9 Best Vegan Moisturizers for Every Skin Type

Whether you're on a mission to go fully plant-based or just want a cleaner, kinder skincare routine, finding the best vegan moisturizers can feel overwhelming. From deeply hydrating creams to lightweight SPF blends, this guide highlights the top cruelty-free picks for every skin type—so you can nourish your skin without compromising your values. Plus, you’ll gain tips on how to spot animal-derived ingredients, certifications to trust, and key plant-based ingredients that deliver results.

What Makes a Moisturizer Vegan or Cruelty-Free?

If you've ever been confused by the difference between "vegan" and "cruelty-free" labels, you're not alone. However, understanding the language of skincare helps you make informed, ethical choices—and find the best vegan moisturizer that aligns with your values and needs.

Understanding Common Animal-Derived Ingredients in Skincare

Many skincare products contain animal-based ingredients that may come as a surprise. Therefore, here's a quick overview of the most common ones to avoid if you're shopping for the best vegan moisturizer:

• Lanolin: an emollient from sheep's wool
• Beeswax: a common thickening agent
• Collagen & Elastin: usually derived from animal tissues (although vegan options exist)
• Carmine: a red dye made from crushed insects

The Difference Between Vegan and Cruelty-Free

It’s easy to assume they mean the same thing, but vegan and cruelty-free are distinct terms. So if you're on the hunt for the best vegan moisturizer, understanding these labels is key:

• Vegan: contains no animal-derived ingredients.
• Cruelty-free: not tested on animals.

It's important to note that a product can be cruelty-free without being vegan, and vice versa.

What to Look for on Product Labels

Knowing how to read a label will help you find the best vegan moisturizer confidently. To be certain, these certifications will ensure your skincare aligns with your ethics:

• Leaping Bunny
• PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies
• Certified Vegan

Not all small brands can afford certifications, so it's important to find brands that are transparent and ethical. The owners and creators of small-batch products often share information about their ingredients and manufacturing processes. If you don’t see a certification, feel free to reach out and ask about their ingredients.

9 Best Vegan Moisturizers & Lotions for Every Skin Type

Looking for the best vegan moisturizer that works for your unique skin type? Great news: We've curated the top picks based on hydration, sensitivity, SPF needs, and more—all plant-based and cruelty-free.

Best for Dry Skin: Pot of Gold Regenerative Face Balm from URB Apothecary

If your skin often feels tight or flaky, reach for a deeply nourishing balm to seal in moisture and restore balance. In fact, this one tops the list for the best vegan moisturizer for dry skin. This ultra-rich balm is crafted with calendula-infused jojoba and sunflower oils, beeswax, sea buckthorn CO₂, and raspberry CO₂. It deeply conditions dry skin while offering support for tone and sun-exposed areas—ideal as a nighttime treatment or dewy primer.

Best for Oily Skin: Face Jelly | Oil-Free Moisturizer from with Simplicity

Searching for the best vegan moisturizer for oily skin? Don’t worry—this lightweight jelly hydrates without adding extra shine. Formulated with aloe vera, witch hazel, and hyaluronic acid, this water-based gel absorbs fast without clogging pores. Blue tansy and manuka oil help reduce inflammation and balance oil production.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Everything Oil from MILO Multifunctional

For sensitive skin, the best vegan moisturizer is one that soothes and protects. This multifunctional oil blends nutrient-rich botanicals to support calm, healthy skin. Formulated with plant oils like sweet almond, avocado, rosehip, and evening primrose, Everything Oil helps soothe irritation, reduce redness, and nourish the skin barrier. It's safe for reactive or allergy-prone skin types, and a little goes a long way.

Best with SPF: Chamomile Mineral Sun Shield by Honeywild Apothecary

Need sun protection in your vegan skincare routine? If so, this is one of the best vegan moisturizers with SPF built in. This mineral-based sunscreen offers approximately SPF 30 protection using non-nano zinc oxide. Infused with chamomile, shea butter, and jojoba oil, it’s gentle on sensitive skin and water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

Best Functional Ingredients: Tremella Mushroom and Niacinamide Serum Cream by Spinster Sisters

If you're ingredient-savvy, the best vegan moisturizer for you will go beyond hydration—this one brings performance too. This solid serum cream stick is powered by Tremella mushroom extract and niacinamide to deeply hydrate and brighten the skin. It’s easy to apply, travel-friendly, and ideal for layering under or over other products.

Best Plant-Based Formula: Floral Hand & Body Lotion from seedbloom

This all-over lotion is one of the best vegan skincare products to keep your body soft and beautifully scented. Moreover, it’s gentle enough for daily use. Made with rose water, aloe vera, rosehip seed oil, and pumpkin seed oil, this lotion hydrates while offering a subtle botanical fragrance. Vegan, biodegradable, and free from synthetic preservatives.

Best Budget Option: Lavender Chai Organic Lotion Bar from Unearth Malee

You don’t have to spend a lot to get the best vegan moisturizer. Fortunately, this affordable bar delivers value without compromising quality. This solid lotion bar is made with candelilla wax, shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils of lavender and clove. Palm-free and plastic-free, it’s both eco-conscious and nourishing.

Best Vegan Face Cream: Rose Collagen Face Cream from seedbloom

A luxurious face cream that’s both effective and ethical? Without a doubt, this one ranks high among the best vegan face moisturizers. Infused with rosehip, vegan collagen, and peptides, this cream supports elasticity and radiance. Lightweight and non-greasy, it’s perfect for both day and night.

Best Vegan Body Moisturizer: Lavender Lemon Hand & Body Lotion from withSimplicity

Looking for the best vegan body moisturizer? This refreshing formula delivers hydration and aromatherapy in one. Even better, it’s suitable for all skin types. Made with aloe, shea butter, rosehip oil, and pure essential oils of lavender and lemon, this lotion soothes the skin and uplifts the senses.

 

Key Ingredients to Look For in Vegan Moisturizers

Finding the best vegan moisturizer means understanding what to look for on the ingredient list. Thankfully, these are the stars of most high-performing formulas.

Hydrating Ingredients

These ingredients help draw moisture into the skin and keep it there.

• Hyaluronic acid (plant-derived)
• Aloe vera
• Glycerin (from vegetable sources)

Nourishing Oils

Plant oils provide essential fatty acids and nutrients to strengthen your skin barrier.

• Jojoba oil
• Rosehip seed oil
• Avocado oil

Calming Botanicals (for Sensitive Skin)

Soothing herbs and flowers reduce inflammation and redness naturally.

• Calendula
• Chamomile
• Green tea

FAQ

What is the best vegan face moisturizer?

The best vegan face moisturizer depends on your skin type. For hydration, try Pot of Gold. For oily skin, Face Jelly is a top choice.

What’s the difference between vegan and plant-based skincare?

"Plant-based" highlights ingredients but may still include animal byproducts or be tested on animals. In contrast, "vegan" ensures no animal ingredients are used at all.

Do vegan moisturizers work for acne-prone skin?

Yes! The best vegan moisturizers for acne-prone skin include oil-free, non-comedogenic options, such as Face Jelly, as well as those with soothing or clarifying ingredients.

Can I find a good vegan moisturizer with SPF?

Absolutely. One of the best vegan moisturizers with SPF is Honeywild's Chamomile Mineral Sun Shield, which offers mineral sun protection without harsh additives.

Are vegan moisturizers good for aging skin?

Definitely. The best vegan moisturizers for aging skin often include plant-based collagen, peptides, and hydration boosters, such as Tremella mushroom.

 

Whether you're a longtime vegan or just exploring cruelty-free skincare, the right product can do more than hydrate. Choosing the best vegan moisturizer lets you care for your skin and the planet—one radiant glow at a time.