90-Day Review: Best Clean Face Cream of 2025

Finding an effective face cream is challenging enough – finding one that's both clean and effective can feel nearly impossible. The challenge lies in the very nature of face creams: unlike serums or oils, creams are emulsions that require preservative systems to prevent bacterial growth and maintain stability. Traditional preservatives like parabens have earned consumer distrust, but removing them isn't simple. Many "clean" alternatives either don't work effectively enough to ensure product safety or impact the cream's texture and performance.

Then there's the question of efficacy. A face cream needs to provide lasting hydration, support skin barrier function, and deliver active ingredients – all while feeling luxurious on the skin. Many clean formulations struggle to achieve this balance without conventional emulsifiers and synthetic texture enhancers.

To identify products that successfully navigate these formulation challenges while delivering real results, an independent panel of clean beauty experts and advocates conducted an extensive evaluation of 37 clean face creams. Over three months, they assessed each product's efficacy, and user experience, documenting how they performed across different skin types.

Evaluation Criteria

Ease of Use

• Texture and spreadability

• Absorption rate

• Packaging functionality

• Layer-ability (morning and evening)

• Sensory experience

Performance

• Immediate hydration

• Long-term moisturizing effects

• Barrier support

• Texture improvement

• Stability throughout use

• Performance under makeup

The Top 10 Clean Face Creams

#1 : Orpheus Skincare - Resurrection Bio-Shield Cream ($126)

The Resurrection Bio-Shield Cream by Orpheus Skincare is an intensive restoring treatment that repairs the skin barrier while shielding against moisture loss and pollution. Its rich texture melts into the skin, creating a breathable bio-shield that delivers an immediate dewy glow.

Formulated with the Orpheus Flower Cell Peptide Complex®, a blend of antioxidants, peptides, and botanical stem cells, the cream helps visibly firm the skin and reduce fine lines. Barrier-strengthening ingredients like organic chia seed oil, bio-ceramides, niacinamide, and Vitamin E lock in moisture and improve texture. The innovative formula also includes anionic polysaccharides and cacao extract to protect against pollution. Clinically proven to increase lipid protection from pollution-induced oxidation by 21% and enhance moisture retention by 42% for up to 7 days.

Expert Notes:

"I loved this product! My skin felt so soft and smooth after using it. It evened out my skin tone including any redness in my cheeks. My makeup went on so much better after using it. My skin was more hydrated after using it and it helped with dry skin. Not sure it reduced any lines because I didn’t have a long period of time to test it out.

There isn’t really anything I didn’t like I really loved this product!" - Lindsay Fuller, @cleanlivingwithlindsay

"Love that the product is packaged in glass to keep the plastic from leeching out. Super intense moisture that lasts all day and into the evening, but did not leave my skin feeling greasy or oily. Fantastic for the winter months where we are using a lot of heat. This product did not irritate my skin or eyes, had a great texture and creaminess and no fragrance." - Shannon Mann, @oysterstopearls

"The first word that comes to my mind with this cream is Groundbreaking! I love how its multifunctional and products skin with so many transformative benefits. From the first-time use, my skin fell in love with it." - Michelle Guttman, @beauty.n.furbabyfanatic

#2 : Twin Skin - Skinmimetic Moisture Essence Roman Chamomile ($75)

The Skinmimetic Moisture Essence Roman Chamomile by Twin Skin is a premium, advanced moisturizer designed to restore a healthy glow. This formula features barrier-nurturing postbiotics and skin-identical ingredients that help optimize skin performance.

It’s a powerful yet gentle concentrate that supports the skin’s natural microbiome, promoting balance and hydration while being kind to the skin. Ideal for nourishing and enhancing the skin’s overall health.

Expert Notes:

"I absolutely loved this product! One of the best skincare products I have ever used! I loved the beautiful glass bottle it came in and the smell of chamomile. I used this mostly at night and loved walking up to the softest smoothest skin. My skin also looked bright and healthy." - Lindsay Fuller, @cleanlivingwithlindsay

"Extra points for the glass bottle. Beautiful texture and ingredients. I loved the way this makes my skin feel and the texture is beautiful underneath makeup as well." - Shannon Mann, @oysterstopearls

#3 : Lemongrass Spa Products - Bakuchiol Cloud Creme ($45)

The Bakuchiol Cloud Creme by Lemongrass Spa is a light, vegan nighttime moisturizer that uses Bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol, to support skin rejuvenation. Infused with niacinamide and vitamin E, the formula helps even skin tone and boost radiance.

Cloudberry seed oil, rich in omega fatty acids and vitamin C, nourishes and revitalizes the skin, while organic aloe vera juice and sunflower oil help replenish the skin barrier and plump the appearance of skin. This velvety, cooling cream promotes healthier collagen production and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother, more youthful complexion.

Expert Notes:

"This has a wonderful list of ingredients including Bakuchiol which offers multiple anti-aging benefits, soothing, and evens skin tone. This is a great product and I love it contained in an airtight container to keep it stable and free from bacteria from cross-contamination. An addition of a spatula would be great too if it's in a jar container." - Carms Luzon, @lifewithcarms

"I was very happy with the combination of ingredients in this face cream. I love the use of Bakuchiol, cloudberry, and niacinamide. This did an excellent job leaving my skin feeling hydrated and nourished" - Ellen Stoll, @ellecookie

#4 : AYSWE - Daily Hydration Weightless Cream ($40)

The Daily Hydration Weightless Cream by AYSWE is a lightweight, vegan face cream designed to hydrate and replenish the skin. Enriched with organic Roman Chamomile flower water, natural squalene, and shea butter oil, this slightly pink lotion absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.

Ideal for even sensitive skin, it provides nourishing moisture and care, leaving the skin feeling soft, refreshed, and balanced.

Expert Notes:

"Would love a tiny bit less watery. Loved how lightweight, but wanted a tad bit more staying power." - Jesica Williams, @feelmoregooder

"This cream could easily become my skin's new best friend. From its light yet luxe texture to its fabulous benefits, this cream knows how to treat skin. I love what it has done for my skin." - Michelle Guttman, @beauty.n.furbabyfanatic

"love the airless pump and luxury packaging. Light fragrance and glides easily on face. I love the feel of this on the skin. I would like a bit more direction on the product jar itself, and a QR code to link to how to use, faqs and to re-order would be helpful. Overall I recommend!" - Liz Lehman, @aluminateliferx/

#5 : Nuthatch Naturals - Nuthatch Naturals Daily Soothing Lotion ($17.95)

The Nuthatch Naturals Daily Soothing Lotion is a gentle, mild formula designed for children with dry skin. Made with 100% biobased moisturizing ingredients such as Kokum Butter, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, and Snow Mushroom extract, it provides soothing hydration.

This hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested lotion is free from fragrances and questionable ingredients, making it a safe and comforting choice for children’s sensitive skin.

Expert Notes:

"This product is 100% fragrance free. It contains so many great ingredients that make the skin soft and keep it moisturized for hours. This is not only perfect for children but adults as well." - Shannon Mann, @oysterstopearls

"Absolutely love this formulation. Scent-Free and super gentle. Very emollient yet lightweight." - Shannon Grant, @fightingmothernature

#6 : Desert Essence - Moisturizing Ceramide Cream ($17.99) 

The Moisturizing Ceramide Cream by Desert Essence is a nourishing daily moisturizer that features a proprietary blend of three different ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) to support the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Shea butter helps soothe, while jojoba oil, avocado oil, and olive oil provide hydration and rejuvenation, leaving the skin soft and silky without a greasy feel. This cream is ideal for sensitive skin.

Expert Notes:

"This is the perfect moisturizer for my combination to dry winter skin. It has a beautiful rich texture that feels lightweight on the skin. It absorbs nicely when I massage it into my skin without leaving a sticky or greasy residue. It leaves my skin silky soft, smooth and super hydrated. It layers beautifully with other skincare products or makeup without pilling. If you have dry and sensitive skin, then this will be your go to moisturizer!" - Hendrika Van Dijk, @hendrikavd

"Probably one of the thinnest and more lightweight creams I’ve encountered; however its viscosity bears no relevance to its effectiveness. Nice Herbal Scent." - Shannon Grant, @fightingmothernature

#7 : OliPhenolia biodynamic Cosmetics - Face Cream ($25.80)

The Face Cream by OliPhenolia Biodynamic Cosmetics is a light, soft, and pleasant moisturizer that features ultrapure water obtained from olives, extra virgin olive oil, and olive fruit water extract, all sourced from biodynamic agriculture at Fattoria La Vialla. Rich in natural polyphenols (OLIPHENOLIA), the cream also contains vitamins E and C, hyaluronic acid, moisturizing glycerine, and calming betaine.

This cream offers moisturizing, perfecting, and emollient benefits, promoting an even complexion and youthful-looking skin. It has earned the maximum Excellent 5-star seal from Dermatest.

Expert Notes:

"Love the potent power of olives, so was impressed with this formula." - Jesica Williams, @feelmoregooder

"This cream is a powerhouse! It has natural olive polyphenols and extra virgin olive oil to provide moisturizing, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and regenerative care to skin. I love its silky texture that feels so amazing on my skin. The visible results from skin being intensely moisturized and nourished with antioxidants are gamechanging. I love this cream but wish the scent was a bit different. Its not bad at all, I just prefer a different scent." - Michelle Guttman, @beauty.n.furbabyfanatic

"Nice natural fragrance, but this feels a bit heavy and sticky on my face. would recommend changing the jar label to have a QR link to faqs, benefits and to re-order, as there is little user information on the jar itself." - Liz Lehman, @aluminateliferx/
 
​​​​#8: KM Herbals - Rosehips Ultra C Moisture Complex ($80)  

The Rosehips Ultra C Moisture Complex by KM Herbals is a dual-purpose moisturizer and brightening treatment. This rich, silky crème combines skin-loving ingredients to provide a soothing, protective effect while absorbing with a soft, non-greasy finish.

Organic Rosehip CO2, packed with Vitamin C and A, helps improve the appearance of scarring and discoloration, while Calendula and Seaweed Extracts purify and calm the skin, protecting it from free radical damage. Comfrey Root, rich in Allantoin, adds additional moisturizing and protective benefits, making it ideal for dry, dehydrated, or dull complexions.

Expert Notes:

"Lovely nourishing cream. It’s lightweight yet emollient. No detectable scent. Really rehydrates parched skin." - Shannon Grant, @fightingmothernature

"I love that I get the benefits of a moisturizer with the brightening of a serum in just one product. The texture is rich, but it has a silkiness to it that feels lightweight on my skin and does not leave my skin feeling sticky or oily. It absorbs beautifully and instantly hydrates and nourishes my dry skin. I like how it provides my skin with a soft glowing finish. It evens my skin tone and has improved my dull looking skin. It is the perfect all year long moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated, nourished and looking bright!" - Hendrika Van Dijk, @hendrikavd

#9 : Jessica Wellness Skincare - Magic Skin Healing Moisturizer ($73)

Meet Magic Skin, Jessica Wellness Skincare’s first product and a best-seller for a reason. This powerful blend delivers instantly healthy, smooth, and youthful-looking skin. Its unique formula helps to reverse, delay, and erase signs of aging while nourishing the skin with a combination of seed, tree, and flower extracts. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, Magic Skin is effective for conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea. Every ingredient is thoughtfully selected to enhance skin health, regardless of age or condition. With key benefits like delivering nourishment and hydration, calming irritated skin, balancing sebum production, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles, Magic Skin is a must-have in any skincare routine.

Expert Notes:

"This moisturizer is indeed magical for my combination to dry and mature skin. Especially now with the cold winter weather my skin is super dry and irritated. Usually, I do not like to use heavy creams as they make my skin feel greasy. This moisturizer has a nice rich texture, but I only need a small amount and once I massage it first in my hands it just melts and turns into a smooth texture that is easy to apply to my skin. I love that it can also be used on the hands. This moisturizer instantly nourishes and soothes my dry skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth without any greasy or sticky feeling. My skin feels healthy and looks more radiant!" - Hendrika Van Dijk,@hendrikavd

#10 : SAOR - Postbiotic Moisturiser ($36.82)

The Rosehips Ultra C Moisture Complex by KM Herbals is a dual-purpose moisturizer and brightening treatment. This rich, silky crème combines skin-loving ingredients to provide a soothing, protective effect while absorbing with a soft, non-greasy finish.

Organic Rosehip CO2, packed with Vitamin C and A, helps improve the appearance of scarring and discoloration, while Calendula and Seaweed Extracts purify and calm the skin, protecting it from free radical damage. Comfrey Root, rich in Allantoin, adds additional moisturizing and protective benefits, making it ideal for dry, dehydrated, or dull complexions.

Expert Notes:

"This moisturizer delivers!!! The thick texture applies smoothly, evenly and is the perfect night or day moisturizer. If used under foundation it gives a flawless finish and a dewy complexion and moisturizes all day! Also helps with clearing blemishes. This is my new favorite" - Shannon Mann, @oysterstopearls

"I love how the moisturizer targets multiple skincare concerns. It truly felt like I was pampering my skin with just what it needed. Best of all, I saw visible results with my renewed bright, youthful looking, healthy complexion." - Michelle Guttman, @beauty.n.furbabyfanatic

"There was a great moisturizer! Good for everyday use. Not too heavy and the feel of it was soft and smooth. It felt great on my skin. My skin felt more hydrated and reduced any redness I had." - Lindsay Fuller, @cleanlivingwithlindsay

Looking Forward

The clean face cream category continues to evolve, with formulators finding increasingly sophisticated solutions to previous limitations. This year's top performers demonstrate that it's possible to create safe, stable, and effective clean formulations without compromising on performance or sensory experience.

A well-formulated face cream does more than just hydrate—it strengthens the skin barrier, improves moisture retention, and supports your skincare routine. The best clean face creams of 2025 proved that clean beauty can match (or even outperform) conventional formulations when stability and performance are prioritized. But hydration alone isn’t enough, effective sun protection is just as essential for maintaining healthy skin. Next, we ranked clean suncare products—here’s what stood out in this year’s lineup.

Follow us on Instagram (@CertCleanInc) for more clean beauty recommendations from this year’s judging panel. You can also subscribe to our newsletter and grab your free copy of the 2025 Clean Beauty Awards Ultimate Guide, a full rundown of this year’s top-performing products!