Moisturizers and lotions with fatty acids can cause skin irritation or clog the pores of some users. Fatty alcohols, which are alcohols derived from the fatty acids of plants, often act as a moisturizer and protect the skin. But, for some people, fatty acids cause problems and irritation, so choosing skincare products without alcohol is essential for them. Also, even if you aren’t overly sensitive to fatty alcohols, using too many products that contain it may not be the best choice. Choosing moisturizers without fatty alcohols can help you achieve the glowing and radiant skin you desire without worrying about irritation. Keep reading, and we’ll share some suggestions and moisturizer recommendations to help you select the best moisturizer without fatty alcohol for your skin.
Table of Contents
- Moisturizer without Fatty Alcohol: Top 10 Picks
- Moisturizers without Fatty Alcohols: Ultimate Pick
- Hand Lotion without Alcohol
- Body Lotions without Alcohol
- Lotion without Cetyl Alcohol
- Moisturizer without Cetearyl Alcohol
- Cetyl Alcohol Free Moisturizer
- Fragrance and Alcohol Free Lotion
- Face Lotion without Alcohol
- Alcohol Free Hand Cream
- Baby Lotion without Alcohol
- About Fatty Alcohol
- Alcohol in Skin Care
- Moisturizer Without Fatty Alcohol: FAQs
- Selecting the Best Moisturizer without Fatty Alcohol
Moisturizer without Fatty Alcohol: Top 10 Picks
Below you’ll find our top 10 picks for the best no alcohol moisturizer. Continue reading to find the right alcohol free fragrance free lotion, hand cream without alcohol, or fatty alcohol free moisturizer to keep your skin healthy and avoid irritation or clogged pores.
- Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer
- LUXE LOTION Luxurious Face, Neck & Hand Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
- Blended Science Replenishing & Moisturizing Lotion
- Clarins Toning Lotion
- Yu-Be Yuzu Pure Hydration Cream
- Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream
- Tree To Tub Lotion for Sensitive Skin
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Daily Long Lasting Facial Moisturizer & Neck Cream with SPF 15
- LSC Hand and Body Sanitizer and Moisturizer
- Era Organics Superbalm Healing Ointment for Babies
Moisturizers without Fatty Alcohols: Ultimate Pick
Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
Why We Love This Moisturizer
Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer for sensitive skin is our top pick for a few reasons. We like the gentle, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic formula that is ideal for individuals with all types of skin. We also love the lightweight feel the face moisturizer offers and that it can be applied before putting on makeup for moisture throughout the day.
Moisturizer Highlights
- Hypoallergenic facial moisturizer
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight and oil-free
About this Moisturizer
This face moisturizer without alcohol from Neutrogena offers a gentle and hypoallergenic formula suitable for use by individuals with sensitive skin. In addition to being a moisturizer with fatty alcohols, it is also oil-free and fragrance-free. The non-comedogenic moisturizer can be used in the morning or at night, and can also be applied beneath makeup.
Moisturizer Reviews
Individuals who are sensitive to fatty alcohols, such as cetyl alcohol love that this face lotion doesn’t irritate their skin like so many other moisturizers do. Some users have shared that they wished it offered SPF protection like some other moisturizers do.
Hand Lotion without Alcohol
LUXE LOTION Luxurious Face, Neck & Hand Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
Moisturizer Highlights
- Moisturizer for face, neck, and hands
- Vegan-friendly
- Free of alcohol, glycerine, parabens, petroleum, and nuts
- Non-greasy formula
About this Moisturizer
LUXE Lotion’s moisturizer for face, neck, and hands is an alcohol free lotion featuring nourishing hyaluronic acid. The formula for this alcohol free hand lotion is also free of glycerin, parabens, petroleum, and nuts. It is also a vegan-friendly choice and boasts a non-greasy feel for easier and more comfortable use.
Moisturizer Reviews
This is a popular lotion among customers who have tried it. Many rave about its smooth and creamy texture and the coconut and pineapple scent. Some users also were able to clear up rosacea or other skin problems using this moisturizer. However, a few individuals feel that this alcohol free lotion is too watery. Some also shared that it caused their face to break out.
Body Lotions without Alcohol
Blended Science Replenishing & Moisturizing Lotion
Moisturizer Highlights
- Nutrient-rich formula
- Includes natural antioxidants vitamins, and essential oils.
- Smooth and creamy texture
- Subtle citrus scent
About this Moisturizer
This alcohol free body lotion from Blended Science features a natural formula with antioxidant-rich and nourishing oils. Some of these oils include argan oil, rosehip oil, shea butter, and apricot seed oil. The non alcohol lotion offers a light citrus scent and does not contain any harsh chemicals.
Moisturizer Reviews
Some users would tell you that this is the best alcohol free body lotion. They love how well it keeps their skin hydrated and helps them avoid breakouts. A few users did share that they felt the price was a bit high for the quantity of lotion you receive in each container.
Lotion without Cetyl Alcohol
Clarins Toning Lotion
Moisturizer Highlights
- Tones and tightens pores
- Soothes irritated skin
- Removes oil buildup from skin
About this Moisturizer
This non alcoholic lotion by Clarins is a toning lotion that works to tighten the skin’s pores and soothe irritated skin. It is ideal for individuals who have combination or oily skin types as it works to remove oil build up from the skin.
Moisturizer Reviews
Individuals who have tried this moisturizing lotion without alcohol love the cool and refreshing feeling it brings to their skin. However, some individuals were not satisfied with this lotion because they did not like its scent.
Moisturizer without Cetearyl Alcohol
Yu-Be Yuzu Pure Hydration Cream
Moisturizer Highlights
- Oil-free formula
- Formulated with Yuzu flower extract and chamomile extract
- Suitable for sensitive, normal, and dry skin
- Vegan-friendly
About this Moisturizer
The Yu-Bu Yuzu Pure Hydration Cream is a top pick for the best moisturizer without alcohol. It is specially formulated with Yuzu flower extract and chamomile extract to relieve dry skin and deliver moisture. This fatty alcohol free moisturizer is best suited for individuals with sensitive, normal, or dry skin.
Moisturizer Reviews
Those who have tried this non alcohol moisturizer are impressed with the way it feels on their skin. While many like the Yuzu flower scent, some individuals were not impressed with it.
Cetyl Alcohol Free Moisturizer
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream
Moisturizer Highlights
- 30% hyaluronic acid
- Provides up to 72 hours of hydration
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
About this Moisturizer
The Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream from Peter Thomas Roth is a non alcoholic moisturizer formulated with 30% hyaluronic acid complex. The hydrating hyaluronic acid works to help lock moisture into skin for up to 72 hours. This moisturizer without fatty alcohol can be used by individuals with all skin types.
Moisturizer Reviews
People who have tried this Cloud Cream say that it is one of the best moisturizers without alcohol. They love how lightweight and breathable the moisturizer is and its non-greasy feel. Some customers were dissatisfied with the amount of moisturizer they received for the higher price tag.
Fragrance and Alcohol Free Lotion
Tree To Tub Lotion for Sensitive Skin
Moisturizer Highlights
- Balances the skin’s pH
- Formulated with shea butter and cocoa butter to nourish skin
- Fragrance-free
- Safe for use on sensitive skin
- Doesn’t leave behind a residue on skin.
About this Moisturizer
If you have sensitive skin or just prefer fragrance-free lotions, consider the Tub to Tree Lotion for Sensitive Skin. This no alcohol lotion is designed to balance the pH of the skin to soothe and hydrate skin. The formula includes soapberry that works to keep the skin’s pH at a healthy level around 5.5. Shea moisture, cocoa butter, oatmeal, aloe vera, and chamomile are also added to nourish and moisturize skin.
Moisturizer Reviews
Many individuals see this as one of the top non alcoholic lotions. They have shared that the lotion goes on creamy and helps make their skin feel extra smooth. Users with sensitive skin were also impressed that they could use the alcohol free moisturizer without breaking out. While this is a fragrance-free lotion, some individuals have shared that they don’t enjoy the lotion’s natural scent.
Face Lotion without Alcohol
Neutrogena Oil-Free Daily Long Lasting Facial Moisturizer & Neck Cream with SPF 15
Moisturizer Highlights
- Softens and smooths skin
- Clears up breakouts
- SPF 15 protection
- Suitable for use on dry skin and other skin types
- Non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and lightweight formula
About this Moisturizer
This facial moisturizer without alcohol from Neutrogena also offers SPF 15 sun protection. The moisturizing lotion is ideal for use on individuals with dry skin, but can also be used on other skin types. It is non-comedogenic, non-greasy, lightweight, and comfortable to put on. The non alcoholic lotion can also deliver up to 12 hours of moisture and hydration to skin.
Moisturizer Reviews
Customers who have used this alcohol free lotion love that it also offers SPF 15 protection but doesn’t have the unpleasant smell of most sunscreens. They also like the lightweight and non-greasy feel of the lotion. While most users love this lotion, a few are not as satisfied. Some users complained that it wasn’t sweat-proof and others shared that irritated their face and caused an acne breakout.
Alcohol Free Hand Cream
LSC Hand and Body Sanitizer and Moisturizer
Moisturizer Highlights
- Hand moisturizer and hand sanitizer
- Kills 99.9% of bacteria
- Improves skin’s condition
- pH balanced
About this Moisturizer
This alcohol free hand lotion by LSC is also a hand sanitizer. It can kill up to 99.9% of germs and bacteria will also moisturize the skin. The pH balanced formula works to improve the overall condition of the skin and offer lasting protection against new bacteria for up to a few hours after application.
Moisturizer Reviews
People who have tried this sanitizing lotion love that they can keep their hands clean without drying them out as would happen with traditional alcohol-based hand sanitizers. They are impressed with how soft their hands feel even with all the extra hand sanitizing that is necessary. Some users, however, were not as impressed with the results they received and do not think the alcohol free sanitizing lotion does a good enough job keeping their hand moisturized.
Baby Lotion without Alcohol
Era Organics Superbalm Healing Ointment for Babies
Moisturizer Highlights
- Organic formula
- Soothes irritated skin on babies
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Alcohol-, fragrance-, parabens-, phthalates-, petrolatum, and mineral oil-free
- Cruelty-free
About this Moisturizer
Stay away from fatty alcohol moisturizers for babies with this non alcoholic body lotion from ERA Organics. The Superbalm Healing lotion is designed specially for use on a baby’s sensitive and delicate skin. It is hypoallergenic and free of alcohols, toxins, fragrances, parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, and mineral oil. This alcohol free moisturizing lotion can be used all over a baby’s skin to treat cradle cap, eczema, or other skin irritations.
Moisturizer Reviews
Parents who have tried this baby lotion are so pleased with how well it has helped clear up eczema or cradle cap on their little ones. Many shared that they had tried numerous other creams and prescription ointments and nothing worked until they tried this alcohol free baby cream. However, not all parents had the same experiences and some shared that it didn’t lead to any noticeable improvements for their baby’s skin.
About Fatty Alcohol
Interested in learning more about fatty alcohols, why they are added to some moisturizers, and what they do to the skin? We’ll share some helpful information in the next few sections to help you gain a deeper understanding of fatty alcohols and decide if you want to find a moisturizer without fatty alcohols to add to your skincare routine.
Alcohol in Skin Care
Alcohol is found in many skincare products. Some alcohols can bring benefits to lotions and moisturizers, while others should be avoided when possible. Continue reading to identify whether alcohol in skincare can be a good thing.
List of Fatty Alcohols in Skin Care
Here are some of the fatty alcohols commonly found in skincare products.
If you are sensitive to fatty alcohols, have experienced breakouts using a moisturizer with fatty alcohols, or have acne-prone skin, you may want to avoid moisturizers and lotions containing any of these ingredients:
What are the bad alcohols in skincare?
Since different individuals have different skin types, there isn’t necessarily one ‘bad’ type of alcohol. Simple alcohols, such as ethanol, propanol, and methanol, can be very drying. However, if they are added in the right ratio with other ingredients in a lotion of moisturizer, they rarely irritate skin.
Fatty alcohols, like cetyl, stearyl, or cetearyl, can be very hydrating and help lock in moisture in skin. They can also work to create a barrier to protect skin. They can clog pores on individuals with acne-prone skin, however, and may also irritate some people’s skin.
Aromatic alcohols are often added to scented lotions and moisturizers. They are more likely to irritate the skin of users, especially with individuals who have sensitive or dry skin.
Knowing your skin type and choosing which, if any, alcohols to use is important. If you have very sensitive skin, avoid aromatic alcohols. If you have acne-prone skin, avoid fatty alcohols. And, if you happen to notice a reaction after trying a new skincare product, check out the ingredient list to determine if your reaction may have been tied to an alcohol in the lotion. If you do have a breakout or irritated skin after trying something new, consider switching to alcohol free lotions.
What alcohols are good for skin?
Out of the three types of alcohols in skincare that we discussed above (simple alcohol, fatty alcohol, and aromatic alcohol), fatty alcohols are the best for skin. They act like an emollient to smooth and soften the skin. Fatty alcohols can also create a protective barrier over the skin to lock in moisture and keep the skin from drying out.
Skincare with fatty alcohols often have a thicker texture. They can feel very nourishing going on the skin
However, while fatty alcohols can be good for skin, they are not the right solution for everyone. Individuals with sensitive skin or acne-prone skin may notice some irritation or issues with clogged pores after using a moisturizer or lotion with fatty acids. If you fall into one of these categories, consider choosing an alcohol free moisturizer.
Best Alcohol for Skin Care
Fatty alcohols are the best alcohols to find in skincare products. Examples of fatty acids to look for on an ingredient list include:
- cetyl alcohol
- stearyl alcohol
- cetearyl alcohol
- behenyl alcohol
- isostearyl alcohol
Good vs Bad Alcohol in Skin Care
While there isn’t necessarily a bad alcohol for skincare products, aromatic alcohols, such as benzyl alcohol, can irritate some individuals with more sensitive skin. These alcohols are added to lotions and creams with fragrances, so if you are prone to skin sensitivities, avoid skincare items with aromatic alcohols.
The ‘good’ alcohols in skincare include fatty acids like cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol. As we shared earlier, these alcohols have a thicker texture and can help hydrate skin and seal in moisture. So, a cetyl alcohol lotion is a good option for many individuals.
However, for some individuals with acne-prone skin, fatty alcohols would be considered ‘bad’ alcohol since they may clog pores and irritate skin.
Moisturizer Without Fatty Alcohol: FAQs
What does fatty alcohol do?
It is first important to understand the difference between fatty alcohols and simple alcohols. Simple alcohols, like ethanol, methanol, and propanol, are added to skincare products because of their antibacterial characteristics. Simple alcohols can dry out the skin if they aren’t mixed in the correct ratio with other ingredients.
Fatty alcohols, on the other hand, can work to hydrate the skin. They have occlusive and emollient properties which can add texture and weight to a lotion for a more luxurious feel. Fatty acids can bring moisture to the skin and then create a barrier to help seal in that moisture.
Are fatty alcohols bad for skin?
Generally speaking, fatty acids are not bad for skin. For most people, they can help moisturize and hydrate the skin. Fatty alcohols can also work to ensure the ingredients in a lotion or moisturize stay stable and safe to use.
However, for some individuals, fatty alcohols may irritate the skin. Some individuals are allergic to the components in fatty acids. Individuals with acne-prone skin may also find that fatty alcohols clog their pores. There individuals are probably best looking for a face moisturizer for acne prone skin, lotion without alcohol, or hand cream without alcohol.
Do fatty alcohols clog pores?
Yes, fatty alcohols can clog pores. If you’ve noticed an increase in acne breakouts after switching to a new lotion or facial moisturizer containing fatty alcohol, it may be time to consider switching to a different moisturizer. Since fatty acids are thicker and have emollient characteristics, they can clog pores.
RELATED: Best Non-Comedogenic Foundations for Acne Prone Skin
Selecting the Best Moisturizer without Fatty Alcohol
If you have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin, finding the best tinted moisturizer or lotion without fatty alcohols is important. These moisturizers are less likely to clog your pores or irritate your skin. We shared a lot of alcohol free moisturizers above; hopefully you found one that sounds like it will be a good fit for your skin.
Share which moisturizer without alcohol you’re excited to try — we’d love to hear about your top picks!
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The smell that puts some people off is the same that some people love, the flowery scent. There are those who aren’t fans of flowery scents in their skincare, it seems! We love The Body Shop, too!
This is a great selection of moisturizers! Out of these, I think I would like the Clarins Toning Lotion as I have oily skin so it would definitely be beneficial! What is the scent as you mentioned some people don’t like it?
I’m currently using The Body Shop Tea Tree Mattifying Lotion & it’s nice & it doesn’t have any fatty alcohols either.