The BEST Face Moisturizers Without Alcohol For Different Skin Types

If you have sensitive or easily sensitized skin, chances are you get irritated by alcohol in skincare. So, a face moisturizer without alcohol is a must for you.

Luckily, these days brands don’t put denatured alcohol a lot into face creams, so the range of products available to buy is really large.

However, which are the best alcohol-free moisturizers out there?

I’ve scavenged the web for feedback and did a lot of research and testing to come up with this complete and best list of moisturizers without alcohol, so read on to find your best pick!

Why choose a moisturizer without alcohol?

Denatured alcohol is sometimes present in skincare, and especially face creams, because it serves several important functions (discussed at the bottom of this article).

However, the substance can be highly drying and irritating for some people. This is why it’s a good idea to opt for an alcohol-free moisturizer whenever possible.

So, here you’ll find a list of the best face creams without alcohol for all the different skin types.

Best face moisturizers without alcohol for sensitive skin

Sensitive skin types should opt for a moisturizer without alcohol because denatured alcohol is highly irritating. You don’t want this ingredient anywhere near your skin if you’re prone to irritation and sensitivity or else you risk burning and stinging sensations.

Here are the best picks for alcohol-free moisturizers for sensitive skin.

SkinFix Triple Lipid Peptide Cream

One of the best moisturizers for sensitive skin without any alcohol in the formula. It’s also free of other common irritants such as fragrance, perfume, and essential oils.

It’s a thick, comforting face cream free of alcohol that gently soothes the skin and calms down any irritation.

It’s great to use as a treatment after any invasive activities such as chemical peels, dermatology procedures, and hair removal.

INCI:
Water/Eau/Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Vegetable Oil, Cetyl Lactate, C12-16 Alcohols, Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate, Propanediol, Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Palmitic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Dilinoleic Acid/Propanediol Copolymer, Squalane, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Xanthan Gum, Phytosteryl Sunflowerseedate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tocopherol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Phytosterols, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Gluconolactone, Phenethyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Carbomer, Ceramide EOP.

What we like:

• The air-tight packaging preserves the freshness of this alcohol-free moisturizer for longer, allowing you to enjoy its benefits to the fullest.
• The rich-in-lipids formula restores the skin barrier’s function to normal by replenishing the fatty acids and ceramides in the skin.
• It’s a trusted product and a great option recommended by dermatologists far and wide.

What to have in mind:

It has a mid-range price and isn’t for those of you on a tight budget for such a moisturizer without alcohol.

Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer

This is a lightweight gel moisturizing face cream without alcohol perfect for sensitive skin types who also happen to be combination or oily-prone.

Again, this moisturizer has none of the common irritants present in its formula and it works to restore the health of the skin barrier back to its normal state.

The best part — this alcohol-free moisturizer is dirt-cheap! So more of you will be able to enjoy its amazing qualities.

INCI:
Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Olivate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyacrylamide, Synthetic Beeswax, Phenoxyethanol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Chlorphenesin, Dimethiconol, Carbomer, Laureth-7, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract

What we like:

• Non-comedogenic, lightweight formula that quickly sinks into the skin, softly calming it down.
• It has a luxurious feel and applies beautifully to the skin by gliding smoothly through your entire face.
• The formula is rich in soothing ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, and dimethicone. It has a bunch of antioxidants as well to further protect your skin from environmental stressors.
• A super affordable and widely available product that is easy and risk-free to buy.

What to have in mind:
I have nothing to add here, this moisturizer is outstanding!

Best face moisturizers without alcohol for oily skin

Now, logic tells us that alcohol must be good for oily skin. No. It’s bad for all skin types. Oily skin can also be prone to sensitivities and can be irritated by different ingredients such as denatured alcohol, so it’s best to opt for a moisturizer free of alcohol even for this skin type.

Oily skin is more likely to have acne, and you don’t want to aggravate the problem by applying products containing alcohol. This is why it’s key to choose a lightweight, gel moisturizer without alcohol contents in it if you’re prone to oiliness.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Face Moisturizer

This is the best alcohol-free face cream for the summer, or for those of you who are really prone to oiliness. It mattifies the skin for the entire day, not allowing any excess shine to form.

The lightweight moisturizer soaks in quickly into your skin to make room for sunscreen or makeup. The best part is that it’s not irritating as well, and there are no common irritants in the formula such as alcohol or fragrance.

INCI:
Aqua, Glycerin, Silica, Betaine, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Zea Mays Starch /​ Corn Starch, Ceramide NP, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Perlite, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum

What we like:

• It truly works to mattify your face, it’s not just advertised as a matte cream.
• It has a minimalistic and straightforward ingredients list, perfect for those of you whose skin gets triggered easily.
• It soaks in quickly and allows a fast application.
• A tiny amount is all you need to use on your entire face.

What to have in mind:

This can pill if you’re having a too elaborate skincare routine. It’s best to have your daily routine as minimal as possible and apply this alcohol-free cream on bare skin.

Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel

You’ll see this alcohol-free face cream mentioned a lot on this blog — it’s one of my personal favorites for oily and combination skin types.

This gel moisturizer successfully combines the power of many soothing ingredients in a lightweight gel that helps wounds heal faster. So, if you’re suffering from active acne, this one is great at helping your skin to calm down.

INCI:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Aqua (Water), Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Propolis Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Betaine, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract, Acrylates/​C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine

What we like:

• Light gel formula that is easy to apply and soaks in quickly.
• A great amount of product for the money.
• A bunch of soothing ingredients take care of any irritation.
• No irritants in the formula, and no alcohol too.

What to have in mind:

This gives you a natural healthy shine as a finish, it’s not mattifying.

Versed Dew Point Gel Cream

Another bestseller in the category of best face moisturizer without alcohol and fragrance, this one is one of those products that flies off the shelves constantly.

It’s another gel formula, this time enriched with green tea extract which is beneficial for acne-prone skin. It’s also oil-free and non-greasy, while still delivering sufficient moisture to oily-prone and combination skin types.

INCI:
Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Squalane, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Polyacrylamide, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Sodium Hydroxide, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Laureth-7, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid

What we like:

• It has a very refreshing feeling upon application and sinks in immediately after.
• It plays well with other skincare products and with makeup.
• Great for all year round, as it moisturizes without any heaviness.
• No alcohol, fragrance, and other common irritants in the formula.

What to have in mind:

If you’ve normal or dry skin, you’ll need more moisture than what this can offer.

Best face moisturizers without alcohol for dry skin

Dry skin, as a result, tends to also be very sensitive and prone to irritation, redness, and flakiness. So it makes perfect sense to seek a face cream without alcohol which could additionally dry out the skin or make it angry. I have some fantastic picks for you.

Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream

One of the best alcohol-free moisturizers for dry skin is this one. It instantly quenches dry skin while moisturizing it in depth for the entire day ahead. Although a little pricy, a small amount of the product goes a long way.
It’s a thick, rich cream with a great user experience and an oil-free formula. It’s also free from common irritants such as alcohol, essential oils, and fragrance.

INCI:
Water, Squalane, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isoamyl Laurate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Ceramide NP, Jojoba Esters, Sodium Hyaluronate, Euterpe Oleracea Sterols, Linoleic Acid, Oleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Ethyl Linoleate, Tocopherol, Isoamyl Cocoate, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Gluconate

What we like:

• You see instant results with this one, it definitely deserves its money.
• The rich formula is perfectly enough to nourish dry skin without weighting it down.
• It has a soothing formula that diminishes redness and irritation.
• Nourishes the skin and builds it back up to a healthy state.

What to have in mind:

Slightly expensive for a daily moisturizer but worth the money.

Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

This is the ultimate soothing moisturizer without alcohol for dry and sensitive skin. It’s thick but non-greasy formula nourishes the skin and provides it with sufficient hydration that lasts for hours.

This cream is actively soothing, minimizing redness and irritation. So much so, it’s recommended for dermatitis, sunburn, and dry patches, and to be used post procedures.

INCI:
Water, Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride, Mineral Oil /​ Huile Minerale, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Zinc Oxide, Propylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquiisostearate, PEG-22/​Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer, Aluminum Stearate, Aquaphilus Dolomiae Ferment Filtrate, Arginine, Beeswax/​Cire D’Abeille, Copper Sulfate, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Wax/​Cire Microcristalline, Tromethamine, Zinc Sulfate

What we like:

• The thick, rich formula is super soothing and hydrates in depth.
• Amazing price-to-quality ratio!
• Great for the entire family.

What to have in mind:

Make sure to shake the tube vigorously before you open it for the first time, as the formula is known to separate.

Best face moisturizers without alcohol for aging skin

Stratia Night Shift

The Stratia Night Shift is one of the best evening moisturizers without alcohol that you can use.

It has encapsulated retinol and is a thicker, hydrating formula that fights dark spots. It has a natural scent that is barely noticeable and there are no skin irritants in the formula, so it’s safe to use as a daily PM face cream.

INCI:
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Squalane, Sclerocarya Cirrea (Marula) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Panthenol, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Hydrocotyl (Centella Asiatica) Extract, Retinol, Allantoin, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Carbomer, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Propanediol, Sodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Humulus Lupulus Extract, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben

What we like:

• The pump bottle preserves the product for longer, ensuring that you use it to its full potential.
• It’s a widely recommended by dermatologists product that has won the trust of users.
• The formula is non-irritating and highly tolerable even by those with sensitive skin.

What to have in mind:

I have no remarks regarding this alcohol-free face cream. It’s outstanding!

Best face moisturizers without alcohol with SPF

Now, denatured alcohol is widely used in SPF products to make them quicker to apply and to help them evaporate from the skin faster, as sunscreen is known to be more oily.

That’s why you’ll see alcohol in a lot of light SPF formulations that promise to either mattify your skin or generally be oily-friendly.

However, this is not the case with the face cream I’m about to share with you.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair UV SPF30 Moisturizer

This is by far my favorite SPF-enriched moisturizer without alcohol for oily and combination skin types. It’s a light formula that sinks in fully, leaving the skin well moisturized but not weighed down as most sunscreens tend to do.

INCI:
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (5%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (7%)
Inactive Ingredients: Water (La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water), Glycerin, Silica, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Allantoin, Ceramide NP, Dimethicone/​Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Myristic Acid, Myristyl Alcohol, Palmitic Acid, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Disodium EDTA, Capryloyl Glycine, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, T-Butyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Tocopherol

What we like:

• This moisturizer is a great option for daily protection against the sun. It has sufficient SPF and a light formula that suits most skin types but especially oily-prone folks.
• Great product for its money, it effectively combines two functions into one.
• The formula suits sensitive skin types too, it’s soothing, with no common irritants such as essential oils, drying alcohol, and fragrance.

What to have in mind:

I’d say that this one is on the pricier end, because of its daily nature. You can make this work for a tighter budget by using a different product on days when you’re not going out during the day.

Should you use alcohol-free moisturizer?

Alcohol-free face creams are beneficial as they don’t irritate or dry out your skin. Denatured alcohol is a known skin irritant that most people benefit from avoiding.

Why is there alcohol in my face moisturizer?

Denatured alcohol serves several important roles in skincare and face creams, in particular. It’s a vehicle for ingredient delivery deep into the skin layers and it also helps thicker creams evaporate faster from the skin, ensuring that the product will soak in quickly.

Is alcohol OK in moisturizer?

If your skin is not sensitive to denatured alcohol in skincare, then it’s okay to have it in your face cream. What’s not okay is for your skin to get irritated due to alcohol. So, if you notice any skin sensitivity to alcohol, replace that product with an alcohol-free option.

Does alcohol in skincare cause aging?

Alcohol in skin care can cause excessive dryness, which in turn can promote faster aging. However, alcohol itself does not cause skin aging.

Those were all my picks for the best moisturizers without alcohol for different skin types.

Did you find anything that grabbed your attention? If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comments section. And if you’re interested to read about the best moisturizers without cetearyl alcohol, I’ve covered the topic before. And I’ve also reviewed some of the best silicone-free moisturizers, again, for all skin types.