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Silicone is a great ingredient in face care products. Dimethicone, the primary silicone-based ingredient, can help with scars and keep your face protected from environmental damage. However, if you have acne-prone skin, then the presence of silicone might be a huge problem for you. It might clog your pores and increase acne as a result! That is why I have decided to test and review the best silicone-free face moisturizer on the market and categorize them accordingly!
Top 11 Best Silicone-Free Face Moisturizer
| Image | Product Name | Price On Amazon |
|---|---|---|
 | Best Overall PURE RESEARCH Men’s Face Cream Moisturizer | Check Price |
 | Best for Sensitive Skin Olay Calming Face Moisturizer | Check Price |
 | Best for Daily Use Pure Daily Care Essential Hyaluronic Moisturizer | Check Price |
 | Best for Night Cream MyChelle Dermaceuticals Remarkable Retinal Night Cream | Check Price |
 | Best for Organic ECOCERT Approved QRxLabs Pure Plant-Based Squalane HA+ Moisturizing Cream | Check Price |
 | Best for Acne Oil-Free Skin Peach Slices Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer | Check Price |
 | Best for Light and Long-Last Peach Slices Snail Rescue All-In-One Oil-Free Moisturizer | Check Price |
 | Best for Organic Ingredients Fresh Rituals Vegan Face Moisturizer | Check Price |
 | Best for Hydrate Boost Smooth Cos De BAHA Centella Asiatica Soothing Calming Cream | Check Price |
 | Best for Puffiness and Dark Circles Klorane Hydrating Cornflower Water Cream | Check Price |
 | Best Skin Smoothening Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer | Check Price |
1. Best Overall – PURE RESEARCH Men’s Face Cream Moisturizer
Specification
- Product Benefits: Anti-aging properties
- Active Ingredients: Retinol and hyaluronic acid
- Moisturizer Type: Night cream
- Volume: 1.7 fl oz. (50 ml)
- Scent: Fruity
Description
Get the best out of the best silicone-free face moisturizer cream in the PURE RESEARCH Men’s Face Cream Moisturizer that leaves your face feeling hydrated and youthful!
Features
Hydration lock: keeps the face moisturized for up to 8 hours
Anti-aging: keeps your face looking youthful, firm, and wrinkle-free
Day and night: can be used both for day and night
How to use
This cream has a bit thicker in consistency so thoroughly clean your face with a cleanser. Then take a dime size cream on your fingers and apply the cream in an upward circular motion. Take care to avoid the eyes around your eyes. Avoid the area around your eyes but do not forget to apply the cream to your neck.
For nighttime application, do this about 30 minutes to an hour before bed, but remember for the best effect you want to maintain a daily routine of doing so every night. I think you should remove the pump and take the cream directly instead for ease of access.
Expert Verdict
Day and night creams are hard to face for having a face moisturized for the whole day. This is why the PURE RESEARCH Men’s Face Cream Moisturizer just works in every aspect, even for women (will only have to use a little less of the product to get the same result for women)! The lovely smell of the different fruity oils makes it unique too, I was pleasantly surprised because I was expecting an Old Spice aftershave smell in the beginning! The cream has a nice and thick consistency that is perfect for keeping your skin hydrated all day, especially with the help of hyaluronic acid and shea butter. And the skin is kept in tip-top shape with the help of retinol and vitamin E to keep your face looking young again. The soothing aloe leaf juice helps to reduce any inflammation and puffiness from the face which will your face feel refreshed overnight. The container has a really cool design to it but also something that I don’t like is the pump. It is very weird to use and instead, I just took out the pump to take out the amount of cream I needed. Other than that, it does everything you want in a face moisturizer and even more! So consider the best overall silicone-free face primer!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Great hydrating properties | The pump was annoying; taking it out was the best option |
| Soothing ingredients keep the face refreshed | |
| Younger looking face | |
| Can be used by women as well |
2. Best for Sensitive Skin – Olay Calming Face Moisturizer
Specification
- Product Benefits: For sensitive skin with superstar skincare ingredients
- Active Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice and niacinamide
- Moisturizer Type: Cream
- Volume: 2 fl oz. (57g)
- Scent: Aloe vera scent
Description
The Olay Calming Face Moisturizer is a calming moisturizer that keeps the skin soothed and perfectly safe to use on sensitive skin
Features
Calming moisturizer: lightweight cream that is not non-comedogenic
Hungarian water essence: made with sensitive skin in mind
Superstar ingredients: including glycerin, niacinamide, panthenol, etc. all of which are safe for sensitive skin
How to use
This is an AM to PM cream so you should be using this product for day time. After cleansing your face and pat drying it, take a scoop about the size of your fingertip and dot your damp face with it on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. Then blend the product in your face with a circular motion until the product is absorbed into the skin. Leave it to dry for about 10 minutes before applying anything else on your face.
Expert Verdict
This is a curious product for me as this was on my list of the contender for the best overall face moisturizer. The ingredients used are some of the best with it mimicking the skin really well, meaning that really is good for sensitive skin. The Hungarian water essence is filled with aloe and cucumber soothes the skin of any inflammation and benefits the skin through antioxidation to keep the face youthful. Even the inclusion of titanium dioxide surprised me because of the benefits it has for sun protection! However, the only reason why this wasn’t the best overall was that the product did not absorb into the skin all that much, leaving a sticky feeling on the face. However, that does not clog the pores and makes it a terrific silicone-free moisturizer for sensitive skin!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Beneficial ingredients | Leaves a sticky feeling on the skin |
| Soothing and antioxidation for youthful skin | |
| Non-comedogenic |
3. Best for Daily Use – Pure Daily Care Essential Hyaluronic Moisturizer
Specification
- Product Benefits: Daily usability
- Active Ingredients: Vitamin A and E, Hyaluronic acid
- Moisturizer Type: Cream
- Volume: 1.66 oz. (50g)
- Scent: Apricot and jojoba scent
Description
Use the Pure Daily Care Essential Hyaluronic Moisturizer daily to get rid of all the dry skin on your face with a nice apricot smell!
Features
Vitamin-rich: keeps the skin fresh and safe from free-radicals
Lightweight hydration: a lightweight cream that does not clog the pores
Daily use: safe for daily use to fight off dry skin from your face
How to use
After you have cleansed your face and used a serum, apply this cream by blending it on your skin in small circular motions. Make sure to get to all parts of your face until the product is fully absorbed into the skin. Leave it for 10 minutes to dry before applying anything else on your face. Make sure to also apply it on your neck and massage it in until it is absorbed.
Expert Verdict
The Pure Daily Care Essential Hyaluronic Moisturizer is a great daily-use face moisturizer that has no silicone to it, making it very friendly on the skin. It will really help lift your face from its usual dull appearance and give it a very vibrant look. The moisturization is also lightweight and doesn’t bother the skin all that much, leaving it firm with the help of hyaluronic acid and vitamins. However, the problem with the product is that it is quite oily and I didn’t like the greasy feeling on my already oily skin. So good for daily use, just not for oily faces.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Great hydration | Not recommended for oily skin |
| Firm and vibrant face | |
| Good for daily use |
4. Best for Night Cream – MyChelle Dermaceuticals Remarkable Retinal Night Cream
Specification
- Product Benefits: Skin smoothening
- Active Ingredients: Retinal (Vitamin A)
- Moisturizer Type: Cream
- Volume: 1.2 fl oz. (35 ml)
- Scent: Citrus smell
Description
Get one of the best night creams in MyChelle Dermaceuticals Remarkable Retinal Night Cream that helps to create a smooth face free from fine lines!
Features
Retinaldehyde: a milder version of retinol that works for sensitive skin
Clean ingredients: free from GMO, gluten, parabens, petroleum, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, urea, artificial fragrances, and artificial colors!
Smoother skin: keeps your skin looking smoother with continued use
How to use
This cream is quite thick so make sure to warm it up a bit (either in your hands or in a warm area) before applying it to your face. After cleansing and moisturizing, take a pea-sized about and dot your face and neck with the product. You should be applying the cream until you get a nice and even layer across your face and neck. Make sure to apply this on your face an hour before heading to bed. In the morning, make sure to apply moisturizing sunscreen (SPF 30 and above works best) to keep your face from sun damage (the retinoid family makes your skin more sensitive to the sun!).
Expert Verdict
A night cream is to be used to keep your skin nice and rehydrated so you get a fresh start for the next day. And that is exactly what the MyChelle Dermaceuticals Remarkable Retinal Night Cream helps to do for your skin! It keeps the skin firm with the retinal which also reduces the appearance of fine lines and acne. The milder retinal also provides a smoother texture for the skin that gives it a rejuvenated look for the next day! The only downside to the product is that it can be quite drying for the face upon use but you got to bear with it because retinal and any other retinoid creams have the same effect. However, as a night it is brilliant!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Retinal for smooth and firm skin | Quite drying; need to pair it with moisturizing sunscreen in the morning |
| Rehydrated skin in the morning | |
| Clean ingredients |
5. Best for Organic ECOCERT Approved – QRxLabs Pure Plant-Based Squalane HA+ Moisturizing Cream
Specification
- Product Benefits: Organic formula certified
- Active Ingredients: Squalane + Hyaluronic acid
- Moisturizer Type: Cream
- Volume: 2 fl oz. (60 ml)
- Scent: Verbena
Description
Get a product that was made with all-natural, plant-based ingredients in the QRxLabs Pure Plant-Based Squalane HA+ Moisturizing Cream!
Features
ECOCERT: certified that it has all-natural ingredients
Healthy glow: keep your skin glowing with the help of rice proteins
Intense moisturization: keeps the skin nicely hydrated
How to use
After you have cleansed your face, apply this cream by blending it on your skin in small circular motions. Make sure to get to all parts of your face until the product is fully absorbed into the skin. Leave it for 10 minutes to dry before applying anything else on your face. Make sure to also apply it on your neck and massage it in until it is absorbed.
Expert Verdict
A lot of the time you are concerned about the ingredients in the product and the legitimacy of those products that claim 99% organic ingredients. But the ECOCERT, a certification company that does rigorous checking to see if these are true, has certified the QRxLabs Pure Plant-Based Squalane HA+ Moisturizing Cream to be completely plant-based indeed! And the star of the product is squalane, hyaluronic acid, and rice proteins. The squalane helps to keep the skin nice and firm, the acid keeps the hydration, and the rice protein gives the skin a lovely glow. The only downside to the product is that it is an overwhelming fragrance that stays with you even after it has dried and absorbed into the skin. A small price you have to pay for using a product that has naturally-sourced ingredients.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Skin feels hydrated | Overwhelming verbena smell |
| Firm skin with reduced fine lines | |
| Glowing skin |
6. Best for Acne Oil-Free Skin – Peach Slices Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer
Specification
- Product Benefits: Acne reducing
- Active Ingredients: Salicylic and hyaluronic acid
- Moisturizer Type: Lotion
- Volume: 2.82 fl oz. (80 ml)
- Scent: Peach
Description
Get the best out of the Peach Slices Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer with its peach scent and acne-fighting capabilities with salicylic acid!
Features
Minimizes pores: matte finish allows pores to be less visible
Salicylic exfoliation: clears out skin and prevents breakouts
Oil-free: free from oils that might clog the skin
How to use
After you have cleansed your face, apply this cream by blending it on your skin in small circular motions. Make sure to get to all parts of your face until the product is fully absorbed into the skin. Leave it for 10 minutes to dry before applying anything else on your face. Make sure to also apply it on your neck and massage it in until it is absorbed.
Expert Verdict
When you have acne, silicone face moisturizers are an absolute no. But, the Peach Slices Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer has no silicone and is absolutely great at tackling acne with its oil-free formula! Salicylic acid really helps to minimize the appearance of acne and helps clear out your skin too. Any traces of oil on the face is completely removed and the hyaluronic acid helps to add a bit of hydration back to the face. However, this is not enough as the face can be left very dry if overused so make sure to not use this product daily.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Acne appearance reduced | Can be drying; avoid using it daily |
| Pores minimized | |
| Face becomes oil-free |
7. Best for Light and Long-Last – Peach Slices Snail Rescue All-In-One Oil-Free Moisturizer
Specification
- Product Benefits: Hydrating, long-lasting
- Active Ingredients: Snail mucin secretion
- Moisturizer Type: Lotion
- Volume: 2.82 oz. (80g)
- Scent: Strawberry
Description
Powered by the wonders of snail mucin, the Peach Slices Snail Rescue All-in-One Oil-Free Moisturizer keeps the skin hydrated for a long time!
Features
Soothing extracts: extracts from cica plants help to keep the skin hydrated
Lightweight texture: making it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin
Long-lasting hydration: gives you a light and long-lasting hydration that lasts throughout the day
How to use
This is a bit like a lotion, so what you will need to do is take a bit of the product on your 2 fingers and massage it onto your face until it is absorbed. When you feel that your face is hydrated, you can stop (which is about 2 to 3 applications). Remember to wash and cleanse your face before applying the product.
Expert Verdict
The thing about Peach Slices Snail Rescue All-in-One Oil-Free Moisturizer is that it really is lightweight. So light in fact you would not even feel it on your face! This allows it to readily absorb into the skin and create this soothing effect on the skin that leaves long-lasting hydration with it. The snail filtrate used is the cause of all of this and they are made without hurting the animals like they were done in the past. However, this lightweight lotion means that it does not help those with extremely dry skin. They would need a lotion or cream with a thicker consistency to help keep the skin moisturized. Still the best lightweight face moisturizer, just not suitable for all skin.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Absorbs readily into the skin | Not for extremely dry skin |
| Soothing | |
| Long-lasting hydration |
8. Best for Organic Ingredients – Fresh Rituals Vegan Face Moisturizer
Specification
- Product Benefits: Soothing
- Active Ingredients: Vitamin C and E, Hyaluronic acid
- Moisturizer Type: Cream
- Volume: 2 oz. (60g)
- Scent: Rose
Description
Get all of nature’s soothing benefits in the form of a cream in Fresh Rituals Vegan Face Moisturizer that will leave your skin moisturized and hydrated!
Features
All-organic ingredients: sourced from plants that are silicone, sulfate, and paraben-free
Suitable for all: gentle and for all types of skin
Dryness ease: keeps face moisturized and helps to keep dry skin away
How to use
This cream has a bit thicker in consistency so thoroughly clean your face with a cleanser. Then take a dime size cream on your fingers and apply the cream in an upward circular motion. Take care to avoid the eyes around your eyes. Avoid the area around your eyes but do not forget to apply the cream to your neck. If you want to use it as a night cream, apply it an hour before heading to bed.
Expert Verdict
The Fresh Rituals Vegan Face Moisturizer is a really thick and rich cream that will help with any type of skin. The organic ingredients of chamomile and aloe in the product help to keep the face nice and soothed so you can be certain of no irritation on your face whatsoever! The ingredients also make it very usable on any type of skin, be it oily, combination, or extremely dry skin. However, what I was disappointed about the product was that it was a little bit on the heavier side and left a film on the face that I found weighed down my face.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Soothing ingredients | Thicker consistency leaves the skin film on the face |
| Natural and organic ingredients | |
| Suitable for all skin types |
9. Best for Hydrate Boost Smooth – Cos De BAHA Centella Asiatica Soothing Calming Cream
Specification
- Product Benefits: Hydration boost
- Active Ingredients: Centella extract and hyaluronic acid
- Moisturizer Type: Serum
- Volume: 1.5 fl oz. (45 ml)
- Scent: Unscented
Description
Get an instant burst of hydration on your face with the Cos De BAHA Centella Asiatica Soothing Calming Cream face moisturizer!
Features
Scar healing: without the help of silicone
Instant hydration: gives relief to every type of skin without there being any stickiness
Smoothening: leaves your face with a smooth texture with the help of collagen
How to use
As this is a serum, the way you will use this product is a bit different from the rest. Take a bit of the product and spread it on your hand with as little rubbing as possible. Then, dot your face with the serum all over your face and let it sit there for a minute before massaging it into your face and neck evenly. Once you are done, wait for about 10 minutes for the product to completely dry. If you think you need a bit more moisturization, you can use another face moisturizer to help relieve your skin of dryness. Make sure to do a patch test under your chin as the product is really concentrated and has the possibility of leaving your skin irritated.
Expert Verdict
The reason why silicone is important in some beauty-care products is because of the scar-healing benefits that it provides. However, that is not to say there are no silicone-free products that can’t do the same. That is why the Cos De BAHA Centella Asiatica Soothing Calming Cream not only gives instant hydration but also works to give your skin reduced appearances of scars! It helps to heal your scars and leave your skin with a smooth texture with the collagen-boosting ingredients in the product. It does not leave a tacky or sticky feeling on your skin either which just makes this product so good! However, this is more like a serum than a face moisturizer which means that you will need to test it out on your skin. Otherwise, you could risk breakouts occurring on your face and inflammation that could ruin your skin!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Provides instant hydration | Needs to be tested on your skin to make sure it is safe for your skin |
| Reduced appearance of scars and promotes healing of skin | |
| No tacky or sticky feeling |
10. Best for Puffiness and Dark Circles – Klorane Hydrating Cornflower Water Cream
Specification
- Product Benefits: Reduces puffiness and dark circles
- Active Ingredients: Cornflower and hyaluronic acid
- Moisturizer Type: Water gel
- Volume: 1.6 fl oz. (50ml)
- Scent: Orange
Description
Brighten your face and under eyes with the help of cornflower water in Klorane Hydrating Cornflower Water Cream that reduces puffiness and dark circles!
Features
Cornflower water: helps to soothe and unclog pores
Dextran sulfate: brightens and revitalizes the skin
Returns plumpness: returns a dull face back to its plump and uplifted self
How to use
This is a water-gel face moisturizer so it will be lightweight, meaning you might need multiple applications until your face actually feels hydration. So after gently cleansing your face, scoop up about 2 fingers worth of the product and apply it to the face, massaging all over your face. Make sure to apply it under your eyes carefully by using your ring finger with a pea-sized amount to rub it in. Afterward, leave it to dry for about 10 minutes before you apply anything else on your face.
Expert Verdict
A lot of people neglect the under eyes when they are applying a face moisturizer. But that is also because the area under the eyes is very sensitive to any type of product and needs its own moisturizer. But when you the Klorane Hydrating Cornflower Water Cream is a product that is safe to use around the eyes and is actually really useful for it too! The ingredients in the product help to solve the puffiness of your face and the dark circles around your eyes and give you a bright and uplifted face! However, the gel-like consistency takes a while to fully dry, where it will have a tacky feel on the skin. But that is a little price you have to pay for getting a bright and uplifted face in the process.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Safe to use for under eyes | Takes long to dry; meanwhile has a tacky feeling to it |
| Reduces puffiness of the face | |
| Reduces dark circles |
11. Best Skin Smoothening – Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer
Specification
- Product Benefits: Skin smoothening, 100% natural
- Active Ingredients: Lactic acid
- Moisturizer Type: Cream
- Volume: 1.7 fl oz. (50 ml)
- Scent: Orange and pomegranate scent
Description
Get the best out of a 100% natural product that leaves your face feeling smoother with the Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer!
Features
100 % natural: uses pure natural ingredients that are free from toxins and silicone
Lactic acid: helps to keep the skin smoothed
Refillable pod: refill the jar once you have finished the product without needing to rebuy the jar itself
How to use
After cleansing your face, pump out the product by pressing on the pump to bring out the product. Take about 3 fingertips worth of the product and dot it across your face and then massage it into the face. Leave it to dry after applying. For the refillable pod (sold separately), all you have to do is put the refillable pod inside the old jar and screw it on to use it. After the product has dried on your face, apply sunscreen on your face to keep it protected from the sun.
Expert Verdict
Dimethicone has the benefit of keeping the skin smoothed. But even without it, the naturally produced lactic acid in the Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer helps to keep the skin smooth without needing silicone! The exfoliating properties of the lactic acid in the product are gentle enough to be used on even sensitive skin (with a bit of caution). It leaves the skin feeling hydrated and the orange peptides (collagen) in the product make the skin barrier stronger and the skin wrinkle-free. However, the annoyingness of the pump cannot be forgiven. It is really hard to remove the pump and is non-removable without damaging the jar.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Exfoliating and skin smoothening properties | Annoying pump |
| Reduces wrinkles | |
| Great hydration |
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Is Elf Primer Silicone Based?
e.l.f (short for EyesLipsFace) is an affordable cosmetic brand that makes beauty products ranging from primers, foundation, lip care products, and many more. Their primers are considered to be the best in the market but what most people wonder is if they use silicone or if the primers are silicone-based or not.
The main benefit of having silicone in the form of dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane in the product is it helps to blur out imperfections on the face. They also have the added benefit of being usable on oily skin which helps to absorb the oil and maintain the sebum levels in the face. Undoubtedly, most of the e.l.f primers are silicone-based.
The primers that are silicone-based are Mineral Infused Face Primer, Poreless Face Primer, Illuminating Face Primer, and Blemish Control Face Primer. These are completely silicone-based and are good at reducing the appearance of blemishes and making makeup application easier. However, there are water-based primers of e.l.f like the Poreless Putty, Luminous Putty, and the Soothing Primer. These primers are better for longer-lasting and while also hydrating the face. Yet, these water-based primers also have silicone in the form of dimethicone so I can’t say they are fully silicone-free either. So yes, most if not all of e.l.f’s primers are silicone-based.
Can You Use a Silicone Primer with a Water-Based Foundation?
The problem with silicone primer is that it blocks or repels water because of its hydrophobic nature. This means that when you use a silicone primer on your face, you should pair it up with a silicone-based foundation. A water-based foundation will not sit properly on the primer, causing it to cake up and separate on your face. This will no doubt completely ruin your makeup look with unwanted texture and unnecessary pilling on the face. Even oil-based foundations will face the same problem as water-based ones so silicone primer is limited in the foundation it can be paired up with!
FAQs
1. What moisturizers are silicone based?
If the products have dimethicone and other silicone ingredients as the primary ingredient and have the absence of water in them, then it is most likely silicone-based.
2. Which is the best moisturizer paraben free?
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer and L’Oréal Paris Skincare Revitalift Anti-Aging Moisturizer are some of the best paraben-free moisturizers.
3. Which Minimalist moisturizer is best for dry skin?
The Minimalist Marula Oil 5% Face Moisturizer is the best moisturizer for dry skin because of the deep nourishment it provides in getting rid of dry skin from your face.
4. Does CeraVe moisturizer have silicone?
It is a silicone-based moisturizer that creates a thin skin barrier that is effective against oily skin and has occlusive properties.
5. What is the safest natural moisturizer?
Aloe, shea butter, and colloidal oats are the best natural moisturizer which is also safe because they are non-comedogenic and helps to soothe the skin and leave it nice and soft.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it, the best silicone-free face moisturizer on the market! I really enjoyed exploring the options that were silicone-free but still has the same effects that silicone gives to the face. I particularly liked Olay Calming Face Moisturizer and PURE RESEARCH Men’s Face Cream Moisturizer, both of which were the top two contenders for the best overall on the list. However, the added benefits of being good on men’s faces and no drawback on the cream itself made the PURE RESEARCH the best overall for me. I hope you find the silicone-free moisturizer you are looking for on the list and are satisfied with it. As always, stay classy!
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