Current State Aloe + Algae Lightweight Gel Cream Versus Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Updated on July 14, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Current State Aloe + Algae Lightweight Gel Cream 27 ingredients
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream 22 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Current State Aloe + Algae Lightweight Gel Cream 27 ingredients
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream 22 ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Spirulina Platensis Extract
Skin ProtectingCaryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil
Emollient
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract
AstringentVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract
AstringentHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Superoxide Dismutase
Antioxidant
Soybean Peroxidase
Antioxidant
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentLeuconostoc Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Cetearyl Olivate
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Propanediol, Glycerin, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Oryza Sativa Extract, Superoxide Dismutase, Soybean Peroxidase, Maltodextrin, Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Carbomer, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
SolventDimethicone
Emollient
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientHydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientDimethiconol
Emollient
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Menthoxypropanediol
Masking
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Humectant
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin ConditioningSarcosine
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethiconol, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Menthoxypropanediol, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sarcosine, Salicylic Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolGlycerin 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 GlycerinCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Current State Aloe + Algae Lightweight Gel Cream 27 ingredients
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream 22 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Current State Aloe + Algae Lightweight Gel Cream 27 ingredients
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream 22 ingredients
not too greasy, well under makeup, skin loves it
Great moisturizer for summer
This cream is great for oily skin. I discontinued using this as I needed a more powerful moisturizer to repair my skin's moisture barrier, but I think it will be great in the summer and for those without the same issue with chemically drying their skin's top layer, lol
