Night Creams
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September 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
I have dry skin in general, and in the winter especially it really benefits from a dose of super-hydration at night.
Although I have increasingly started relying on face oils underneath my moisturizer at night to give my skin that hydration, the use of a serious night cream also goes a long way to giving my face a more hydrated and youthful appearance.
I think of the products on this page as night creams because they would be too greasy to wear with makeup during the day.
Sometimes I do use a cream like this on my neck during the day though.
TOP PICKS
♣ Living Clean Superstars:
Beautycounter Counterstart Cocoboost Moisturizer ($29)
Beautycounter Countertime Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream ($98)
The Outset Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream ($54)
Typology 9-Ingredient Face Moisturizer ($27)
Typology Nourishing Moisturizer ($33)
♠ Additional Possibilities:
Burt’s Bees Fragrance-Free Renewal Firming Moisturizing Cream ($20)
Burt’s Bees Sensitive Night Cream ($15)
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Moisturizer ($60)
Evanhealy Whipped Shea Butter With Olive Leaf ($38)
♠ Not Yet Rated:
Beautycounter Countermatch Recovery Sleeping Cream ($56)
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($12)
Three Ships Dream Bio-Retinol + Shorea Butter Night Cream ($35)
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream ($7)
♥ Lisa’s Choice:
√ Beautycounter Countertime Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream ($98)
The Outset Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream ($54)
Typology Nourishing Moisturizer ($33)
Notes:
1) Living Clean Superstars – Products with high scores on both Performance Rating (5) as well as Ingredients Rating (4/5). + Clean Pick (Ingredients Rating = 5).
2) Lisa’s Choice – Products that I would purchase for my own personal use. √ Lisa’s Personal Favorite
Beautycounter Countermatch Recovery Sleeping Cream – $56
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(4 / 5)
The Beautycounter website states about this product, “This overnight cream with two forms of hyaluronic acid helps create a protective layer to shield skin from moisture loss during sleep. The advanced formula replenishes hydration and revitalizes skin with a blend of hyaluronic acid, squalane, plum oil, and phytic acid. Provides rich, intense moisture to amplify skin’s nightly repair process. Shields skin from moisture loss. Comforts and smoothes skin.”
I have not yet tried this product but hope to do so soon.
Size: 1.7 oz.
Beautycounter Rating: 4.7 Stars (2003 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe vera (3), Salicylic acid (3), Benzyl alcohol (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Pentylene Glycol, Shea Butter, Prunus Domestica Seed Extract, C10-18 Triglycerides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, C12-16 Alcohols, Behenyl Alcohol, Squalane, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Vegetable Oil, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Betaine, Phytic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopherol, Candelilla Wax, Sunflower Seed Oil*, Salicylic Acid, Arginine, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin. Benzyl Alcohol+
Beautycounter Counterstart Cocoboost Moisturizer – $29
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: 
(5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
The description of this product reads, “This lightweight, non-greasy daily moisturizer absorbs quickly and provides nourishing hydration. Perfect for sensitive skin, the gentle formula features a blend of coconut oil and aloe vera to nourish and soothe skin, as well as vitamin E to help protect against environmental aggressors. Coconut Oil: Hydrates and nourishes skin. Aloe Vera: Soothes skin. Tocopherol (Vitamin E): An antioxidant that protects skin from environmental aggressors.”
Although I feel that this moisturizer did not work very well for me for day use, I did like it for evening use.
The product seemed to be quite clean and to work well in conjunction with face oils when applied before bedtime.
My skin did well with this product without irritation.
It does contain coconut oil, which some people’s skin does not tolerate very well, though.
Size: 1.69 oz.
Beautycounter Rating: 4.8 Stars (1487 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe vera (4), Phenoxyethanol (4). (Also contains Coconut oil, Citric acid.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Safflower Seed Oil*, Coconut Oil*, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Bisabolol, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Tocopherol, Sunflower Seed Oil*, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol. *Organic
Beautycounter Countertime Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream – $98
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
The Beautycounter website says about this product, “Supremely rich and deeply hydrating, this cream supports elasticity and visibly firms while minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. With continued use, wake up to more radiant, youthful-looking skin. Featured ingredients: Retinatural Complex – We took two of the most powerhouse plant-derived ingredients available and created a scientific breakthrough. Bakuchiol has been shown to provide skin-care results that are comparable to retinol—without harmful side effects such as skin irritation and increased sun sensitivity—and Swiss Alpine rose boosts the skin’s antioxidant defense. Tetrapeptide: Helps increase skin elasticity, minimize the appearance of lines, boost visible firmness, and smooth skin surface. Fermented Sugars (Biosaccharide Gum-1): This blend of fermented sugars helps soothe skin while helping slow the visible effects of aging by optimizing hydration for renewed skin.”
This night cream is part of Beautycounter’s Countertime line, which contains botanicals designed to help to reduce the appearance of facial lines as well as highly moisturizing ingredients.
It is a heavy cream containing shea butter and cocoa butter, and (especially in winter) my own skin has done really well with it, without being irritated by it at all.
Other than phenoxyethanol (a preservative that bothers some people), this seems to be a pretty clean formula.
There are not any added fragrance ingredients and I think that it smells fine to me.
Although it is very expensive, I used this cream on most nights all through last winter and finished up about two-thirds of the jar.
While this was not the only skincare product that I was using, I do feel that just a little bit of the product went a long way in terms of helping my own very dry skin to continue looking and feeling good even when it was being very stressed.
I put it aside for the time being but plan to come back to it when summer is over (and likely will buy another jar when I finish this one up).
Size: 1.7 oz
Beautycounter Rating: 4.9 Stars (3058 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Phenoxyethanol (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Shea Butter, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cocoa Seed Butter, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Coconut Alkanes, Cetyl Phosphate, Bakuchiol, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Extract*, Tetrapeptide-21, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Phytic Acid, Tocopherol, Arginine, Sunflower Seed Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol.
Burt’s Bees Fragrance-Free Renewal Firming Moisturizing Cream – $20
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
The Burt’s Bees website states about this product, “This rich, fragrance-free cream features Bakuchiol and Vitamin E, which work to reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, and support skin’s natural moisture barrier. Our formula instantly hydrates and nourishes for smooth, healthy-looking skin. Clinically shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles and leave skin smoother, firmer and brighter with Bakuchiol. Instantly hydrates. Smooths skin. Absorbs quickly. Can be used morning and night.”
This moisturizing cream is based on coconut derivatives, sunflower seed oil, glycerin and wax, without any sodium hyaluronate or similar hydrators.
I would not use it during the day, because it gives my face a somewhat greasy feeling that I do not think works well as a base for any kind of makeup.
It seems to work better as a light night cream, such as one that I might consider using during the summer months when my skin is not so dry.
The product does not include any fragrance ingredients at all but does have a bit of a scent that I find slightly off-putting in terms of wanting to use the product very much.
It smells to me a bit like a chemical fertilizer such as Miracle Gro. I wonder if that is the bakuchiol in it.
In general, this is a reasonably priced product that has a quite clean ingredients list and that seems to work fine on my skin.
I don’t like it as much as some of the other day creams that I have tried, but I do think that it is a good value for the price.
Size: 1.8 oz.
Amazon Rating: 4.4 Stars (8752 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Phenoxyethanol (4). (Also contains Corn starch, Soybean oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, decyl cocoate, sunflower seed oil, glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, cetyl alcohol, bakuchiol, beeswax, glyceryl stearate citrate, stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, corn starch, tocopherol, soybean oil, sclerotium gum, xanthan gum, arginine, coco-glucoside, cetearyl alcohol, magnesium aluminum silicate, sodium stearoyl lactylate, phenoxyethanol
Burt’s Bees Sensitive Night Cream – $15
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
The Burt’s Bees website states about this product, “Sleep soundly knowing your sensitive skin is being deeply hydrated and well cared for with this nighttime moisturizer. A soothing blend of Rice Extract and Aloe, coupled with Cotton Extract replenish your skin’s outer layer to guard against potential irritants and infuse your skin with moisture so you can wake up to smooth, supple skin every morning.”
This is a fairly heavy cream that seems to have done a pretty good job of moisturizing my face without irritating it.
I’m a little afraid that the sunflower seed oil in it will go rancid, but so far it seems to have been okay.
Considering how heavily treated cotton plants are with glyphosate and other pesticides, I’m not sure that I think that non-organic cotton extract is a good ingredient for use in a supposedly clean product. Overall the product does feel okay to me though.
I wouldn’t buy this cream again because there are others that I like better, but I do think that it is a good value considering the affordable price.
Size: 1.8 oz.
Amazon Rating: 4.4 Stars (10,310 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Phenoxyethanol (4), Benzoic acid (3), Glyceryl laurate (3), Sodium benzoate (3). (Also contains Alcohol denat., Trehalose.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Cotton flower extract, Artemisia umbelliformis extract
All Ingredients: Water, sunflower seed oil, glycerin, cetyl alcohol, zinc oxide, corn starch, cotton flower extract, rice extract, kaolin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, sucrose, shea butter, artemisia umbelliformis extract, jojoba esters, beet root extract, sugar cane extract, hydrolyzed jojoba esters, fructose, euphrasia officinalis extract, citric acid, xanthan gum, glucose, potassium sorbate, alcohol denat., sucrose polystearate inositol, trehalose, sucrose stearate, benzoic acid, phenoxyethanol, sodium stearoyl lactylate, glyceryl laurate, sodium benzoate, sodium PCA
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – $12
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(3 / 5)
The description of this product reads, “Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Face and Body has a unique formula that provides 24-hour hydration and helps restore the protective skin barrier with three essential ceramides (1,3,6-II). The formula also contains hyaluronic acid to help retain skin’s natural moisture. The moisturizing cream utilizes patented MVE controlled-release technology to help replenish ceramides and deliver long lasting moisturization. The moisturizing cream is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and oil-free.”
I have yet to try this product.
Size: 8 oz.
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Unclear
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Ceteareth-20 (4), Petrolatum (4), Dimethicone (3), Behentrimonium methosulfate (4), Phenoxyethanol (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Petrolatum, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Moisturizer – $60
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
The description of this moisturizer from Drunk Elephant reads, “Lala Retro is a whipped dream-come-true for tired, dry skin. This multifaceted rescue cream, infused with six African oils and a plant ceramide complex, provides replenishing barrier support by reinforcing skin’s acid mantle and defending against the effects of everyday stressors. Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer easily soaks in to release intense hydration. In addition, antioxidant-rich fermented green tea helps combat signs of aging. Loaded with omega acids, Lala helps skin retain long-lasting moisture, forming a protective layer that allows skin to function at its optimal level.”
The main ingredients in this product are glycerin and coconut-derived moisturizers.
The product also contains some ceramides and some sodium hyaluronate.
The fifth ingredient of this product is Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil/Glucose/Glycine Soja (Soybean) Meal/Malt Extract/Yeast Extract Ferment Filtrate. That sounds to me like it is a fermented ingredient and could explain why I rather like this product despite the problematic ingredients that it includes.
Although this is a light cream, I would not want to wear it during the day since I think it is a little too greasy to work well with makeup.
I have mostly used the product as Drunk Elephant suggests, by mixing a little bit of it with a serum of some kind into a “smoothie.”
I then apply a thin layer of the mixture to my skin prior to putting on a heavier moisturizer.
Although the product contains a few ingredients that EWG considers to be potentially problematic (including the emulsifier ceteareth-20 and the preservatives chlorphenesin and phenoxyethanol), my skin seems to have tolerated it fine.
However, I doubt I will buy this product again, since it is pretty expensive and since I am not really seeing any substantial advantages over some of the more reasonably priced products that I like more.
Size: 1.69 oz.
Essential Oils Etc.: None
Ulta Rating: 4.7 Stars (1327 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Yes
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Ceteareth-20 (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), Chlorphenesin (3), Phenoxyethanol (4). (Also contains Soybean meal, Citric acid.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Isostearate, Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil/Glucose/Glycine Soja (Soybean) Meal/Malt Extract/Yeast Extract Ferment Filtrate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Alcohol, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Watermelon Seed Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-6 Ximenia Americana Seedate, Cholesterol, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Ceteareth-20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tocopherol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Evanhealy Whipped Shea Butter With Olive Leaf – $38
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (3 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
The Evanhealy site states about this product, “Whipped Shea Butter with Olive Leaf rejuvenates and protects extremely dry and dehydrated skin, having a remarkable effect on wrinkles, softening and smoothing fine lines, all signs of stress held in our face and eye area. After a few days of consistent use skin appears noticeably improved. Our Whipped Shea Butter, rich in essential fatty acids, cinnamic acid, and vitamins C, E, and K, heals dry, sensitive skin conditions while providing maximum barrier protection without a heavy feeling or clogging tiny dermal pores. It is especially effective when treating red/angry skin conditions. Our Whipped Shea Butters are a combination of luscious and nourishing oils: California- grown extra-virgin olive oil, and a Madagascar vanilla- infused jojoba oil. These restorative and concentrated butters are prepared by hand in small batches. Over a period of four to six hours we slowly add each oil into the raw unrefined shea butter as it gently and continuously whips. At the end, we add the a proprietary blend of Flower Essences.”
This is an all-natural product with a homemade feeling, of the sort that I would expect to buy from a small local company at a farmer’s market.
The whipped shea butter is not all that stable and has the tendency to lose its fluffy character over time, especially if exposed to temperature extremes.
There is a pretty strong real vanilla scent (from both vanilla oil and vanilla extract), along with a slight scent of herbs.
I’m not usually that crazy about putting a lot of shea butter on my face because it feels rather heavy to me.
I think that some people who want a totally natural product might appreciate this one, though.
Size: 1.9 oz.
Pharmaca Rating: 4.3 Stars (16 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Comfrey leaf extract (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: Calendula flower extract, Vanilla planifolia oil, Nettle leaf extract, Comfrey leaf extract, Self heal extract, Vanilla planifolia bean extract
All Ingredients (Original): Shea Butter*, Olive Oil*, Jojoba Seed Oil*, Olive Leaf Extract*, Calendula Flower Extract*, Vanilla Planifolia Oil*, Nettle Leaf Extract*, Comfrey Leaf Extract*, Self Heal Extract*, Vanilla Planifolia Bean Extract*, Vitamin E (Tocopherol). *Organic
The Outset Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream – $54
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
The description of this product on The Outset website reads, “This buttery-soft, intensely moisturizing night cream helps restore suppleness overnight, for a smoother and more radiant complexion in the morning. Intensely moisturizes with Hyaluroset Complex, restoring suppleness while you sleep. Niacinamide helps to boost cell turnover, improve texture and protect skin from environmental stressors. Bakuchiol, a gentler and non-irritating botanical alternative to retinol, smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
While this moisturizer is definitely richer and thicker than The Outset’s regular daytime moisturizer, I have found that it has worked okay for me under makeup during the daytime as well.
I appreciate the inclusion of bakuchiol and niacinamide in the product and think that my skin has responded well to it, without experiencing any irritation.
While EWG notes some potentially problematic ingredients, I’ve never found any of these to cause issues for me in other products.
While this is not an inexpensive product, I feel like it is reasonably priced considering the apparent quality.
I’ve used up most of a jar already and anticipate buying it again in the near future.
Size: 1.7 oz.
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Myristyl myristate (3), Orange fruit extract (4), Licorice root extract (4), Phenoxyethanol (4), Acacia senegal gum (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Matricaria flower extract, Orange fruit extract, Lemon fruit extract
All Ingredients: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Palmitate, Propanediol, Hydrogenated Sunflower Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Glycerin, Sunflower Seed Oil, Myristyl Myristate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Sunflower Seed Oil Glyceryl Esters, Evening Primrose Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Grape Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Avocado Oil, Niacinamide, Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide, Bakuchiol, Matricaria Flower Extract, Orange Fruit Extract, Lemon Fruit Extract, Sugarcane Extract, Sugar Maple Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Jojoba Esters, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Diheptyl Succinate, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Saccharide Isomerate, Panthenol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dextran, Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Phytate.
Three Ships Dream Bio-Retinol + Shorea Butter Night Cream – $35
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
The description of this product reads, “Our new night cream works to intensely hydrate skin and even out skin tone, leaving your skin feeling softer and smoother overnight. The key? A super gentle, plant-based retinol from Picão Preto – a medicinal herb that’s native to Brazil. Vegan squalane and seed butters like Shorea and Murumuru give this product a nice creamy texture that seals in moisture. Concentration of Key Actives: Bio-Retinol (1%), Shorea Butter (3%), Squalane (3%).”
I have yet to try this product but hope to do so soon.
Size: 1.7 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.7 Stars (109 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Cetyl lactate (4). (Also contains Cottonseed oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter, Squalane, Olus Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Lactate, Propanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Palmitic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, C12-16 Alcohols, Diheptyl Succinate, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Bidens Pilosa Extract (Bio-Retinol), Cottonseed Oil, Linseed Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Polyglyceryl-3 Dicitrate/Stearate, Jojoba Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Sunflower Seed Extract
Typology 9-Ingredient Face Moisturizer – $27
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
The description of this product reads, “A minimalist, fragrance-free moisturizer with a lightweight, non-greasy texture. Dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin. 99% naturally-derived. Developed using only the most essential ingredients, all unnecessary additives have been left out of this formula. The end result? A lightweight hydrating cream comprised of just nine potent ingredients. This cream is suitable for normal to combination skin, including sensitive skin. We do not recommend it for use on oily skin.”
Following are the nine ingredients in this product: 1) water, 2) coconut oil, 3) glycerin, 4) cetyl alcohol (a waxy moisturizer derived from vegetable oils), 5) pentylene glycol (a synthetic humectant), 6) cetyl phosphate (an emulsifier and surfactant), 7) lye, 8) sodium hyaluronate (a hydrator), and 9) o-cymen-5-Ol (a preservative).
This therefore is a coconut-based moisturizer, with the other ingredients mostly seeming to have been added to help the product to feel less greasy on the skin.
I think that this product is still a little too greasy for me to use during the day but that it has worked well for me for nighttime use.
Usually I mix it with some facial oils for some extra moisturizing benefits.
Size: 1.69 oz.
Typology Rating: 4.5 Stars (1916 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Coconut Oil, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, o-Cymen-5-Ol
Typology Nourishing Moisturizer – $33
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
The description of this product reads, “Tasked with reducing the appearance of fine lines caused by dehydration, this cream is formulated with hydrating hyaluronic acid. We also include nourishing squalane and shea butter to make the skin more soft and supple. An active-rich moisturizer to restore suppleness and comfort to dry, tight skin. 98% naturally-derived. This cream is suitable for all skin types, especially for dry, normal, and combination skin.”
This product contains plum oil as the second ingredient, along with several other moisturizers and hydrators that usually seem to be pretty good for my skin.
I have found that this cream feels good on my skin and has worked well for me when I use it prior to bedtime (usually with some additional facial oil mixed in).
I haven’t felt that it has been appropriate for use during the day unless I am not planning to wear any makeup though.
I like this product enough considering the reasonable price that I might buy it again.
Size: 1.7 oz.
Typology Rating: 4.3 Stars (846 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Benzyl alcohol (6)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Prunus Domestica Seed Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Squalane, Glycerin, Olive Fruit Oil, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethyl Oleate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Shea Butter, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Tocopherol, Sunflower Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Benzyl Alcohol
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream – $7
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
The description of this product reads, “Formulated for sensitive skin. Free of dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens and formaldehyde releasers. Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). Ideal for daily use by the entire family. Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. Gluten-free. Dermatologist tested.”
I have yet to try this product.
Size: 4 oz.
Target Rating: 4.6 Stars (301 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Unclear
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Petrolatum (4), Propylene glycol (3), Ceteareth-20 (3), PEG-30 stearate (3), BHT (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Purified Water, Petrolatum, Sorbitol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Ceteareth-20, Simethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-30 Stearate, Sorbic Acid, BHT
Shopping List
This section lists products that seem that they may have potential and that I am hoping to try in the near future.
Readers are highly encouraged to bring other relevant products that they have tried to my attention so that I can add them to this list.
Bybi Face Base Moisturizer – $16
About This Website
The Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping website is designed to provide guidance to those seeking out products that are relatively low in toxicity and that provide generally positive user experiences.
Although the skincare and makeup sections have a particular focus on products appropriate for women who are in their 40’s or beyond, the information provided may be useful for other people as well.
The products are curated by Lisa Petrison, who has been focused on helping people to improve their health by avoiding toxicity since 2008 and who heads the Paradigm Change organization.
Her Living Clean in a Dirty World blog site discusses a variety of topics of relevance to those who are working to pursue a more natural lifestyle with less exposure to harmful toxicity.
Lisa is the author of several books, including A Beginner’s Guide to Mold Avoidance (co-written with Erik Johnson).
She also runs the Paradigm Change website (focusing on issues related to toxic mold illness) and the Mold Avoiders Facebook group (designed for the discussion of all topics of interest to those pursuing the mold avoidance approach described in the “Beginner’s Guide” book).
Lisa was born in August 1964 and has yet to try cosmetic surgery, Botox or other cosmetic treatments requiring interactions with a physician, or beauty products containing retinoids.
In her former life, Lisa worked as a business school professor, as a marketing consultant to a variety of large companies, and as a reporter covering the advertising industry.
She holds a Ph.D. in marketing and social psychology from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as well as B.S./M.S. degrees from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern.
Lisa would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Ellen Kleiman-Redden for her help in trying out products and discussing issues related to this project.
She also would like to thank the many members of the Mold Avoiders community who have shared suggestions of products to be included here.
A Note From Lisa
Products that I have tried or researched and that I have not found to be acceptable from a toxicity standpoint have been omitted entirely from the discussions on this website.
However, since a goal of this project is to introduce people to a range of options in terms of price and functionality, some products discussed on this site include ingredients that may not be appropriate for everyone.
It’s my hope that all individuals making their way to this site will find at least a few options from each product category that meet all of their own needs and wants from a variety of perspectives.
The vast majority of cosmetics marketers now offer affiliate programs in which Internet content creators may earn commissions if people who are referred to the companies’ sites by clicking on links end up making purchases.
I participate in quite a few individual affiliate programs as well as in the Sovrn/Viglinks program (which automatically converts regular links into revenue-generating links).
Links on this page that may result in affiliate income may include – but are not necessarily limited to – those from the following companies: Amazon, Beautycounter, Burt’s Bees, Bybi, CeraVe, Credo, Drunk Elephant, Evanhealy, Goop, Pharmaca, Sephora, Target, The Outset, Three Ships, Ulta, Vanicream, and Vitacost.
Reader comments about products discussed on this website are very welcome.
Thoughts may be shared either by posting them in the comments section at the bottom of this page or by sending them directly to me at the following email address:
info at paradigmchange dot me
Companies that would like to offer me complimentary products to try out may contact me at this address as well.
Individuals who are seeking out less-toxic products or who are interested in pursuing a cleaner and healthier lifestyle may want to sign up to receive occasional email newsletters from Living Clean in a Dirty World.
Those signing up will receive a free PDF copy of the book Back From The Edge (describing the extraordinary life of mold avoidance pioneer Erik Johnson) and also will be automatically entered in sweepstakes giving away a variety of cleaner products.
Thanks very much for visiting the Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping site!
Links on this page are in orange (no underlining).
