The 11 Best Paraben Free Products for Your Skin in 2021

Parabens: while we get the idea that they’re a good thing to avoid, it’s hard to know exactly what they are. Often found in the ingredients list of some of your favourite products, what are parabens? And why are we collectively boycotting them?

What is the Meaning of Paraben Free?

As clean beauty continues to grow in popularity, and organic, pesticide free products are fast becoming our order of choice, it’s the right time to become a little more aware of those ingredients lists. Constantly at the top of the ‘naughty’ pile, parabens are preservatives that were first introduced to products in the 1950s. Though they’re great at prolonging the shelf life of your favourite skincare and makeup products, parabens can penetrate the skin and fester there for years. Parabens are thought to disrupt hormones by causing the body to over produce oestrogen and have been linked to breast cancer. Not to mention they're bad for the environment. Just a bit concerning, then!

Instead of simply worrying about parabens, you can take action because it’s easy to do so these days. From a paraben-free sunscreen for face to a paraben-free moisturiser for oily skin, we’ve found the paraben-free skin products you need by combing the reviews!

Perfect for all skin types and free from parabens, this mask makes even older skin look and feel more hydrated after every use. Supercharged Manuka Honey, harvested in New Zealand, offers more antioxidants, nutrients, and moisturising properties than regular honey does. Acting as a paraben-free moisturiser for dry skin, this mask instantly revives skin, soothes dryness, and restores a healthy glow.

If you’re looking for a mask that’s full of nutrients and skin-loving ingredients, Foreo UFO Mask Manuka Honey could be just what you need. Made with Allantoin from Chamomile and Comfrey Plants, the mask makes your skin feel soothed, hydrated, and soft. Your skin will be more receptive to moisturisers after you use this mask. And the clean-beauty approach means no nasties will sink through to your skin. Use the mask with the Foreo UFO or the UFO Mini for best results.

Group 11 Active Mist harnesses the power of special metals, which are known to boost collagen and elastin in the skin, so you’ll enjoy fewer wrinkles and fine lines. The moisturising Hyaluronic Acid in the formula keeps skin looking plump. Wild-Harvested Extracts work to nourish the skin and give it a radiant boost. Suitable for all skin types, this mist makes your skin appear firmer and diminishes sagging skin with regular use.

With ingredients harvested from the Australian outback, Vanessa Megan Group 11 Active Mist 100ml boosts collagen levels in the skin and helps diminish the appearance of fine lines. Perfect for all skin types and ages, this mist can be spritzed liberally over your face morning and night for maximum nourishing benefits. Use before you apply your serums. Or mix with your favourite alcohol-free, paraben-free moisturiser to create an active emulsion.

Dull skin can be hard to handle. This gentle but nourishing facial oil helps rid the complexion of skin fatigue. Warding off fatigued skin means your skin looks youthful and radiant for longer. If you want to hydrate dry skin, this facial oil is a great place to start. Working to leave the skin plump and hydrated, this lightweight oil-based blend is free from parabens and is of 100% natural origin.

Suitable for normal-to-dry skin, this facial oil is a candidate for the best paraben-free face moisturiser. The mineral oil-free, non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic formula smooths over tired skin and gives it a youthful flush of health. If you’re looking to combat tired, dull skin that feels rough and dry, this nourishing formula will soften and take care of your skin. Lightly pat several drops of Kiehl's Daily Reviving Concentrate 30ml upwards in a circular motion over our skin. Use every morning for best results.

Help protect your skin against dehydration and environmental factors with this soothing day cream. Working to create a protective barrier while allowing skin to breathe, this moisturiser won’t clog pores or cause any breakouts. If your skin is at all irritated, this cream calms things down and works to even out your complexion. It’s also free from synthetics, parabens, dyes, fragrances, and mineral oils, so you’re in good hands!

The Rose Oil and Rosehips Extracts in Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream 30ml create a protective film on the skin’s surface, which prevents daily aggressors from harming the skin. Water loss is minimised, and Vitamin C keeps the skin protected and radiant. Shea Butter, Rose Wax, and Avocado support the skin’s hydration to help keep fine lines at bay. Beeswax soothes and nourishes the skin while boosting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Once you’ve cleansed your skin, apply a thin layer of this fragrance and paraben-free moisturiser to your complexion.

If you like your products to be multipurpose, this one could qualify as the best paraben-free moisturiser with SPF. The broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 25 helps stop fine lines from appearing and protects you from the sun’s harsh rays. If you’re looking for paraben-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free makeup, you might’ve just found your perfect formula. You don’t have to smother your skin with a thick, heavy makeup to enjoy full coverage. Simply smooth on this BB cream!

A great non-comedogenic paraben-free moisturiser, Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream brightens the skin and gives it a healthy glow. The Grapefruit Extract in the formula is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which help minimise hormonal breakouts. Apple Fruit Extract soothes and hydrates the skin and works to lighten the appearance of dark spots. Tamarind Extract features naturally occurring AHAs, which eliminate dead skin cells and improve the skin’s overall texture. Apply a small amount to your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Blend into the skin with clean fingers, a sponge, or a brush.

The perfect SPF to use alone or on top of your normal skincare routine, this serum makes a great base for your makeup. Smelling like a bed of roses, the serum applies invisibly to the skin. And the oil-free hydrating formula won’t leave you feeling sticky or looking chalky. Great for all skin types and all ages, this serum gives the skin a subtle, healthy glow.

Australian-made and -owned, Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Sun Serum can be used on even sensitive skin. Free from parabens and reef-killing oxybenzone, this serum is as kind to your skin as it is to the environment. Your skin won’t feel greasy when you apply this formula. In fact, Queen Screen is so efficient, you’ll think of it as more skincare than suncare! The broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection keeps you safe every day, and Australia Kakadu Plum offers Vitamin C protection. Dragosine Plus also helps protect skin from any blue light emitted from your screens. Use this paraben free face cream with SPF every day as the last step in your routine to ensure your skin stays as safe as possible.

This unique 3-in-1 formula not only covers imperfections but also hydrates the skin and keeps it protected from the sun. This reduces the number of products you have to apply to your skin, giving you more time and more bathroom space! You need to use only a few drops of Auto Pilot beauty balm to protect, perfect, and nourish your skin. If a dreamy-smooth, clear complexion is something you crave, this extra-special paraben and sulphate free BB cream truly does it all.

Universally suited to all skin types, this lightweight formula covers and protects the skin without clogging your pores or causing blackheads. If you suffer from excess oil production, this formula will help you stay matte without drying your skin out. This is a great non-comedogenic paraben-free moisturiser that also offers medium-to-full coverage. Giving your skin a soft, natural finish, the skin-loving ingredients in Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot BBB Cream SPF30 keep skin balanced, healthy, and nourished. Blueberry Seed Oil provides a non-greasy, smooth-textured finish. And Green Tea Extract provides antioxidant benefits that keep the skin soft.

If you’re looking for a new type of lip balm to protect and hydrate your lips, this luxe formula smooths over dry patches with ease. Though the green jar suits the theme of the product, the formula applies clear. Your lips will feel smooth and comfortable every time you apply this lip balm. With a subtle, juicy Apple scent, this unique lip balm is the perfect pocket companion when your dry lips are driving you mad.

If you love the idea of introducing more vegan and cruelty-free products into your collection, this lip balm is an easy way to do it. Of course, Smith & Cult Locked & Lit CBD Lip Balm has been infused with Cannabidiol to hydrate the lips. But coconut-derived MCT Oil and Apple Seed Oil help the skin maintain a smooth, supple appeal. This skin-loving formula helps protect the delicate lip area from daily aggressors. Apply it as often as you feel is necessary.

If you love the feel of moisturised skin but hate waiting for a moisturiser to sink in, this paraben free lotion for eczema absorbs quickly so you can quickly move on with your day. This paraben-free body moisturiser leaves your skin deeply nourished, moisturised, and cared for after every use.

If you’ve been on the hunt for a body lotion that works quickly to keep skin deeply nourished, Jurlique Softening Rose Body Lotion could be your perfect formula. This lotion softens the skin fast so you can get dressed quickly afterwards. Massage this organic body cream into the skin until it’s fully absorbed. For best results, use after showering with a paraben-free moisturising body wash, when the skin is still slightly damp. If you’re seeking the best paraben-free body moisturiser, make this product your last stop!

If you’re looking to introduce some kinder, more nourishing haircare products into your routine, it’s good to start with some paraben free formulas. Stressed, dry hair can look lifeless and lacklustre. Aside from cutting your locks all off, it can be hard to know how to treat such dullness. This MOROCCANOIL formula is enriched with super ingredients Argan Oil and Keratin, which work to pump dry, damaged hair full of moisture.

It can be easy to not give a second thought to the type of shampoo you use. Cleansing your hair is such a normal process, you might not even consider what ingredients are in your shampoo! But MOROCCANOIL Moisture Repair Shampoo 250ml is a colour-safe formula that intensively moisturises the hair with a selection of kind and gentle ingredients. Suitable for everyday use, this shampoo is suitable for all hair types and won’t further damage delicate hair.

Mysterious and intoxicating, this perfume offers a deeply sensual scent. This scent is made up of premium fragrances blended from wild-grown botanicals: trees, spices, fruits, and flowers. Designed to evoke inner and outer peace, this pure, plant-based perfume is also one of the best alcohol free, cruelty free perfumes.

Gentle and safe for use on skin, hair, and clothing, this perfume contains 15% pure fragrance oils. Offering a long-lasting effect on the skin, Vanessa Megan Wild Woud 100% Natural Perfume 50ml naturally evolves with your personal chemistry through the day, so you enjoy a scent that’s unique to you. This paraben-free perfume contains Bergamot, Holy Basil, Elemi, Cardamom, and Black Pepper. Base notes include Cedarwood, Oak Moss, Tobacco Leaf, Sandalwood, Dark Patchouli, Oud, and Vetiver.

If you’ve been considering introducing paraben free, clean beauty products into your routine, why not start with some of the above products? Designed to gently care for the skin, from alcohol free toners to moisturisers that contain only natural ingredients, there’s something out there that your skin will love to try.

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.

This article has been updated on 16/02 to replace discontinued products with our recent product recommendations. Hannah from our Customer Service team has helped to bring you our most recommended products and up-to-date information.