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Alcohol, just like in a beverage, is also controversial in the skincare world. Some stand by its use in moderation and some absolutely detest it.

We have definitely come a long way from using alcohol-laden toners to dry the skin to using alcohol in low concentrations to make a product aesthetically appealing.

But in any case, the use of a potentially drying agent like alcohol in a product that is supposed to lend moisture to the skin is puzzling and not justified, and hence we will help you choose the best alcohol-free moisturizer.

Like I have always maintained, moisturizers can do more than just moisturize.

In the review that follows, we will help you differentiate good alcohol from bad, remind you of the things to keep in mind while choosing a moisturizer and share our top picks of alcohol-free moisturizers.

We will share with you which product is the best fit for which purpose, a short ingredient analysis, and real-world feedback about each of them.

So let’s find the best alcohol-free moisturizer for you:

Quick summary

Before you buy: 4 Things to consider before purchasing an alcohol-free moisturizer

1. Learn to differentiate between good alcohol and bad alcohol

When we talk about alcohol in skincare, it is important to understand that all alcohols are not bad! There are drying alcohols that need to be avoided when possible, and then there are good or emollient alcohols.

The alcohol ingredients to avoid include ‘simple alcohols’: Alcohol denat, SD alcohol, Ethanol, Ethyl alcohol, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, etc.

The alcohol ingredients which actually moisturize the skin by trapping the water(3) and hence are beneficial in skincare (as well as haircare) are: Fatty alcohols derived from coconut like Cetyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol, Cetearyl alcohol, etc.

2. Keep your entire skincare routine in mind before choosing a moisturizer

When choosing a moisturizer, look at the other skincare products you currently use and your skin’s current behavior. If you are using a relatively drying face wash and toner, you may need an extra-strong moisturizer to compensate for the lost water content.

Similarly, if your other products like sunscreens and serums contain astringents like alcohol or witch hazel, you may need double the moisture kick than you usually do.

3. Choose the moisturizer according to skin type but also keep in mind your current skin concerns

Your oily skin may suddenly start to detest a matte moisturizer in winter that it usually loves in the summers due to sudden dehydration of skin due to cold winds and heating.

Or someone whose skin usually behaves itself can suffer from a bout of acne due to hormonal changes and may need anti-inflammatory help from the moisturizer.

So choose a moisturizer not just according to the skin type, but also the current skin needs. Don’t hesitate to switch from your favorite moisturizer if your skin demands it.

4. You can use different moisturizers for different times of the day, and a moisturizer with SPF is a sunscreen

Since you need to look fresh and non-greasy throughout the day, choose a lighter moisturizer for the day- like a gel or a lotion, especially if you layer different products and/or makeup on it.

In contrast to what most people think, a moisturizer with SPF 30 is just the same as a sunscreen with SPF 30!

Just make sure to use a lot of it to get adequate protection (again, just like sunscreen).

Evening skincare is treating and pampering. The ideal time to use a thicker and oilier moisturizer, like one with plant oils, to lock in the active ingredients with moisture.

The 5 best alcohol-free moisturizers

Unique features:

• Rich with organic plant oils but still non-greasy and light
• Versatile–unisex and for all skin types
• Premium packaging and scent

The best alcohol-free moisturizer for:

For men and women of all skin types, particularly those with sensitive skin.

Notable ingredients:

Jojoba Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Clary Sage, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Rose Geranium Oil

Overview:

ZELEN Life packs a punch with this moisturizer. If you go through the main ingredients, you may hold back a little reading the word ‘alcohol’ in the ingredient list.

But don’t worry, as I mentioned in ‘things to keep in mind’ above- they are good alcohols. Cetyl and Cetearyl alcohol trap moisture in the skin and is extremely beneficial to dry skin. Sunflower oil has been shown to preserve the skin’s integrity by repairing damaged skin due to various environmental factors and other skin diseases.(4)

Jojoba oil is an excellent alternative to alcohol denat, which increases the penetration of active ingredients without drying the skin. Jojoba oil also possesses a structure similar to skin’s sebum, thus regulating the activity of the oil glands without clogging the pores, making it a great moisturizing ingredient for oily and acne-prone skin.(5)

Rose geranium essential oil is anti-inflammatory and also shows antioxidant activity against free radicals generated by ultraviolet rays.(6)

The ZELEN Life Moisturizer stands above the rest when it comes to its amount of organic ingredients and the versatility these plant oils provide when it comes to serving a range of skin types. It has a lightweight texture that absorbs into the skin super fast. It is very moisturizing similar to the Peter Thomas Roth Cloud Cream on our list, but as a winter moisturizer, I think it’s a better choice. The citrus/floral scent is to die for, which has been described by users as “like a spa day.”

It is beautifully packaged with a striking matte silver, airless pump bottle that is both functional and makes a statement.

However, this moisturizer does not contain sunscreen. If you are looking for an alcohol-free moisturizer with SPF then consider La Roche Posay’s Hydraphase from our list. Its formula contains age-defying botanicals but if anti-aging is your only goal, then Perricone MD’s Moisturizer might be more suitable but note it is a higher price.

Embryolisse’s Hydra-Mat is comparable with this moisturizer for oily skin users. For a similar price tag, it offers a larger volume at 2.4 fl oz / 70 ml compared to ZELEN Life’s 1.7 fl oz / 50 ml, however, the packaging is more basic and the scent is not as appealing.

The good:

Things to think about:

Bottom line:

The ZELEN Life Moisturizer is an all-rounder containing the right mix of hydrating, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory natural ingredients for all skin types to address many skin concerns with one product.

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Unique features:

• Potent aging fighter
• Targets pigmentation and uneven skin tone
• Brand “bestseller”

The best alcohol-free moisturizer for:

Mature skin. It is also suitable for those with combination skin.

Notable ingredients:

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Moluccana Seed Oil, DMAE, Vitamin E, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

Overview:

This alcohol-free moisturizer by Dr. Perricone is a much loved, creamy yet lightweight moisturizer that improves the skin texture, hydrates, and gives it a dose of youth by reducing the fine lines and correcting the uneven skin tone.

Here is a run-through of its key ingredients:

Glycerin may sound very basic, but it is one of the best humectants found in skincare, which attracts moisture from the environment and from the deeper layers of skin to bring it to the surface resulting in hydrated, supple skin.(7) Kukui nut (moluccana seed) oil further increases the skin’s moisture-binding capacity and improves skin softness.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is a stable form of Vitamin C, which improves the skin tone by fading dark patches, stimulates collagen formation, and decreases aging signs.(8) Vitamin C and Vitamin E are also two of the most potent antioxidants known in skincare to neutralize the damage caused by free radicals. DMAE has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and, in small studies, a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

There are other moisturizers on our list that offer anti-aging properties, but this product is the most superior in this area. Making it the go-to option for mature skin types.

Perricone MD state it is one of their bestsellers and I can see why. It has a very nice texture that is very hydrating even though it is lightweight. The antioxidants, anti-wrinkle, and collagen-stimulating ingredients make it a great anti-aging moisturizer. It also contains brightening agents to even out skin tone.

I would also say it’s the most balanced scent on our list. It has a unique rose aroma, which I personally like, however it may smell a bit “perfumy” for some. If you are looking for a lighter scent in your moisturizer then ZELEN Life’s Moisturizer and La Roche Posay’s Hydraphase will suit you better.

Take into account that it is the highest-priced moisturizer on our list, which is to be expected for a quality anti-aging product. It is perhaps not suitable for those on a budget, however, at 2 fl oz / 59 ml it is a larger size than many of the others.

Despite being lightweight, I’d say it is the greasiest moisturizer on our list. But do not be alarmed as it is not overly greasy. However, if you have oily skin you may find Embryolisse’s Hydra-Mat Emulsion is better for you. This packaging of this product has a premium feel which is comparable with Peter Thomas Roth’s Water Drench but if you are looking for very premium, then ZELEN Life’s wins in that department.

The good:

Things to think about:

Bottom line:

If your pocket doesn’t hate it, your skin will most probably love it. Perricone MD’s Face Finishing and Firming Moisturizer is an excellent option for maturing skin. One user described it as “medicine for your face”, and I’d say that is pretty accurate.

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Unique features:

• Powerful moisturizer
• Packed with hyaluronic acid
• Fragrance-free

The best alcohol-free moisturizer for:

Dry skin. It is also suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Also, those looking for a makeup base.

Notable ingredients:

Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Yeast extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramides

Overview:

This is a real moisturizing dynamo with a lineup of some of the best moisturizing ingredients. It is the holy grail for many and has received both critic and user love over the years.

Key ingredients:

Glycerin and hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate) are the most powerful humectants,(9) they bring water from everywhere to the skin’s surface, and ceramides supplement the skin’s lipid layer to keep that moisture tightly bound to the skin.(10) The result is soft, supple, and hydrated skin. Even though it is super hydrating, it does not make the skin greasy or cause breakouts.

Owing to its silicone (cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone) content, it feels like a smoothening primer on the skin and goes very well under the makeup.

Since all the ingredients in this product have very little allergic and irritating potential, it is especially suitable for sensitive skin. This is a fragrance-free moisturizer with the least scent on our list. Its texture is very lightweight and non-greasy, which is useful for those wanting a moisturizer that does not clog pores. Furthermore, unlike Perricone MD’s Moisturizer, it doesn’t feel oily which makes it a good choice for those with oily and acne-prone skin. However, Perricone MD’s has better anti-aging qualities.

I believe this moisturizer is more suitable for summer than winter, however, note that it does not have sun protection. If you require a moisturizer with SPF then take a look at La Roche Posay’s Hydraphase on our list. If you are looking for a winter moisturizer, or live in a colder climate, or have very dry skin, then Embroylisse’s Hydra-Mat Emulsion is more suitable than this product.

This moisturizer shows a lot of strength when it comes to the number of moisturizing agents but it should be noted that its formula is not blessed with natural ingredients. If you are looking for a comparable product with a similar price tag but is a more natural option, then consider the ZELEN Life Moisturizer.

The good:

Things to think about:

Bottom line:

If it is a super hydrating but lightweight moisturizer you are looking for to wear AM and PM and most of the other moisturizers don’t suit your skin, Peter Thomas Roth’s Cloud Cream could become your go-to. If it is worth spending so much money on just a good moisturizing cream is arguable, but I have a feeling that you won’t regret it.

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Unique features:

• Contains SPF as well as UVA protection
• Made with La Roche Posay hallmark spring water

The best alcohol-free moisturizer for:

Those looking for daytime wear with sun protection. It is also suitable for dry and sensitive skin types.

Notable ingredients:

Chemical sunscreens (Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene), Glycerin, Dimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid.

Overview:

La Roche Posay is a brand loved universally by dermatologists because of the consistent quality of its products. Hydraphase intense is also one of them.

The ingredient list is no-fluff, containing chemical sunscreen ingredients that don’t leave a white cast, hyaluronic acid to attract moisture to the skin and fill up fine wrinkles making the skin look plump and supple. It also has La Roche Posay hallmark spring water to calm down mild inflammation.

This is the only moisturizer with SPF on our list. It contains an SPF of 20, which means UVB protection and also decent UVA protection. I am generally a high SPF advocate, but if you apply an adequate amount, SPF 20 should be able to cover you well for some daily outside chores and commute. As it combines sun protection, it is a useful budget pick as there is no need to buy an additional sunscreen.

However, note that it does not have enough sun protection for sunny outdoor days. I think this makes for a useful winter-time moisturizer (yes, sun protection is still important during this season!). For winter, I believe it a better choice than Peter Thomas Roth’s Cloud Cream.

It is hydrating and suitable for sensitive skin types but is not as gentle and moisturizing as the ZELEN Life Moisturizer.

The no-fluff ingredient list can be its strength and weakness. If you are looking for more from your moisturizer than just sun protection, then you should consider the others on our list. For example, the ZELEN Life Moisturizer and Peter Thomas Roth’s Cloud Cream have stronger moisturizing ingredients. What’s more, Perricone MD’s Moisturizer is superior for anti-aging. You also need to think about your activities and climate when using this moisturizer.

Is SPF 20 going to be enough protection? If you foresee yourself purchasing a stronger sunscreen, then perhaps you’ll find a moisturizer that brings other skin benefits a more advantageous purchase.

The good:

Things to think about:

Bottom line:

Even though I would not tout LRP’s Hydraphase Intense as an alternative to wearing sunscreen on an outdoor day, it is a great two-in-one option for either wearing alone on a short sun exposure day or layering the sunscreen on a sunny day for dry and sensitive skin type.

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Unique features:

• Very mattifying
• Long-lasting non-greasy finish
• Good in a humid climate

The best alcohol-free moisturizer for:

Oily skin. It is also suitable for those with acne-prone skin. Also useful for makeup users.

Notable ingredients:

Glycerin, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Isononyl Isononanoate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate, Sodium Acryloyldimethyl, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii Oil, Polymethylmethacrylate, Corn Starch Modified, Allantoin

Overview:

This alcohol-free moisturizer by Embryolisse is a moisturizing cream that offers oil control for a long duration while simultaneously hydrating the skin. It has a mattifying effect, which is useful for daytime use and those using makeup.

Let’s look at the ingredients:

It contains corn starch, which absorbs all the extra oil making the skin look matte and non-greasy for a long period of time after application. Apricot kernel oil has nourishing fatty acids to moisturize and Vitamin E to fight the free radicals. Additionally, it also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.(11)

Squalane is a natural component of human sebum and acts like an emollient improving skin’s softness and smoothness. Even though it is technically like an oil, it does not feel oily. It is also a natural antioxidant, antibacterial, and safe for acne-prone and sensitive skin.(3) Other beneficial ingredients include allantoin and shea butter, which are anti-inflammatory and soothing.

The long-lasting non-greasy finish that is provided by this moisturizer means that it excels for oily skin compared to the others on our list. Although ZELEN Life, Perricone MD, and Peter Thomas Roth Moisturizers provide a useful base for those who wear makeup, this feels like a more specialist primer. In fact, it is recommended by many makeup artists for oily skin use, to keep the makeup looking fresh for a longer time. Likewise, I recommend that it is an effective moisturizer for use in a humid climate

You also get a greater quantity for your money with this cream at 2.4 fl oz / 70 ml, it is the biggest size moisturizer on our list.

This moisturizer is not suitable for dry skin. If that’s you, you are better off with Peter Thomas Roth’s Cloud Cream. The packaging is also the most basic compared to the others. When buying this product, you are doing so for the cream inside, rather than the outer packaging.

I am not a big fan of the strong scent that comes with the product. If you prefer something lighter then consider ZELEN Life’s Moisturizer or for no scent, Peter Thomas Roth’s Cloud Cream.

The good:

Things to think about:

Bottom line:

Embryolisse’s Hydra-Mat Emulsion is a nail on the head product for oily and acne-prone skin looking for a matte moisturizing cream, especially for daytime use under makeup.

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How we chose these products

To choose the best alcohol-free moisturizer, our main criteria were to exclude products with bad alcohols like alcohol denat and SD alcohol, NOT to exclude the ones with beneficial alcohols like cetyl or cetostearyl alcohols, products that have great moisturizing ingredients, and the trusted brands that consistently produce high-quality skincare.

To have an option for everyone, we included products for people with different needs (like anti-aging, anti-inflammatory), textures (matte vs. thick creamy), and different times of the day.

Comedogenic or non-comedogenic is generally not applicable as a blanket concept as before, but we still tried to choose products that were reported to not clog pores by most.

We performed an ingredient analysis of the products and shortlisted a few products that would fit the needs of most of the reader base across gender, skin type, and budgets.

Last but not least, we know that often ingredient analysis is not always 100% reflective of real-world experience, so we went through reviews of products across all platforms, and according to the volume and reliability of the feedback, we picked our top 5 alcohol-free moisturizers.

Frequently asked questions

What function does alcohol serve in topical and skincare products?

When we talk about skincare, alcohol serves the function of improving the consistency of a product, dissolving ingredients that are not water-soluble, making the lotion or serum thin and weightless, and to facilitate it sinking in the skin quickly.

In addition, it also improves the penetration(1) of active skincare ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide into the skin.

How does alcohol in skincare products affect the skin?

It is known that alcohol dissolves fat.(2) In high concentrations ( >30%), it can affect the lipid barrier of the skin. In concentrations of 10% and less, which is usually present in skincare products, it just dissolves the sebum and the bridge between ceramides (lipid molecules that hold water), thus drying out the skin.

Usually, the skin recovers from this effect in around 24 hours, however regular use of alcohol-containing products does not allow the skin enough time to recover and regenerate.

Is a product containing alcohol always bad for the skin?

If the presence of alcohol denat is compensated by the use of a lot of other moisturizing agents in the product or as an additional product, the dryness will not be as striking.

So if you are using a serum or a sunscreen with alcohol denat and less or no moisturizing ingredients, always layer it with a moisturizer. But I would not personally approve of a product marketed as a ‘moisturizer’ with drying alcohols in it.

Since alcohol denat is drying for the skin, would it benefit someone with oily or acne-prone skin?

Alcohol will definitely dissolve the sebum sitting on the face, temporarily giving a ‘matte’ appearance, but the oil glands will remain just as many and just as active, and sebum production will cause the skin to become oily again in a few hours.

Also, alcohol can not differentiate between oil sitting on the skin, and the lipid inside the skin, which holds water and so, excessive use of alcohol will cause the skin to be dehydrated, showing dry patches and lustreless.

What skin types should absolutely avoid alcohol denat/SD alcohol?

People with dry and dehydrated skin, very sensitive skin (it can increase the penetration of irritant ingredients in addition to drying the skin), and active inflammatory rosacea should better keep a distance from anything that contains ‘bad alcohol,’ especially in the top 5 in the ingredient list.

Conclusion

Bad alcohols (or simple alcohols) in skincare are not necessarily the devil but also avoidable. They temporarily dry out the skin and compromise the skin barrier.

A moisturizer is supposed to do just the opposite!

Thus it is wise and advisable to choose a moisturizer free of drying alcohols. Irrespective of your skin type and concern, I hope we were able to help you choose an alcohol-free moisturizer.

Let us know in the comments what moisturizer you have been using till now, with alcohol or without?

Do you know someone who is using a lot of drying alcohol in their skincare routine? Share this article with them and help them find their ideal alcohol-free moisturizer.

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References

1. Fujii M, Ohara R, Matsumi A, Ohura K, Koizumi N, Imai T, Watanabe Y. Effect of alcohol on skin permeation and metabolism of an ester-type prodrug in Yucatan micropig skin. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2017 Nov 15;109:280-287. doi: 10.1016/j.ejps.2017.08.012. Epub 2017 Aug 15. PMID: 28821439.
2. Kwak, Sungjong & Brief, Elana & Langlais, Denis & Kitson, Neil & Lafleur, Michel & Thewalt, Jenifer. (2012). Ethanol perturbs lipid organization in models of stratum corneum membranes: An investigation combining differential scanning calorimetry, infrared, and H-2 NMR spectroscopy. Biochimica et biophysica acta. 1818. 1410-9. 10.1016/j.bbamem.2012.02.013.
3. Sethi A, Kaur T, Malhotra SK, Gambhir ML. Moisturizers: The Slippery Road. Indian J Dermatol. 2016;61(3):279-287. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.182427
4. Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. Published 2017 Dec 27. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070
5. Pazyar N, Yaghoobi R, Ghassemi MR, Kazerouni A, Rafeie E, Jamshydian N. Jojoba in dermatology: a succinct review. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2013 Dec;148(6):687-91. PMID: 24442052.
6. Wei A, Shibamoto T. Antioxidant activities of essential oil mixtures toward skin lipid squalene oxidized by UV irradiation. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2007;26(3):227-33. doi: 10.1080/15569520701224501. PMID: 17687687.
7. Fluhr JW, Darlenski R, Surber C. Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions. Br J Dermatol. 2008 Jul;159(1):23-34. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08643.x. Epub 2008 Jul 1. PMID: 18510666
8. Fitzpatrick RE, Rostan EF. Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage. Dermatol Surg. 2002 Mar;28(3):231-6. doi: 10.1046/j.1524-4725.2002.01129.x. PMID: 11896774.
9. Milani M, Sparavigna A. The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:311-315. Published 2017 Aug 11. doi:10.2147/CCID.S144180
10. Meckfessel MH, Brandt S. The structure, function, and importance of ceramides in skin and their use as therapeutic agents in skin-care products. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Jul;71(1):177-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2014.01.891. Epub 2014 Mar 20. PMID: 24656726.
11. Lee HH, Ahn JH, Kwon AR, Lee ES, Kwak JH, Min YH. Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of apricot seed. Phytother Res. 2014 Dec;28(12):1867-72. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5219. Epub 2014 Sep 15. PMID: 25219371.