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Silicone, just like alcohol, are controversial ingredients to include in skincare, haircare, makeup, and cosmetics.

We will be presenting the best silicone-free moisturizers within this review. While some companies and sources stand by their inclusion of silicone in a product, others do not advocate it.

We have come a long way from using synthetic ingredients in our skincare and made a worldwide shift to more natural, organic ingredients that are fresher, newer, more effective, and less potential for harm or adverse effects.

Silicone, when used in small amounts, can make a product glide more smoothly and have a more pleasant texture.

In this review, we plan on differentiating the positives and negatives of silicone-based moisturizers as well as the advantages and disadvantages of silicone-free ones, while also sharing our top picks.

We will also share which particular product best suits a particular purpose, showing an analysis of ingredients and providing feedback from customer reviews and dermatologists.

We will now be going over the best silicone-free moisturizers for you:

Quick summary

Before you buy: 3 things to consider when purchasing a silicone-free moisturizer

1. Know (or learn) what silicone is:

Before choosing skincare, haircare, or cosmetic products, it is essential to know the ingredients, what they do, and their advantages and disadvantages. Silicone is classified by the FDA as a lubricant and provides a smooth texture to some products when added.

However, it is synthetically made and originates from the sand. It is biodegradable and turns into sand, water, and carbon dioxide when broken down.

2. See if your skincare products contain silicone:

A common type of silicone found in skincare products is dimethicone. An easy way to find out what ingredients your skincare products have is to look at the ingredient list, particularly at the suffixes, and narrow down their containment of silicone if the word ends in “-cone.”

Some examples are: amodimethicone, cyclomethicone, dimethicone, methicone, trimethicone, trimethylsilylamodimethicone.

3. Define your goals for skincare:

What are your goals for your skincare products? Do you strive to use products with only organic or natural ingredients? Are you looking for anti-aging or lightening properties?

What about products to avoid breakouts in acne-prone skin? This could be easily derived by making a list of “areas of interest” as well as “areas for improvement.”

Note, when deciding on what to use for your skin, it is also important to know or narrow down if your skin is oily, dry, or a combination of both.

The 5 best silicone-free moisturizers

Unique features:

• Handmade
• Natural matte finish
• Organic formula loaded with essential antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins
• Matte silver airless pump bottle

The best silicone-free moisturizer for:

Clean skincare enthusiasts. It is suitable for men and women of all skin types, particularly those who are sensitive.

Notable ingredients:

Jojoba, Calendula, Clary sage

Overview:

This silicone-free daily moisturizer is a high-quality skincare product that adds essential hydration to your skin routine and is a great start to your regimen. It has a hypoallergenic, chemical-free, and fragrance-free formula, which makes it ideal for sensitive skin types.

Its benefits stem from the plant-based organic formula. Its key ingredients include clary sage, calendula, and jojoba, which contain glow-boosting vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids.

Calendula comes from Marigold flowers and is a natural antiseptic, reduces redness, and helps heal the skin.(2) Clary sage is a flowering herb found in the Mediterranean that is used in aromatherapy and skincare; it is anti-inflammatory, prevents skin irritation, promotes skin tightening for anti-aging, and is anti-bacterial, decreasing the spread of bacteria.(3)

Jojoba oil is found in many skincare products and is known for its anti-aging properties, the skin healing process, hormonal balancing, and regulation of sebum produced by the body.(4)

I have to say, Jojoba oil is a skincare hero of mine. The benefits seem endless when it comes to moisturizing and balancing the skin. This is largely due to it having a molecular structure similar to our own skin’s natural oil (sebum). Because of this, it can penetrate beyond the surface of the skin and provide deeper nourishment. By mimicking the skin’s sebum, it can help prevent skin oil from being overproduced.

This regulating effect is particularly beneficial for those with oily and acne-prone skin. Whatsmore, Jojoba is a natural antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory, which helps banish blemishes.

Even though jojoba is a waxy substance, this moisturizer is remarkably lightweight and non-greasy. It absorbs nicely and has a mattifying effect on the skin. For makeup users, it can serve as a natural primer. However, if you are looking for a specialist silicone-free primer, then consider the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré instead.

The ZELEN Life Moisturizer is suitable for both men and women. It is a handmade, natural product with a citrus (orange) scent and floral hints. The aroma is unisex with the smell being described as “like a spa day”, and who doesn’t enjoy a day like that?

The matte silver bottle screams premium and would compliment anyone’s dressing table or bathroom shelf. The airless pump bottle prevents air and water from entering, which helps prevent any bacterial growth within the product. Welcome news for anyone suffering from acne.

Even though this is our in-house product, of course we are going to claim its value for money! But in seriousness, I believe the price tag is backed up by the handcrafted nature of the product and the premium organic ingredients packed within its formula.

The good:

Things to think about:

The bottom line:

The ZELEN Life Moisturizer is a deeply hydrating organic moisturizer, providing anti-acne and anti-aging benefits without silicone and all other nasty chemicals. It will leave your skin refreshed and well protected.

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Unique features:

• Thermal-rich
• Vichy’s advanced dynamic hydration technology
• Volcanic water is sourced from the volcanoes in France

The best silicone-free moisturizer for:

Those with dry skin.

Notable ingredients:

Hyaluronic acid

Overview:

Hyaluronic acid is such an excellent skin hydrator, we felt it was a ‘no brainer’ to include a silicone-free moisturizer that contains this powerful ingredient. Its humectant qualities (i.e., its ability to draw water to the surface of the skin, and hold it for long periods) is hugely beneficial for those with very dry skin who lose moisture quickly, no matter what product they use.

Let’s break this product down:

Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient in skin aging and has a unique capacity to retain water and moisturize the skin.(5) Volcanic water contains essential minerals to help strengthen the skin barrier by protecting it from external elements. Plant sugar delivers hydration by strengthening it and preventing water loss.

Vichy claims that their Aqualia Thermal Moisturizer can provide 48 hours of moisture by locking in water, and I agree that this is possible thanks to the combination of hyaluronic acid and plant sugar. However, this is not an exact science. There are no guarantees and everyone’s skin is different. Even though this is a powerful moisturizer, it does not mean that users should skip moisturizing daily when using it.

I also see this as a great ‘winter’ moisturizer when the skin loses moisture faster in the cold weather. On the other hand, perhaps in the summer season, it will feel too heavy on the skin. Therefore the strengths of this moisturizer can also be its weakness, dependent on your preferences. Take into account that it is a thick, enriched cream. It is not overly greasy but it should be taken into account if you have very oily skin.

If you are a fan of lightweight skincare products, this is probably not for you. In this case, consider the ZELEN Life Moisturizer. Alternatively, if you feel this product is the answer to your dry skin concerns but are put off by the texture, then you’ll be pleased to know that there is also a gel-based version of this product.

Vichy state that this product is “safe for sensitive skin” and has been allergy-tested. As well as being silicone-free, it is free of other known skin irritants – parabens, and mineral oils. They also claim 97% of its ingredients are from a natural origin but in my opinion, it does not feel like a truly natural product. If you have sensitive skin I believe you can tolerate this product, but those with hypersensitive skin are probably better suited to boscia’s Chia Seed Moisture Cream or the ZELEN Life Moisturizer.

Also bear in mind there is quite a strong scent to this product. However, it is certainly not unappealing so do not be deterred. If however, you prefer a silicone-free moisturizer with a lighter scent, then again, boscia’s Chia Seed Moisture Cream might be a better choice.

The packaging of this product lacks a bit of character. It’s not going to be a show-stopper on your bathroom shelf but I quite like it. The ocean-blue jar with the brilliant white lid seems very fitting for a moisture (water-locking) product. What this product lacks in character, it certainly makes up for in value. Taking into account the ingredient formula and benefits, you can’t go wrong with the price tag.

The good:

Things to think about:

The bottom line:

The Vichy Aqualia is a thermal-rich moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid that provides long-lasting hydration for dry skin types.

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Unique features:

• Contains certified organic ingredients
• Bespoke formula–made with botanical juices (apple), which is not often found in moisturizers
• Focuses on skin aging

The best silicone-free moisturizer for:

Those looking for anti-aging, or who have mature skin.

Notable ingredients:

Malic acid, Aloe, Shea butter

Overview:

In addition to hydrating the skin, a moisturizer has a variety of functions. This silicone-free moisturizer by Juice Beauty particularly focuses on anti-aging. The powerful ‘age-defying’ action is due to the large combination of antioxidants such as vitamin C, peptides, coenzyme Q10, and DMAE. It also contains a mixture of certified organic juices, which can brighten and refine the skin, helping those with uneven skin tones, dark blemishes, and pigmentation.

Here is a rundown of the main ingredients:

Malic acid is from apple juices and is rich in vitamins, potent malic alpha-hydroxy acids, flavonoids, phenols, phytonutrients, and provides powerful antioxidants to promote the beauty within the skin.(8) Aloe is rich in glycoproteins and soothing benefits, which improve hydration and the skin’s natural moisture.(6) Shea butter is derived from the fruit pit of the karite tree and helps to soften, soothe, and moisturize the skin.(7)

Anti-aging moisturizers are nothing new in the skincare world. However, I particularly like the unique inclusion of green apple in this one. In addition to giving this moisturizer a pleasant fruity scent, the alpha-hydroxy acids from this botanical blend are excellent age fighters. Now before you think this product is the answer to your maturing skin, you should be aware that if you also have sensitive skin then sadly, this moisturizer is not for you.

Despite the wrinkle-reducing wonders of fruit AHA’s, the drawback is that they can irritate the skin in those delicate individuals. If that sounds like you then you’d be better off with the ZELEN Life Moisturizer, as it helps with anti-aging while being easier for the skin to tolerate. But if sensitive skin is not an issue, then fill your boots!

If you prefer a lightweight cream, then you should know this cream has a thick viscosity. If you are keen on this product but would prefer it to be more lightweight, the good news is that Juice Beauty also offers a Green Apple Age Defy Serum with the same formula.

Juice Beauty is a skincare brand with an emphasis on ethics. This moisturizer is chemical-free, cruelty-free and vegan, and made with organic ingredients. This is represented in their packaging, with the white and lime green combination. If you are environmentally conscious then having this product on display certainly supports your view of the world.

However, in my opinion, the jar is not of the highest quality and the lid can occasionally come off, making it difficult to use. If you are looking for a jar with fewer complications, consider Vichy’s Aqualia Thermal Rich Face Cream Moisturizer.

With the abundance of certified organic ingredients in the formula, a higher price tag is to be expected. However, you should also take into account that this moisturizer is 2 fl oz / 60ml, which is a larger-than-average volume for a moisturizer and therefore you are getting more product for your money.

The good:

Things to think about:

The bottom line:

Juice Beauty’s Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer is a powerful anti-aging face cream, full of antioxidants that help fine lines and evens skin tone.

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Unique features:

• A moisturizer, face mask and primer all-in-one
• Iconic skincare brand and claims to be a “cult face cream”
• Formulated by a dermatologist at a Parisian hospital in 1950

The best silicone-free moisturizer for:

As a makeup primer.

Notable ingredients:

Shea butter, Soy proteins, Aloe vera

Overview:

For those of you looking for silicone-free products across the whole skincare spectrum, then Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème Concentré should grab your attention. This is because it is not just a silicone-free moisturizer. It can also serve as your silicone-free makeup primer and silicone-free face mask.

Multi-purpose skincare products like this are worth their weight in gold. Having products with multiple uses, enables you to strip back and simplify your routine. Fewer products mean fewer complications. Plus it can help the purse strings!

While on the subject of money, I believe this moisturizer represents great value. Not only because of its versatility. But for the quality, it has a low price tag for the quality and quantity of 2.54 fl oz / 75ml. It is also available in a smaller quantity of 1 fl oz / 30 ml if you want to keep your costs down even further. This is also a useful travel size option. Multi-tasking products like this are even handier when on the move.

The key ingredients are shea butter, beeswax, soy proteins, and aloe vera.

Shea butter has been shown to improve eczema as a strong moisturizer and emollient.(9) Beeswax is commonly used in ointments and cosmetics, has a large number of biological activity, and is considered important in skincare ingredients.(10)

Soy proteins and products are a novel therapeutic option in dermatology and have been found to be both safe and effective in treating hyperpigmentation conditions.(11) Aloe vera is a biological vehicle and also serves as an anti-fungal and antimicrobial agent with promising results in dermatologic conditions.(12)

This moisturizer has a light, milky texture but it also feels very rich and nourishing when applied to the skin. This is largely due to shea butter and beeswax inclusion. It may feel a little greasy to some, however, I would say it is less greasy than other options on our list, such as boscia’s Chia Seed Moisture Cream and Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Face Cream Moisturizer.

I like the light, floral aroma that comes with this product. But it is worth noting that it contains fragrance, which may irritate those with sensitive skin. If you are looking for a moisturizer that is fragrance-free, as well as silicone-free, that leaves your skin primed with a comparable matte finish, then consider the ZELEN Life Moisturizer.

The packaging is very simple, which is largely due to it being a traditional “cult favorite” style product developed several decades ago. When buying this product, you are certainly not doing so for how it looks on the outside. You are absolutely doing it for the benefit of the product inside of that white plastic tube.

The good:

Things to think about:

The bottom line:

Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème Concentré is a super-enriched face cream with active ingredients that nourish the skin. It is a great multi-tasker moisturizer, which also can be used as a primer for makeup.

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Unique features:

• Fun-loving brand
• Contains chia seed oil to smooth wrinkles and hydrate skin
• Packaged in an exuberant pink jar, which comes with a spatula

The best silicone-free moisturizer for:

Those keen on vegan skincare. It is also suitable for dry skin types.

Notable ingredients:

Chia seed oil, Glacier water, Elderberry extract

Overview:

boscia’s states in their brand story “Trust us, your skin wants in on the fun.” This notion of playful skincare products is certainly reflected in this bright pink jar.

This moisturizer also ticks all the boxes when it comes to being clean. As well as silicone-free, it is a preservative-free moisturizer and avoids many of the common skin nasties. It also does not contain artificial colors or fragrances, so if you have sensitive skin, you should not be afraid of using this product. Despite being fragrance-free, the smell is delightful. It is very fresh and not overbearing.

Key ingredients:

Chia seed oil is full of omega fatty acids and essential phytonutrients to prevent dehydration and restore skin.(13) Glacier water is enriched with natural minerals to provide long-term hydration and moisture balance. It helps to improve suppleness and smoothness in the skin. Elderberry extract provides antioxidants that protect against pollution and oxidative stress.(15)

I like the unique inclusion of chia seed oil in this moisturizer. It is an excellent active ingredient that restores moisture to the skin while reducing redness, making this moisturizer a great option for dry skin. This primary ingredient is also supported with vitamin-rich glacier water and elderberry extract for increased moisturization.(14)

The creamy texture is very moisturizing without feeling super greasy. I’d say around the same level as the Juice Beauty Age Defy Moisturizer. One user commented that this cream is “thick yet light”, and I agree that’s pretty accurate.

Your skin will definitely want in on the fun, but it does come at a cost. This product is certainly not cheap but taking into the quality and the unique packaging, in my opinion, it gets good marks for value for money. The nice addition of the spatula shows the attention to detail of this product.

The good:

Things to think about:

The bottom line:

boscia’s silicone-free chia seed moisturizer is also preservative-free and cruelty-free. It provides long-lasting hydration and is a nice option for vegans.

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How we chose these products

These products were selected by careful research and considering input from dermatologists. Various items were considered, including popularity, efficacy, cost, texture, advantages, and disadvantages. We came up with a targeted list of 5 as opposed to providing a long list of items that may not be as effective.

We excluded silicone-free products, as well as those with predominantly synthetic ingredients. All of the products chosen have top moisturizing ingredients and come from trusted brands that produce high-quality skincare.

We also sought to choose products that would not clog pores or contribute to acne flareups. We performed an in-depth analysis of ingredients and came up with a selection that would fit most people’s needs across gender differences, age groups, skin types, goals of use, and a range of budgets.

Lastly, we analyzed common themes in customer reviews, assessed feedback, reliability, and volume to come up with a shortlist of the best silicone-free moisturizers.

Frequently asked questions

What is silicone, and how is it used in skincare?

Silicone is a synthetically formulated ingredient that is known for its lubrication. It is added to many skincare, haircare, and makeup formulations as well as serums. According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration in the United States), silicone as dimethicone is classified as a skin protectant.

Since it is a lubricant, it glides smoothly and is a popular ingredient to include in personal care items due to its enhanced smooth texture.

When added to skincare products, it may serve several purposes, including smoothness, enhanced penetration of the product, and prolonged wear or longevity.

Silicone is derived from sand and is a sustainable and abundant mineral that is found in the environment. It also degrades and can break down into water, carbon dioxide, and sand forms.

Why is it important to consider using a silicone-free moisturizer?

Products with silicone may contribute to clogged pores and acne. On occasion, someone may be intolerant to the silicone or experience an adverse reaction. Though most silicones are safe for topical use and non-reactive ingredients, as with any skincare ingredient, allergies and intolerances may develop.

They are also not necessarily considered adequate moisturizers for the skin, as petrolatum agents provide superiority in this area.(1)

To see if a product contains silicone, look at the list of ingredients and see if any of the items end in “-cone, -conol, or -siloxane.” The presence of any of these suffixes suggests a silicone ingredient may be present in the product.

Conclusion

While products containing silicone are not detrimental if used in skincare products, they can be avoidable in your selection if you desire. While some sources say that they may lead to breakouts and some individuals may be intolerant to the product, their addition can smooth out a texture of a product and provide a smooth feel.

They are synthetic, so the product is more synthetic and less organic when added. Thus, it may be an option to consider trying a silicone-free moisturizer. Regardless of the goals of your skincare routine and your skin type, hopefully, we can help you better choose a silicone-free moisturizer.

Please let us know in your comments if you think your skincare products contain silicone, and if so, what do you like or not like about it?

If you know someone who has questions regarding silicone in their moisturizer, please feel free to share this article with them to help them find a silicone-free moisturizer.

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References

1. De Paepe K, Sieg A, Le Meur M, Rogiers V. Silicones as non-occlusive topical agents. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(3):164-71. doi: 10.1159/000354914. Epub 2014 Jan 18. PMID: 24457536.
2. Quave CL. Wound healing with botanicals: A review and future perspectives. Curr Dermatol Rep. 2018;7(4):287-295. doi:10.1007/s13671-018-0247-4
3. Sienkiewicz M, Głowacka A, Poznańska-Kurowska K, Kaszuba A, Urbaniak A, Kowalczyk E. The effect of clary sage oil on staphylococci responsible for wound infections. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2015;32(1):21-26. doi:10.5114/pdia.2014.40957
4. 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.
5. Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):253-258. doi:10.4161/derm.21923
6. Feily A, Namazi MR. Aloe vera in dermatology: a brief review. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2009 Feb;144(1):85-91. PMID: 19218914.
7. Mahmood FM, Copps BC, Mathieu JAM. Lessons from African traditional medicine: exploring the potential therapeutic applications of shea butter in dermatology. Int J Dermatol. 2020 Oct 27. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15275. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33107031.
8. Tang SC, Yang JH. Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin. Molecules. 2018;23(4):863. Published 2018 Apr 10. doi:10.3390/molecules23040863
9. Nisbet SJ. Skin acceptability of a cosmetic moisturizer formulation in female subjects with sensitive skin. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:213-217. Published 2018 Apr 30. doi:10.2147/CCID.S157297
10. Kurek-Górecka A, Górecki M, Rzepecka-Stojko A, Balwierz R, Stojko J. Bee Products in Dermatology and Skin Care. Molecules. 2020 Jan 28;25(3):556. doi: 10.3390/molecules25030556. PMID: 32012913; PMCID: PMC7036894.
11. Leyden J, Wallo W. The mechanism of action and clinical benefits of soy for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Int J Dermatol. 2011 Apr;50(4):470-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2010.04765.x. Epub 2011 Feb 20. PMID: 21332714.
12. Feily A, Namazi MR. Aloe vera in dermatology: a brief review. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2009 Feb;144(1):85-91. PMID: 19218914.
13. Jeong SK, Park HJ, Park BD, Kim IH. Effectiveness of Topical Chia Seed Oil on Pruritus of End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Patients and Healthy Volunteers. Ann Dermatol. 2010;22(2):143-148. doi:10.5021/ad.2010.22.2.143
14. Thomsen BJ, Chow EY, Sapijaszko MJ. The Potential Uses of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dermatology: A Review. J Cutan Med Surg. 2020 Sep/Oct;24(5):481-494. doi: 10.1177/1203475420929925. Epub 2020 May 28. PMID: 32463305.
15. Strugała P, Loi S, Bażanów B, et al. A Comprehensive Study on the Biological Activity of Elderberry Extract and Cyanidin 3-O-Glucoside and Their Interactions with Membranes and Human Serum Albumin. Molecules. 2018;23(10):2566. Published 2018 Oct 8. doi:10.3390/molecules23102566