The 28 Best Facial Moisturizers of 2023

Best Overall

Tatcha The Water Cream

5

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A long-time Team Byrdie favorite, Tatcha's The Water Cream officially earned its place as the best overall facial moisturizer during our long-term testing. The non-comedogenic formula is lightweight (applying it feels like a refreshing splash of water on your face) and effective, and we love how it leaves skin looking dewy but not greasy. It absorbs quickly and doesn't pill or flake, so there was no disruption to our usual morning makeup routine. It's also hydrating, making it the perfect moisturizer to add to your nighttime skincare regimen, too. 

Like the other products in the brand's repertoire, The Water Cream is free of parabens, mineral oil, and sulfates. It does contain ultra-hydrating botanicals, like Japanese leopard lily and wild rose, along with hyaluronic acid, which plumps skin and fades the appearance of fine lines. From the first try through weeks of continued use, we were impressed by how well the gel cream calmed minor skin irritations, thanks to soothing ingredients like green tea and red algae. 

Though it's suitable for most skin types, The Water Cream is a smart buy if you've got oily or combination skin. (If your skin is very dry or you're looking for a creamy moisturizer to protect your skin in cold weather, we recommend the Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich or the Weleda Skin Food, but more on that later.) At $70 for a 1.7-ounce jar, The Water Cream isn't the most budget-friendly moisturizer on our list—it's not the most expensive, either—but considering that a little of the product goes a long way, it's a great value.

Price at time of publish: $70

Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide | Skin Type: Oily, combo | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Budget

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

4.2

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This anti-aging drugstore face cream isn’t just affordable—it works really, well, thanks to its hyaluronic acid-, amino-peptide complex II- and niacinamide-rich formula, which targets signs of aging and aims to reveal a more youthful-looking complexion. When we first tried this formula, we were so impressed with how soft skin felt. The brand claims it hydrates the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just 28 days. It’s not a miracle cream, but we did see some improvements in the overall appearance and smoothness of our skin when we put it to the test.

Minor pilling was an issue, so we preferred to use it at night when it could settle in to hydrate skin as we slept, rather than applying it under makeup during the day. Upon waking, we noticed no retinol-induced flakey patches. We’d recommend this for anyone with combination skin, though if you have sensitivities or an aversion to fragrance, we found that the scent, although pleasant, was noticeable. (Olay also offers a fragrance-free version.)

Price at time of publish: $37

Active Ingredients: Niacinamide | Skin Type: Dry, combo, mature | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Splurge

La Mer Crème de la Mer

4.2

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People often ask, "Does La Mer really work?" and the answer is yes, it absolutely does. Creme de la Mer is the brand's hero product, and it's the product fans of the brand just keep going back to time and time again.  Said to be formulated over the course of 12 years by an aerospace physicist looking to cure burns he suffered in a lab accident, the final product—a skincare concoction created with a special bio-fermentation process that relies on vitamins, oils, and minerals—promises (and delivers) to heal dryness, soften fine lines, and strengthen the skin's natural barrier. The hefty price tag is tough to swallow (it costs $190 for just one ounce), so we recommend supplementing it with other moisturizers to make it last.

Price at time of publish: $212

Active Ingredients: Miracle Broth (proprietary) | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Size: 0.5, 1, 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Drugstore

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel

4.2

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Packed with powerhouse hydrator hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer is beloved by high-end beauty aficionados and drugstore dwellers alike. “The lightweight moisturizer is rich in hyaluronic acid and is non-comedogenic, a particularly great pick for oily skin,” says Dr. King, who also adds that it’s oil- and alcohol-free. If you're a fan of the cooling benefit of gel moisturizers, this lightweight formula should be front and center on your vanity. Commerce writer Caitlyn Martyn swears by this moisturizer for her oily, acne-prone skin. "Ever since my dermatologist recommended this lightweight gel formula to me, I never looked back—and my skin has never looked better," she says. "Plus, it's affordable, so I don't have to skimp on product during application and even if I apply too much, I never look greasy." The brand does offer a fragrance-free option for those irritated by added fragrances.

Price at time of publish: $20

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 6.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Mature Skin

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

4.6

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The numbers in the name correspond to an optimal lipid ratio—2 percent pure ceramides, 4 percent natural cholesterol, and 2 percent fatty acids—responsible for making this anti-aging cream one of the best out there. This blend of lipids aims to restore those essential skin lipids lost from natural aging or environmental aggressors (or a combo of the two). The result is skin that feels softer and looks more radiant, smooth, and full. It works exceptionally well on mature skin (or anyone who's concerned about aging), but it's also a welcome addition to any skincare routine, regardless of your age. Martyn, who has used it for years, explains that it feels as creamy as whipped butter. "As someone with oily skin, I love using this moisturizer at night either in the winter or alongside retinol," she says. "I even gave my mom a jar and she swears she's never using anything else again; it's drastically improved the elasticity and youthfulness of her skin."

Price at time of publish: $136

Active Ingredients: Vitamin E | Skin Type: Normal, mature, dry | Size: 1.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Oily Skin

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer

4.6

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If you have oily skin, your best bet is a moisturizer that’s lightweight but hydrating enough to balance your complexion. Peter Thomas Roth’s Water Drench moisturizer contains an impressive 30% hyaluronic acid as well as ceramides to smooth out and repair skin. While most moisturizers might be too emollient, this one comes in a whipped, cloud-like texture that feels like a smooth gel on the skin. Reviewers said it plumped up their skin without leaving a greasy residue (an enduring part of having oily skin), and that makeup glides over the moisturizer with no issue. Associate editorial director Holly Rhue explains that this is the moisturizer she always goes back to, especially in the summer when her skin tends to be the most oily. "This formula absorbs into the skin so quickly, it layers well under sunscreen sans pilling, and leaves my skin feeling dewy, plump, and non-greasy," she explains.

Price at time of publish: $54

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Size: 1.08 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Oily Skin, Runner-Up

Shani Darden Skin Care Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer

4.6

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If you have combination or oily skin, this oil-free moisturizer goes on weightless and hydrates skin without a greasy residue. It's full of hyaluronic acid to help skin retain moisture, and contains collagen to restore suppleness. Brand founder Shani Darden, also known as Hollywood's favorite esthetician, says, “If you’re breaking out, your moisturizer might be to blame. I often see my clients using heavy, oil-based moisturizers and then wondering why they have pimples and congestion.” This one, however, is formulated without oils and is light enough to use as a precursor to SPF even on the warmest of days.

Price at time of publish: $48

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Oily, combo, normal | Size: 2.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Innovation

Augustinus Bader The Cream

4.2

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If you're really into the science behind what makes a product work the way it does, prepare to be blown away by this revolutionary formula. Professor Augustinus Bader created this unique cream that features Trigger Factor Complex, or TFC8, (aka a combo of natural amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules), which provides our stem cells with everything they need to regenerate. TL;DR It allows the skin to heal itself. And yes, we see the price and still stand behind this pick. The hype is very real; your skin will look and feel luxuriously soft and supple. News director Madeline Hirsch agrees, explaining that she was absolutely floored by the look of her skin after a few weeks. "It was like a lightbulb had been turned on underneath my epidermis," she says of the radiance she noticed. "If you're a skincare minimalist like me, this all-in-one product is a true game-changer that will save you time and money in the end, despite the high price point."

Price at time of publish: $92 for 0.5 oz

Active Ingredients: Squalane, citric acid, sodium hydroxide | Skin Type: Dry, combo | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Hyperpigmentation

ROSEN Skincare Tropics Moisturizer

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This fruity, hydrating moisturizer is formulated to fade dark marks and improve skin texture. But how? Well, with hyaluronic and kojic acid working together, we were pleased to see breakouts appear calmer and our overall complexions appear brighter and smoother. We'd be remiss not to mention the fact that it also contains pineapple extract, which provides vitamin C and a natural tropical scent. It's also non-greasy and serves as a lovely base for makeup. It's light, hydrating, and works to even out the look of your skin while you wear it—what more could you want?

Price at time of publish: $20

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Dry Skin

Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich

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Dr. Barbara Sturm knows good skin—after all, the German aesthetics doctor is known for her vampire facials and the fact that she's the skin therapist to the stars. When she launched her eponymous skincare line back in 2014, it quickly garnered a cult-like following, and this face cream is no different. The formula features a hard-hitting mix of antioxidants like vitamin E and purslane, skullcap extract (to promote cell renewal), and rich oils that ensure long-lasting hydration. Byrdie senior editorial director Hallie Gould calls this her "most treasured moisturizer," which speaks volumes if you ask us. It's ideal for daily use as the final step in your skincare routine before SPF and makeup.

Price at time of publish: $240

Active Ingredients: Citric acid, ascorbic acid | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combo | Size: 1.69 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Mature Skin, Runner-Up

Lancôme Absolue Night Premium Bx Cream

4.2

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This heavy-duty moisturizer contains glycerin, which is a great humectant, as well as wild yam extract, sea algae and soy. You can expect it to sit nicely atop the skin and work to restore moisture. It has a thick consistency that imparts a subtle glow to the skin almost immediately after application. The only caveat: It is heavily fragranced, so if you're allergic to fragrance or just want to steer clear of the stuff, you might want to skip this one. Otherwise, it's luxurious and almost addictive; once you start on it, you may never go back to your old mainstays.

Price at time of publish: $278

Skin Type: Dry, mature | Size: 2.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Sensitive Skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra-Sensitive Skin Face Moisturizer

4.9

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La Roche-Posay tested this moisturizer on people with skin allergies, just to make sure they got the formula right. And we believe they did: It provides the right amount of hydration without irritating sensitive skin. Dr. King agrees, noting that it’s free of parabens, fragrance, preservatives, and alcohol, common potential irritants, especially for those with sensitive skin. (In fact, the entire Toleriane line is suited for sensitive-skinned folk.) If your skin is easily freaked out and you don't want to take any chances, this is absolutely a lifesaver.

Price at time of publish: $32

Active Ingredients: Squalane | Skin Type: Combo, sensitive, normal | Size: 1.35 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Rich Cream

Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream

4.4

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If your complexion is prone to dryness and flaking, this moisturizer will be your new skin savior. Celebrities, editors, and skin experts alike are obsessed with it because it truly does what it promises. “It’s definitely a cult favorite, I have so many patients who swear by it,“ says Dr. King. With essential fatty acids, beeswax, lanolin, sweet almond oil, cholesterol, and vitamin E, it does a great job of moisturizing dry skin, she says, and also leaves skin looking healthy and glowy. Pro tip: Dab a bit of this cream on the high points of your face to replace a highlighter when you're in a pinch. It's also worth noting that this rich cream pulls double-duty as a body lotion on rough, dry areas like elbows, hands, and feet.

Price at time of publish: $18

Active Ingredients: Zinc | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 2.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Night Cream

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream

4.8

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This night cream is a dream, and not just because it's in the name. It has the perfect consistency for a night cream: thick enough that it'll keep hydrating your skin while you're asleep, but thin enough that it won't rub off on your pillow when you finally lay your head down. The best part about this cream is, of course, what it does overnight. Even if you're not looking for a line reducing effect, this cream utilizes lotus and peach to make skin brighter and more even. This means it's just as good for tired skin as it is for aging skin. It also smells phenomenal.

Price at time of publish: $22

Active Ingredients: Sodium hydroxide | Skin Type: Dry, combo, normal, mature | Size: 1.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Whipped Formula

Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Moisturizer

5

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Drunk Elephant's bestselling whipped moisturizer is both nourishing and non-greasy, so you get a matte finish that's also slightly glowy. The blend of African oils and plant-based lipids like ceramides and phytosphingosine takes to absorb, so allow it to settle in before you layer on other skincare products or apply your makeup. After long-term testing, we put the Lala Retro moisturizer into our regular skincare rotation, giving it five stars for its fragrance and silicone-free formulation, which is suitable for most skin types. We found that our skin was more resilient since we started using it. It's rare to find a moisturizer with all the nourishing power of a richer formulation that doesn't overwhelm skin and result in congestion.

Price at time of publish: $60

Active Ingredients: Ceramides, African oils, phytosphingosine | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.69 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Natural Formula

Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisturizer

4.4

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A moisturizer that works for all skin types is hard to come by, which is why we’re big fans of this all-natural formula from Youth to the People. Essentially a green smoothie for your face, this lightweight yet ultra-nourishing formula is packed with kale, spinach, and green tea to deliver essential phytonutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants to the skin, while hyaluronic acid helps the skin stay supple and hydrated. It certainly doesn’t hurt that the formula is vegan and cruelty-free and comes in recyclable packaging.

Price at time of publish: $48

Active Ingredients: Kale, hyaluronic acid, green tea | Skin Type: Oily, combo, normal, dry | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Winter

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane

4.7

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This is the bestselling facial cream for Kiehl's and one we can't get enough of, especially during winter weather. A potent hydrator, this formula boasts a glacial glycoprotein to deeply hydrate and prevent water loss from the skin, as well as hydrating squalane to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier. All of that translates to 24-hour hydration and softer, smoother skin that's noticeably more plump.

Price at time of publish: $67

Active Ingredients: Squalane | Skin Type: Dry, combo, normal | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

A-DERMA Compensating Cream

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Quick disclaimer from the jump: This is not an acne-fighting cream. It's an uber-soothing formula that can help combat the dryness and irritation that often results from the continued use of powerful acne treatments and products. Use this in conjunction with your acne treatment to quell some of those awful side effects by calming and soothing your fragile skin. After all, treating acne is hard enough; you shouldn't have to deal with even more irritation. Amen to that.

Price at time of publish: $24

Active Ingredients: Citric acid | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 1.35 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Combination Skin

Dr. Jart Ceramidin Liquid

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With this moisturizer, a little goes a long way. The Ceramidin Liquid contains the same moisture-barrier-repairing ingredients as the cream moisturizer. With a few drops, the liquid sinks into the skin for all-over hydration while reducing redness. It feels weightless on the skin, doesn’t exacerbate oily patches, plumps up the skin, and even layers well under makeup.

Price at time of publish: $29

Active Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate | Skin Type: Dry, combo, normal, sensitive | Size: 5.07 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Wrinkle Prevention

Moon Juice Cosmic Cream

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As you age, collagen and elastin production slows, which results in more visible lines, wrinkles, and overall dullness. And while you can't pause time, or even slow it down, you can protect your skin against premature collagen loss with this moisturizer. It features two adaptogens—ashwagandha and schisandra plant extracts—to help support natural collagen and protect against the environmental aggressors that can cause it to break down.

Price at time of publish: $58

Active Ingredients: Citric acid, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combo, oily | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best K-Beauty

Make P-rem Micro Tension Cream

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Bring your glowing "glass skin" dreams to life with this K-beauty favorite. The gel-like texture lends itself to quick and easy absorption without leaving behind a greasy or thick residue. It immediately plumps the skin with hydration and imparts a dewy glow that'll turn heads. And thanks to the affordable price tag, you can apply this baby with a heavy hand and not worry too much about the cost.

Price at time of publish: $27

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Size: 2.19 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Itchy Skin

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration

4.9

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As if parched skin weren't already bad enough, it usually accompanies itchiness and flaking. Thankfully, this intensely moisturizing cream can come to your skin's rescue. Colloidal oatmeal lovingly smothers itchy, dry skin with its soothing properties. Ceramides swoop in to help repair the moisture barrier, while shea butter adds another surge of moisture. People struggling with eczema and dry patches alike can use this cream, and if you happen to over-exfoliate, dab this on to soothe the healing process.

Price at time of publish: $38

Active Ingredients: Squalane, sodium hydroxide | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best During Pregnancy

Matrescence Skin Rose Glow Brilliance Protection Soufflé

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Many of our favorite skincare ingredients for treating hyperpigmentation and providing plump skin aren't always the best options for pregnancy. That's why this emollient soufflé is a prime investment. If your skin is dull or distressed, it will love the hydrating results of sunflower seed oil, cucumber extract, carrot root, and other yummy ingredients that are pregnancy-safe and stressed out-skin friendly.

Price at time of publish: $86

Active Ingredients: Shiitake and Lingzhi mushroom extracts, vitamins C and E | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best pH-Balancing

Base Butter Radiate Face Jelly

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Whether you have dry skin or oily skin, this best-selling aloe vera gel moisturizer is a fan favorite for moisture that lasts all day long. The natural formula balances your skin's pH levels between 4.2 to 5.8, leaving your skin rejuvenated, restored, and protected. This product gets extra brownie points for lavender that works to regulate sebum production and evening primrose to boost skin elasticity.

Price at time of publish: $29

Active Ingredients: Aloe, beta-carotene, Vitamin C and E | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 2. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Fine Lines

The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer

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Skincare-for-the-people brand The Inkey List was founded on the principle that intelligent beauty should be accessible to everyone. And though this lightweight cream is super affordable, it delivers on its promise to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and add back firmness and elasticity. The peptide-based formula also balances the skin's natural oil levels so you won't get that greasy feeling.

Price at time of publish: $16

Active Ingredients: Royal Epigen, peptides | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Mattifying

Origins Original Skin Matte Moisturizer with Willowherb

4.6

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If you have super oily skin, moisturizer might be the last thing you want to put on your face. But, as Dr. King explains, it's a must for maintaining a healthy skin barrier (and achieving supple, youthful-looking skin). This mattifying moisturizer helps combat T-zone oiliness with willowherb, which also helps to minimize the appearance of pores to help you stay shine-free all day long. You might also find that with repeated use, it evens out skin tone, refines bumps and other texture, and even minimizes pores. We especially love it's natural matte finish, which doesn't skimp on hydration or softness. The result: Skin that looks and feels soft, fresh, and ready for the day.

Price at time of publish: $40

Active Ingredients: Willowherb | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, oily, combination | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No| Byrdie Clean: No

Best Moisturizer With SPF

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

4.2

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If you often forget to apply sunscreen as part of your daily skincare routine, this lightweight SPF 30 moisturizer has you covered. The lightweight yet creamy formula delivers serious hydration to the skin barrier with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which also helps to fade dark spots, while also offering some sun protection. We also really like that the non-white cast formula contains Kalahari melon, aloe, and baobab keep the formula shine-free and help to reduce the appearance of large pores.

It's also worth mentioning that if adopting a more sustainable beauty routine is important to you, you'll like that this product offers refills. Once you purchase it initially, you can buy a refill cartridge once you run out—it makes for less plastic, and it’s more cost-effective. We love this concept so much, we named the product the best refillable option during our Best Moisturizer with SPF test.

Price at time of publish: $38

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, aloe | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes