Skip to content

Head to head

Moisturizing Cream vs Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream edges out Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane, 8.8 to 7.8. It wins on results, formula and value, while the Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane is stronger on texture and feel.

Benefit fingerprints

What each one does.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

Side by side

Every detail, compared.

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never affects our scores or what we recommend. How we make money

Beauty score
8.8Excellent
7.8Good
Results30% of score
8.7
8.0
Formula & ingredients20% of score
8.8
7.8
Texture & experience15% of score
7.6
8.3
Value20% of score
9.5
6.8
Community love15% of score
9.0
8.2
Community
No ratings yet
No ratings yet
PriceTypical, checked by our editors
$19.99/ 16 oz / 453 gDrugstore
$39.00/ 1.7 fl oz / 50 mlMid-range
Price per ounceLowest wins
—
$23.07 / oz
What it does
  • Barrier repair
  • Dryness relief
  • Long-lasting moisture
  • Soothing
  • Long-lasting moisture
  • Barrier repair
  • Hydrating
  • Dryness relief
Made for
Dry skin, Normal skin, Sensitive skin
All skin types, Dry skin, Normal skin, Sensitive skin
Format
Cream
Cream
Texture
Rich, non-greasy cream that the brand says absorbs quickly without residue
Lightweight, non-greasy cream that reviewers describe as gel-like and fast-absorbing
Fragrance-free
Yes
Yes
Claims
National Eczema Association Seal, Non-comedogenic, Fragrance-free, FSA/HSA eligible
National Eczema Association Seal, Fragrance-free, Non-comedogenic, Dermatologist-tested, Paraben-free
Brand origin
🇺🇸 American beauty
🇺🇸 American beauty
Video reviews
Best for
  • • Dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin
  • • Budget face-and-body barrier care
  • • Families sharing one moisturizer
  • • Normal, dry or combination skin wanting a daily cream
  • • A makeup-friendly, fragrance-free moisturizer
  • • Buyers who want a refillable option
Strengths
  • Three ceramides plus cholesterol, hyaluronic acid and petrolatum
  • Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and NEA Seal of Acceptance
  • Works on face and body, suitable from age 3 per the brand
  • Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and NEA Seal of Acceptance
  • 4.5% squalane with pro-ceramides
  • Light, fast-absorbing texture that works under makeup
Watch-outs
  • CeraVe recommends its lighter Daily Moisturizing Lotion for oily skin
  • Tub packaging means dipping fingers in unless using the pump version
  • Expensive per ounce versus drugstore barrier creams
  • Jar packaging makes dosing less hygienic and precise

FAQ

Quick answers.

Which is better, Moisturizing Cream or Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane?

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream edges out Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane, 8.8 to 7.8. It wins on results, formula and value, while the Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane is stronger on texture and feel.

Which costs less?

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream typically sells for about $19.99 and Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane for about $39.00, based on retail prices when we last checked.

How do you score them?

Both are scored on the same five-factor rubric (results, formula & ingredients, texture & experience, value, community love), using the formula or specs, verified creator reviews, community consensus and value. Brands can’t pay for placement.