Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream US versus First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration .

Last updated on December 20, 2023. Published on January 18, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols or parabens

What's Inside

They both contain silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

General Moisturizer Canadian Brand Canada
General Moisturizer American Brand United States

General Moisturizer

All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.

General Moisturizer

All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.

Price

Shop

Buy Moisturizing Cream

Starts at $14.97
Shop

Buy Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration

Starts at $38.00

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin E
Ceramides (3)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (6)
Redness Reducing (4)
Reduces Irritation (3)
Anti-Aging (4)
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
Irritating

Notable Ingredients

Exfoliators
Ceramides

Benefits

Hydrating (4)
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream US contains this as ingredient number 1.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration contains this as ingredient number 2.

2
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream US contains this as ingredient number 2.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration contains this as ingredient number 4.

3
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.

Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream US contains this as ingredient number 3.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration contains this as ingredient number 9.

4
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream US contains this as ingredient number 4.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration contains this as ingredient number 6.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.

Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.

If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.

Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP

Learn more about Ceramide NP

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream US contains this as ingredient number 9.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration contains this as ingredient number 22.

6
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream US contains this as ingredient number 13.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration contains this as ingredient number 10.

7
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream US contains this as ingredient number 18.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration contains this as ingredient number 13.

8
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream US contains this as ingredient number 23.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration contains this as ingredient number 15.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

50% are loved or liked
8% have mixed ratings
42% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet
43% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
48% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream 24 ingredients

4.1 /5
from 61 reviews
AshN.'s Avatar'
Mar 19, 2024

As a person with really dry skin, this is a wonderful product that keeps my face hydrated throughout the evenings and great for sensitive skin. Considering that it is a thick product, a little goes a long way, which is why I think for...

As a person with really dry skin, this is a wonderful product that keeps my face hydrated throughout the evenings and great for sensitive skin. Considering that it is a thick product, a little goes a long way, which is why I think for the amount you get at the price point it is a great buy. Only thing I wish it had was a pump like the Vanicream Moisturizing Cream just because I feel it is more sanitary, but that can be remedied with getting an airless pump dispenser if you don't mind decanting product.

Great Value
Hydrating
Heavy
Absorbs Well
No Scent
Works Well
Region: US
kyniwi's Avatar'
Feb 18, 2024

It burns if I have any dry patches (under my nose in the winter for example) and does not sink in very well. I’m pretty sure this has been causing me to have blackheads, whiteheads, and milia all over my cheeks and chin. seriously...

It burns if I have any dry patches (under my nose in the winter for example) and does not sink in very well. I’m pretty sure this has been causing me to have blackheads, whiteheads, and milia all over my cheeks and chin. seriously overhyped.

Irritating
Heavy
No Scent
Broke Me Out
Doesn't Work
Region: US
Aquila's Avatar'
Jan 16, 2022

NOT for ultra-sensitive skin
I first discovered this moisturizer a year ago when I was suffering the fallout from a particularly nasty case of contact dermatitis. I needed a moisturizer that was fragrance-free and safe for sensitive...

NOT for ultra-sensitive skin
I first discovered this moisturizer a year ago when I was suffering the fallout from a particularly nasty case of contact dermatitis. I needed a moisturizer that was fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin. The first time I applied this to my face, it immediately stung and burn something fierce.

I thought that the reaction was due to the existing contact dermatitis. A couple months later, after the dermatitis had healed from a round of Desonide cream (and then several weeks of no skincare products at all), I tried the cream on my arms and legs. No bad reactions, so I tried it again on my face. Got the same reaction: stinging, burning, and redness. Not only that, but it gave me contact dermatitis.

Turns out, this DOES have fragrance (along with harsh preservatives), despite what the label says. Any type of synthetic fragrance will cause me to have stinging red irritation, so this brand openly lies about its ingredients on the labels.

I can still use it on my trunk, arms and legs (which are not sensitive), and I only do so to not waste the expensive product however I will NEVER again purchase ANY products from this brand.

If you have sensitive or ultra-sensitive skin, beware and consider looking at other brands and giving this one a miss.

Region: US

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration 23 ingredients

3.8 /5
from 11 reviews
Y's Avatar'
Jun 6, 2021

Nothing too special, it's not hydrating enough for super dry skin and it pills sometimes. It doesn't irritate my skin tho

Nothing too special, it's not hydrating enough for super dry skin and it pills sometimes. It doesn't irritate my skin tho

Mac_R's Avatar'
Mar 30, 2023

Cannot say enough good things
This is my all time favourite moisturizer. i use it anywhere needed and never feels oily or too heavy. absorbs right into the skin and feels hydrated, soft and clean. if you want to lessen steps in your skin...

Cannot say enough good things
This is my all time favourite moisturizer. i use it anywhere needed and never feels oily or too heavy. absorbs right into the skin and feels hydrated, soft and clean. if you want to lessen steps in your skin care routine, this is an awesome one to use instead of two face/body moisturizers

LeezG_503's Avatar'
Sep 22, 2023

Irritating
Sadly, this stuff burns, and it smells like menthol. I had high hopes because I like both oatmeal and squalane in skin products, but this is not good for extremely sensitive skin.

Irritating
Sadly, this stuff burns, and it smells like menthol. I had high hopes because I like both oatmeal and squalane in skin products, but this is not good for extremely sensitive skin.

Alternatives

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