How to choose a face moisturizer without alcohol

What should the moisturizer do?

Dry skin develops when skin loses too much water and oil. Tightness after washing, roughness, flaking and itching are common signs. Cold air, indoor heating, hot showers and some soaps can contribute. A moisturizer helps restore moisture and keep it in the skin; removing alcohol from your shopping criteria is only one part of addressing those causes.1

Look for a mixture of humectants, occlusives and emollients. Humectants attract and retain water; glycerine is one example. Occlusives reduce water loss by forming a protective layer; examples include petroleum jelly, mineral oil and dimethicone. Emollients soften and smooth the outer skin layer. These functions complement each other: adding water and slowing its escape are different jobs.2

Ceramides and hyaluronic acid are useful ingredients to look for in a dry skin moisturizer. Ceramides are fats that help hold moisture in the skin, while hyaluronic acid helps hydrate it. Choose by formula rather than price, because the receipt is not a measure of hydration.3

Should you choose a gel, lotion or cream?

A gel and an ointment are both moisturizers, which is why the shelf label has done very little of the shopping for you. Choose the texture according to the amount of dryness, rather than treating every moisturizer as interchangeable.4

A gel or lotion is generally a reasonable facial choice unless your skin is very dry. For combination skin, moisturize the dry areas rather than automatically covering oily areas with the same rich product. Look for a noncomedogenic facial formula, meaning one intended not to block pores. Heavy, occlusive moisturizers can aggravate acne.234

What else should you avoid?

For dry or sensitive skin, choose fragrance free products and avoid botanical ingredients that trigger your allergies. Fragrance free does not mean free of every possible allergen. Plant extracts and essential oils can still cause problems, including lavender, citrus oils, peppermint oil and rose oil. An alcohol free formula still needs to be assessed as a whole.3

If your face is dry and peeling, avoid exfoliating it to remove the flakes. Exfoliation can strip away more moisture; use moisturizer instead. Avoid products containing alcohol, fragrance or alpha hydroxy acids while trying to help dry skin retain its natural oils. A moisturizer does not need to double as an exfoliating treatment.4

If you use toner before moisturizer, review that formula too. Astringents are usually alcohol based and can be harsh and drying. Older toners with high alcohol content were designed to remove oil and were often irritating. Small amounts of alcohol in a toner can suit some oily or acne prone skin, so dry skin avoidance advice is not a universal rule for every skincare product.5

How to apply your face moisturizer

1. 1Cleanse gently without scrubbing. Use warm rather than hot water.
2. 2Pat your face dry, leaving it slightly damp rather than drying it completely.
3. 3Apply moisturizer promptly to help trap that remaining moisture.
4. 4Repeat as needed. For dry skin, moisturizing 2 to 3 times daily is general guidance, rather than a requirement to wash your face that often.

Slightly dry skin can need only a light moisturizer at night, while very dry skin can need a richer product more frequently. Moisturizers have their greatest therapeutic effect during the first six hours after application, making regular use useful. There is no single waiting period for every formula; moisturizing is ongoing care, not a course you finish once.2

Include broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher in your daily routine. Sun protection is needed throughout the year, not just in summer. Seek shade and use sun protective clothing as appropriate.4

What if your skin is sensitive or you use acne treatment?

Introduce one new product at a time. For sensitive skin, try a small amount on a small area before applying the moisturizer to your whole face. Keep the rest of your routine stable while checking tolerance. A longer shopping list does not make a routine more effective, despite giving the bathroom more administrative work.6

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid acne treatments can cause dryness and irritation, making a gentle daily moisturizer useful. Teens reacting to products should see a dermatologist for help choosing suitable skincare. Tweens generally need a gentle cleanser, fragrance free moisturizer and daily sunscreen, rather than wrinkle treatments or extra exfoliating products.6

When should you stop or get medical help?

Sensitive skin can burn or sting with moisturizer. Stop using a product if it causes contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin reaction. Preservatives, fragrances and other formula components can trigger contact allergy. A dermatologist can investigate suspected allergy with patch testing. Urea and acidic preparations often sting on scratched or cracked skin.2

Contact a healthcare professional if dryness and itching interrupt sleep, scratching causes open sores, you itch without a visible rash, or home care does not help. Worsening dryness that becomes painful, cracked, bleeding or very irritating also deserves a dermatologist appointment rather than another moisturizer purchase.14