What Are Parabens And Why Should We Avoid Them In Our Skin Care Routine?

Parabens are chemical preservatives added to skin care products to prolong their shelf life. They are meant to prevent fungi, yeast, molds, and bacteria from forming in the products. However, these ingredients can irritate the skin and cause damage. Parabens in skin care products are highly unsafe, harsh, and disrupt the hormones when they penetrate deep into the skin and build up gradually over the years. They may also enter the bloodstream and affect the normal functioning of the reproductive system. Hence, it is better to opt for products that do not contain these harmful ingredients. Let’s take a look at the 13 best paraben-free skin care products you can buy online.

13 Best Paraben-Free Skin Care Products For Your Routine

1. Best Lightweight Moisturizer:Belei Retinol Refining Moisturizer

This Retinol Refining Moisturizer from Belei is infused with organic aloe vera and penetrates deep into the skin pores. It nourishes your skin with vitamin A and makes it look and feel younger from the first application. This moisturizer is botanically enriched with hyaluronic acid, which helps even out fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes. The squalene traps in moisture and keeps your skin hydrated for long. It is one of the best paraben-free moisturizers and works well on different skin types, whether dry, oily, combination, mature, normal, or acne-prone. The refining moisturizer uses cutting-edge technology to bring the best results for your skin. Key Ingredients: Vitamin A, Squalene, Hyaluronic acid, and Organic aloe vera Pros

Compact Dermatologist-tested Lightweight Smells good Cruelty-free Sulfate-free Artificial fragrance-free Phthalate-free

Cons

Pills under makeup

2. Best Non-Drying Makeup Remover:Bliss Makeup Melt Jelly Cleanser

This product from Bliss is a universal cleanser and effective eye makeup remover that soothes your skin. The jelly-like formula easily melts into the skin when applied. It is super mild and works instantly to soothe skin irritation, redness, and inflammation. This cleanser is infused with rose flowers and balances gentleness and effective cleansing. The Bliss Makeup Jelly is suitable for use on sensitive skin. This paraben-free cosmetic contains vitamin B5 that seals in moisture and rejuvenates surface skin cells. The pump packaging is handy to use and carry along on travels. Key Ingredients: Rose flower and Vitamin B5 Pros

Gentle Non-drying Cruelty-free Phthalate-free SLS-free SLES-free Formaldehyde-free DEA-free TEA-free MEA-free Petroleum-free Urea-free Mineral oil-free

Cons

Unpleasant smell

3. Best Dermatologist Tested:Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream

The Snail Recovery Gel Cream from Mizon features the rejuvenating qualities of snail mucin extracts, boosts skin elasticity, and helps it recover. It minimizes wrinkles, marks, scars, blemishes, fine lines, and other signs of aging and makes your skin feel smooth, nourished, and youthful. The cream contains hyaluronic acid that keeps your skin fresh and moisturized for a long period. The blend of Centella asiatica, green tea extract, and portulaca forms a protective barrier over the skin to prevent damage caused by free radicals. This gel also contains adenosine that diminishes wrinkles and vitamins and peptides that firm your skin. Watch this video of the product for more information. Key Ingredients: Snail mucin extracts, Hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica, Green tea extract, and Portulaca Pros

Suitable for all skin types Dermatologically tested Lightweight Non-greasy Fragrance-free Artificial color-free

Cons

May cause breakouts.

4. Best Anti-Aging Benefits:SheaMoisture Head-To-Toe Nourishing Hydration

This cream from Shea Moisture is made of 100% virgin coconut oil, antioxidants, and vitamin E. It nourishes your body from head to toe and serves as a good massage cream. You can apply it to the hair, body, face, hands, feet, and skin for its nourishing properties and healing benefits. The unique blend of ingredients helps soften and repair damaged skin and eliminate the signs of aging. Whether you have normal, dry, combination, sensitive, mature, or acne-prone skin type, this cream is effective. It can be used to moisturize and nourish the skin, treat skin issues, and clear makeup impurities. The natural triglycerides in the formula decrease frizz and boost your hair’s shine, softness, and manageability. Check out the detailed review of the product in this video. Key Ingredients: Coconut oil Pros

Absorbed quickly Multipurpose Phthalate-free Mineral oil-free Sulfate-free

Cons

Greasy

5. Best For Sensitive Skin:HONEST BEAUTY Elevated Hydration Mist

The Elevated Hydration Mist by HONEST beauty is a refreshing facial mist formulated with aloe vera, watermelon extract, and hyaluronic acid to provide a quick and refreshing feeling. The mist leaves behind a pleasant and mild floral scent. Aloe vera helps moisturize and repair damaged and sunburned skin, while hyaluronic acid keeps your skin hydrated by attracting moisture. This product can be sprayed directly onto bare skin, over makeup, and at any time of the day for an instant touch-up. Key Ingredients: Aloe barbadens is leaf extract, Watermelon extract, and Hyaluronic acid Pros

Easy to use Dermatologist-tested Toxicologist-verified Ideal for sensitive skin Cruelty-free PEG-free Synthetic fragrance-free Dye-free Phthalate-free Formaldehyde-free

Cons

Strong fragrance May cause breakouts and hives.

6. Best Vegan:I DEW CARE Juicy Kitten Purifying Power-Green Serum

This product from I DEW CARE is a purifying serum that is 100% vegan and perfect for women’s skin. It contains an organic blend of antioxidants like chlorella, moringa seed extract, heartleaf extract, kale, and spirulina that works wonders on blemish and wrinkle-prone skin. The nutrients and antioxidants nourish and heal any scars and marks for healthy skin. The juicy formula brightens your skin and soothes irritation and suntan. This product works best when applied directly onto the skin after your daily cleansing regimen. Key Ingredients: Chlorella, Moringa seed extract, Heartleaf extract, Kale, and Spirulina Pros

Lightweight Long-lasting Vegan Gluten-free Cruelty-free Sulfate-free Formaldehyde-free

Cons

Expensive May irritate sensitive skin.

7. Best For Improving Skin Vitality:COSRX Clarifying Treatment Toner

This tonerfrom COSRX is a mild exfoliating toner formulated with AHA, BHA, and enriching botanical ingredients. It has skin purifying effects that last through the day. This toner improves skin vitality and texture and tones up the pores and facial muscles. It is a mild exfoliator and removes dead skin cells and dullness. The natural ingredients present in the toner include10% apple water and willow bark water that are gentle and soothing on all skin types. Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, Beta in salicylate, Apple fruit water and Willow bark water Pros

Gentle Suitable for all skin types 100% vegan Cruelty-free

Cons

May cause breakouts.

8. Best Non-Comedogenic:Garnier SkinActive The Gentle Sulfate-Free Cleanser

This cleanser from Garnier forms a rich lather that cleanses dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and makeup residue. The formula contains active ingredients that are mild and effective on all skin types. Glycerin soothes irritated skin, leaving your skin fresh and clean. This cleanser softens your skin and removes impurities easily with every wash. It makes your skin feel smooth, squeaky clean, and never dry. Key Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, and Citric acid Pros

Ideal for sensitive skin Non-comedogenic Dermatologist-tested Ophthalmologist-tested Sulfate-free Alcohol-free Fragrance-free Oil-free

Cons

May dry the skin out.

9. Best Plant-Based Moisturizers:Dove Nourishing Body Wash

This gel-like body wash is suitable for sensitive skin. It nourishes and cleanses your face and the rest of your body of dirt, impurities, dead skin cells, and buildup. The formula includes natural skin nourishing ingredients and plant-based moisturizers that enhance skin texture. The unique Moisture Renew Blend penetrates deep into the layers of the skin. This body wash pampers your skin with its richly lathering and luxurious formula. Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Lauric acid, Stearic acid, Palmitic acid, and Hydrogenated soybean oil Pros

pH-balanced Dermatologically recommended Microbiome gentle Hypoallergenic Cruelty-free Sulfate-free

Cons

Strong scent May cause hives and breakouts.

10. Best Reef-Friendly:Sun Bum Premium Moisturizing Sunscreen Spray

This sunscreen from Sun Bum has SPF 30 that shields your skin from the harsh rays of the sun. It ensures protection from both UVA and UVB rays, is ideal for daily use, and smells like summer. It contains vitamin E that moisturizes and nourishes your skin. The formula is reef-friendly and suitable for use on all skin types. Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene Pros

Has SPF 30 Water-resistant Non-comedogenic Hypoallergenic Cruelty-free Octinoxate-free Oxybenzone-free Oil-free

Cons

Feels greasy

11. Best For Dry Skin:Ora’s Amazing Herbal Ultra Healing Body Butter

This unscented body butter from Ora’s is blended with phytonutrients, antioxidants, and herbs that protect dull-looking skin and reduce the signs of aging. It contains organic shea butter, grape seed, apricot, and plantain extracts that nourish and moisturize the skin. This product is perfect for sensitive and dry skin types. It deeply penetrates the skin and helps in treating dry skin, cracked heels, eczema, stretch marks, chronic keratosis pilaris, and other skin problems. The herbal base oil infused in this cream also helps to get rid of dry elbows, knees, and frizzy hair.  You can use this product not only on the skin but also as a deeply nourishing conditioner and hair pomade. Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Calendula, Grape seed, Apricot, and Plantain Pros

Pleasant aroma Gluten-free No synthetic chemicals Toxin-free Cruelty-free

Cons

Expensive

12. Best Hydrating:Aveeno Oat Mask

The Aveeno Oat Mask contains oats, feverfew extract, and pumpkin seed extract to soothe and nourish the skin. The formula restores balance and hydrates the skin, making it feel velvety soft. This face mask can be applied directly onto a clean face and must be left on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off. It is recommended to use it at least 2-3 times per week for visible results. Key Ingredients: Oat kernel flour, Pumpkin seed extract, and Feverfew extract Pros

Gentle Smells good Non-comedogenic Allergy-tested Phthalate-free

Cons

Contains alcohol Doesnot rinse off easily.

13. Best For Chapped Lips:Burt’s Bees Moisturizing Lip Balm

The Burt’s Bees Lip Balm is enriched with natural oils and butter and is a must-have in every woman’s beauty kit. It conditions your lips with kokum butter, shea butter, and cocoa butter. The balm makes your lips feel soft, plump, and smooth when applied regularly. The formula locks in moisture and prevents chapped and dry lips. All it takes is just one swipe on the lips for deep moisturization, and your lips feel refreshed for upto 4 hours. Key Ingredients: Kokum butter, Shea butter, and Cocoa butter Pros

100% natural ingredients Matte finish Phthalate-free Petrolatum-free SLS-free

Cons

Does not last long.

No matter what skin type you have, avoiding paraben in your daily skincare is always a wise option. Paraben is a silent killer known to cause skin irritation and disrupt body hormones. Read the guide below to learn how to buy the best paraben-free skincare products correctly.

Things To Consider While Choosing The Best Paraben-free Skincare

Ingredients

Parabens are sneakily used in skincare products under different names that are hard to recognize. Know the other synonyms of paraben used in skincare and look for them in the ingredient list. Some commonly used names of paraben used in skincare that you should avoid are methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, ethylparaben, and isopropyl paraben. Instead, look for alternatives such as Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, etc.

Formula

Naturally developed skincare often contains good ingredients without adding synthetic and artificial chemicals. If you are looking for paraben-free skincare products, opt for organic or natural formulas.

Labels

Products that are formulated without paraben in them often label themselves as “paraben-free” on the packaging. Carefully observe the packaging on the skincare product and seek out these labels to ensure that your skincare does not have parabens in them.

Brands

It is important to buy skincare from credible and authentic brands. With multiple online brands, it can be tricky to find the one that provides authentic skincare and abides by what they claim. Read customer reviews and do your research before you decide on a brand.

Skin Friendly

Products designed specifically for sensitive skin often lack paraben in their formula. Going for sensitive skin-friendly products can ensure that you are avoiding paraben in your skincare.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach who loves creating comprehensive beauty content for her readers. She has curated this list of paraben-free skin care products after carefully researching, checking reviews online, and going through multiple forums for user feedback. Her well-researched article ensures dermatologist-tested products that are gentle and suitable for every skin type. Not only are these paraben-free skin care products non-greasy, but they are also devoid of artificial coloring and easy to use. Check out our infographic to understand what 0% parabens mean and the benefits of paraben-free cosmetics. Are paraben-free products better? Yes, paraben-free products are better. They do not trigger allergies or other skin conditions. Paraben-free products are best for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Which moisturizer is paraben-free? The Belei Retinol Refining Moisturizer is paraben-free. It reduces aging signs and keeps your skin nourished. Does Cetaphil contain parabens? No. Most Cetaphil products do not contain parabens. Does Nivea have parabens? Yes. Nivea reportedly uses parabens in 30% of its products. Does Olay have parabens? No. Most Olay products are paraben-free. Do dermatologists recommend paraben-free products? Yes, dermatologists recommend paraben-free products as parabens may worsen your skin condition and trigger sensitivity.

Best Natural And Organic Skin Care Brands Best Skin Care Products For Rosacea