EltaMD, Inc Skin Recovery Light Moisturizer 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 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
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
EltaMD, Inc Skin Recovery Light Moisturizer 30 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
EltaMD, Inc Skin Recovery Light Moisturizer 30 ingredients
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Isododecane
EmollientPropanediol
SolventPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Squalane
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sucrose Stearate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sea Water
HumectantTaurine
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBehenyl Behenate
EmollientArginine
Masking
Tribehenin
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Sulfite
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glycine
Buffering
Water, Glycerin, Isododecane, Propanediol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Panthenol, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Polysorbate 20, Sucrose Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Sea Water, Taurine, Xanthan Gum, Behenyl Behenate, Arginine, Tribehenin, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Sulfite, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycine
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 WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinPropanediol 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 PropanediolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconePhenoxyethanol 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.
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 GumCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
EltaMD, Inc Skin Recovery Light Moisturizer 30 ingredients
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream 22 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
EltaMD, Inc Skin Recovery Light Moisturizer 30 ingredients
I don't have the most sensitive skin but my skin eally didn't react well to this moisturizer. I definitely burned when I put it on. Not sure what the issue is but I know this isn't for me.
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
