12 Best Silicone-free Moisturizers That Won't Clog Your Pores

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 16, 2024
Silicone-free Moisturizers That Won't Clog Your Pores
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

When it comes to picking the right skincare product for ourselves, there are a few ingredients that we generally like to stay far away from, and one of such components is silicone! The best silicone-free moisturizers can be your ultimate buddy in the journey to get the best skin free of clogged pores, greasiness, and most importantly irritation and inflammation. They can be your one-stop answer if you have sensitive skin and are done trying out several products only to realize they just worsen the current condition. Plus, silicone has a bad reputation of blocking all the hydration from the product that dry and dehydrated skin is supposed to get.

On the other hand, silicone-free moisturizers can be a boon for oily skin as well, since the formula doesn't encourage breakouts and greasiness that are the primary concerns for the people with the mentioned skin type. Keeping these factors in mind, we have rounded off a few products based on our first hand experience to help you unleash all the benefits that you have always expected from a quality moisturizer. So, without further ado, take a look at our top picks!

12 Best Silicone-free Moisturizers

The night face cream is one of the best-selling anti-aging moisturizers packed with vitamin C, peptide, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid to strengthen your skin barrier while giving your skin the ultimate youthful glow. It also takes the upper hand at producing collagen, the prime component when it comes to banishing aging signs. Loaded with encapsulated molecules, the silicone-free formula further gets quickly absorbed into the skin and provides hydration even after 12+ hours of application.

Pros
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Repairs wrinkles
  • Improves radiance
  • Smoothes fine lines
  • Provides hydration for 12+ hours
Cons
  • Overpowering fragrance
  • Best to Prevent Sun Damage

    PURE RESEARCH MEN'S Anti-aging Moisturizer

    PURE RESEARCH MEN'S Anti-aging Moisturizer
  • This clinically-tested formula is packed with the goodness of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, retinol, peptide complex, vitamin A, avocado oil, and DMAE to work as an age-defying moisturizer that is capable of giving you the desired results within 2 months. It also locks the moisture of your face for 8 hours which is a boon for dry or even sensitive skin. Furthermore, the lightweight formula protects your skin against the harmful sun rays so that you can have clear skin without any spots and lines.

    Pros
    • Reduces fine lines
    • Fortifies skin
    • Protects from harmful UV rays
    • Locks moisture for 8 hours
    • Paraben-free
    • Lightweight formula
    Cons
    • Low quantity
  • Best to Ensure Firm Skin

    BONAJOUR Green Tea Water Cream

    BONAJOUR Green Tea Water Cream
  • The water cream by Bonajour is packed with catechin and vitamins that promise to take care of the aging signs and keep your skin healthy and young. It also contains organic green tea from Jeju Island that extracts the impurities from your skin surface to ensure clear skin. Free of chemicals, the silicone-free moisturizer further gives your skin the much-needed hydration that it has been craving! Addedly, the peptides present in the product enhance the skin elasticity 4 times more than other average silicone-free moisturizers for firmer skin.

    Pros
    • 0% toxic chemicals
    • No fragrances
    • No parabens
    • Provides 72 hours of hydration
    • Vegan-friendly
    • Protects moisture barrier
    Cons
    • The texture could be better
  • Best Cruelty-free Formula

    COSMEDIX Shineless Oil-Free Moisturizer

    COSMEDIX Shineless Oil-Free Moisturizer
  • Indulge your skin in COSMEDIX Shineless Oil-Free Moisturizer, a beacon for those seeking silicone-free hydration. Crafted for blemish-prone skin, it harnesses the power of lilac stem cells and Vitamin B3 to brighten your complexion. Glide through your day knowing your pores won't be weighed down, thanks to its lightweight, non-clogging formula. Embrace a radiant, natural glow while maintaining skin health, free from silicones and cruelty. Your skin deserves nothing less than COSMEDIX's commitment to purity and excellence.

    Pros
    • Oil-free hydration
    • Brightens complexion
    • Suitable for blemish-prone skin
    • Lilac stem cells benefit
    • Infused with vitamin B3
    • Cruelty-free and gluten-free
    Cons
    • The smell may be off-putting to some
  • Best Cruelty-free Formula

    QRxLabs Squalane HA+ Moisturizing Cream

    QRxLabs Squalane HA+ Moisturizing Cream
  • The moisturizing cream is enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to provide the intense hydration you have always wanted for your skin. It also contains squalane derived from sugarcane that takes the upper hand to increase the firmness of the skin for a youthful appearance. The brand further boasts of carefully combining powerful vitamin B5 with other ingredients to give you a glowing and healthy look without infusing any nasty chemicals. Last but not the least, apart from being silicone-free, it is also free of parabens!

    Pros
    • Leaves skin fully hydrated
    • Improves fine lines
    • Increases firmness
    • Free of paraben
    • Cruelty-free
    • Eco-friendly packaging
    Cons
    • Heavyweight
  • Best to Illuminate Skin

    ELEMIS Superfood GLOW Priming Moisturizer

    ELEMIS Superfood GLOW Priming Moisturizer
  • The brand boasts of amalgamating exotic ingredients like kombucha, fermented ginger, and fermented green tea seed oil with illuminating materials to give your skin the coveted glow that everyone talks about! It not only works as a moisturizer but also a hydrating primer to retain moisture while allowing you to apply makeup right on top of it. Other than that, it promises to work as a highlighter to enhance the luminosity. All you need is a pea-sized amount as you apply it all over your face including your neck in a dabbing motion to get the desired result.

    Pros
    • Multitasking product
    • Makes skin soft
    • Hydrates skin thoroughly
    • Primes skin
    • Illuminates skin
    • A little amount goes a long way
    Cons
    • Not for sensitive skin
  • Best to Reduce Sebum Production

    Cos De BAHA Centella Gel Cream

    Cos De BAHA Centella Gel Cream
  • The lightweight silicone-free cream is ideal for boosting hydration while giving you smooth skin. It contains 80% centella extracts that take the upper hand at promoting collagen synthesis while activating cell tissues that minimize the appearance of even severe scars and pigmentations. Addedly, the product aids in healing the cell damage from within to promote youthful skin free of aging signs. Furthermore, the formula gets quickly absorbed into the skin without clogging the pores or giving a heavy feeling for the best result!

    Pros
    • Makes skin smooth
    • Restores hydration
    • Fragrance-free
    • Reduces aging signs
    • Reduces sebum production
    • Zero irritating stuff
    Cons
    • Not for people with severe skin conditions
  • Best to Protect from Environmental Stressors

    Moon Juice Cosmic Cream

    Moon Juice Cosmic Cream
  • Moon Juice offers you an impeccable formula containing some of the best ingredients like mushroom, emollient fatty acids, schisandra, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and ashwagandha for a dewy glow whenever you apply the product. Along with nourishing the skin deeply, it also helps in minimizing fine lines while improving firmness and elasticity. Not only just that, the potent ingredients also improve barrier function and protect skin from environmental stressors while reducing inflammation. These features indeed make it one of the best silicone-free face moisturizers! 

    Pros
    • Promotes collagen production
    • Nourishes deeply
    • Reduces inflammation
    • Protects the skin from environmental stressors
    • Supports skin resilience
    • Free of parabens
    Cons
    • A bit greasy
  • Best for All Skin Types

    Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer

    Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer
  • Discover Mario Badescu Oil-Free Face Moisturizer, a sanctuary for skin craving silicone-free nourishment. Perfect for combination, oily, or sensitive skin, this gentle moisturizer is a blend of allantoin and lemongrass extract. It revitalizes without clogging pores, providing a natural, breathable glow. Free from silicones, it embraces your skin in a refreshing embrace, leaving it balanced and radiant. Ideal for both women and men, this moisturizer embodies simplicity and efficacy, making it a must-have for anyone seeking pore-friendly hydration.

    Pros
    • Ideal for all skin types
    • Allantoin provides soothing properties.
    • Lemongrass extract refreshes and revitalizes.
    • The silicone-free formula prevents pore clogging.
    • Suitable for both women and men.
    • Promotes balanced and radiant skin.
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best to Maintain Moisture Barrier

    Pure DAILY Care Essential Hyaluronic Moisturizer

    Pure DAILY Care Essential Hyaluronic Moisturizer
  • With a refreshing scent of apricot, the moisturizer from Pure Daily Care contains effective ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, squalane, hyaluronic acid, jojoba, and polyacrylamide to deliver you a non-silicone moisturizer that won’t clog pores while giving you deep nourishment. It also creates a barrier over your skin and protects the surface from skin-damaging free radicals while promising you anti-inflammatory benefits. Furthermore, it leaves your skin feeling silky and soft while making it more plump and lifted to ensure a youthful appearance.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Maintains moisture barrier
    • Deeply nourishes
    • Makes skin lifted
    • Paraben-free
    • Fights free radicals
    Cons
    • Bit tingling effect
  • Best to Control Sebum Production

    THE INKEY LIST Omega Water Cream

    THE INKEY LIST Omega Water Cream
  • The Inkey List offers you a potent formula loaded with 5% niacinamide, 0.2% ceramides, glycerine, and omega 3 fatty acids to deliver you the best water-based moisturization that won't feel heavy on your skin. It not only improves the moisture barrier and elasticity of your skin, but also protects and rejuvenates the surface at the same time. The brand further boasts of controlling sebum production which is an added boon for the people with oily skin. Addedly, it balances the level of hydration while smoothening the skin for added glow.

    Pros
    • Improves moisture barrier
    • Increases elasticity
    • Cruelty-free
    • Balances oil
    • Nourishes deeply
    • Recyclable packaging
    Cons
    • Quite watery
  • Best to Repair Skin Cells

    Minimalist Ceramides 0.3% Moisturizer

     Minimalist Ceramides 0.3% Moisturizer
  • Minimalist's moisturizer claims to target damaged, dull, dehydrated, and irritated skin by repairing the natural barrier with 5 essential skin ceramides. Addedly, the dermatologically-tested formula works wonders for oily and combination skin to balance sebum production and avoid any greasiness. What’s more? Loaded with magnesium, zinc, copper, and fatty acids, the oil-free formula boosts hydration and helps to promote faster skin healing. Furthermore, the brand boasts of providing you with a clean formula minus nasty ingredients like paraben, synthetic fragrance, sulfate, dye, and of course, silicon.

    Pros
    • Promotes faster healing
    • Boosts hydration
    • Controls sebum
    • Repairs skin cells
    • Sulfate-free
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Causes tingling effect

    Now that you have already seen our product recommendations for the best silicone-free moisturizers, check out our buying guide to take the best one home.

    How to Choose the Best Silicone-free Moisturizers?

    Below are the parameters to keep in mind before buying the best silicone-free moisturizer - 

    a) Skin Type- Silicone may retain moisture, but they do more harm than good. If you have dry skin, you must pick a moisturizer loaded with hyaluronic acid which is known to be a better hydration retainer than silicones. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, pick a formula that contains aloe vera, green tea, tea tree oil, and salicylic acid that can minimize sebum production with time. People with mature skin can go for a product enriched with retinol, vitamin E, antioxidants, or collagen.

    b) Formula- Take a close look and ensure the formula doesn't contain dimethicone which is a type of silicone. Other than that, the moisturizer must be free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and harsh chemicals to ensure best results. Also, make sure the formula is non-comedogenic so that it doesn't aggravate skin problems by clogging the pores.

    c) Texture- Pick a lightweight gel-like texture that will ensure better absorption of ingredients and deep penetration into your skin to give you the best result. A hydrated yet non-greasy moisturized skin surface will also facilitate fetching the maximum benefit from your desired product. However, silicone-free moisturizers anyway go deep into the skin unlike the ones that contain silicone, so it is still better to opt for a non-dense moisturizer that will work for you irrespective of the skin type.

    So, that's it! These best silicone-free moisturizers can be your ultimate savior that won't cause a barrier between your skin and the goodness of the product that is meant to be soaked to get a smooth and hydrated skin. Based on our observations, all we can say is that if you have mature skin, Bonajour Green Tea Water Cream could be your ultimate buddy to get the desired results. Similarly, Cos De Baha Centella Gel Cream should be your go-to product if you have oily skin. On the other hand, Eclat Pep Talk! Youth Boosting Cream is what you should grab if you want long-lasting hydration for your dry skin. C'mon! Grab one right now as per your skin type! Happy shopping!

    FAQ's

    How do I know if my moisturizer is silicone-free?
    A silicone-free moisturizer is often labeled as 'non-comedogenic' or 'oil-free', and is the one that doesn’t clog your pores or aggravate oily skin conditions.
    Do silicone-free moisturizers have any disadvantages?
    No, silicone-free moisturizers are great for your skin. They help to prevent acne, breakouts, product buildups, and more.
    Are silicone-free moisturizers more natural?
    Yes, a moisturizer free of silicones is any day better and more natural than the ones that consist of the same. Note that silicone tends to create a barrier over your skin, making it harder for it to breathe properly, which results in clogged pores and acne breakouts.
    Are silicone-free moisturizers suitable for all skin types?
    Silicone-free moisturizers suit all skin types! However, they work the best for people who have serious skin conditions like rosacea, irritation, eczema, etc.
    Do silicone-free moisturizers provide enough hydration?
    Yes, a silicone-free moisturizer actually helps in providing enough hydration that your skin otherwise couldn't get since silicone tends to create a barrier over the skin.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our in-house skincare coach, Anoushka, is a fan of products with clean ingredients. She is the greatest advocate of using skincare products, backed by science or nature, without any nasty ingredients in them to ensure the best results. For this article, she has devoted her time and energy to curate some of the best silicone-free moisturizers available in the market that can literally give you the skin of your dreams without infusing anything that can work as a barrier for your skin to reap the benefits of the ingredients. She mostly relied on online reviews to round off a few products and picked rest of the product ideas from her own stash.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health and fitness on board to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons. Happy shopping!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More