The Best Hydrating Face Moisturizer For All Skin Types: Crunchi Daylight Facial Cream Review

Have you ever wondered what truly makes a moisturizer stand the test of time—and weather? Crunchi’s Daylight® Facial Cream, a non-toxic formula designed to bind water and deeply hydrate, has been my favorite hydrating cream since 2018. Over the years, my skin has remained clear, calm, and noticeably more youthful—free from irritation or breakouts. I even took it with me to the high desert, whose dry climate can wreak havoc on anyone’s skin. Thanks to Crunchi’s clean, skin-supportive ingredients, my face stayed balanced, hydrated, and glowing. It is proof that when you nourish your skin—and protect its microbiome—with the right non-toxic products, the difference is not only visible but also lasting.

In this post, I’ll break down what makes this non-toxic moisturizer a standout product for all skin tones and skin types—including oily, acne-prone, and combination skin. We’ll explore the powerful hydrating face moisturizer ingredients, how to use it effectively, and even other amazing Crunchi moisturizers for a well-rounded skincare routine.

Hydrating Face Moisturizer That Binds Water

To begin, protecting and supporting the microbiome of your skin is essential for maintaining its health and balance. Made up of beneficial bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, the skin microbiome acts as a natural barrier against harmful pathogens and helps regulate inflammation. Therefore, using non-toxic, microbiome-friendly skincare products is crucial because it ensures that this delicate ecosystem remains intact and resilient.

Conversely, harsh or toxic ingredients can disrupt the microbiome, leading to an imbalance (aka dysbiosis) of these microorganisms. Dysbiosis can manifest itself in various skin conditions, including dryness, irritation, acne, and even atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Thus, choosing the right skincare not only nurtures your skin’s natural defenses but also promotes long-term health and radiance. (source, source, source, source, and source)

Another thing to remember is that skin hydration and moisturization are not the same. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to two distinct actions in skincare. Specifically, hydration quenches the skin’s thirst, and moisturization keeps that water from evaporating.

In other words, hydrating is about increasing water content in the skin to give your complexion that plump, dewy look. And moisturizing focuses on sealing in hydration and preventing water loss.

Is it possible to apply a moisturizing face cream daily and still have dry skin? Yes, because your skin lacks adequate hydration. Hence, you may want to turn to a non-toxic moisturizer like Crunchi Daylight® Facial Cream, designed to both hydrate and moisturize without clogging pores.

Crunchi Daylight Face Cream Ingredients

Due to my line of work, I have tested tons of skincare products on my skin to be able to give you a first-hand experience review. When it comes to intense hydration, I believe Crunchi Daylight® Facial Cream is the best.

What makes Crunchi hydrating face moisturizer special?

First of all, it contains board-certified dermatologist recommended hydrating key ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid (in the form of sodium hyaluronate). The latter binds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, delivering moisture deep into the skin layers.

Second, designed with ingredients typical of a lightweight gel, it sinks in effortlessly and works beautifully under makeup. Unlike gel moisturizers, though, Crunchi Daylight® Facial Cream has a fluffy consistency and delivers richer, longer-lasting hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. This makes it ideal for those who need deep moisture but still want a smooth, breathable finish.

Third, it is packed with organic ingredients like jojoba and avocado oils that reinforce the skin barrier, locking in hydration.

Next, it is vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, fragrance free, and made without any harmful ingredients.

Most of all, the formulation is microbiome-friendly, and whether you’re dealing with dry patches or looking for a gentle moisturizer for oily, acne prone skin, this facial moisturizer checks all the boxes. (Read on to find out what Crunchi product is best for sensitive skin.)

As of May 2025, Crunchi Daylight® Facial Cream ingredients are as follows:

Each of these ingredients plays a role in either hydrating, moisturizing, or preserving the product safely. Let’s explore them more deeply.

Hydrating Ingredients

This truly hydrating moisturizer is packed with ingredients that support skin health and moisture retention. Among its key ingredients are water and mineral water, organic aloe vera leaf juice, chondrus crispus extract, and sodium hyaluronate. Let’s take a closer look at a few of these standout ingredients.

Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Juice

First, aloe vera is a classic for good reason. It soothes, hydrates, and helps reduce the flakiness of dry skin while restoring its suppleness (source). I also really appreciate that Crunchi uses organic aloe vera, which means no exposure to harmful synthenic pesticides.

Chondrus Crispus Extract

Next, also known as Irish moss, this red sea kelp is another powerful hydrator in Crunchi’s non-toxic moisturizer. It helps plump and firm the skin, smoothing out fine lines and giving a fresh, healthy appearance.

I’ve seen some claims online that it might be comedogenic (pore-clogging), but those sources never cite any credible research. Contrary to online myths, Irish moss is not comedogenic and works well on all skin types. As someone whose skin used to be sensitive and acne prone, I’ve never experienced breakouts from it. (I said “used to be” because with Crunchi skincare I have restored my skin microbiome, and now my skin type is normal.) (Learn about 15 Pore Clogging Ingredients To Avoid here.)

Sodium Hyaluronate

Above all, sodium hyaluronate, the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, is naturally found in our bodies—especially in connective tissues like cartilage. What makes it ideal for intense hydration is its ability to hold more water than virtually any other skincare ingredient, which makes it a top choice for deep, lasting hydration (source). 

I was genuinely thrilled when Crunchi began including sodium hyaluronate in their formulations. At one point, I searched high and low for a product that would contain this ingredient without also including questionable additives. I only found one—and it ended up being disappointing. Crunchi finally checked all the boxes for me.

Moisturizing Ingredients

In addition to deeply hydrating ingredients, Crunchi’s moisturizer includes a blend of nourishing organic oils—like jojoba, sunflower, avocado, and sesame seed oils—that help lock in moisture and support the skin’s barrier. These natural oils mimic the skin’s own sebum. They are nutrient-rich, loaded with antioxidants, and work together to keep your skin smooth and hydrated without clogging pores.

As for sunflower oil, while it may not be the healthiest choice for high-heat cooking due to its tendency to oxidize, it shines in skincare. Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, sunflower oil helps nourish and protect the skin’s barrier, locking in moisture without clogging pores. Its lightweight, non-comedogenic nature makes it ideal even for sensitive or acne-prone skin, offering soothing, anti-inflammatory benefits that support a healthy, radiant complexion. Plus, it is organic and non-GMO, which means no exposure to synthetic pesticides and solvents.

Emulsifiers

Of course, to effectively combine water-based and oil-based ingredients, a product needs emulsifiers. Oftentimes, emulsifiers raise red flags for those of us trying to avoid concerning ingredients but not in this product. As emulsifiers in this formula, Crunchi uses:

• polyglyceryl-2 isostearate
• polyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleate
• polyglyceryl-2 oleate, and
• polyglyceryl-2 stearate.

These belong to a group called “polyglyceryls”—essentially, naturally derived compounds made from repeating units of glycerin (a safe and skin-friendly substance).

In 2016, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review evaluated these types of polyglyceryls and concluded that they are safe to use in cosmetic formulations (source). While the data on them is still somewhat limited, what reassures me is that Crunchi uses EcoCert-certified versions. That means they’re not only naturally derived, but also processed without synthetic chemical additives, which aligns with my mission to use and share the safest skincare options.

Download The Free Guide!

5 Powerful Steps To A Non-Toxic Home

Join our informed consumer community and get our free guide the “5 Powerful Steps To A Non-Toxic Home”.

SUBSCRIBE

Preservation System

As you probably know, any product that contains water must also include preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. While necessary, preservatives are often linked to irritation or sensitization—an allergic reaction that can develop after repeated use. (Learn about preservatives to avoid: methylisothiazolinone, phenoxyethanol, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.)

Crunchi opts for two dermatologist recommended alternative preservatives: ethylhexylglycerin and phenethyl alcohol.

Ethylhexylglycerin

The great news is that neither the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Panel nor European Commission on Consumer Safety links ethylhexylglycerin to cancer, endocrine disruption, or reproductive toxicity. I like that it has skin conditioning properties. It can be a mild irritant at as high as 50% concentrations (source and source). Realistically speaking, I don’t think it is used in such high amounts.

Next, some dermatologists reported that it could cause an allergic reaction in very rare cases at the concentrations of 5-10%.  The amount Crunchi uses is not higher than 1%, and since 2018 (when the cream came out), I haven’t heard of anyone experiencing a reaction to this hydrating product. Because I haven’t found any meaningful concerns in the scientific sources I check, I’ve added ethylhexylglycerin to my list of approved preservatives.

Phenethyl Alcohol

Second, phenethyl alcohol is naturally found in some essential oils, spices, foods, and even wine. The FDA approves it for use in food, and both the World Health Organization and FEMA (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association) consider it safe. While some animal tests reported slight irritation, others did not. In a study with human participants using a product containing phenethyl alcohol for four weeks, only one person experienced dryness and swelling—likely due to another ingredient (a surfactant). Importantly, it’s not a drying “true” alcohol like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. Its effect on the skin really depends on how it interacts with the other ingredients in a formula. (source, source, and source)

Bottom line: Both ethylhexylglycerin and phenethyl alcohol are among the safer preservative choices in water-based skincare, especially when compared to other preservatives. Keep in mind that no preservative is 100% perfect because of its nature. Yet, preservatives are necessary to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, which can be very harmful. Based on both research and my personal experience, I can say that these preservatives perform well in Crunchi’s non-toxic, hydrating face moisturizer.

Other Ingredients

The remaining ingredients in this formula include a blend of organic botanicals like laminaria extract, sweet orange peel oil, acai berry pulp powder, goji fruit, thyme leaf, and rosemary leaf powder. These botanical ingredients not only add antioxidant and soothing benefits to the face cream but also support overall skin health.

Next, glycerin is a well-known skin-conditioning agent found in many creams and lotions for its ability to attract and retain moisture, helping to keep both the product and your skin from drying out (source). (Learn about Glycerin In Toothpaste here.)

Further, propanediol, often mistaken for propylene glycol, is actually quite different. Unlike propylene glycol, it’s not on the American Contact Dermatitis Society’s allergen list. I haven’t found any credible links between propanediol and skin irritation or allergic reactions. In fact, the European Chemicals Agency and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel report no concerns regarding irritation, allergenicity, sensitization, endocrine disruption, or genotoxicity (source and source).

Lastly, disteardimonium hectorite is derived from a naturally occurring clay mineral and is used to stabilize and thicken formulations. It’s a gentle, skin-friendly ingredient that plays a key role in giving the product its smooth, consistent texture.

Best Way To Use This Non-Toxic Moisturizer

As a reminder, due to its hydrating and moisturizing key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera juice, Crunchi Daylight® Facial Cream works well for most skin types, including normal and combination skin, oily, acne prone skin as well as, of course, dry skin. To get the most of this hydrating face moisturizer, take the following steps:

• Apply to clean, slightly damp skin—hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid work best with water.
• Use Daylight Cream in the morning and Nightlight Cream in the evening for continuous hydration and moisture balance.
• Pair with a hydrating toner to enhance absorption and nutrient-dense serums before application (e.g., Crunchi Clarilight® Facial Essence, Crunchi Goldenlight® Multi-Peptide Facial Serum, and Crunchi I AM Bright® Vitamin C Facial Serum).
• Follow with a sunscreen in the morning to protect the skin barrier (e.g., Crunchi Sunlight® Tinted SPF 30 or Crunchi Sunlight® Facial SPF 30).

Other Hydrating Face Moisturizers By Crunchi

All in all, Crunchi offers a full range of moisturizers and hydration-boosting products (use the ADVOCATE10 discount code for 10% off on the 1^st purchase):

• Daylight® Facial Cream
• Nightlight® Facial Cream
• Powerlight® Eye Cream
• I AM Luminous® Facial Oil
• Daylight® Advanced Facial Cream
• Nightlight® Advanced Facial Cream

Since we have already discussed Daylight Facial Cream, let’s explore what makes the rest of the products special.

Nightlight® Facial Cream

A rich, non-toxic moisturizer designed for nighttime repair. It contains nourishing oils and calming botanicals–hibiscus flower extract, organic aloe vera, organic lavender essential oil, organic jojoba, sunflower, avocado, and sesame oils–to restore the skin barrier as you sleep. Ideal for all skin types.

Powerlight® Eye Cream

This lightweight formula is great for the delicate eye area and is great for all skin tones and types. It helps reduce puffiness, hydrates, and softens fine lines using powerhouse ingredients. For me, it reduces wrinkles and dark circles under my eyes, which helps me look younger. The key ingredients to facilitate the beauty transformations include collagen- and elastin-stimulating peptide, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane, shea butter, caffeine, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (stable vitamin C). (Learn more in my post What Is A Vitamin C Serum?.)

I AM Luminous® Facial Oil

An oil-based treatment ideal for all skin types, including combination skin and sensitive skin. In fact, Crunchi designed it for very oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin to restore the skin’s health and bring the skin back to balance. I know it can be challenging to use oil on oily skin, but the idea is that using oil tames the oil production. It is full of omega-rich botanicals and antioxidants such as squalane, sea fennel extract, organic pumpkin seed oil, organic argan oil, organic sea buckthorn berry extract, and pure neroli essential oil. Use it over or under your moisturizer for a boost in intense hydration.

Daylight® Advanced Facial Cream

This awesome cream offers both the key ingredients (aloe vera, chondrus crispus extract, and hyaluronic acid) to improve elasticity and tone as well as a youth-activating complex (azelaic acid, bakuchiol, and vitamin C). Ideal for anyone looking for powerful anti-aging benefits without compromising on safety. (Learn more in my blog post Non-Toxic Anti-Aging Beauty Routine Guide.)

Nightlight® Advanced Facial Cream

This powerhouse nighttime moisturizer features the same youth-activating complex (azelaic acid, bakuchiol, and vitamin C) as well as organic argan and jojoba oils and hibiscus flower extract for essential hydration. This face cream strengthens the skin barrier, deeply moisturizes, and helps smooth texture overnight. While it has the same youth-activating complex as the daylight cream, it is thicker than the daytime version.

Why I Chose Crunchi Skincare

First, I want to be clear—I’ve personally used all the Crunchi products I’ve mentioned here. Now that I’m in my 50s, I’ve felt the need to step up in my skincare routine with more targeted, age-supportive products. That’s why I’ve transitioned from the original Daylight and Nightlight creams to the Daylight Advanced and Nightlight Advanced versions, which offer enhanced benefits for maturing skin.

Also, I often get asked whether Crunchi skincare is suitable for men and teens. The answer is absolutely yes. As we’ve discussed, healthy skin starts with a balanced microbiome, and Crunchi’s non-toxic, microbiome-friendly ingredients are gentle and effective for all ages and skin types—regardless of gender.

Here are some of the reasons I trust and recommend Crunchi:

• I’ve vetted every ingredient in every Crunchi product for safety.
• I’ve interviewed the founders of the company multiple times.
• The founders live a non-toxic, healthy lifestyle themselves, and they started the company because there wasn’t high-performing and non-toxic makeup.
• Crunchi doesn’t use ingredients that other so-called “clean beauty” brands use, such as synthetic petroleum-based dyes, carmine, so-called “fruit pigments,” phenoxyethanol, honeysuckle extract preservatives, or grapefruit seed extract preservative.
• They use eco-friendly packaging—you can see plastic in some products’ caps only.
• I like how they under-promise and over-deliver. For example, if they can’t guarantee that they will be able to source the organic version of an ingredient at all times without interruptions, they won’t mark it as “organic.”
• All their products are GMO-free, certified cruelty-free, and gluten-free. Gluten-free is important to me as I’m off gluten.
• Their products actually work–my skin has never looked better.

You can learn more about this company and their products in my Crunchi Non-Toxic Makeup Review.

Conclusion: Is Crunchi Hydrating Moisturizer Worth It?

In One Word—Absolutely! This Is More Than Just A Face Cream; It’s A Multifunctional, Non-Toxic Skincare Solution That Delivers Visible Results For All Skin Types While Staying True To Clean, Ethical Beauty.

To recap, Crunchi Daylight® Facial Cream is:

• A hydrating face moisturizer that truly binds water to the skin.
• Packed with nourishing, natural, and organic key ingredients.
• Gentle enough for sensitive skin and powerful enough to smooth fine lines.
• Lightweight yet effective—a rare blend of a gel moisturizer and creamy texture.
• Free of synthetic fragrance, parabens, phenoxyethanol, and toxic additives.

Whether you’re just starting your clean beauty journey or you’re a seasoned pro, this facial moisturizer earns its place on your shelf. And don’t forget—you can use the ADVOCATE10 code for 10% off your first order of $50+.

Let your skincare reflect your values—and get glowing skin while you’re at it.

Visit the I Read Labels For You blog for more valuable tips for living a low-tox lifestyle. Browse my Amazon store and my main shop along with my easy-to-download e-books designed to support smarter, healthier choices. And choose to receive my free email updates to get exclusive content, helpful guidance, and special offers all year round.

Download The Free Guide!

5 Powerful Steps To A Non-Toxic Home

Join our informed consumer community and get our free guide the “5 Powerful Steps To A Non-Toxic Home”.

SUBSCRIBE