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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 IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer .

Last updated on February 19, 2024. Published on March 17, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides and Vitamin E

Suited For

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

Free From

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

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances, oils and 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 American Brand United States
General Moisturizer British Brand United Kingdom

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 Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer

Starts at $85.00

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
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

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators (3)
Niacinamide
Ceramides (2)
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides (3)

Benefits

Hydrating (8)
Good For Oily Skin (3)
Redness Reducing (8)
Reduces Irritation (6)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores (3)
Anti-Aging (5)
Dark Spots (4)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting (3)
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (5)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating (2)
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Ingredients Compared

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

WaterButylene GlycolCyclopentasiloxaneGlycerinButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/DicaprateEthylhexyl IsononanoateHydrogenated PolyisobuteneCaprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic TriglycerideGlyceryl StearatePeg-100 StearatePolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose DistearateStearyl BehenateDimethiconePentaerythrityl TetraethylhexanoateBiosaccharide Gum-1Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerCetearyl AlcoholPalmitic AcidStearic AcidPolyethylene Peg/Ppg-20/15 DimethiconePhenyl MethiconePortulaca Oleracea ExtractCocos Nucifera OilAloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractButyrospermum Parkii ButterHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerSodium HyaluronateHydrogenated LecithinPolyquaternium-51NiacinamideHydrolyzed CollagenCamellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractTocopheryl AcetateCarbomerPeg-150 DistearateCeramide APGlycosphingolipidsGlyceryl PolymethacrylateMeadowfoam EstolideSorbitan IsostearateSqualanePalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4Polysorbate 20Steareth-20N-HydroxysuccinimideChrysinPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7Polysorbate 60Aleuritic AcidYeast ExtractGlycoproteinsBetaineHydrogenated PolydeceneCeramide NPAllantoinAvena Sativa Kernel ExtractRetinyl RetinoatePolylactic AcidCanola OilCholesteryl NonanoateAscorbyl TetraisopalmitateGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractChamomilla Recutita Flower WaterCurcuma Longa Root ExtractLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateEruca Sativa Leaf ExtractGlyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/OleateCeteareth-20Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MeaGlycine Soja SterolsMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf OilPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer DilinoleateSantalum Album OilChamomilla Recutita Flower OilCaprylhydroxamic AcidCetearyl GlucosideGlucoseStearyl StearateTromethamineCitric Acid1,2-HexanediolChlorhexidine DigluconatePotassium SorbateDipropylene GlycolLavandula Angustifolia OilCitrus Paradisi Peel OilCymbopogon Citratus Leaf OilPelargonium Graveolens OilCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel OilPogostemon Cablin Leaf OilCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit OilEthylhexylglycerinCaramelDisodium EDTAPhenoxyethanolCaprylyl GlycolLimoneneLinalool

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.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Hydrating 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.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 4.

3
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.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane contains this as ingredient number 3.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 13.

4
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.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 42.

5
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.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 97.

6
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.

Glyceryl Stearate is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.

As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.

In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced. The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.

Learn more about Glyceryl Stearate

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane contains this as ingredient number 13.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 9.

7
What it does: Cleansing, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.

As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.

Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.

Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.

This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Stearic Acid

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane contains this as ingredient number 18.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 19.

8
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid found in our skin. In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It is a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.

As an emollient, it helps hydrate the skin. The emulsifying properties keep ingredients together in a product.

Palmitic Acid may not be fungal-acne safe. It can worsen oily skin and cause breakouts due to its emollient nature.

Learn more about Palmitic Acid

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane contains this as ingredient number 19.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 18.

9
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
Community Rating: Disliked

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane contains this as ingredient number 20.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 35.

10
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane contains this as ingredient number 25.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 94.

11
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.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 82.

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
33% are loved or liked
10% have mixed ratings
38% are disliked or very disliked
19% 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

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer 100 ingredients

4.3 /5
from 3 reviews
USAFGal09's Avatar'
Apr 26, 2023

It's okay...
It's very moisturizing and I use it in the evenings as my bottom moisturizer when using retin-A. BUT I only buy it when ULTA has it on their 21 Days of Beauty sale because I don't think it's worth its original price.

It's okay...
It's very moisturizing and I use it in the evenings as my bottom moisturizer when using retin-A. BUT I only buy it when ULTA has it on their 21 Days of Beauty sale because I don't think it's worth its original price.

AletheaNorton_584's Avatar'
Oct 28, 2023

Love the long lasting moisturizing and the ingredients that play well with others.

Love the long lasting moisturizing and the ingredients that play well with others.

KylieSim_582's Avatar'
Sep 30, 2023

My skin drinks this right up. A little goes a long way so worth the price. Skin is left soft and I can feel the firmness in my skin. The next morning, my skin is still hydrated and has a lovely glow

My skin drinks this right up. A little goes a long way so worth the price. Skin is left soft and I can feel the firmness in my skin. The next morning, my skin is still hydrated and has a lovely glow

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