7 Best Vegan Moisturizers for Every Skin Type in 2025
Finding a moisturizer that actually hydrates without feeling greasy is hard enough. Finding one that is also 100% vegan and cruelty-free? That used to feel impossible.
We tested 23 vegan moisturizers over 8 weeks on combination, dry, oily, and sensitive skin types. Most felt nice for an hour then disappeared. A few broke us out. But seven of them — at every price point — genuinely changed how our skin looked and felt.
Quick Picks
Best Overall
Versed Dew Point ($14.99)
Best Budget
e.l.f. Holy Hydration ($12)
Best Splurge
Drunk Elephant Protini ($68)
Best for Dry Skin
Weleda Skin Food ($18.99)
Best for Oily Skin
The Ordinary NMF+HA ($8.90)
How We Tested
Each moisturizer was tested by at least 3 team members with different skin types over a minimum 4-week period:
- Immediate feel — texture, absorption time, residue
- 4-hour hydration — did skin stay comfortable?
- Layering test — does it pill under sunscreen and makeup?
- 4-week results — visible improvement in skin texture and hydration
- Ingredient audit — verified vegan and cruelty-free status
The Reviews
Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream
$14.99What We Like
- Lightweight gel texture absorbs in 30 seconds
- Layers perfectly under sunscreen and makeup
- Hyaluronic acid + aloe juice for dual hydration
- Under $15 — incredible value
What to Consider
- Not rich enough for very dry winter skin
- Scent is light but present
This is the moisturizer we reach for most often. The gel-cream texture hits a sweet spot that works for combination, normal, and even slightly oily skin. It hydrates without heaviness, plays nicely with other products, and the price is unbeatable for the quality.
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream
$12.00What We Like
- Incredible value at $12
- Packed with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides
- Rich enough for dry skin
- Widely available at drugstores
What to Consider
- Contains fragrance
- Slightly heavier texture takes longer to absorb
- Tub packaging is not the most hygienic
The best vegan moisturizer under $15, period. e.l.f. packed this cream with ingredients typically found in formulas 5x the price. If you are on a budget, start here. Our dry-skinned testers especially loved the richness.
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
$68.00What We Like
- Growth factors and peptides for anti-aging
- Clean, fragrance-free formula
- Lightweight yet deeply hydrating
- Beautiful gel-cream texture
What to Consider
- Premium price point
- Some peptides may irritate very sensitive skin
If your budget allows, this is the investment-worthy pick. The peptide complex supports collagen production while amino acids strengthen the skin barrier. Our 40+ testers saw visible firming after 4 weeks. It feels luxurious every single time.
Weleda Skin Food
$18.99What We Like
- Ultra-rich texture for seriously dry skin
- Clean, natural ingredients
- Multi-use — face, hands, body
- Has been a cult favorite for decades
What to Consider
- Very thick — can feel greasy on normal skin
- Contains essential oils that may irritate sensitive skin
- Takes time to absorb fully
When your skin is flaking, tight, and uncomfortable, this is the heavy-duty rescue cream you need. The thick, balmy texture creates an occlusive layer that locks in moisture for hours. It is our go-to recommendation for anyone dealing with winter dryness or compromised skin barriers.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
$8.90What We Like
- Under $9 — the cheapest option we tested
- Contains amino acids, fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid
- Non-greasy, fast-absorbing
- Fragrance-free
What to Consider
- Basic formula — no fancy actives
- May not be enough for dry skin
- Some find the texture slightly tacky
This is the no-frills workhorse moisturizer. It hydrates effectively without any added weight, making it perfect for oily and combination skin types. It will not transform your skin, but it will keep it hydrated and comfortable at a price that is hard to beat.
Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream
$48.00What We Like
- Kale, spinach, and green tea superfood blend
- Whipped, airy texture
- Clean ingredients, sustainable packaging
- Works well under makeup
What to Consider
- Premium price
- Scent is herbal — not everyone loves it
- Lightweight texture may not suffice for very dry skin
The superfood angle is not just marketing — the antioxidant-rich formula genuinely protects skin from environmental damage throughout the day. The whipped texture feels incredible going on, and it sits beautifully under sunscreen and foundation.
Pacifica Vegan Collagen Hydrating Milk Cream
$18.00What We Like
- Vegan collagen supports skin elasticity
- Gentle, fragrance-free option available
- Affordable at $18
- Rich but not heavy
What to Consider
- Vegan collagen does not absorb like animal collagen
- Results take longer to see
- Packaging could be more sustainable
Pacifica has created a solid mid-range option that feels more expensive than it is. The vegan collagen (actually fermented yeast proteins) hydrates and plumps skin over time. Our sensitive-skinned testers appreciated the gentle, non-irritating formula.
How to Choose a Vegan Moisturizer
Dry Skin
Look for thicker creams with ceramides, shea butter, and squalane. Avoid lightweight gels.
Oily Skin
Choose oil-free gel formulas with hyaluronic acid. Avoid heavy butters and occlusive oils.
Sensitive Skin
Prioritize fragrance-free with minimal ingredients. Ceramides and niacinamide are your friends.
Key Ingredients to Look For
- Hyaluronic Acid — Holds 1000x its weight in water for deep hydration
- Niacinamide — Strengthens barrier, reduces redness, regulates oil
- Ceramides — Repair and maintain the skin barrier
- Squalane — Lightweight oil that mimics skin's natural sebum
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between vegan and cruelty-free moisturizer?
Vegan means the product contains no animal-derived ingredients (like beeswax, lanolin, or collagen). Cruelty-free means the product and its ingredients were not tested on animals. A product can be one without being the other. For beauty products, we recommend choosing options that are both vegan AND cruelty-free.
Are vegan moisturizers as effective as regular ones?
Absolutely. Vegan moisturizers use plant-based and synthetic ingredients that are equally — sometimes more — effective than animal-derived alternatives. For example, squalane from olives is molecularly identical to squalene from shark liver but more stable and sustainable. The effectiveness comes down to formulation quality, not ingredient source.
Can I use a vegan moisturizer with retinol?
Yes, and you should. Vegan moisturizers pair excellently with retinol serums. In fact, using a good moisturizer alongside retinol is essential to prevent the dryness and irritation that retinol can cause. Look for fragrance-free vegan moisturizers if you have sensitive skin from retinol use.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We earn a commission when you purchase through our links — at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we have tested and believe in.
Casey Bloom
Founder of Beautiful Vegan
Testing cruelty-free skincare since 2009. Committed to helping you find beauty products that work for your skin and the planet.
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