As someone who has struggled with acne-prone skin for a majority of my life, I used to shy away from moisturizers thinking that the added moisture would create excess oil in my skin, thus, more acne. However, after a lot of trial and error, I finally figured out that the holy grail in my skincare routine was actually missing. It was my long-lost enemy, a moisturizer. After washing my face with a cleanser, I had essentially stripped my face of all of its healthy bacteria and moisture. What I eventually learned was that I needed to replenish with good and healthy ingredients.

With that being said, we know that there are a lot of misleading ingredient labels on skincare products these days (for more info on this- see our article here on Toxic Ingredients to Avoid). That’s why we gathered a roundup of tested moisturizers that we can honestly say we love.

Skincare works differently for everyone. That’s why we have collectively gathered our favorite brands that have agreed with all our skin types. Not only will these products keep your face smooth, but they will keep your conscience clear as we know they are free from toxic ingredients for both you and the environment.

Our Current Faves.

Drunk Elephant

Putting on a layer of the F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial as my last step in my night time routine has been completely game changing. I woke up the next morning and my skin was plump and hydrated. As someone who usually wakes up looking like a dry raisin, I mean …. sign me up! F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial has a mix of ingredients focused on replenishing and strengthening the skin's acid mantle via the “electrolyte cocktail.” It has a blend of barrier-replenishing ingredients including niacinamide (LOVE this ingredient for my acne-prone skin), sodium PCA, plant squalane, five forms of ceramides, omega fatty acids and powerful antioxidants. The list goes on. In addition to restoring the balance of hydration and moisture levels in skin, F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial can improve signs of damage, uneven tone and texture.

Vintner’s Daughter

I regret to inform you… it's worth every penny! Since I started using The Active Treatment Essence by Vintner’s Daughter, my skin has been glowing. I used to think of serums and creams the way I did makeup, as just another product that helps to hide my “true” skin. But this beautiful product is different. After a few drops that sink in within minutes, it leaves a beautiful tinted moisturizer and bronzer together. I got so many compliments on my skin whenever I had this product on asking what I had done differently.

So you may be wondering how this works. The Active Treatment Essence by Vintner’s Daughter takes five weeks to produce. It starts with the proprietary Phyto Radiance Infusion, a 21-day process which begins with nutrient-rich, whole plants and, over the course of three weeks, gently infuses their powerful nourishment into their aqueous base. Next is the Phyto Ferment, a two-week fermentation process that produces beneficial probiotics and increases nutrient absorption. With over 70 water-soluble nutrients their formula noticeably has improved the overall appearance of skin and also supports the performance of subsequent products. Notable ingredients include plant actives, pre- and probiotics, red and brown algae sourced from the Spanish coast, stabilized vitamin C, micro exfoliators, and about 60 or so other precious ingredients. The Active Treatment Essence is a deeply hydrating formula that delivers radiance and renewal to all skin. Seriously, worth every penny.

Screen Shot 2021-02-09 at 3.16.16 PM.png

Gemstone Organic

A total gem of a cream that works wonders on dry skin. A tiny amount goes a long way with this product. This might just be one of our favorite products from Gemstone Organic. Organic Gold face créme supports the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals. While soothing, it leaves our skin looking youthful and healthy. This créme contains organic essential oils that stimulate your epidermal cells to increase skin regeneration and prevent aging. This formula naturally carries a high SPF value (Carrot Seed: 38-40 SPF, Coconut Oil: up to 10 SPF, Hemp Oil: 6 SPF) We are hooked.

Their unique blend is nourishing and protects the skin from the sun. Fun fact, Gold is the color of your solar plexus (3rd) chakra which is ruled by the sun. As the sun is our solar power, the solar plexus chakra is our personal power. This Gold créme resonates warmth, strength and willpower.

Use code URBANWELLNESS for a discount!

Prima

We are big lovers of CBD and its benefits. Combined with skin care is next level LOVE. The Afterglow has a sizeable dose of CBD combined with super emollients and a rich texture. Their pure, whole plant hemp extract works in synergy with a blend of powerful ingredients. Such as four types of hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen and ayurvedic adaptogens — think: turmeric, ashwagandha, butterfly ginger and gooseberry extracts — to reduce the appearance of discoloration, combat stressors like blue light and air pollution, and deliver serious hydration for plump, luminous skin. There is no fragrance, so you are truly able to smell the beneficial botanical ingredients inside. When applied in the evening we have noticed that we not only wake up with calmer skin, but also deeply hydrated. There’s a kind of natural glow you get from this cream. A little goes a long way, so the price feels about right for the quality and the quantity. Plus, Prima is a B Corp!

Shankara

The Rich Repair Moisturizer by Shankara combines science and nature to make this beautiful, lavish, light, and silky moisturizer. Featuring antioxidants, this cream deeply nourishes and moisturizes dry, flaky skin with stunning results. Some key ingredients found in this product are Arjun, Gotu Kola, and Life-Everlasting. Arjun supports healthy aging with its rejuvenating, hydrating and moisturizing properties. Gotu Kola, also known as brahmi, is rich in antioxidants and enhances rejuvenation and oxygenation. Life Everlasting soothes the skin, moisturizes it and provides countless antioxidants. Our faces are very happy and moist when using this product!

Juice Beauty

We were on the hunt for an organic night cream and decided to jump on this one from the Juice Beauty Stem Cellular line. After trying the product we have seen our skin become brighter and softer. Another plus is that my skin is extremely sensitive, and the line doesn't irritate my skin at all! This intensely thick moisturizing cream delivers the best benefits overnight while the skin is already in repair mode. Ingredients include vitamin C, fruit stem cells, grapeseed oil (a source of resveratrol), and olive-derived squalane combined with extracts of nocturnal flowers—evening primrose and sacred lily—to help smooth our skin. In the morning, our skin feels replenished, revitalized, dewy, and plump with juicy moisture.

Alaffia

We are obsessed! Alaffia’s Whipped Shea Butter & Coconut Oil offers a calming and centering experience. A moisturizer with only 3 ingredients - Shea butter, coconut oil and lavender oil - is what dreams are made of. With natural lavender oil, this aromatic mousse-like ultra-moisturizer softens and protects skin and hair. Handcrafted with ethically sourced coconut oil and fair trade and unrefined “raw” shea butter from the Alaffia Village Co-op in Togo. Free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance and artificial color. We especially recommend using it to soothe dry hands. It’s small so it's a perfect fit in any bag for on the go.

OSEA

OSEA products are ideal for extremely dry skin. We are hooked on OSEA and highly recommend everything about this wonderful company! However, if you are to invest in your skin we suggest The Advanced Protection Cream as it is their most nourishing cream. Filled with powerful ingredients such as the plant-derived amino acid DPHP, it visibly firms skin and plumps the appearance of fine lines. Some other key ingredients include Aloe Vera leaf juice as it has 75 potentially active constituents: vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids. It deeply moisturizes and soothes skin plus decreases appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lastly, squalane is a powerhouse that increases skin hydration by preventing moisture from escaping while leaving the skin feeling smooth and plump.

8 Natural Moisturizers to Heal Dry Skin