Head to head
Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane vs Hydro Boost Water Gel
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane edges out Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, 7.8 to 7.2. It wins on results, formula and texture and feel, while the Hydro Boost Water Gel is stronger on value.
Benefit fingerprints
What each one does.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Side by side
Every detail, compared.
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- Long-lasting moisture
- Barrier repair
- Hydrating
- Dryness relief
- Hydrating
- Long-lasting moisture
- Oil control
- • Normal, dry or combination skin wanting a daily cream
- • A makeup-friendly, fragrance-free moisturizer
- • Buyers who want a refillable option
- • Oily or combination skin wanting light hydration
- • Acne-prone skin needing an oil-free, non-comedogenic gel
- • Shoppers wanting a widely available gel moisturizer
- Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and NEA Seal of Acceptance
- 4.5% squalane with pro-ceramides
- Light, fast-absorbing texture that works under makeup
- Weightless, cooling gel that absorbs instantly
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic for oily and acne-prone skin
- Hyaluronic acid formula Neutrogena says is clinically proven to hydrate for 24 hours
- Expensive per ounce versus drugstore barrier creams
- Jar packaging makes dosing less hygienic and precise
- Contains fragrance and Blue 1 dye
- Positioned for normal to oily skin, so very dry skin may need more
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Affiliate links — we may earn a commission. How we make money
FAQ
Quick answers.
Which is better, Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane or Hydro Boost Water Gel?
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane edges out Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, 7.8 to 7.2. It wins on results, formula and texture and feel, while the Hydro Boost Water Gel is stronger on value.
Which costs less?
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane typically sells for about $39.00 and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel for about $29.99, 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.