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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane versus Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer .

Last updated on February 19, 2024. Published on January 30, 2021

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, brightening skin and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates

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 American Brand United States
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 Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane

Starts at $23.99
Shop

Buy Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer

Starts at $54.00

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

BHA
Vitamin E
Ceramides

Benefits

Hydrating (5)
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening (3)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema

Benefits

Hydrating (4)
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation (2)
Scar Healing
Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger (2)
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Ingredients Compared

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

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

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane contains this as ingredient number 1.

Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 1.

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

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane contains this as ingredient number 2.

Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan? This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Read more about squalene with an "e".

Learn more about Squalane

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane contains this as ingredient number 4.

Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
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.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane contains this as ingredient number 11.

Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 24.

5
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane contains this as ingredient number 35.

Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 26.

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

23% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
60% are disliked or very disliked
6% have no rating yet
38% are loved or liked
15% have mixed ratings
15% are disliked or very disliked
31% 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

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane 35 ingredients

3.9 /5
from 8 reviews
mrobsss's Avatar'
Jul 23, 2023

This not only is super hydrating but it’s cooling on the face. It’s the only thing that can keep my face moisturizer all day!

This not only is super hydrating but it’s cooling on the face. It’s the only thing that can keep my face moisturizer all day!

abby_834's Avatar'
Aug 30, 2023

Deeply moisturizing & hydrating

Deeply moisturizing & hydrating

Arilena's Avatar'
Feb 10, 2024

Now, this is not really the best choice for me since I have combination skin - it gives me a little amount of fungal acne, but it's much better than a full breakout. Except from that I really like this face cream. It hydrates my skin,...

Now, this is not really the best choice for me since I have combination skin - it gives me a little amount of fungal acne, but it's much better than a full breakout. Except from that I really like this face cream. It hydrates my skin, doesn't make it glossy and it doesn't clog my pores. I only use a very tiny amount of it when I use it. A good alternative when I yet have to discover the one moisturizer that works best for me.

Great Value
Hydrating
Light
Absorbs Well
No Scent
Works Well

Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer 26 ingredients

Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer hasn't been rated yet.
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Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane.

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