Facial moisturizers

Facial creams, oils, balms and serums that moisturize, with fragrance-free options for a simpler routine.

Glycerin helps retain moisture, while oils and other emollients soften dry skin. We favor formulas with a clear purpose and fragrance-free options, rather than a long list of fashionable ingredients. Preservatives remain part of the assessment, and rich balms are distinguished from lighter creams and serums.

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Badger Unscented Olive Oil & Beeswax Balm (2 oz)

Badger Unscented Olive Oil & Beeswax Balm (2 oz) USDA ORGANIC Why we recommend it: Olive oil softens rough skin while beeswax helps hold moisture in, using just two USDA certified organic ingredients. This unscented balm is concentrated enough for a light layer on dry hands or small patches, rather than an all-over pump lotion. Materials: olive oil · beeswax $11.99★ 4.8 · 1,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Biossance 100% Squalane Oil

Biossance 100% Squalane Oil Why we recommend it: This single-ingredient oil softens skin and helps seal in moisture, making it easy to add a few drops over your usual moisturizer. Biossance makes its squalane from sugarcane rather than shark-derived ingredients. The exact oil appears in the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance directory, though individual skin reactions are still possible. Materials: sugarcane-derived squalane $34.00★ 4.7 · 1,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Cliganic Organic Jojoba Oil (4 fl oz)

Cliganic Organic Jojoba Oil (4 fl oz) USDA ORGANIC Why we recommend it: Pure organic jojoba oil does double duty: it lifts makeup and softens dry, flaky skin without a long ingredient list. The fast-absorbing oil can also be added a few drops at a time to your usual face cream. Materials: jojoba oil $9.98★ 4.7 · 86,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Kate Blanc Cosmetics Organic Jojoba Oil, cold-pressed

Kate Blanc Cosmetics Organic Jojoba Oil, cold-pressed Why we recommend it: Cold-pressed jojoba oil helps soften skin and cuticles without a long list of additives. USDA organic certification applies to the oil itself, which is the bottle’s sole ingredient. Materials: jojoba oil $8.99★ 4.7 · 18,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Mad Hippie Antioxidant Facial Oil, 1.02 fl oz

Mad Hippie Antioxidant Facial Oil, 1.02 fl oz USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: Argan, pomegranate seed and sunflower oils soften dry skin in a concentrated facial blend. Apply a few drops after water-based skincare to help reduce moisture loss. Sweet orange oil gives it a citrus scent; choose an unscented option if essential oils irritate your skin. Made in the USA. Materials: argan oil · pomegranate seed oil · sunflower oil $23.99★ 4.7 · 1,000+ ratings View on Amazon

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane, 30 ml

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane, 30 ml Why we recommend it: A one-ingredient option when richer creams feel like too much. Sugarcane-derived squalane helps reduce moisture loss and absorbs quickly. Use a few drops after water-based skincare; the same oil can add shine to dry hair. Made in Canada. Materials: squalane $10.40★ 4.7 · 6,000+ ratings View on Amazon

The Ordinary Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil, 30 ml

The Ordinary Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil, 30 ml Why we recommend it: A richer facial oil for dry skin, made from cold-pressed marula seeds. Its naturally occurring fatty acids help soften the skin and retain moisture; the full formula is marula oil alone. A few drops can also be worked through clean, damp hair. Made in Canada. Materials: marula seed oil $11.40★ 4.7 · 900+ ratings View on Amazon

The Ordinary Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil, 30 ml

The Ordinary Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil, 30 ml Why we recommend it: Cold-pressed, unrefined rosehip seed oil provides a simple way to soften dry skin without a multi-ingredient cream. The maker recommends a few drops at bedtime, after water-based skincare. Its natural aroma is part of the unrefined oil, not added perfume. Made in Canada. Materials: rosehip seed oil $10.90★ 4.7 · 6,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Yellow Brick Road 100% Raw Unrefined African Shea Butter

Yellow Brick Road 100% Raw Unrefined African Shea Butter Why we recommend it: Hand-cut, unrefined shea butter can be portioned into homemade balms or warmed directly onto dry skin. The ivory butter retains its natural aroma and dense texture, so expect a raw ingredient rather than a scented, whipped body cream. Materials: shea butter $14.88★ 4.7 · 30,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Avene Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm, 1.3 fl oz

Avene Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm, 1.3 fl oz Why we recommend it: Shea butter and squalane give this balm a richer finish for very dry skin, while glycerin helps hold moisture. The formula is fragrance-free, and its sealed dispensing system protects the balm without added preservatives. Made in France. Materials: shea butter · squalane · glycerin $40.00★ 4.6 · 800+ ratings View on Amazon

Avene Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream, 1.3 fl oz

Avene Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream, 1.3 fl oz Why we recommend it: Glycerin, squalane and beeswax help dry skin hold moisture without added fragrance. The sealed dispensing system protects this cream during use without added preservatives. This exact formula appears in the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance directory, a useful independent check for sensitive-skin shoppers. Made in France; this is a daily moisturizer, not an eczema treatment. Materials: glycerin · squalane · beeswax $40.00★ 4.6 · 2,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm

Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm Why we recommend it: Dissolve waterproof makeup with a balm containing rice-bran oil and moisturizing grain extracts. Beauty of Joseon reports no irritation in a 51-person skin-patch test. Materials: rice-bran oil · rice extract · glycerin $18.99★ 4.6 · 2,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Better Shea Butter Raw Shea Butter, 100% Pure Unrefined African

Better Shea Butter Raw Shea Butter, 100% Pure Unrefined African Why we recommend it: Ghana-sourced, unrefined shea butter comes as a small block you can portion for dry skin or homemade balms. Warm a little between your fingers before applying; its dense texture makes a small amount more useful than a large scoop. Materials: shea butter $17.50★ 4.6 · 21,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Cetaphil Gentle Hydrating Face Wash for Sensitive Skin

Cetaphil Gentle Hydrating Face Wash for Sensitive Skin Why we recommend it: A creamy cleanser for dry or sensitive skin, with niacinamide, pro-vitamin B5, and glycerin to help preserve moisture. Fragrance-free and accepted by the National Eczema Association. Materials: niacinamide · pro-vitamin B5 · glycerin $10.79★ 4.6 · 37,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Hearth & Homestead Herb-Infused Unscented Tallow Balm (1.3 oz)

Hearth & Homestead Herb-Infused Unscented Tallow Balm (1.3 oz) Why we recommend it: Whipped tallow blends with olive oil infused with calendula and rose to soften dry skin. The herbs are infused into the oil rather than added as essential oils, giving this compact balm a different formula from a fragranced tallow cream. Materials: olive oil · tallow · calendula $29.97★ 4.6 · 14,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Kate Blanc Cosmetics Organic Argan Oil (4 fl oz)

Kate Blanc Cosmetics Organic Argan Oil (4 fl oz) USDA ORGANIC Why we recommend it: Cold-pressed organic argan oil softens dry facial skin and can also smooth dry hair ends, with just one ingredient to keep track of. Kate Blanc reports third-party testing for purity and potency. Materials: argan oil $25.99★ 4.6 · 10,000+ ratings View on Amazon

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer Why we recommend it: Glycerin draws moisture into the skin, while squalane and dimethicone help soften dry patches and limit moisture loss. Ceramide NP and niacinamide support the skin barrier. This fragrance-free cream is a useful everyday option if scented moisturizers bother your skin; it has no SPF, so use a separate sunscreen during the day. Materials: glycerin · squalane · ceramide NP · niacinamide · dimethicone $24.99★ 4.6 · 52,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum, 1.02 fl oz

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum, 1.02 fl oz USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: A water-based serum that pairs a stable vitamin C derivative with vitamin E and ferulic acid to help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid add hydration without a heavy oil layer. It contains clary sage and grapefruit extracts, so it may not suit fragrance-sensitive skin. Made in the USA. Materials: vitamin C · vitamin E · hyaluronic acid $27.99★ 4.6 · 11,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Skin Beauty Essentials Raw Unrefined Shea Butter (28 oz)

Skin Beauty Essentials Raw Unrefined Shea Butter (28 oz) Why we recommend it: A large supply of unrefined shea butter for softening rough, dry skin without buying a scented body cream. The jar contains 28 ounces by weight, so it is suited to regular body use or making smaller batches of your own balm. Materials: shea butter $22.99★ 4.6 · 2,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Sky & Sol Everything Cream (3 oz)

Sky & Sol Everything Cream (3 oz) Why we recommend it: Tallow and mango butter make a rich face-and-body moisturizer, with jojoba oil to help it spread. The six-ingredient formula also contains beeswax, propolis, and milk-derived colostrum—important details if you avoid animal or bee ingredients. Materials: jojoba oil · tallow · beeswax $39.99★ 4.6 · 700+ ratings View on Amazon

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer (3 fl oz)

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer (3 fl oz) Why we recommend it: Five ceramides help replenish skin-barrier lipids, with squalane to soften and hyaluronic acid to hold moisture. The lightweight, fragrance-free formula works under makeup or as a morning and evening moisturizer. Materials: ceramides · hyaluronic acid · squalane $13.97★ 4.6 · 24,000+ ratings View on Amazon

BYOMA Moisturizing Rich Cream (1.69 fl oz)

BYOMA Moisturizing Rich Cream (1.69 fl oz) Why we recommend it: Ceramide, cholesterol and fatty acids support the skin barrier, while shea butter gives this cream its rich, softening feel. It carries the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. Materials: ceramides · shea butter $14.99★ 4.5 · 2,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Honest Beauty Gentle Gel Daily Face Cleanser, Sensitive Skin, 5 fl oz

Honest Beauty Gentle Gel Daily Face Cleanser, Sensitive Skin, 5 fl oz EWG VERIFIED Why we recommend it: Chamomile and calendula extracts help comfort skin while the gel washes away makeup and dirt. EWG VERIFIED; scented with lavender and other essential oils, so it is not a fragrance-free option. Materials: chamomile · calendula · glycerin $14.99★ 4.5 · 5,000+ ratings View on Amazon

The Ordinary Organic Moroccan Argan Oil, 30 ml

The Ordinary Organic Moroccan Argan Oil, 30 ml Why we recommend it: One bottle can soften dry facial skin and add shine to hair: the entire formula is unrefined Moroccan argan oil. Use a few drops on the face, or work it through clean, damp hair. The oil retains its natural aroma rather than being deodorized. Made in Canada. Materials: argan oil $7.80★ 4.5 · 2,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Tree To Tub Sensitive Skin Face Wash (Soapberry)

Tree To Tub Sensitive Skin Face Wash (Soapberry) USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: Soapberry extract and coconut-derived cleansers create a light foam, while glycerin and aloe help skin feel comfortable after washing. The unscented formula is an option for avoiding added fragrance. Materials: aloe vera · soapberry extract · glycerin $18.99★ 4.5 · 2,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Ursa Major Alpine Rich Cream, 1.69 fl oz

Ursa Major Alpine Rich Cream, 1.69 fl oz USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: This rich cream is designed for dry, tight-feeling skin, with shea butter and squalane to soften and glycerin and hyaluronic acid to support hydration. Rose and geranium oils give it a floral scent; avoid it if those ingredients irritate your skin. Made in the USA. Materials: shea butter · squalane · glycerin · hyaluronic acid $68.00★ 4.5 · 100+ ratings View on Amazon

Weleda Sensitive Care Face Cream (1 fl oz)

Weleda Sensitive Care Face Cream (1 fl oz) Why we recommend it: Sweet almond and plum seed oils give dry skin a richer day-and-night moisturizer without added fragrance. Alcohol is third in the formula, so this may not suit you if alcohol-containing creams tend to sting. Materials: sweet almond oil · plum seed oil · glycerin $23.02★ 4.5 · 6,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Yajna Raw Unrefined Ivory Shea Butter (4 oz)

Yajna Raw Unrefined Ivory Shea Butter (4 oz) Why we recommend it: Unrefined ivory shea butter keeps the ingredient list to one moisturizer for dry patches or a homemade balm. The four-ounce jar is a manageable size for trying its rich texture before committing to a bulk supply. Materials: shea butter $6.99★ 4.5 · 2,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Bioderma Sensibio AR+ Cream, 40 ml

Bioderma Sensibio AR+ Cream, 40 ml Why we recommend it: This light, fragrance-free cream is designed for redness-prone skin, with glycerin for hydration and squalane to soften dry areas. It absorbs without a greasy finish and can be worn under makeup. In a small manufacturer-run study, 19 participants assessed their redness over four weeks; the reported improvement is a cosmetic finding, not evidence that this cream treats rosacea. Made in France. Materials: glycerin · squalane · coconut oil $29.99★ 4.4 · 1,000+ ratings View on Amazon

PURA D'OR Organic Rosehip Seed Oil (4 fl oz)

PURA D'OR Organic Rosehip Seed Oil (4 fl oz) Why we recommend it: Cold-pressed organic rosehip oil supplies emollient fatty acids for dry skin, with a pump to dispense a small amount. Apply a few drops to damp skin under moisturizer; this is a facial oil, not a measured-strength retinol or vitamin C serum. Materials: rosehip oil $16.99★ 4.4 · 51,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Honest Hydrogel Cream (1.7 fl oz)

Honest Hydrogel Cream (1.7 fl oz) Why we recommend it: Two forms of hyaluronic acid help hold moisture, while squalane softens skin in this dewy water cream. Honest reports up to 24 hours of moisture-barrier support in an instrument-measured study of 33 women after one application. Materials: hyaluronic acid · squalane · jojoba esters $19.99★ 4.3 · 8,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum (1 fl oz)

Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum (1 fl oz) Why we recommend it: 20% vitamin C targets dullness, supported by vitamin E and ferulic acid in a fragrance-free serum. Timeless reports improved overall complexion in 81% of participants in a small third-party trial of 21 people after 28 days. Materials: vitamin C · vitamin E · ferulic acid $25.99★ 4.3 · 13,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream, 1.57 fl oz

Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream, 1.57 fl oz USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: For dry skin that still needs a lighter-feeling moisturizer, Golden Hour pairs sunflower and meadowfoam oils with moisture-binding glycerin. Rose, neroli, sandalwood and palmarosa oils give it a botanical scent; choose an unscented option if fragrance irritates your skin. Made in the USA. Materials: sunflower oil · meadowfoam seed oil · glycerin $54.00★ 4.3 · 2,000+ ratings View on Amazon

Chagrin Valley Adzuki Micrograin Facial Scrub

Chagrin Valley Adzuki Micrograin Facial Scrub USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: This one-ingredient exfoliant uses finely ground adzuki beans instead of plastic scrub beads or added fragrance. Mix a small fresh portion with water, massage lightly and rinse. The beans are milled in Ohio, and the finished scrub is USDA-certified organic. Materials: finely ground organic adzuki beans $13.50 View product

Chagrin Valley Rose & Hibiscus Clay Face Mask

Chagrin Valley Rose & Hibiscus Clay Face Mask USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: Three ingredients keep this mask straightforward: kaolin absorbs surface oil, while ground rose petals and hibiscus complete the blend without added perfume. It comes as a dry powder, so you mix only what you need with water. Rinse before it dries hard, and avoid inhaling the powder. Materials: kaolin clay · rose petals · hibiscus $22.00 View product

Chagrin Valley Whipped Squalane Face & Eye Cream

Chagrin Valley Whipped Squalane Face & Eye Cream USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: Olive-derived squalane and liquid shea butter soften dry facial skin, with jojoba oil and an olive-and-soy butter blend adding a richer finish. This Ohio-made, water-free cream is concentrated, so a small amount goes a long way. It contains lavender essential oil and is not a fragrance-free option. Materials: squalane · liquid shea butter · jojoba oil $20.50 View product

Fat and the Moon All Cream Face and Body Moisturizer

Fat and the Moon All Cream Face and Body Moisturizer USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: Shea butter and sunflower oil give this face-and-body cream a rich texture for dry skin, with aloe and rosewater in the moisture phase. There are no added essential oils, though it does contain rosewater. The current formula includes preservatives; the maker recommends using it within four months of opening and keeping it cool. Materials: shea butter · sunflower oil · aloe vera $22.00 View product

Fat and the Moon Aloe Lotion, Unscented

Fat and the Moon Aloe Lotion, Unscented USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: Aloe leads this lighter face-and-body lotion, with sunflower and coconut oils to soften dry skin and beeswax for a protective feel. It has no added scent or essential oils, making it an option for people who prefer unscented skincare. The maker gives it a four-month life after opening; keep the jar cool and use clean fingers. Materials: aloe vera · sunflower oil · coconut oil $20.00 View product

Fat and the Moon Botanical Face Oil

Fat and the Moon Botanical Face Oil USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: Six plant oils make this a water-free finishing layer for dry skin, rather than a lotion. Jojoba, hemp, argan and rosehip sit alongside calendula-and-burdock-infused apricot oil; there are no added essential oils. Apply a few drops after water-based skincare or to slightly damp skin. Rich botanical oils can still disagree with individual skin types. Materials: apricot kernel oil · hemp seed oil · argan oil $26.00 View product

Sally B’s Skin Yummies Intensive Eye Repair, 15 mL

Sally B’s Skin Yummies Intensive Eye Repair, 15 mL USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: For the skin around the eyes, this cream pairs moisture-binding glycerin and hyaluronic acid with jojoba and avocado oils. Panthenol rounds out the moisturizing formula. Made in Atlanta and sold as unscented, it still contains botanical extracts—including spearmint and bitter orange—which are worth checking if you avoid those ingredients. Materials: hyaluronic acid · glycerin · pro-vitamin B5 $40.00 View product

What we avoid

These are category-level exclusions when materials or treatments are disclosed. Each product card explains why we recommend it and lists the disclosed materials.

Parabens Phthalates Synthetic fragrance Sulfates (SLS/SLES) Formaldehyde releasers