Whether it’s summer sun or winter indoor heating, there’s always a good reason to stock up on some of the best organic moisturizers for dry skin
After having lived through many dry Canadian winters and blistering hot summers, I thought I knew the best organic moisturizers for dry skin. I tried loads of different creams and was happy with the results of most.
But then, I moved to a very high altitude. And let me tell you – mountain air in winter is like centrally heated air on steroids! It’s so damn dry up here most of the year, I get nosebleeds. For real! So a new approach to winter skincare was desperately needed.
As the editor of this magazine I’m inundated with organic beauty products every month. I really do try and test each product that’s sent, and I’m very happy to do so. Anything that’s creamy gets slapped on to my face or body right away: lip balms, eye creams, face creams, body creams… I soak them up like a sponge!
There have been many balms, creams, oils and other potions that I have tried, as have the staffers for Eluxe. And after doing extensive research (okay, after trying a load of products) we’ve collectively compiled what we think are the best organic moisturizers for dry skin.
What to look for in an organic face cream
What divides an OK moisturizer from a great one? In a word: humectants! But natural ingredients like Retinol and Vitamin C are also useful. That being said, a humectant will ensure those ingredients are actually retained by your skin. Here are a few of the best.
Hyaluronic acid
This is a molecule found naturally in the body, although the body makes less of it as you age. That’s one of the factors that leads to dry, aging skin. Most hyaluronic acid for skincare is made in a lab.
Glycerin
Also called glycerine or glycerol, glycerin is a clear substance that occurs naturally in animal and plant tissue, including that of humans. A lot of the glycerin in skincare is made from soybean and sugarcane. Glycerin is one of the best humectants, and it also helps keep your skin barrier strong.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA)
Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid are naturally derived acids from fruit and milk sugars. Along with drawing in water, AHAs help the body get rid of dead skin cells.
Aloe vera
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- Seaweed
- Sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol
- Molasses
Beeswax
All of the above-mentioned humectants are vegan-friendly, but there’s one that isn’t: beeswax.
Beeswax creates a protective layer over your skin that can seal in moisture and prevent your skin from drying out. Plus, it can slough away dead skin cells, clearing the way for younger and healthier looking cells to take their place. Though it’s 100% natural, vegans and animal lovers will want to stay clear of this one, as it harms bees.
Side note: Due to the fact that there were so many products to go through, we left out oils. But if you’d like to know more about whether a cream or oil would work best for you, click here.
Why you need an organic face cream
Here’s a scary fact: nearly 20% of personal-care products contain at least one chemical linked to cancer. And yet, the FDA hasn’t regulated beauty ingredients since 1938.
The results of this negligence are potentially deadly. For example, a 2004 study found parabens (which have been related to cancer) in 18 out of 20 samples of human breast tissue. In fact, parabens are still in almost 100% of drugstore skincare products and cosmetics.
As creams, lotions, serums, and so on are absorbed through the skin, they then travel to your bloodstream and get inside your body. Studies have shown that the toxic ingredients of skincare products have been found in biopsy samples from breast tumours, ovarian cancer and more!
In terms of aesthetics, using the best organic face creams for winter provides an advantage over their chemical competitors in that they’re gentler on your skin.
Environmental damage
But it’s not just our bodies that are harmed by non – organic face creams and other cosmetics.
The chemical components of many self-care products accumulate in our ecosystems, harming our environment. Most of the damage is done when we wash our face or body, and these chemicals are washed down our sinks. In turn, they’re then streamed to our lakes, rivers, and the water systems.
Of course, the manufacturing process of creating nasty chemical personal care products can be harmful to the environment, too.
Just take petroleum based oils, for example – these are byproducts of the oil industry. Most palm oil used in cosmetics is the result of razing rainforests to grow palm plants, and non-organic rapeseed or cottonseed oil is almost always the result of GMO farming, which uses tons more pesticide than organic farming.
But never fear! Here, we’ve found some of the best organic face creams that will not only help to protect and moisturize your skin, but also to save the planet, too.
The Best Organic Skin Creams For Your Face
1. Naturopathica Calendula Cream
If you’ve got sensitive skin in winter, you probably already know that Calendula is a lifesaver! This little plant is gentle enough to use on babies, and boasts powerful anti-inflammatory qualities.
This is one of the best organic face creams for winter for soothing dry, sensitive skin throughout the colder season. In addition to Calendula, this also contains Borage Seed Oil to help soften your skin.
Price:$68
One of the best organic moisturizers for: Seriously sensitive skins.
Vegan? Yes
2. _faace Stress Moisturiser
Feeling stressed out? You may have noticed this impacts skin in a huge way! Whether your complexion is not quite as bright as usual or you’re experiencing breakouts, skin often needs a little helping hand. And sure, a spa trip would be great, but we also need help on a daily basis.
This luxury face cream by _faace is made with powerhouse ingredients that are proven to help skin and stop stress from impacting your skin in just 2 hours! The soothing combination will improve skin tone and texture, strengthen the skin barrier, hydrate skin and help to reduce breakouts, dark spots and redness.
As if that wasn’t already a magical concoction, this cream has a gorgeous natural fragrance thanks to the relaxing scents of organic jasmine, ylang ylang, geranium and patchouli which calms and relaxes the body. Overall, skin will be smoother, brighter and less turbulent – so pretty much like you’ve visited the spa, right?
Price: Around $41
One of the best organic moisturizers for: Stressed out skin that is in need of some help. And also: adorable packaging!
Vegan? Yes
3. Josh Rosebrook Vital Balm Cream
I personally love this product, because unlike most organic face creams, it contains no water. That’s important, for two reasons. One, water dilutes the concentrations of the active ingredients of a product. And two, it often calls for preservatives to be used.
Instead, Josh Rosebrook’s Vital Balm Cream is based on Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, and is also packed with loads of other good-enough-to-eat ingredients that hydrate and nourish the skin. These include Mango Seed Butter, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Dandelion, Sage, and dozens more.
The result is a beautifully unscented, deeply moisturising cream that’s ideal for normal to dry complexions.
Price: $45
One of the best organic moisturizers for: Seriously dehydrated skin.
Vegan? No
4. Andalou Naturals CannaCell
We all know by now the benefits of Hemp Stem Cells. They’re powerful antioxidants that help defend against free radicals and fight premature aging due to oxidative damage, pollution, and UV sun exposure. And Hemp Seed Oil also has nourishing proteins, nutrients, and minerals, and is rich in vitamins E, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, as well as Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
That’s exactly why Andalou Natural included hemp-based ingredients in their CannaCell Happy Day Cream. The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisture retention properties of Hemp help strengthen skin’s barrier function and protect from dehydration and environmental stressors, too.
Price: $15
One of the best organic moisturizers for: All skin types, but especially acne-prone.
Vegan? Yes
5. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Moisturizer
Juice Beauty’s Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer is characterised by a rich blend of fruit stem cells and Vitamin C. The botanical ingredients of the cream were formulated to protect your skin from free radicals, dry heat, and pollution.
Resveratrol-rich grapes reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. and provide a fruity scent, too.
This is one of the brand’s best sellers, and is definitely one of the best organic face creams for winter! Reviewers attest to the fact that it’s gentle on even the most sensitive skins, never causes breakouts, and leaves you with a radiant glow.
Price: $70
One of the best organic moisturizers for:All skin types, even sensitive.
Vegan? Yes
6. Tata Harper Creme Riche
This is a rich, velvety cream that contains loads of organic botanicals to lift, plump, and give volume to your skin’s surface. Hyaluronic and essential fatty acids are luxurious, scientifically proven ingredients that leave your skin hydrated without feeling heavy.
Use the small spoon provided to scoop the cream out hygienically, then activate the ingredients by massaging it in your hands until the product transforms into a white velvet cream. Apply it to your face and neck morning and night for best effects.
Price: $210
One of the best organic moisturizers for: Those seeking a truly rich and luxurious organic face and neck cream.
Vegan? Yes
7. One Love Organics Waterless Beauty Balm
This is the only organic moisturizer you really need! Because it’s so much more than just that.
One Love Organics’ Skin Savior Waterless Beauty Balm is a serious multitasker! It’s a cleanser that removes dirt and makeup without stripping the skin of its essential moisture. It’s a face cream, hand cream, and body cream. It even turns mineral powder into a glowing foundation treatment!
It boasts an antioxidant-rich blend of organic Coconut Oil, Mango Butter, Jojoba and Chia, and is imbued with a delicious, all natural citrus and vanilla scent.
Price: $49
One of the best organic moisturizers for: This is great for fighting dry skin on the lips, body and face.
Vegan? Yes
8. Grown Alchemist Tinted Day Cream
This may well be one of the most unusual organic face creams we’ve seen! Hydrating and nourishing, Grown Alchemist’s Tinted Hydra-Repair Day Cream imparts a radiant glow thanks to the tint it contains. Bizarrely, it only comes in one colour, but it’s almost magically flattering for all skin tones.
In short, it’s the perfect organic face cream for days when you want to lightly cover up imperfections. You won’t need foundation with this!
Camellia and Rosehip Seed Oil enhance the absorption of its active ingredients, while MayBlossom and Geranium Extract decongest and reduce the visibility of pores.
Price: $30
One of the best organic moisturizers for: When you need to moisturize, AND hide a bit of redness or large pores during the day.
Vegan? Yes
9. Decléor Harmonie Calm Cream
Since you need extra hydration in winter, Decléor proposes a 2 in 1 product. Their Organic Harmonie Calm Soothing Cream & Mask acts both as a natural moisturizer – and as a hydrating face mask, too!
It was especially formulated for red, irritated skin, and is easily absorbed. This is the ideal product to use before bedtime.
If you want it to work as a mask, just pile it on thicker before you hit the sack, and allow its skin-soothing formula to act through the night.
Price: $70
One of the best organic moisturizers for: Sensitive, stressed out skin – and for being 2 products in 1!
Vegan? No
10. Kahina Giving Beauty Face Cream
Looking for the perfect face cream? This could be it! It’s light, easily absorbed, suitable for all skin types and can be used morning and night.
It’s packed with argan oil and grape-derived resveratrol and polyphenols to deeply hydrate, soothes the skin and minimize the look of fine lines. Especially nice is the light, pretty fragrance.
Price: $105
One of the best organic moisturizers for: Day or night.
Vegan? Yes.
11. Mazillo Replenishing Moisturizer
Nature is full of healing plants and flowers. And this cream features one that will truly reinvent your skin: the rare Orpheus flower. Facilitating skin’s natural regeneration, the 100% natural cream has a light, dreamy formula. It leaves skin hydrated, replenished and radiant.
Backed by Bulgarian history and powered by stem cells, this cream is formulated using locally sourced ingredients from Bulgaria. As well as being very hydrating, it lifts the skin, too! How so? It increases the skin elasticity over time. The Orpheus flower extract even helps to minimise pigmentation.
Price: $91
One of the best organic moisturizers for: Minimizing the signs of ageing.
Vegan? Yes
12. Osmia Organics Purely Simple Face Cream
This super clean product is a huge fave of all of us here at Eluxe who have tried it! It really is pure and simple, which makes it excellent for sensitive skin that’s prone to redness.
Based on a gentle, plant-powered formula, this moisturizer hydrates and soothes immediately. Mainly thanks to the presence of aloe juice, calming essential oils and emollient botanical extracts like apricot kernel and sweet almond.
The only issue? The pump. It squirts out a bit more than we would like, but it’s still one of the best organic moisturizers on the market!
Price: Around $37
One of the best organic moisturizers for: Sensitive skin, those with rosacea
Vegan? Yes
13. Dr. Alkaitis Organic Day Creme
If you’re looking for a day cream and you’re unsure what to buy, this cream by Dr. Alkaitis is a great place to start. With a moisturizing creme formulated with organic shea butter, St. John’s wort flowers and echinacea root in an organic aloe vera base, it works to repair, heal, and protect against environmental damage. It stimulates oxygen supply to the skin’s surface, making your skin will be luminous and glowing.
Price: $72
One of the best organic moisturizers for: Using as a face cream that doubles as a base for makeup, too!
Vegan? Yes
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These are some good organic moisturizers. I tried few from these with my daily use cream. The result was the best I ever expected. My skin looks well hydrated, is soft, glowing and the dryness disappeared. Thanks for sharing.
I look forward to the info you publish every day. I am always learning something from Eluxe! Thank you.