solvents that tend to thin out the formula and make it easier to dissolve the ingredients. Examples of good alcohol would be cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol, so have a look at the packaging. Also, glycerin is a humectant that’s good, ” she says. It also damages the collagen, leading to premature aging and trans-epidermal water loss. 

Our contributor Dr. Zeeshan Afzal, MD - Welzo Medical Officer, an online healthcare platform, shares, “Moisturizers may contain alcohol for various reasons including improving texture and preservation benefits. The problem with such moisturizers is that these can be drying and irritating for some skin types.”

Moisturizers, similar to other makeup products have certain ingredients that are meant to act as preservatives that serve towards their longevity. Some of these ingredients can be alcohol based and can be good for your skin. But more often than not, this alcohol can cause your skin to unnecessarily dry out and lead to acne, irritation, and dryness. That’s where alcohol-free moisturizers come to your rescue.

It’s about time you took your skincare game to the next level and we’re here for you with our list of some of the great names in the history of skincare!

• 1
  Best Overall

  Murad Essential-C Facial Moisturizer

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Approved by beauty influencers and skincare enthusiasts, this facial moisturizer by Murad is ideal for every skin type. Apart from instant hydration, this moisturizer also doubles as a sunscreen that shields your skin from harmful UV rays whilst repairing your skin. Made with hydrating ingredients like amino acids, panthenol, zinc gluconate, and oxybenzone among many others that protect your skin from any external aggressors, pollutants, stress, and dust. This vitamin C-enriched AM cream reverses sun damage and fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation caused due to sun exposure. 

2

Best for Sensitive Skin

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer

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When we talk about alcohol free moisturizers, it’d be wrong to not mention Neutrogena and its famous skin-friendly products. This moisturizer comes highly recommended by doctors and skin-care experts due to its oil-free nature and sunscreen-like consistency. Essentially a water-based lotion, it is hypoallergenic and is best suited for sensitive skin because it can be applied easily and gives your face a shine-free, non-fragrant but soft and supple feel. Its best part is the pump applicator, which allows you to use a perfect amount of lotion without making your skin feel oily.

3

Most Organic

KLEEM ORGANICS ADVANCED RETINOL

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Moisturizers work best when they are derived from natural ingredients, but they work even better when infused with collagen and elastin-firming additives. That’s exactly what this alcohol free moisturizer promises to offer. After trying out this product, we’re quite impressed with its list of organic ingredients. These include numerous hydrating oxidants, vitamins, retinol, and Hyaluronic acid – all of which pack quite the natural punch. It offers double benefits first as a moisturizer and second as an anti-aging cream that targets wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. Leading to hydrated, younger, and firm skin.

4

Best mild retinol cream

Neutrogena RETINOL REGENERATING CREAM

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Retinol is fast becoming a much sought-after drug, especially in terms of skincare products owing to its many benefits. Synthetically derived from Vitamin A, it works as an exfoliating agent for your skin by working on fine lines and any other signs of aging. These benefits are promised as part of this alcohol free moisturizer. Our research indicates that this rich moisturizer doubles up as a rich wrinkle repair cream that works meticulously towards removing all dark spots and signs of aging with regular use for about one week. The gentle formulation allows you to use it daily without worry.

5

Best for damaged skin

Aveeno Calm + Restore TRIPLE OAT SERUM

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The next product on our list ticks all boxes when it comes to being manufactured specifically for sensitive skin, dermatologically tested, and fragrance-free. This alcohol free moisturizer by Aveeno promises to stand true to its name by activating your skin’s ability to calm and restore. Enriched with a triple oat complex, this serum strengthens your skin’s natural moisture barrier and with regular use, soothes your skin to make it smoother over time. The naturally derived ingredients are extremely gentle, thereby making them the perfect mix to care for sensitive skin in a calming manner.

6

Best Light-weight Cream

PETER THOMAS ROTH WATER DRENCH

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In terms of skincare, shea, and cocoa butter are two ingredients that you must always be on the lookout for. On one hand, shea is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin E; and works towards eliminating all signs of aging from your skin, while thoroughly moisturizing it. Whereas cocoa butter is high in fat content and lends your skin a protective natural layer of moisture. These two are at the heart of this alcohol free moisturizer in addition to 30% Hyaluronic acid and sweet almond oil. As a result, you get to drench your skin in hydration and give it a plump, healthy look. Another great feature of this product is how light-textured it is and won’t weigh your skin down.

7

Best for Daily Wear

HONEST FACE + BODY LOTION

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If using an alcohol free moisturizer was honestly an easy breezy experience, then this particular product would top the list. The most striking feature here is the lightweight texture that gets quickly absorbed into your skin, without leaving any extra product or weighing your skin down. Its calming properties, when combined with its completely paraben-free nature allow it to be so gentle that you can use it on your babies as well. Never having been tested on animals, this face and body lotion is bound to become a quick favorite.

8

Best anti-aging Cream

L'OREAL REVITALIFT CICACREM

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Centella Asiatica was traditionally known in Chinese culture as the Tiger Herb. It is believed that the majestic tigers would roll around in this plant to heal their wounds. Soon, it was recognized for its magnificent healing and anti-aging properties. These are found at the heart of this alcohol free moisturizer and offer you a new way to fight wrinkles, especially if you’ve got sensitive skin. Additionally, Cicacrem is derived from French pharmacies and has been famous for restoring your skin’s youthfulness by eliminating all signs of aging.

9

Best for Dry, Dull Skin

Thrive Face Balm

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The next product on our list promises hydration that comes from unique-to-market superplants. This alcohol free moisturizer enjoys thorough differentiation mainly because it can be used easily by both men and women, without the worry of parabens or even pores being clogged. As per our expertise, this is a treasure trove of skin-boosting antioxidants and potent skin-restoration properties. We’re quite impressed by its lightweight texture and non-greasy formula. Regular usage will give your skin the nutrition and hydration it craves without the trouble of any redness or irritation.

10

Best for Acne-prone Skin

Curel Intensive Moisture Facial Cream

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The next product on our list is recommended by more than 80% of dermatologists in Japan as the go-to facial moisturizing cream. The most award-winning feature of this cream is how it replenishes the ceramides in your skin. Your skin in turn enjoys intense hydration and can maintain its natural elasticity. You can use this alcohol-free moisturizer as a night cream as well due to its gentle formulation and PH-balance. Its anti-aging properties have already crowned it a favorite in Japan and now it's on its way to taking over the globe.

11

luxelotion Alcohol-Free Moisturizer

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A dermatologically tested moisturizer that is rich in rapeseed oil, comes in a non-greasy formula and has absolutely zero petroleum. Sounds quite like a dream, right? It’s exactly that and more. According to our observations, it is a bespoke luxury in a bottle of skin care. You can use this lotion on your face, neck, and hands while being assured of its highly moisturizing properties. This product is completely vegan and hypoallergenic which means that it is quite the go-to product for those with sensitive skin. Furthermore, its ingredients include Vitamin B3, sea buckthorn, and hyaluronic acid, all of which are derived naturally without any chemical additives. This makes it a completely skin-friendly lotion.

12

Embryolisse LES HYDRANTANTS

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Infused with rich ingredients like Vitamin E, shea butter, tapioca starch, and apricot oil, this is another moisturizing cream from the skincare heritage of China. Some of the most likable features here are that it helps you achieve soft, nourished skin with lots of antioxidants but none of the shine. The Hydra-Mat emulsion formula is perfected to suit both sensitive and combination skin types and acts as a micro-sponge to remove any excess oil by keeping your skin’s naturalness intact. It comes in the packaging of a tube which makes it easier for application as well.

13

pharma-gel BETA-C Dual Action Moisturiser

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Here's a dual-action moisturizing cream that flawlessly does the job of hydration as well as works as an anti-aging agent. At the heart of its formulation are the properties to promote skin exfoliation that further enhances its elasticity and works on repairing any age-related damage. It is perfect for oily skin that is often prone to acne mainly due to its ability to unclog pores and give you an even tone. The main promise here is to eliminate any flakiness and dead skin cells while maintaining the natural collagen in your skin so you end up with soft, supple skin that is healthy too.

14

{save} Ultra-light Alchohol Free Moisturizer

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Here’s an ultra-light moisturizing cream that promises you more than natural skincare. It goes the extra mile with its 98% naturally derived ingredients. A perfect win-win situation for those with sensitive skin owing to its hypoallergenic nature. The cream nourishes your skin while at the same time attempting to soothe any irritation. Infused with 100% bamboo bio ferment, which is a natural alternative to silicone, this cream maintains its completely natural status with a string of other nature-derived ingredients. Its ultra-light texture is because it has been clinically tested and proven to be as gentle and light as water itself.

The main job of any alcohol-free moisturizer is to work as closely as possible to being a gentle cream with absolutely no side effects whatsoever. Depending on your skin type and various specific skin problems, you’d be able to find one on our list that suits all your needs. Now that you’ve gotten a fair idea of what ingredients are included and what properties are most sought after, let’s discuss the choice and usage of moisturizers. Read on to know more.

The decision to moisturize your skin is one that you should take after conducting some due diligence. Mainly because a product that’s not compatible might lead to more damage than any good. For this purpose specifically choosing a moisturizer must be done carefully. 

Here are a couple of helpful factors that you can consider when making the choice- 

Skin Type  
The part of you that would be most affected by a moisturizer is your skin, so getting an idea about the type of skin you have would help the most. There are numerous skin types from oily, combination, dry to even mixed at different parts. Depending on your skin type you can choose a moisturizer that further elevates the natural oils that are already present and accentuates them by offering hydration and nourishment.

For instance, if you have dry skin, a cream-based product would suit you. These are known as heavier products that can help you gain more moisture. Whereas if you have oily skin a gel-based moisturizer might be more your type. You can also go for non-comedogenic moisturizers, which ensure that your pores are not clogged at all. Those with sensitive skin should opt for fragrance and alcohol-free, simple products which are gentle on the skin. 

It is often advised that you try such products by doing a patch test on your skin and then move ahead with the purchase. 

Skin Problems 

Once you understand your skin type, it is equally important to pay attention to any problems that are specific to it. For example, if your skin needs to be further protected from the sun or if you’ve noticed that your skin needs more hydration in some places - these could become your problem areas.

Some other skin issues can involve dryness, aging, uneven skin tone, or even irritation caused by certain ingredients, specifically chemicals. Once you know what the issue is, it becomes easier to find a solution for it with the help of products. It is basically like the knowledge that can guide you toward better skin care.

Moisturizers are meant to provide a layer of hydration and offer nourishment to your skin. There are quite several such products available on the internet that can help you get the much-needed experience per your skin tone, which targets your skin problems. You can begin by gently cleansing your face and applying products as per your skincare routine by following the rule of – lightest to heaviest. Moisturizer is a bit heavy which means that its turn comes at the very end, oft before sunscreen.

When it comes to using an alcohol-free moisturizer, there are a few tips that dermatologists swear by.

• Apply on Damp Skin
  To begin with, the best time to apply moisturizer is when you’ve just stepped out of a shower. This is when your skin is a bit damp and allows the product to seep inside with some water. The layer of moisturizer works as a lock of sorts to keep the water from your skin evaporating. You end up with thoroughly moisturized skin with a creamier finish that can last longer as the day progresses.
   
• Focus on the Motion
  It’s best to be gentle while applying moisturizer ensuring that there’s no excessive pulling or tugging. For better results, you should try applying it in upwards motions so that the product nourishes while giving you a subtle uplifting effect.
   
• Application
  Another tip would be to be careful of the quantity you take. Taking the moisturizer on the back of your hand is thus helpful as it allows you to judge how much is too much. Also, use circular motions to apply it to your skin to ensure that it is absorbed thoroughly. When it comes to moisturizers, rubbing them onto your face is quite a no-no. While you can apply makeup after, remember to pat your skin dry in a gentle manner first.

Our contributor Dr. Zeeshan Afzal shares a tip here to help you get the moisturizer properly absorbed into the skin. He says, “To ensure proper moisturizer absorption, apply it to slightly damp skin and gently massage it in. In this way, not only does it get easily absorbed but also leaves the skin super soft.”

We hope that our list of the best alcohol free moisturizers allows you to push the limits of skincare and treat your skin to the natural hydration it deserves. While you go about making your choice, we’ll let you in on one last secret – not all alcohol-based ingredients are bad. Some good and fatty alcohols are safe to use and can leave your skin feeling soft and plump. Choosing from the products on our list means no more chemical-laden ingredients, dryness, and itchiness for your skin. It’s the perfect time to embrace deep hydration like a professional skin expert.

Contributor: Dr. Vanitta Rattan, doctor and cosmetic formulato

Dr. Zeeshan Afzal, MD, Welzo Medical Officer