2025 Safe Face Cream Guide

By Maia James, with research and recommendations by Michael Hopkins, Phd

You probably remember Dr. Hopkins from his invaluable research on our Disposable Diaper Guide and Prenatal Vitamin Guide. As a scientist, Dr. Hopkins is able to read peer-reviewed studies and make sense of the potential risks of hundreds of ingredients (including how these ingredients interact with each other) that you’ll find even in natural face creams. With his help, I’ve written what I think is one of our most comprehensive products guides yet, so let’s get to it!

 

How We Came Up With Our List of Natural Face Creams

When we began researching this guide, we were immediately overwhelmed by the sheer volume of products, even within the “natural” face cream space.

To cull the list down, we eliminated any product that does not specify that it is for the face and for daytime, as well as any product with an SPF designation. We also weeded out products that were more of an serum or balm and wouldn’t necessarily be appropriate for daily use on normal skin. (Night creams, anti-aging creams, and facial sunscreens will be covered in future guides.)

As always, we used EWG for lots of our ingredients research. There are some inconsistencies on the EWG website–one face cream has grapefruit extract listed as a 2 (out of a hazard scale of 10) and another product has the same extract listed as a 1. Other ingredients, like dimethicone and sodium hydroxide, have even greater ranges (from 1 to 4).

After deciding on the appropriate criteria for what would make brands Best, Good, Bad, or Okay Stuff (more on this in a minute), Dr. Hopkins made a spreadsheet some 25 columns long, and populated it with the list of all the natural face cream brands that you guys asked us to review and that we’d found on our own (this ended up being a staggering 175 brands of face cream!).

For each brand, Dr. Hopkins evaluated every ingredient for its safety and environmental impact and calculated affordability. I then plunked all the reviewed brands into a Best, Good, Okay, Bad or Sneaky Stuff category, which you can review at the bottom of this post.

A Note About “Natural” Face Cream

With face cream as well as other products, we prefer to find what we consider “clean,” rather than just “natural.” Sometimes ingredients from nature are very problematic–because of unsustainable sourcing or other environmental concerns (e.g. the environmental cost of palm oil, the mica mines in India) or even health concerns (Japanese honeysuckle, for instance, is a natural preservative whose structure looks like a paraben). On the other hand, sometimes (albeit rarely) synthetic ingredients can actually be safer/more sustainable alternatives.

What Makes a Face Cream the Best Stuff?

In order to be included in the “Best Stuff” category, we decided that a face cream needed to be free of the following 18 compounds:

  1. Benzyl alcohol. A preservative with carcinogenic and neurotoxic properties.
  2. BHT. Another preservative with a MSDS that mentions toxicity to the liver, blood, and central nervous system.
  3. Dimethicone. Safe from a toxicity standpoint, but these linear silicones do not biodegrade and are bad for the environment.
  4. Disodium EDTA. A chelating agent used in a variety of applications in both food and skincare products. It’s usually included as a preservative/stabilizing agent, but it also helps with rinse-off products for anyone with “hard water” because the EDTA binds with heavy metals, thereby preventing them from forming a residue on the skin. At the quantities used as a food additive and in personal care products, disodium EDTA is non-toxic. The choice to use products containing EDTA is more an environmental concern than it is a personal safety concern.
  5. Ethanol. Otherwise known as alcohol, ethanol is used as a solvent in various cosmetics. Among irritation concerns, ethanol is shown to enhance the penetration of other chemicals.
  6. Fragrance. Generally, phthalates are added to fragrance to help the scent last longer, and companies are NOT required to disclose the presence of phthalates. Some products do list “fragrance*” with an asterisk on their label, and then  explain that the fragrance contains no synthetic ingredients. For transparency purposes, any brand that maintains a proprietary blend or secret recipe will not qualify as Best Stuff. Some brands also specify that they use  isolated compounds derived from natural essential oils, but that are not the complete, naturally occurring substance. These products can be Good Stuff or Okay Stuff.
  7. Myristyl myristate. This naturally occurring ester is found in many types of oils and fats and serves as natural emollient, texture enhancer, or emulsifier in a range of skincare products. Although there are no toxicity risks with myristyl myristate, this ingredient can be an irritant when used topically. For that reason only, products that contain it will not be included under Best Stuff.
  8. Parabens. These preservatives are notorious endocrine disruptors that mimic estrogen in the body.
  9. PEG chemicals. These petroleum-based chemicals are are used in cosmetics as stabilizers and to aid the penetration of other active ingredients. The PEG number indicates the number of units of ethylene glycol, and the lower the number the more absorbent it is. One example you’ll see on many face cream labels polyethylene glycol.
  10. Petrolatum is a petrochemical derived from crude oil (also known as “petroleum jelly” which is used as a lubricant). It can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are carcinogenic. Even without carcinogenic contamination, it can be a skin irritant and is not environmentally friendly–so you’ll never find it in Best Stuff or Good Stuff or even Okay Stuff.
  11. Phenoxyethanol is an ingredient that we’ve debated fiercely here at the Gimme headquarters! When it comes to face cream, we’ve decided that no Best Stuff cream can contain phenoxyethanol. Still, we feel that phenoxyethanol is basically Okay Stuff when used in the concentrations found in cosmetics. It’s unlikely to be wdangerous, but hopefully cleaner preservatives are formulated in the near future.
  12. Phthalates. We have a zero-tolerance policy with these super toxic endocrine disruptors (which you often won’t see listed on a label because they can hide out in “proprietary” fragrance blends). Nothing that we call Best, Good, or Okay Stuff will ever contain phthalates.
  13. Polysorbate 20 is derived from sorbitol, which is a harmless natural sugar alcohol that’s been ethoxylated (combined with 20 parts of ethylene oxide). Unfortunately, during this process it can become contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which is a toxic carcinogen. Although polysorbate 20 is not toxic, the risk of contamination precludes this ingredient from being present in Best Stuff or Good Stuff. However, this alone would not prevent an otherwise clean, natural face cream from being Okay Stuff. (See polysorbate 60 as well.)
  14. Potassium sorbate is an odorless and tasteless salt that’s synthetically produced by combining sorbic acid with potassium hydroxide. It is very commonly used as a preservative and has been ruled as generally safe to eat by the FDA and European Food Safety Authority when present in small quantities. When applied topically (in skin cream for example), potassium sorbate can cause irritation or an allergic reaction. This ingredient would not be found in a Best Stuff pick but if this is the biggest offender on a label, the product can still be Good Stuff.
  15. Retinyl palmitate. This is problematic when used topically on the skin due to potentially carcinogenic properties when exposed to sunlight. If you want to play it safe, it’s better to avoid this for face cream that you’ll be applying daily in the morning. Thus, we didn’t include any products with retinyl palmitate in the category of Best or Good Stuff for this daily face cream guide.
  16. Sodium benzoate. This food-grade preservative, when combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and potassium benzoate (another preservative), can create benzene, a well-known carcinogen. Research remains inconclusive and long-term studies are needed. You won’t find sodium benzoate in any of the Best Stuff natural face creams, but if there are not other offending ingredients, products with sodium benzoate may be included in the Good Stuff.
  17. Sodium hydroxide. The EWG cites studies that show moderate evidence of metabolic effects even at very low doses and score this a 3 out of 10 in the hazard scale. Best Stuff won’t contain sodium hydroxide, but Good or Okay Stuff might.
  18. Terpene alcohols. This list includes geraniol, linalool, nerol, camphor, citronellol, citral, limonene, eucalyptol, menthol and several others. These compounds occur naturally in the essential oils of many aromatic plants, and are often used for their fragrance. They have been shown to be anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and also have demonstrated anti-cancer activity against various cancer cell lines in vitro. On the other hand, terpene alcohols can produce skin irritation/allergic reaction/sensitization after prolonged industrial exposure. These compounds are deemed safe for human use, but if you have a particular reason to be concerned (such as a known allergy or very sensitive skin) there is enough Good Stuff on the market that you should have no trouble locating a product without these terpenes. For this reason, nothing in the Best Stuff category contains them, although I am not personally worried about them.
  19. Tocopherol (vitamin E) is safe, but we are dinging products that contain tocopheryl acetate, which is the synthetic version, because of increased reported toxicity, risk of irritation, and contamination concerns (with toxic hydroquinone). Nothing in the Best Stuff or Good Stuff categories will contain tocopheryl acetate.

Surprisingly Not Sneaky Stuff

Many ingredients in skincare products might sound like synthetic compounds designed in a lab but they are actually just the latin or scientific names for naturally occurring/organic products, often extracted from plants. The following is a list of ingredients that are perfectly safe:
  • Tocopherol just means vitamin E.
  • Butyrospermum parkii is shea butter.
  • Nyacinamide is vitamin B3.
  • Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride is just a derivative of guar gum from cluster beans and is a commonly used conditioning agent that is natural and safe.

In addition, to be considered the Best Stuff, a face cream must be:

  • Organic (either entirely or mostly).
  • Vegan. I don’t eat a vegan diet, but it’s impossible to not recognize that veganism is better for the planet. When it comes to face cream, there are so many options available, that there is room to make a distinction on these ecological grounds.

(By the way, I don’t think there is any reason to worry about face cream being gluten-free, although several of these brands also check that box.)

Problematic Ingredient Combinations

There are a handful of ingredients that are basically safe on their own, but a problematic when mixed with other ingredients. For instance:
Potassium sorbate + ascorbic acid + ferric salts can potenially mutate cell DNA.
Sodium benzoate + ascorbic acid
can form carcinogenic benzene. We consider this low risk because the pH in cosmetic products are usually in the range where benzene will not form. Still, if you’re worried, make sure to choose something we call Best Stuff, since thouse brands won’t contain sodium benzoate.

What’s the Difference Between Best Stuff & Good Stuff?

GtGS-badge-good

When it comes to the Good Stuff category, there are several natural, clean face creams whose only crime is not being organic, or containing beeswax or terpenes from essential oils (which may be irritating for those with very sensitive skin), or perhaps they contain a bit of ethanol or potassium sorbate (also possible irritants).

Most of the 19 ingredients listed above will not be found in the Good Stuff, but there are a few exceptions worth mentioning:

  1. Propriety fragrance. Any brand that maintains a proprietary blend or secret recipe will not qualify as Best Stuff, but–as long as the blend is natural and phthalate-free–it might still be Good Stuff.
  2. Low-risk preservatives (phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate). These synthetic preservative may be found in Good Stuff–if there are no other offending ingredients in the product in question.

Dr. Hopkins and I agree that we are comfortable using anything that you’ll find listed below under Good Stuff in our own homes. What’s Allowed in the Okay Stuff?

GtGS-badge-okay

The long list of products that we deemed Okay Stuff are mostly there because they contain phenoxyethanol or sodium benzoate. A few of them have neither but some other combination of not-so-good-stuff to keep them from receiving the Good Stuff stamp, such as:

  1. Dimethicone, which is more of an environmental concern than a toxicity concern.
  2. EDTA precludes inclusion in our Best Stuff or Good Stuff categories, but may be found in the Okay Stuff.
  3. Polysorbate 20 is not toxic, but the risk of contamination precludes this ingredient from being present in Best Stuff or Good Stuff.

I am comfortable using the Okay Stuff if I don’t have access to Good or Best Stuff face creams.

Best Stuff

100% Pure Hydra Drench Cream

I haven’t tried this one myself, so I cannot speak to whether it’s worth the high price point, but it contains no worrisome ingredients.

Cost per ounce: $35

Ingredients: Organic Rosa Centifolia (Rose) Flower Water, Organic Glycerin, Organic Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Gel, Organic Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Oil, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Organic Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Nopal Cactus) Extract, Xanthan Gum, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Hyaluronic Acid, Organic Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Organic Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Organic Essential Oil Blend: Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Bark Oil, Vetivera Zizanoides (Vetiver) Root Oil, Citrus Sinensis (Blood Orange) Oil, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil

100% Pure Hydra Drench Cream

Acure Organics Brightening Day Cream

I’ve used this for years as a basic natural face cream with absolutely no concerning ingredients.

Cost per ounce: $11.17

Ingredients: Water (Eau)Cetearyl AlcoholCarthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed OilGlyceryl Stearate CitrateCocoglyceridesAloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceHelianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilGlyceryl LaurateTheobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed ButterCitrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel OilTocopherolTocopheryl AcetateCentella Asiatica ExtractArgania Spinosa Kernel OilRubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit ExtractEuterpe Oleracea Fruit ExtractRosa Canina Fruit ExtractAspalathus Linearis Leaf ExtractPunica Granatum ExtractOenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) OilChamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower ExtractCalendula Officinalis Flower ExtractEugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower OilCitrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel OilGlycerinSodium AnisateXanthan GumSodium LevulinateGlyceryl CaprylateButylene GlycolSodium PhytatePotassium SorbateCitric Acid

Acure Organics Brightening Day Cream

Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Day Cream

Please weigh in if you’ve tried this super clean, super natural formula!

Cost per ounce: $14.70

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Aqua/Water/Eau, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Betaine, Cetyl Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Coconut Alkanes, Stearic Acid, Rosa Centifolia (Provence Rose) Flower Extract, Rhododendron Ferrugineum (Alpine Rose) Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Malus Domestica (Apple) Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Cell Extract, Aronia Melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry) Fruit Extract*, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract*, Euterpe Oleracea (Açai) Fruit Extract*, Lycium Barbarum (Goji) Fruit Extract*, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil*, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil*, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Squalane, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Bisabolol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylyl Glycol, Arginine, Isomalt, Soy Lecithin, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Pelargonium Graveolens (Rose Geranium) Flower Oil, Natural Fragrance, Citronellol, Eugenol, Geraniol, Limonene *Certified Organic Ingredient*Certified Organic Ingredient, **Component of Natural Fragrance

Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Day Cream

Carina Organics Daily Face Moisturizer

I love this organic, natural face cream that has none of the problematic ingredients mentioned above. It’s an affordable option, too, and is light, non-greasy, and absorbent.

Cost per ounce: $3.57

Ingredients: Filtered Aqua, Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, Glycerin (vegetable), Cetyl Alcohol (fatty alcohol from Coconut), Pinus elliottii (pine) extract, Pinus banksiana (pine) extract, Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile) flower extract, Urtica dioca (nettle) leaf extract, Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) leaf extract, Trifolium pratense (clover) flower extract, Acetic Acid (Apple Cider Vinegar), Magnesium Chloride (Magnesium Oil), Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (guar/cluster bean) gum.

Carina Organics Daily Face Moisturizer

FATCO UnMyrrhaculous Face Cream

FATCO’s anti-aging UnMyrrhaculous Face Cream is Paleo-certified, rich in nutrients, and made from tallow from grass-fed cows.

Cost per ounce: $26

Ingredients: Tallow from Grass-fed Cows, Coconut Oil*, Shea Butter*, Jojoba Oil*, Pumpkin Seed Oil*, Extra Virgin Olive Oil*, Avocado Oil*, Beeswax, Rosehip Seed Oil*, Evening Primrose Oil*, Borage Oil*, Moringa Oil, Argan Oil*, Lavender Essential Oil.*Denotes An Organic Ingredient.

FATCO UnMyrrhaculous Face Cream

LaCreme Luxurious Rose Facial Cream

I would love to try this clean, natural face cream to see if it’s worth the high price! Anyone want to buy me a tub of it? ????

Cost per ounce: $76.47

Ingredients: Aqua, *Argan oil (argania spinosa), *Calendula oil (calendula officinalis), *Camellia oil (camellia sinensis), *Rose floral water (rosa damascena), *Jojoba oil (simmondsia chinensis), *Helianthus annuus seed oil, *Shea butter (butyrospermum parkii), Glyceryl stearate, *Theobroma cacao seed butter, *Cera alba, *Glyceryn, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Sucrose stearate, *Olea europaea fruit oil, *Linum usitatissimum seed oil, *Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder, Coco glucoside, Coconut alcohol , Tocopherol, Xanthan gum, Lactic acid, Dehydroacetic acid, Benzyl alcohol, Mica, Bulgarian rose essential oil (rosa damascena), *Frankincense essential oil (boswellia serrata), *Patchouli essential oil (pogostemon cablin). *Organic ingredients

LaCreme Luxurious Rose Facial Cream

Maya Chia Face & Neck Moisture Cream

Cost per ounce: $73.52

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe) Juice, Pure Water/Aqua, Glycerin, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Peptide, Butylene Glycol**, Propanediol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate (and) Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis (Baikal Skullcap) Root Extract, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Tilia Tomentosa Bud Extract, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Arginine, Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment, Panax Ginseng Root Extract*, Cellulose, Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Extract, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Panthenol, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Sprouts) Germ Extract, Acacia Senegal Gum & Xanthan Gum, Communis (Castor) Seed Oil (and) Hydrogenated Castor Oil (and) Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Glycine Soya (Soybean) Germ Extract, Sodium Phytate, Calcium Gluconate, Dextran, Potassium Sorbate

Maya Chia Face & Neck Moisture Cream

Naturopathica Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream

A light but substantial natural face cream with no concerning ingredients.

Cost per ounce: $40

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Water/Aqua/Eau, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Populus Tremuloides (Aspen) Bark Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Glycerin, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Water, Trehalose, Borago Officinalis (Borage) Seed Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium (Neroli) Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Anisate, Citric Acid

Naturopathica Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream

One Love Organics Skin Dew Coconut Water Cream

Unlike many face creams with a cult-following, this one is 100% natural and really works to renew dull, dehydrated skin.

Cost per ounce: $25.53

Ingredients: aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice*,  water/eau, caprylic/capric triglyceride**, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, theobroma grandiflorum (cupuacu) seed butter*, cetearyl alcohol, jojoba esters, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed wax, xylitylglucoside, cetearyl glucoside, citrullus vulgaris (watermelon) seed oil, cocos nucifera (coconut) fruit juice*, cocos nucifera (coconut) pulp extract*, laminaria ochroleuca extract, acacia decurrens flower wax, tocopherol, glycerin, sclerotium gum, xylitol, polyglycerin-3, anhydroxylitol, sodium phytate, silicon dioxide, maltodextrin**, benzyl alcohol, salicylic acid, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate 

*Ingredients from Organic Farming 56% of total; 70% organic ingredients, excluding water and salt 
**Made using organic ingredients

One Love Organics Skin Dew Coconut Water Cream

Rejuva Minerals Ultra Hydration Moisturizer

$18 ($9/ounce)

There aren’t any ingredients of concern here, but not every single ingredient is organic. I haven’t tried this one myself, but it gets good reviews.

Cost per ounce: $21.27

Ingredients: Aqua, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, *Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glycerin (Vegetable), Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, *Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Panthenol, Proline, Sodium Hyaluronate, PCA, Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Hexapeptide-9, Sodium PCA, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, *Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Isoleucine, Histidine, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract, Threonine, Glycine, Sodium Lactate, *Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Phenylalanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Tocopherol, Carbomer, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Polysorbate 20 *Organic

Rejuva Minerals Ultra Hydration Moisturizer

Three Ships Restore Cream

Three Ships offers a range of EWG-verified face creams, all of which earn a spot in our Good Stuff category. Most formulas contain essential oils or naturally occurring terpenes like linalool and limonene, but the Restore Cream stands out—it’s free of fragrance, essential oils, and all 18 ingredients we avoid in our top category.

Cost per ounce: $24.00

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, *Squalane, *Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, *ᵀGlyceryl Stearate, *ᵀJojoba Esters, *Ceramide NP, *Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Leaf Extract, *ᵀHelianthus Annus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, *ᵀSodium Stearoyl Glutamate, *ᵀPolyglycerin-3, *ᵀXanthan Gum, Tocopherol, *Caprylhydroxamic Acid, *Glyceryl Caprylate

* Non-GMO, ᵀ Organic

Three Ships Restore Cream

Daily Facial Moisturizer

Best Face Oils

We will do a serum/oil guide separately, but Dr. Hopkins did identify some face oils in his research that will definitely make our Best Stuff category, including:

Acure Organics Pure Argan Oil

Badger Face Oils (they make several—all are safe)

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil

Ora’s Amazing Lightweight Daily Nourish Face Oil (use code GIMMETHEGOODSTUFF for 10%off)

Soapwalla Restorative Facial Serum (personal favorite)

Good Stuff

Alba Botanica Hydration Sensation Gel Cream

$9.37 ($5.51/ounce)

This one is widely available at Whole Foods and health food stores, but I haven’t tried it yet.

Cost per ounce: $3.20

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Coconut Alkanes, Cetearyl Olivate, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Diheptyl Succinate, Sorbitan Olivate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Leaf Oil, Cupressus Sempervirens (Cypress) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Leaf Oil, Ferula Galbaniflua (Galbanum) Resin Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Thuja Occidentalis (Cedarleaf) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice(1), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract(1), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract(1), Nymphaea Caerulea Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Algin, Benzyl Acetate, Beta-Glucan, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Citric Acid, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Heliotropine, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Linalyl Acetate, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Levulinate, Squalane, Sucrose, Terpineol Alpha, Triethyl Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Alcohol(1), Benzoic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sorbic Acid, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool. (1)Certified Organic Ingredient

Alba Botanica Hydration Sensation Gel Cream

Andalou Naturals Probiotic & C Renewal Cream

This one borders on an anti-aging product, but I want to try it (my skin needs renewing!), so I am leaving it here.

Cost per ounce: $11.58

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Purified Water (Aqua), Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Vegetable Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Tocopherol, Stearic Acid, Myristyl Myristate, Tapioca Starch, Fruit Stem Cells (Malus Domestica, Solar Vitis) and BioActive Berry Complex*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*†, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Hydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract, Lycium Barbarum (Goji) Fruit Extract, Bacillus Coagulans, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Squalane, Allantoin, Panthenol, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil*, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract*†, Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil* *Certified Organic Ingredients †Fair Trade Ingredients *Certified Organic Ingredient **Component of Essential Oil †Fair Trade Ingredient

Andalou Naturals Probiotic & C Renewal Cream

Babo Botanicals Miracle Moisturizing Face Cream

If you have very dry skin, this is an awesome rich, natural face cream that can also be used on the body.

Cost per ounce: $7.75

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil^, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride^, Cetearyl Alcohol^, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate^, Glycerin^, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*^, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter^, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract^, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil*^, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*^, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*^, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*^, Tocopherol^, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*^, Nasturtium Officinale (Watercress) Flower/Leaf Extract*^, Spiraea Ulmaria (Meadowsweet) Flower Extract*^, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract*^, Cetearyl Glucoside^, Fragrance**, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum^, Xanthan Gum^, Glyceryl Caprylate^, Caprylhydroxamic Acid. 

*CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENTS
^PLANT-BASED INGREDIENTS

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Babo Botanicals Miracle Moisturizing Face Cream

Counter Countertime Antioxidant Soft Cream

This cream earns a spot in our Good Stuff category thanks to its clean formula and the absence of major red-flag ingredients like PEGs, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance. While it does contain phenoxyethanol and potassium sorbate—two low-risk preservatives we exclude from Best Stuff—they're used in small amounts alongside plant-based moisturizers like squalane, shea butter, and sunflower oil.

Cost per ounce: $51.47

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Isononyl Isononanoate, Coco-Caprylate, Coconut Alkanes, Squalane, Glycerin, Behenyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cetyl Phosphate, Bakuchiol, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Extract*, Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract†, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Phytic Acid, Tocopherol, Arginine, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol.*Alpine Rose Extract
†Nasturtium Flower Extract

Counter Countertime Antioxidant Soft Cream

Crunchi Daylight Advanced Facial Cream

Crunchi’s Daylight Advanced Facial Cream earns a spot in our Good Stuff category thanks to its clean, transparent ingredient list, organic certification, and vegan formulation. It’s free of all the ingredients we avoid most strictly—like phthalates, PEGs, and synthetic fragrance—but it does contain phenethyl alcohol (a low-risk preservative) and a terpene from essential oils, which we exclude from our Best Stuff picks due to potential for irritation. Still, this is an excellent formula—and it’s the one I personally use every morning.

Cost per ounce: $76.00

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Glycerin*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Stearyl Alcohol, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Propanediol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Bakuchiol, Cetyl Alcohol, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil*, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Caprylyl Glycol, Azelaic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Sweet Orange) Oil*, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Phytate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Santalum Spicata Wood (Sandalwood) Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Laminaria Digitata Powder, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chondrus Crispus Extract
* Certified Organic Ingredients

Crunchi Daylight Advanced Facial Cream

Dr. Hauschka Revitalizing Day Lotion

This was one of the first natural face creams I ever tried, and remains one of my favorites–even if it isn’t the very safest.

Cost per ounce: $20.59

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Anthyllis Vulneraria Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Alcohol, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Arachis Hypogaea (Peanut) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Glycerin, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Lecithin, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Bran Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Fragrance (Parfum)*, Algin, Xanthan Gum, Cananga Odorata Oil/Extract, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Santalum Album Oil, Rose Flower Oil/Extract, Citral*, Santalol*, Linalool*, Geranyl Acetate*, Limonene*, Beta-Caryophyllene*, Geraniol*, Citronellol*, Benzyl Benzoate*, Pinene*, Farnesol*, Terpineol*, Benzyl Salicylate*, Eugenol*.

*from natural essential oils

Dr. Hauschka Revitalizing Day Lotion

Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Renew Face Cream

This one was reader-recommended, so those of you who love this brand–tell us why below in the comments.

Cost per ounce: $22

Ingredients: Aqua (water), Cetearyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil*, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil*, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Glyceryl Stearate, Parfum (Naturally derived Fragrance), Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil*, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder*, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Tocopherol, Lactic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate. *Ingredients from Organic farming

Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Renew Face Cream

Farmaesthetics Nourishing Herbal Cream

We LOVE Farmaesthetics around here, and this lotion has developed a devoted following among our customers as well as our staff. It’s rich enough to use as a night cream.

Cost per ounce: $23.40

Ingredients: sweet almond oil, calendula, beeswax, witch hazel, lecithin, borax, rose & lavender essential oils

Farmaesthetics Nourishing Herbal Cream

Farmaesthetics Nourishing Lavender Milk

$42 ($5.25/ounce)

Luxurious as it may be, this milk is still light enough for face or body–and a great choice for babies, too

Cost per ounce: $5.75

Ingredients: Certified organic soy oil, calendula, witch hazel, lavender essential oil, beeswax, lecithin, borax and xantham gum

Farmaesthetics Nourishing Lavender Milk

Herbivore Pink Cloud Moisture Creme

We give this one extra points for being a in a (beautiful) glass jar.

Cost per ounce: $20.29

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coconut Alkanes, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glycerin, Squalane, Glyceryl Stearate, Isoamyl Laurate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cellulose Gum, Tapioca Starch, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Citronellol, Geraniol.

Herbivore Pink Cloud Moisture Creme

Kabana Crème Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer

This one isn’t vegan as it contains lanolin, and is a little too thick and sticky for my taste. Still, it’s a safe option.

Cost per ounce: $3.05

Ingredients: Eldorado Springs Artesian Spring Water,Lanolin,Shea Butter,Cocoa Butter,Mango Butter,Non-Nano Zinc Oxide,Soy Lecithin

Kabana Crème Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer

Living Nature Nourishing Day Cream

I’ve been using this day cream lately, and it’s nice and light and absorbs well.

Cost per ounce: $18.82

Ingredients: Aqua, Squalane (vegetable squalane), Caprylic/Capric triglyceride, Cetearyl olivate, Sorbitan olivate, Persea gratissima (avocado) oil, Glycerin (vegetable glycerin), Citrus grandis (grapefruit) fruit extract, Mel (mānuka honey), Phormium tenax (harakeke) extract, Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter**, Triticum vulgare (wheat) germ oil, Parfum (fragrance)*, Leptospermum scoparium (mānuka) leaf extract, Totarol (tōtara extract)**, Sclerotium gum, Olea europaea (olive) leaf extract, Oenothera biennis (evening primrose) oil**, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Sodium levulinate, Sodium anisate, Potassium sorbate. *From natural essential oils: Citral, Citronellol, Eugenol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool. ** Certified organic.

Living Nature Nourishing Day Cream

Mad Hippie Face Cream

Based on many of your rave reviews, this is the one I’m going to try next!

Cost per ounce: $26.99

Ingredients: (Actives In All Caps): Deionized Water (Aqua), Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice), Cetearyl Alcohol, Matrixyl Synthe '6 (Peptide: Glycerin-aqua-hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin-palmitoyl Tripeptide-38), Safflower Seed Oil (Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil), Glycerin, Caprylic Capric Triglycerides, Niacinamide, Syntacks (Peptide: Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl-hydroxythreonine-palmitoyl Dipeptide-6 Diaminohydroxybutyrate), Glyceryl Stearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Pca, Sorbic Acid, C10-18 Triglycerides, Xanthan Gum, Argan Oil (Argania Spinosa Oil), Potassium Sorbate, Resveratrol, Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil), Citric Acid, Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract), Co-enzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone), Acai Extract (Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract), Vitamin E (Tocopherol), White Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis Extract), Pomegranate Seed (Punica Granatum Seed Extract), Vitamin E (Tocotrienol), Steam Distilled Lime Extract (Citrus Aurantifolia Extract)

Mad Hippie Face Cream

Nourish Organic Hydrating Face Cream

This hydrating formula is a really nice, pleasantly-scented basic natural face cream.

Cost per ounce: $13.52

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe Vera) Juice*, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Alcohol SD 38B (denat)*, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Glycerin*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Diheptyl Succinate, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Betaine, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil*, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil*, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu) Butter*, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Water*, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Oil*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Isoamyl Laurate, Isoamyl Cocoate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Phytate, Aqua, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Citric Acid *Certified Organic

Nourish Organic Hydrating Face Cream

Oliveda

$65 to $100 ($38-$50/ounce)

Oliveda makes a variety of clean, waterless face cream formulations, and they all qualify as Good Stuff! They are all made in Germany with raw materials from their own organically certified mountain olive trees. OLIVEDA avoids all kinds of synthetic fragrances.

Cost per ounce: $38-$50

Ingredients (REGENERATION INTENSE FACE CREAM: olea europaea (olive) leaf cell extract, caprylyl caprylate/caprate, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate, oryza sativa (rice) bran wax, zea mays (corn) oil, levulinic acid, aqua (water), hydroxytyrosol, sodium hyaluronate, caryodendron orinocense (kahai) seed oil, glycerin, sodium levulinate, tocopherol, magnesium sulfate, magnolia officinalis bark extract, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed wax, lecithin, sucrose tetrastearate triacetate, sodium PCA, citric acid, sodium lactate, arginine, aspartic acid, PCA, glyceryl undecylenate, glycine, alanine, serine, valine, isoleucine, proline, threonine, histidine, phenylalanine, glyceryl oleate, olea europaea (olive) oil unsaponifiables.

Oliveda

Osea

Osea makes a variety of natural face cream formulations, and they all qualify as Good Stuff!

Cost per ounce: $24-$54

Ingredients (Atmosphere Protection® Cream): Water / Aqua / Eau, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Propanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil , Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract , Sea Water / Maris Aqua / Eau de mer, Hydrolyzed Algin, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Tocopherol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Inula Helenium Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Xanthan Gum, Bentonite, Tapioca Starch, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Citric Acid, Phenethyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, Potassium Sorbate , Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Sodium Hydroxide

Osea

Poofy’s Flawless Face Daily Moisturizer

I’m a big fan of Poofy in general, but I have not tried this particular product.

Use code MAIAJAMES for 10% off

Cost per ounce: $17.50

Ingredients: Distilled Water, Organic Apricot Kernel Oil, Organic Unrefined Shea Butter, Organic Grapeseed oil, Organic Borage Oil, Organic Evening Primrose Oil, Organic Calendula Oil, Organic Rose Hip Seed Oil, Emulsifying Wax (Cetostearyl Alcohol & Sorbitan Ester), Vegetable Glycerin (soybean, maize or mustard), Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate (Kimchi Extract), Organic Roman Chamomile Essential Oil, Organic Neroli (Citrus aurantium amara) Essential Oil, Organic Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) Essential Oil

Poofy’s Flawless Face Daily Moisturizer

Primally Pure Balms & Creams

Primally Pure's nutrient-dense balms and creams are made with organic tallow from grass-fed cows, emu oil, and a blend of organic and wildcrafted botanicals. While they don’t meet our Best Stuff criteria due to the inclusion of essential oils (which can be irritating to very sensitive skin) and the use of animal-derived ingredients, they remain a great choice in the Good Stuff category for those who are comfortable using tallow. 

Cost per ounce: From $30-$44

Use code: GIMMETHEGOODSTUF10 for 10% off

Ingredients (Plumping Cream): Organic Tallow From Grass-Fed Cows, Emu Oil (AEA Certified), Organic Jojoba Oil, Essential Oils of Organic Geranium, Organic Frankincense, Organic Rosemary and Organic Carrot Seed, Bakuchiol, Jasmine Absolute, Organic Rosemary Extract, Non-GMO Vitamin E

Primally Pure Balms & Creams

Tata Harper Reparative Moisturizer & Creme Riche

I know many of you love Tata Harper, but I’ve been too frugal to spring for this one! Would love your thoughts on this–should I splurge? Let me know!

Cost per ounce: $76.47

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes*, Aqua/Water/Eau, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil*, Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Rosa Damascena Flower Water*, Cetearyl Olivate, Mel/Honey/Miel, Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Sorbitan Olivate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Borago Officinalis (Borage) Leaf Extract*, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Extract*, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract*, Arnica Montana (Arnica) Extract*, Propanediol, Sodium Phytate, Galactoarabinan, Sclerotium Gum, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Lavandula Stoechas (Spanish Lavender) Extract, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract, Menyanthes Trifoliata (Buckbean) Flower Extract, Tilia Europaea (Linden) Leaf & Flower Extract*, Spiraea Ulmaria (Meadowsweet) Extract*, Aroma**, Citral, Citronellol, Eugenol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool. *Ingredients from organic farming. **Clinical grade essential oils blend.

Tata Harper Reparative Moisturizer & Creme Riche

True Botanicals Face Creams

True Botanicals makes well-formulated face creams with many beautiful botanicals and thoughtful preservation, but the combined presence of phenethyl alcohol, caprylyl glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, and terpene-rich essential oils places it just outside our Best Stuff range. 

Cost per ounce: $64.70

Ingredients (Chebula Extreme Cream): camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract*, aloe barbadensis leaf juice*, glycerin*, hydrogenated soybean oil, mangifera indica (mango) seed butter, hydrogenated ethylhexyl olivate, cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, silybum marianum ethyl ester, sodium hyaluronate, xanthan gum, sodium phytate, persea gratissima (avocado) oil, tocopherol, hydrogenated olive oil unsaponifiables, rosa rubiginosa (rosehip) seed oil*, sclerocarya birrea (marula) kernel oil, rubus ideaus (raspberry) seed oil*, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil*, lecithin*, caprylic/capric triglyceride, hippophae rhamnoides seed oil*, carthamus tinctorius (safflower) oil*, calendula officinalis flower extract*, eclipta prostrata extract, melia azadirachta leaf extract, moringa oleifera seed oil, phenethyl alcohol, ethylhexylglycerin, populus tremuloides bark extract, lactobacillus/acerola cherry ferment, hydrolyzed viola tricolor extract, juniperus virginiana oil, cananga odorata flower oil, cedrus atlantica wood oil, amyris balsamifera bark oil, juniperus mexicana oil, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil*, terminalia chebula fruit extract, citric acid, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, water, caprylyl glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, limonene, linalool 

*organic

True Botanicals Face Creams

Weleda Creams

$20-$30 ($15-$20/ounce)

Weleda makes a variety of natural face creams, all of which I love for their thicker, creamier texture.

Cost per ounce: $15-$20

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Cilycerin, lsoamyl Laurate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Pentylene Glycol, Betaine, Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Behenyl Alcohol, Squalane, Rhus Verniciflua Peel Wax, Viola Tricolor Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Hectorite, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Lactic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Fragrance (Parfum)*, Limonene*, Linalool*, Benzyl Benzoate*, Citral* (*from natural essential oils and/or plant extracts)

Weleda Creams

Okay Stuff

Aesop

Aesop makes several popular skin creams, all of which are just Okay Stuff because of PEG chemicals, disodium EDTA, and phenoxyethanol.

Cost per ounce: $27.50

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Behenate, Rosa Canina Seed Extract, C12-16 Alcohols, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Palmitic Acid, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Xanthan Gum, Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Ormenis Multicaulis Oil, Rhus Succedanea Fruit Wax, Shorea Robusta Resin, Sodium Gluconate, Beta-Carotene, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Farnesol, Linalool, Limonene"

Aesop

Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion

Surprise! Cetaphil’s basic daily face lotion is actually Okay Stuff–and definitely the best thing you’ll find in a drug store.

Cost per ounce: $4.82

Ingredients: Water, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Cyclopentasi loxane, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100, Stearate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Homarine HCI, Sodium PCA, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyetha no I, Acrylates/Cl0-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Erythritol

Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion

Elta MD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer

$39 ($22.94/ounce)

Can someone explain to me while every dermatologist is obsessed with Elta MD? I like this moisturizer, but it still isn’t my first choice.

Cost per ounce: $27.65

Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Sodium Chloride, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Allantoin, Capryloyl Glycine, Undecylenoyl Glycine, Caffeine, Disodium EDTA, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol.

Elta MD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer

FirstAid Beauty Skin Rescue Daily Face Cream

Several readers recommended FirstAid Beauty, so I plan to try this brand and will report back on performance.

Cost per ounce: $14.99

Ingredients: Water/Aqua, Eau, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Glycerin, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Tri-Glyceride, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract, Ceramide 3, Sodium Hydroxide, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol.

FirstAid Beauty Skin Rescue Daily Face Cream

Haeckels Eco Marine Facial Cream

This brand is hard to find, but if you’re one of the readers who already is hooked, there is nothing too terrible lurking inside the bottle!

Cost per ounce: $24.48

Ingredients: Aqua, Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) kernel oil, Glycerin, Cetearyl alcohol, Rubus idaeus (Raspberry) seed oil, Cetearyl glucoside, Avena sativa (Oat) kernel extract, Benzyl alcohol, Butylene glycol, Propylene glycol, Tocopherol, Xanthan gum, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) flower oil, Citrus limon (Lemon) peel oil, Salicylic acid, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil, Sodium hyaluronate, Anthemis nobilis (Chamomile) flower oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) leaf oil, Sorbic acid, Carbomer, Sodium lactate, Fucus vesiculosus (Bladderwrack) extract, Polysorbate 20, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Geraniol

Haeckels Eco Marine Facial Cream

Inna Organic Frankincense Revitalizing Face Lotion

I haven’t tried this one yet, but it gets good reviews.

Cost per ounce: $64.70

Ingredients: Aqua, Rosa Damascena Flower Water*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Cetearyl Olivate, Pentylene Glycol, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Boswellia Neglecta (Frankincense) Oil*, Jojoba Esters, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Ribose, Olive Oil(Olea Europea), Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Polyglyceryl-4 Beeswax, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract*, Xanthan Gum, Benzoic Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil*, Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil*, Sodium Hyaluronate. *Ingredients from organic farming

Inna Organic Frankincense Revitalizing Face Lotion

Kiehls Ultra Face Cream

Most Kiehl’s products are distinctly Bad Stuff, but this face cream is a notable exception.

Cost per ounce: $18.35

Ingredients: AQUA /WATER,GLYCERIN,DIMETHICONE,SQUALANE,BIS-PEG-18 METHYL ETHER DIMETHYL SILANE,SUCROSE STEARATE,STEARYL ALCOHOL,PEG-8 STEARATE,MYRISTYL MYRISTATE,PRUNUS ARMENIACA KERNEL OIL / APRICOT KERNEL OIL,PHENOXYETHANOL,PERSEA GRATISSIMA OIL / AVOCADO OIL,GLYCERYL STEARATE,CETYL ALCOHOL,ORYZA SATIVA BRAN OIL / RICE BRAN OIL,OLEA EUROPAEA FRUIT OIL / OLIVE FRUIT OIL,CHLORPHENESIN,STEARIC ACID,PALMITIC ACID CARBOMER,ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE,PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS OIL / SWEET ALMOND OIL,XANTHAN GUM,ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN,SODIUM HYDROXIDE TOCOPHEROL,GLYCINE SOJA OIL / SOYBEAN OIL,PSEUDOALTEROMONAS FERMENT EXTRACT,MYRISTIC ACID,HYDROXYPALMITOYL SPHINGANINE SALICYLIC ACID,HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED OIL / SUNFLOWER SEED OIL,ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS LEAF EXTRACT / ROSEMARY LEAF EXTRACT CITRIC ACID

Kiehls Ultra Face Cream

Kora Organics

$48 ($28.40/ounce)

All of the face creams in this line–Hydrating, Purifying, and Soothing–are just Okay Stuff because of sodium hydroxide, benzyl alcohol, and sodium benzoate.

Cost per ounce: $

Ingredients:

Kora Organics

Sahajan Nourish Face Cream

Despite the high price point, I am tempted to give this one a try just because of how lush it looks in this photo.

Cost per ounce: $32.35

Ingredients: Water/Eau/Aqua, Glycerin, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Glyceryl Stearate, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Garcinia Indica Seed Butter, Terminalia Chebula Extract, Terminalia Bellerica Fruit Extract, Emblica Officinalis Fruit Extract, Xanthan Gum, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance (parfum)*, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil**, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil**, Lavandula Hybrida Oil**, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil**, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil**, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil**, Citronellol**, Citral**, Geraniol**, Limonene**, Linalool** *naturally derived fragrance/parfum d’origine naturelle **part of our nat

Sahajan Nourish Face Cream

Skinceuticals Daily Moisture

A facialist once gave me a sample of this, and I have to say that I loved it.

Cost per ounce: $42.50

Ingredients: Aqua / Water / Eau, Glycerin, Cetyl Palmitate, Stearic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Palmitic Acid, Tocopherol, Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Sorbitol, Ci 77163 / Bismuth Oxychloride, Phenoxyethanol, Peg-100 Stearate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hamamelis Virginiana Water / Witch Hazel Water, Peg-75 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Allantoin, Panthenol, Ceteth-20, Triethanolamine, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Propylene Glycol, Steareth-20, Disodium Edta, Myristic Acid, Betaine, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Glucose, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract / Matricaria Flower Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract / Ginger Root Extract, Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract - Thyme Flower/Leaf Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil / Sunflower Seed Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Zinc Sulfate, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract / Licorice Root Extract, Urtica Dioica Extract / Nettle Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Betula Alba Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Cinnamal, Pyridoxine Hcl

Skinceuticals Daily Moisture

Trilogy Ultra Hydrating Face Cream

If you’ve used this one, please comment below on how it performs!

Cost per ounce $15.48

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin (Vegetable), Honey (Mel), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oenothera Biennis Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Cetearyl Wheat Straw Glycosides (And) Cetearyl Alcohol, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Seed Oil (And) Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (And) Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil (And) Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (And) Tocopherol, Lycopene, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Oil (And) Tocopherol, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Persea Gratissima, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadenis Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Parfum, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Citric Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid (And) Benzyl Alcohol, Geraniol, Citronellol, Limonene, Linalool

Trilogy Ultra Hydrating Face Cream

Bad Stuff

As is often the case, the Bad Stuff when it comes to face creams isn’t much of a surprise. Estee LauderLa MerCerave, and Aveeno should be avoided. They contain synthetic fragrance and PEG chemicals, and Cerave even contains parabens!

Sneaky Stuff

That distinctive scent in Aveda’s various skin creams is synthetically-derived, and you’ll also find phenoxyethanol and dimenthicone in this brand.

I was honestly surprised when Dr. Hopkins told me that Derma E Hydrating Day Cream contains retinyl palmitate (which receives a 9 from EWG!).

Eminence is a high-end brand that a lot of you love, and which makes several organic face creams. It’s not the worst stuff in the world, but contains a few problematic ingredients, including benzyl alcohol and sodium benzoate.

Fresh, including their popular Peony Brightening Moisture Day Cream (which is more than $70 a bottle) contains synthetic fragrance, polycrylamind, PEG chemicals, and other Bad Stuff.

Honest Company Deep Hydration Face Cream is almost Okay Stuff. In the end, there are just too many not great ingredients (benzyl alcohol, which EWG gives a 5, dimethicone, etc.) to not call this Sneaky Stuff.

We are often asked about Norwex, as it purports to be natural and organic. Their Naturally Timeless Day Cream is, unfortunately, Sneaky Stuff. Norwex makes claims of “NO EDTA!” and then lists EDTA in the ingredients, so that doesn’t inspire much confidence.

Yes To! makes a variety of “natural” face creams, but they contain synthetic fragrance, phenoxyethanol, and other bad stuff.

Author's Signature

Author's Signature

Maia, Founder & CEO

Note: This article contains affiliate links or sponsored content, which means that if you make a purchase, we may earn a commission. We only recommend products that meet our strict standards for non-toxicity and that we use (or want to use!) ourselves. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that make Good Stuff! 

Tags:Bath & Body Guides, Beauty

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