Day Creams (Scented)
Description
February 15, 2023
By Lisa Petrison
The day creams discussed on this page are free of synthetic fragrances, but they do contain other scented ingredients such as essential oils, highly processed botanicals like limonene, or unspecified “natural fragrance.”
Personally, I started this project thinking that essential oils and other natural fragrances would be fine for me to use in beauty products and that it was just certain synthetic ingredients that were problems for me.
However, after doing a lot of experimentation, I now have concluded that certain natural scents are not very good for my delicate facial skin either and that – especially when it comes to products like moisturizers that are left on the skin – sticking with just unscented products might be the safest strategy.
However, some scented skincare products seem to have been okay for me (or at least have not caused any obvious immediate irritation), and I do find the smell of some of them to be very pleasant.
In addition, while I now suspect that many other people also experience negative effects from scented skincare products without realizing it, I also am sure that many others are much less bothered by scented skincare than I am due to their skin being less sensitive than mine in general.
Therefore, while I don’t think that other people necessarily should be avoiding all scented skincare products such as the moisturizers discussed here, I would suggest proceeding with caution in terms of observing how the skin reacts to them rather than assuming that they are going to be okay.
TOP PICKS
♣ Living Clean Superstars
Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Melt Moisturizer ($60)
Herbivore Pink Cloud Soft Moisture Cream ($44)
Jones Road Light Moisture Cream ($38)
Mineral Fusion Intense Hydration Face Cream ($25)
♦ Additional Possibilities:
Bare Minerals Ageless Phyto-Retinal Face Cream ($62)
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration ($16+)
Pacifica Dreamy Youth Day & Night Face Cream ($18)
Three Ships Radiance Day Cream ($35)
♦ Not Yet Rated:
Rose Inc. Hydration Replenish Microencapsulated Moisturizer ($68)
♠ Trash Can:
Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturizer ($52)
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream ($45)
Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream ($48)
♥ Lisa’s Choice:
√ Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Melt Moisturizer ($60)
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 Favorite
The following section contains affiliate links. Living Clean in a Dirty World may receive a commission if readers click on these links and then purchase products. Living Clean in a Dirty World also may accept product review samples but receives no other compensation from companies mentioned on this website.
Alpyn Beauty Plantgenius Melt Moisturizer – $60
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 9 out of 10
Performance Rating: 
(5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Lavender oil, Orange oil
Silicone Level: None
Container Type: Glass
The description of this product on the Alpyn Beauty website states, “An every-age moisturizer with hyaluronic acid and squalane for hydration, bakuchiol for fine lines—and a velvet, makeup-ready finish. Weightless on the skin, with a matte finish, yet deeply hydrating for skin in need of moisture. Hyaluronic acid and squalane hydrate, ceramides maintain skin-barrier health and bakuchiol reduces the appearance of fine lines.”
This product also contains a variety of botanical ingredients, some of them wildcrafted. There is a noticeable natural floral/herbal scent that I have found to be pleasant.
Possibly some of the included ingredients (especially the benzyl alcohol and orange oil) may be skin irritants for some people.
I obtained a trial-size container of this product and feel that my own skin has done fine with it, though.
While this product is on the expensive side for a day moisturizer, the inclusion of bakuchiol in it makes me think that itnonetheless might be worth it to buy a full-size jar someday, especially if I can get it at a good price.
Size: 1.7 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.6 Stars (258 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe
Think Dirty Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Product Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe vera (3), Benzyl alcohol (4), Glycolic acid (4), Titanium dioxide (3), Orange oil (5). (Also contains Lavender oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Apple fruit extract, Lavender oil, Orange oil, Coenochloris Signiesis extract, Eclipta prostrata extract, Melia azadirachta leaf extract, Moringa pterygosperma seed oil, Sage leaf extract, Arnica flower extract, Borage flower extract, Calendula flower extract, Matricaria flower extract.
All Ingredients: Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetyl Alcohol, Coconut Alkanes, Glycerin, Apple Fruit Extract, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Aloe Vera, Apricot Kernel Oil, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Diheptyl Succinate, Centella Asiatica Meristem Cell Culture, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitan Stearate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Squalane (vegan), Tripeptide-29, Olive Fruit Oil, Glycolic Acid, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Potassium Sorbate, Shea Butter*, Tocopherol, Linoleic Acid, Lavender Oil, Orange Oil, Coenochloris Signiensis Extract, Maltodextrin, Lecithin, Bakuchiol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Oil, Ceramide NG, Ascorbic acid, Jojoba Seed Oil, Sage Leaf Extract, Arnica Flower Extract, Borage Flower Extract, Calendula Flower Extract, Matricaria Flower Extract.
Bare Minerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Face Cream – $62
Living Clean Rating: 6 out of 10
Performance Rating: 
(3 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Mild
Processed Fragrance: Natural fragrance, Limonene, Linalool
Silicone Level: None
Container Type: Plastic
The Bare Minerals website describes this product as follows: “Rich anti-wrinkle cream delivers same age-defying benefits as retinol without causing redness, dryness or sensitivity. Formulated with plant-based retinol alternative from the sustainably sourced Picão Preto plant. Hyaluronic Acid and Protein Peptides intensely hydrate, replenish and firm skin.”
The product also includes squalane and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and nourish the skin.
On the downside, it contains polysorbate-20 (which is on Credo’s “Dirty” list), as well as sodium benzoate and phenoxyethanol as preservatives.
The product also includes a noticeable scent that, while apparently derived from only natural ingredients, I still would prefer to not be included in my skincare. Limonene, linalool and “fragrance” (stated by Bare Minerals as being naturally derived) are listed as giving the product its scent.
I obtained a generous trial-size container of this product and so gave it a try.
I found it to be quite annoying to my eyes (even when I was making a special effort not to use it in my eye area), and I also didn’t feel that it was that great for my delicate facial skin.
Size: 1.7 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.6 Stars (504 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Picks: Maybe (Natural Fragrance, Polysorbate, Phenoxyethanol)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), Polysorbate-20 (3), Sodium lactate (3), Natural fragrance (8), Limonene (5), Linalool (3), Sodium benzoate (3), Phenoxyethanol (4). (Also contains Trehalose.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Natural fragrance, Limonene, Linalool
All Ingredients: Water, Squalane (vegan), Butylene Glycol, Octyldodecanol, Glycerin, Shea Butter, C10-18 Triglycerides, Cetearyl Olivate, Cotton Seed Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Trehalose, Bidens Pilosa Extract, Sh-Hexapeptide-2, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Carbonate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium Edta, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Lactate, Natural Fragrance (Parfum), Limonene, Linalool, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration – $16+
Living Clean Rating: 8 out of 10
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Fragrance Ingredients: Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil
Silicone Level: Low
Container Type: Plastic
The description of this product reads, “A fast-absorbing, rich moisturizer that provides instant and long-term hydration for dry, distressed skin and eczema. Award-winning Ultra Repair Cream is instantly absorbed for immediate relief for parched skin. Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive, and the whole family. Formulated with colloidal oatmeal, this soothing moisturizer leaves your skin feeling smooth, hydrated, and comfortable after just a single use. Free from drying alcohols, artificial colorants, artificial fragrance, lanolin, mineral oil, parabens, petrolatum, phthalates, propylene glycol, sulfates, talc, formaldehydes, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclocarbon, ethanol.”
This multi-purpose cream from First Aid Beauty contains a variety of different kinds of moisturizers. A small amount of squalane is listed, along with glycerin, coconut-derived moisturizers, shea butter and synthetic emollients.
Ingredients flagged by EWG as potentially problematic include phenoxyethanol (a preservative), dimethicone (silicone), and sodium hydroxide (lye).
The cream is suggested as being appropriate for use on both the body and the face.
I liked this product a good bit as a hand and body cream, and then eventually tried it on my face as well.
It worked better than I thought that it would, providing my face with some moisture without seeming to noticeably irritate it.
It also was not too bad as a makeup base – probably the squalane and the dimethicone helped with that.
Compared to other face creams that I usually use, it is pretty reasonably priced.
While I still don’t think that I ever would choose to use this on my own face on a regular basis, I do think that it could be a viable option for some people and that it also could be a convenient multi-purpose product for travel.
Size: 2 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.7 Stars (85 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Phenoxyethanol, Eucalyptus Oil)
Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Licorice root extract (5), Sodium hydroxide (4), Phenoxyethanol (4), Dimethicone (3). (Also contains Eucalyptus oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Feverfew extract, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil
All Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal — 0.50%, water, stearic acid, glycerin, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, caprylic/capric triglyceride, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate se, cetearyl alcohol, shea butter, dimethicone, squalane, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, xanthan gum, allantoin, sodium hydroxide, disodium edta, feverfew extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract, licorice root extract, ceramide np, eucalyptus globulus leaf oil
Herbivore Pink Cloud Soft Moisture Cream – $44
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 9 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: Citronellol, Geraniol
Silicone Level: None
Container Type: Glass
The description of this product reads, “Formulated with super-hydrating tremella mushroom and vegan squalane, Pink Cloud Soft Moisture Cream helps support a healthy skin barrier and leaves skin feeling soft and plump with a natural-dewy finish. Recommended for neutral to dry skin.”
Although this product contains citronellol and geraniol, I felt that the fragrance was very mild and pleasant.
I was able to use up a small jar of this product without feeling that it had irritated my skin at all.
It was pleasant to use and seemed to be mildly beneficial to my skin.
I would be willing to use it again..
Size: 1.7 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.6 Stars (60 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Product Ingredients: Aloe vera (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), Citronellol (4), Geraniol (5).
Fragrance Ingredients: Rosa damascena flower water, Citronellol, Geraniol
All Ingredients: Water, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coconut Alkanes, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glycerin, Squalane, Glyceryl Stearate, Isoamyl Laurate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Shea Butter, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Coconut Fruit Juice, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cellulose Gum, Tapioca Starch, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Citronellol, Geraniol.
Jones Road Light Moisture Cream – $38
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 9 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Orange peel oil, Limonene
Silicone Level: None
Container Type: Glass
The description of this product on the Jones Road website states, “Lightweight but substantive. This bouncy gel-moisturizer hybrid offers a powerful cocktail of replenishing ingredients. Buildable and fast-absorbing, it’s like that first glass of water in the morning— but for your skin.”
This light moisture cream from Jones Road contains niacinamide and macadamia nut oil, among other moisturizing ingredients.
Although I am not sure which ingredient is responsible, this product gives my skin a nice tacky finish that feels good to me and works well as a base for makeup.
The product does contain orange oil (probably mostly as a preservative) and limonene (a citrus derivative).
Those ingredients give the product a nice citrus scent, but I don’t feel that they are an especially good choice for skincare products since they can be irritating to some people.
While I can use this product without significant irritation, I don’t feel like it is optimal for my skin and likely wouldn’t buy it again.
Size. 1.59 oz.
Jones Road Rating: 4.8 Stars (86 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Essential Oil, Natural Fragrance)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Orange oil (5), Limonene (5).
Fragrance Ingredients: Orange peel oil, Limonene
All Ingredients: Water, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycerin, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Shea Butter, Orange Peel Oil, Sodium PCA, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Tocopherol, Limonene
Mineral Fusion Intense Hydration Face Cream – $25
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 9 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Natural fragrance
Silicone Level: None
Container Type: Plastic
The description of this product on the Mineral Fusion website states, “Perfectly plumped skin, this way. A hydration powerhouse, Mineral Fusion’s Intense Hydration Face Cream boasts a mix of nourishing Shea Butter, Rosehip Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, and a healthy dose of nutrient-replenishing Mineral Water for skin that’s so plump, so hydrated, so full of bounce. Soothing Aloe, Lavender, and Cucumber infuse your skin with the calming vibes it for a healthy-looking glow. Best of all: help promote plumper, firmer skin with natural antioxidants that work behind the scenes to increase your skin’s elastic powers (aka, bounce), while a clinically tested, collagen-boosting peptide helps ensure more youthful skin over time.”
Although this product contains unspecified natural fragrance, I have not found it to be irritating to my skin.
Except for the very mild and pleasant scent, I have not found this cream to seem much different than the Mineral Fusion Nighttime Recovery Face Cream (discussed on the Day Creams page of this website).
The product works well under makeup and (despite its name) does not seem very heavy or greasy to me.
Especially considering the affordable price, I would consider buying this product again if that were what was easily available to me.
Size: 3.4 oz.
Mineral Fusion Rating: 4.2 Stars (127 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Natural Fragrance, Polysorbate, Phenoxyethanol)
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe vera juice (3), Polysorbate-60 (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Natural fragrance (8).
Fragrance Ingredients: Lavender flower extract, Rosa canina oil, Cucumber fruit extract, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Arnica montana flower extract, Matricaria flower extract, Echinacea purpurea extract, Natural fragrance
All Ingredients: Mineral Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice*, Hyaluronic Acid, Polysorbate-60, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glyceryl Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hematite Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Lavender Flower Extract*, Panthenol, Flax Seed Oil*, Shea Butter*, Rosa Canina Oil*, Cucumber Fruit Extract*, Borage Seed Oil, Allantoin, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract*, Matricaria Flower Extract*, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium PCA, Echinacea Purpurea Extract*, Ethylhexylglycerin, Natural Fragrance. * Certified Organic
Pacifica Dreamy Youth Day & Night Face Cream – $18
Living Clean Rating: 8 out of 10
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Mild
Processed Fragrance: Rose Geranium Essential Oil
Silicone Level: None
Container Type: Plastic
The description of this product reads, “Age means nothing when your skin is healthy. Refuse to obey time with this potent formula supported by concentrated peptides, floral stem cells, antioxidants, and advanced extracts that join forces to deeply moisturize and improve skin’s youthful glow. Our Fleuracell Complex with concentrated floral stem cells will make your dreams come true.”
This product lists rose geranium oil as the last ingredient, and that is an ingredient that unfortunately I do not tolerate very well.
I found the product to be very mildly annoying to my skin, and I also did not like the way that it smelled.
Based on my experience with it and what I have read about it, I think that it could be a good product for others, though.
Especially considering the fairly low price, it could be worth a try for some people if they tolerate the rose geranium oil.
Size: 1.7 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.7 Stars (1302 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe Vera Leaf Juice (3), Tocopheryl Acetate (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Rose Geranium Oil (4).
Fragrance Ingredients: Damascus Rose Leaf Cell Extract, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Rose Geranium Essential Oil.
All Ingredients: Purified Water, Sunflower Seed Oil, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3, Shea Butter, Grape Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Kelp Extract, Tocopherol Acetate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sweet Almond Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Cocoa Seed Butter, Panthenol, Allantoin, Xathane Gum, Sodium Alginate, Oat Beta Glucan, Coconut Water, Sweet Iris Leaf Cell Ectract, Damascus Rose Leaf Cell Extract, Chicory Root Oligosaccharides, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Rose Geranium Essential Oil.
Rose Inc. Hydration Replenish Microencapsulated Moisturizer – $68
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: Rose Geranium Essential Oil
Silicone Level: None
Container Type: Glass
The description of this product reads, “Ideal for dehydrated, stressed and congested complexions, the unique microspheres keep ingredients in their purest form until released upon application. This cooling, non-comedogenic cream-gel hybrid softens skin, leaving the complexion plumped and prepped for makeup.”
I have yet to try this product.
Size: 1.7 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.7 Stars (190 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Lactic Acid (4), Benzyl Alcohol (6), Sodium Hydroxide (4), Citral (5), Citronellol (4), Geraniol (5), Limonene (5), Linalool (3).
Fragrance Ingredients: Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Rose Geranium Stem Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool.
All Ingredients: Water, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Betaine, Pentylene Glycol, Squalane, Niacinamide, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Centella Asiatica Leaf Cell Extract, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Tocopherol, Lactic Acid, Chrysin, Castor Oil/IPDI Copolymer, Sunflower Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Iron Oxide, Benzyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Pelargonium Graveolens Stem Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool.
Three Ships Radiance Day Cream – $35
Living Clean Rating: 8 out of 10
Performance Rating: (3 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Mild (smell)
Processed Fragrance: Tangerine Peel Oil
Silicone Level: None
Container Type: Plastic
The description of this product on the Three Ships website reads, “Perfectly formulated for thirsty skin that feels tight and lacks radiance, all in a fast-absorbing and light-weight formula. This cream quenches skin with revolutionary Grape Stem Cells and natural Squalane derived from sugar cane. Radiance enhances your skin’s ability to retain precious moisture, leaving it nourished and radiant. Concentration of Key Actives: Grape Stem Cell Extract (0.4%), Squalane (2.5%), Bark Extract Blend (0.25%).”
This is a highly rated moisturizer with camellia seed oil listed as the first ingredient other than water. Other moisturizing or hydrating ingredients include glycerine, squalane, coconut oil, shea butter, argan kernel oil, black raspberry seed oil, rosa canina seed oil, and prickly pear seed oil.
To my understanding, squalane is derived from sugar cane only through the use of biotech fermentation processes. Whether I should be making an attempt to avoid this type of squalane, I don’t know.
I opened this product as soon as I received it (purchased through Credo). I thought at the time that it was a nice heftier day moisturizer with a neutral pleasant smell. I used it several times and then put it aside since I was trying other products.
When I pulled it out again about four months later, I found the smell to be objectionable, to the point that I had no interest in using it on my face.
While it’s impossible for me to know for sure which ingredient(s) had gone bad, I am guessing that perhaps it is the squalane since I have had problems with other products containing large amounts of squalane (such as the Merit highlighter) also smelling very bad to me in a similar way after only a few months of usage.
The smell has not bothered me as much when I have used the cream on my body rather than on my face, and so I have gotten some use out of it that way.
Even without the smell issue, the thick texture of this cream to me seems better suited to being a body lotion than a face cream (which is the main reason that I put it aside to begin with).
Many people do seem to like the product as a face cream though.
Of course, although this product is moderately priced compared to many other face creams, it would be on the high side compared to even luxury body creams.
Apart from the smell and the texture issues, and putting aside my misgivings about the biotech squalane, this product does have a clean ingredient list (according to EWG standards) and does not seem to have irritated my skin at all.
Although tangerine oil (which can be irritating) is included, it is listed as the last ingredient and has not seemed to be a problem for me.
I wouldn’t buy it again though.
Size: 1.7 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.9 Stars (349 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Essential Oil)
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Rosa canina seed oil (3), Tangerine peel oil (5)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rosa canina seed oil, Tangerine peel oil
All Ingredients: Water, camellia seed oil, cetearyl olivate, glycerin, pentylene glycol, squalane (vegan), coconut oil, cetearyl alcohol, shea butter, sorbitan olivate, argan kernel oil, black raspberry seed oil, rosa canina seed oil, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, tocopherol, grape fruit cell extract, bisabolol, prickly pear seed oil, picea mariana bark extract, acer rubrum bark extract, pinus banksiana bark extract, betula alleghaniensis bark extract, caprylhydroxamic acid, glyceryl caprylate, xanthan gum, tangerine peel oil
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.
Dr. Roebuck’s No Worries Hydrating Face Moisturizer – $62
Tarte Sea Drink of H2O Hydrating Boost Moisturizer – $39
Trash Can
Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturizer ($52): This moisturizer is rated as Clean at Sephora and suggested by Fresh as appropriate for sensitive skin. However, it contains lemon peel oil (which can be very irritating) as well as a number of other problematic ingredients, and I did experience irritation of my facial skin as a result of trying out this product. EWG gives the product a 3 (yellow), citing as potentially problematic steareth-21 (3), lemon peel oil (6), dimethicone (3), sodium metabisulfite (4), sodium benzoate (3), phenoxyethanol (4), limonene (5), and citral (5). The product also contains sorbitol.
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream ($45): This cream irritated my face substantially. EWG gives the ingredients a 5 (yellow), marking as problematic the following: C15-19 alkane (3), steareth-2 (3), rose damascena extract (3), rose damascena flower extract (3), rose damascena flower oil (3), tocopheryl acetate (3), dimethicone (3), steareth-21 (3), polysorbate-60 (3), acacia senegal gum (3), sodium hydroxide (4), chlorphenesin (3), sodium benzoate (3), citronellol (4), and geraniol (5).
Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream ($48): Although this product is rated as Clean at Sephora, it contains a number of potentially problematic ingredients. I found it to irritate my skin substantially. EWG gives the product a 5 (yellow), citing as problematic tocopheryl acetate (3), phenoxyethanol (4), aloe vera (3), propylene glycol (3), sodium hydroxymethylglycinate (5), sodium benzoate (3), benzyl benzoate (5), natural fragrance (8), citronellol (4), hexyl cinnamal (3), limonene (5), and linalool (3). The product also contains isopropyl alcohol.
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).
Reader comments about products discussed on this website are very welcome and may be sent to me at:
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.
Thanks very much for visiting the Living Clean shopping site!
Links on this page are in orange (no underlining).
