Are you looking for moisturizers without hyaluronic acid? Here is a complete list of hyaluronic acid-free face and body moisturizers for all skin types and budgets.
I recently had a look over my skincare products and realized that three out of five products I currently use contain hyaluronic acid. Quite shocking, to be honest.
Hyaluronic acid is a well-known ingredient in the skincare industry, and it’s by far one of the most researched skincare ingredients.
It has been shown in various studies to help dry-aging skin, with the ability to bind over 1,000 times its weight in water to boost moisture and improve skin’s overall appearance. (Source)
However, as good as it may sound, hyaluronic acid does not work for everyone. People with HA allergies, as well as those who live in dry areas with low humidity in the air, are particularly vulnerable.
HA is a humectant that needs water to increase its volume, hence, to work. And if there isn’t enough water in the environment for it to work, HA draws its moisture from your skin, causing it to dry, flake, and feel irritated.
If this is the case for you, or if you simply prefer a moisturizer that does not include hyaluronic acid, below is a complete list of face and body moisturizers without hyaluronic acid (and all its derivatives) for every skin type and budget.
How Did I Select The Products?
By reviewing dozens of ingredient lists (and products) and selecting only the best cost-effective products. For me, a good product is one that is effectively formulated, has a reasonable price for the ingredients it contains and is manufactured by a trusted brand.
In short, I’m always looking for high-quality products with proven beneficial ingredients (either chemical or natural) in any product I recommend or use myself, and I stay away from gimmicky products, fake claims, and fear-mongers. Because skincare has to work more than anything else.
Price Guide
- $ = under $20
- $$ = $20–$50
- $$$ = over $50
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Moisturizers Without Hyaluronic Acid Shortcut
- Best Anti-Aging: Avene RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream
- Best Splurge: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane
- Best Natural: Beekman 1802 Bloom Cream Daily Probiotic Moisturizer
- Best For Redness And Eczema: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
- Best SPF: La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Spf 50
- Best For Dark Spots: Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer
- Best Tinted For All Skin Types: Pixi H2O SkinTint
- Best For Normal To Combination Dry Skin: La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
- Best For Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
- Best For Acne-Prone Skin: Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer
- Best Body: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
- Best Budget Lotion: Johnson’s Cotton Touch Daily Face & Body Moisturizer
Disclaimer At Beauty Notifier, I strive to feature products that I personally test or have received positive feedback and reviews; however, I'm not a licensed professional and do not guarantee specific results or the prevention/ cure of any condition/ disease. The information provided on www (dot) beautynotifier (dot) com is solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or skincare advice. Additionally, prices, availability, and product formulations may change over time, so I recommend verifying product details and conducting your own research before making any purchasing decisions.
1. Best Anti-Aging: Avene RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream
Price: $$$ | Size: 30 ml/ 1 fl. oz
Key ingredients: Avene thermal spring water, evening primrose oil, retinal, peptide, vitamin E.
Despite its high price, Avene RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream is one of the best retinoid moisturizers without hyaluronic acid, featuring a 0.1% Retinaldehyde.
Retinaldehyde (also known as retinal on the ingredients list) is a type of retinoid that has been shown in studies to improve firmness and collagen production (elasticity), as well as to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and rough skin.
It only takes one step to convert to retinoic acid, the form of retinoid that our skin understands – one of the most well-known facial skin anti-aging treatments available today. (Source)
The cream also contains a form of vitamin E, Avene thermal spring water and pro elastin peptides which can help boost elasticity and make the skin appear firmer.
With a Retinal concentration of 0.1%, the cream is best to use by experienced users, being one of the best alternatives to tretinoin.
However, if you are a beginner and still want to use a retinoid cream, consider their Avene RetrinAL 0.05 Intensive Cream. The same benefits, but more tolerable – beginner-friendly.
2. Best Splurge: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane
Price: $$$ | Size: 125 ml/ 4.2 fl. oz
Key ingredients: glycerin, squalane, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, rice bran oil, sweet almond oil, soybean oil, vitamin E, salicylic acid.
Kiehl’s cream with squalane is an excellent product for all skin types and one of the best splurging moisturizers without hyaluronic acid.
To help soothe and hydrate the skin, it is formulated with squalane, an antioxidant-rich lipid, as well as a fine selection of soothing oils such as apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, rice bran oil, sweet almond oil, soybean oil, and vitamin E. It also contains salicylic acid for oilier skin types.
However, if you have acne-prone skin that is intolerant to the above-mentioned oils, take a look at cream No. 11 down below.
3. Best Natural: Beekman 1802 Bloom Cream Daily Probiotic Moisturizer
Price: $$$ | Size: 48 g/ 1.69 fl. oz
Key ingredients: goat milk, probiotics, aloe, honey, cucumber extract, chamomilla extract, comfrey extract, niacinamide, Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate), glycerin.
Natural products are always more expensive, and Beekman 1802 Bloom Cream Daily Probiotic Moisturizer is no exception. However, if you’re going to pay $$$ for a natural moisturizer that doesn’t include hyaluronic acid, it needs to be good and effective.
Formulated with a blend of goat milk & probiotics, Epsom salt, niacinamide, honey and active botanical ingredients including comfrey, blue thistle, chamomile, cucumber and aloe, the cream nourish and balance all skin types for healthy, dewy, radiant skin.
4. Best For Redness And Eczema: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Price: $$ | Size: 170.1 g/ 6 fl. oz
Key ingredients: colloidal oatmeal 0.50%, glycerin, shea butter, squalane, allantoin, licorice extract.
If you’re looking for a cream to heal your dry, red, eczema-prone skin, then this is the product for you.
This rich, yet lightweight cream contains a combination of soothing ingredients, including shea butter, allantoin, squalane, and licorice extract to help soothe and heal dry, chapped skin.
It also contains 0.50% colloidal oatmeal to help relieve itchiness and reduce inflammation caused by eczema, rashes, and other skin conditions.
Colloidal oatmeal has been shown in studies to improve skin rashes, erythema, burns, itch, and eczema, and in one particular study has been proven to have direct antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. (Source)
The cream is also fragrance-, paraben-, cruelty-free, with a rich, nourishing texture.
5. Best SPF: La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Spf 50
Price: $$ | Size: 50 ml/ 1.7 fl. oz
Key ingredients: Active: titanium dioxide 6%, zinc oxide 5%. Inactive: dimethicone, vitamin E.
La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral sunscreen SPF 50 is a sunscreen that provides UVA and UVB protection and is also included on my list of best body lotions for summer.
It is a lightweight formula with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as active ingredients to help protect against sun damage. It has a matte finish, is non-comedogenic, and is water-resistant (40 minutes).
The sunscreen is also fragrance- and paraben-free, and can be used for both face and body with a non-whitening texture.
6. Best For Dark Spots: Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer
Price: $$ | Size: 48 g/ 1.7 fl. oz
Key ingredients: glycerin, vitamin C, lactic acid, panthenol, amino peptides, niacinamide.
This dark spot moisturizer was one of the most difficult to find because almost all creams for dark spots are treatments, include retinol, or contain HA.
Blended with vitamin C, lactic acid, panthenol, amino peptides and niacinamide, Olay Vitamin C moisturizer is formulated to hydrate and brighten the skin.
It is not fragrance-free, but it is lightweight and formulated to help the skin appear healthier and more youthful.
7. Best Tinted For All Skin Types: Pixi H2O SkinTint
Price: $$ | Size: 35 ml/ 1.18 fl. oz
Key ingredients: glycerin, dimethicone, green tea (camellia sinensis leaf extract), rose water, lavender extract.
Pixi H2O SkinTint is also on my list of tinted moisturizers without SPF and is one of the best-tinted moisturizers without hyaluronic acid money can buy.
It’s a water-based tinted gel moisturizer with glycerin, green tea, lavender extract and rose water to smooth, hydrate and refresh the skin.
With 18 shades available and a light buildable texture, it is suitable for all skin types and has a semi-matte finish. Paraben-, fragrance-free, vegan.
8. Best For Normal To Combination Dry Skin: La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Price: $ | Size: 75 ml/ 2.5 fl. oz
Key ingredients: La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water, glycerin, niacinamide, ceramide NP.
Toleriane Double Repair face moisturizer is recommended for normal to combination sensitive dry skin and contains glycerin, dimethicone, niacinamide, ceramides, and thermal water as the most notable ingredients.
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 (niacin) that has antipruritic, antimicrobial, vasoactive, photo-protective, sebostatic, and lightening effects depending on its concentration, being well-tolerated and safe for most skin types. (Source)
Ceramides help protect your skin barrier function, while thermal water, glycerin and dimethicone can help soothe sensitive dry skin.
This cream could be an excellent HA-free face moisturizer for anyone looking for a simple, yet effective moisturizer with ceramides and niacinamide that can help heal and protect the normal – combination – dry skin, even sensitive skin.
Sized as a 75 ml face moisturizer compared to the industry standard of 50 ml, it is oil- paraben- and fragrance-free.
9. Best For Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
Price: $ | Size: 48 g/ 1.7 fl. oz
Key ingredients: glycerin, panthenol, oat extract, centella asiatica extract.
Aveeno Calm Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer is a light gel-cream that absorbs quickly, leaving the skin soft and supple. It is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores.
It is formulated with prebiotic oat, panthenol, glycerin and Centella Asiatica extract to help calm skin irritation, soothe redness, and reduce itchiness for sensitive skin.
It is also free of alcohol, dyes, parabens, fragrance, and phthalates with a gel texture that can feel refreshing on the skin. Also present on my list of best calming moisturizers without fragrance for sensitive skin.
10. Best For Acne-Prone Skin: Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer
Price: $ | Size: 118 ml/ 4. fl. oz
Key ingredients: salicylic acid 0.05%, glycerin, soybean extract, dimethicone.
Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer is an HA-free daily moisturizer that helps in the prevention of breakouts and the reduction of redness.
It contains 0.05% Salicylic Acid, a proven and powerful acne-fighting ingredient, as well as an exclusive Total Soy Complex to help visibly even out skin complexion.
The only downside is that it is not fragrance-free, but this is such a minor disadvantage for the price, considering how difficult it is to find effective products without hyaluronic acid.
11. Best Body: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
Price: $ | Size: 453 g/ 1 lb
Key ingredients: petrolatum.
Vanicream for the body is one of the few body moisturizing creams that does not contain hyaluronic acid.
This cream is for people who want to soothe their skin and relieve the discomfort that can come with sensitive – dry skin. Vanicream Moisturizing Cream contains petrolatum and is free of dyes, fragrances, and other ingredients that may irritate the skin.
Petrolatum is a common moisturizer that is frequently used to prevent skin infections after ambulatory surgeries and as maintenance therapy for atopic dermatitis (AD) and dry skin. Petrolatum application also increases stratum corneum thickness and helps against water loss. (Source)
If you prefer a lighter body moisturizer, check out their Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion. Same ingredients but lighter texture and HA-free – perfect for summer.
They also have an ointment without hyaluronic acid for extremely dry to very dry skin, the Vanicream Moisturizing Ointment. The same shortlist of ingredients – dimethicone-based – one of the most neutral ointment moisturizers without hyaluronic acid money can buy for dry skin.
Related: The Ultimate Best Body Lotions For Summer
12. Best Budget Lotion: Johnson’s Cotton Touch Daily Face & Body Moisturizer
Price: $ | Size: 800 ml/ 27.1 fl. oz
Key ingredients: cotton, dimethicone, glycerin.
This lotion is also on my list of moisturizers without fatty alcohols, and I believe it is an excellent lotion to use for the body and even face if you have normal skin, even if it is made for babies. If it’s safe for newborns, it must be okay for adults, right?
Johnson’s Cotton Touch Daily Face & Body Moisturizer contains dimethicone, glycerin, and cotton to help maintain the skin moisture barrier, protecting it from drying.
A simple, affordable and effective moisturizer without hyaluronic acid.
What can I use instead of Hyaluronic Acid?
In the long run, using an emollient, often known as a skin soother or softener, such as a moisturizer containing squalane and ceramides, is the most effective. Glycerin is another humectant that is often neglected in favor of hyaluronic acid.
There are, however, a multitude of ingredients that can successfully replace hyaluronic acid, such as:
- Glycerin
- Squalane
- Niacinamide
- Ceramides
- Dimethicone
- Oils (Avocado Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Soybean Oil, etc)
- Aloe
- Shea Butter
- Panthenol
- Urea
- Petrolatum
- Honey
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Retinoids
For best results, look for a combination of ingredients rather than a single ingredient, taking into consideration your skin type and what works best for you.
Most of the time, skincare is about experimentation, and there is no such thing as an ideal formula. What works for me may not be appropriate for you, and vice versa.
Looking for a cleanser without hyaluronic acid? Check this out: The Absolute Best Cleansers Without Hyaluronic Acid