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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 La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer .

Last updated on April 09, 2024. Published on January 31, 2021

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 ceramides

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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 need an update? Let us know.

General Moisturizer American Brand United States
General Moisturizer French Brand France

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 Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Starts at $21.99

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

Notable Ingredients

Exfoliators
Niacinamide
Ceramides

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger (2)
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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

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

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face 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.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 2.

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.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 4.

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.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 3.

5
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Myristyl Myristate is created from the fatty acids of myristyl alcohol and myristic acid. In skincare, it is an emollient and texture enhancer.

On its own, this ingredient has a comedogenicity index of 5/5. This means it has the potential to clog pores. When diluted with cetyl alcohol or propylene glycol, the comedogenicity will decrease.

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

Nutmeg, palm kernel oil, and coconut oil all contain this ingredient naturally.

Learn more about Myristyl Myristate

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane contains this as ingredient number 9.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 8.

6
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.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 9.

7
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.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 15.

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

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane contains this as ingredient number 24.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 18.

9
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Mixed

Sodium 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 Hydroxide

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane contains this as ingredient number 26.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 13.

10
What it does: Cleansing, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Myristic Acid is a saturated fatty acid. It is naturally found in milk fat. Other sources include palm oil, coconut oil, and butter fat.

Myristic Acid is an emulsifer and cleanser. As an emulsifer, it stabilizes a product by preventing ingredients from separating. Myristic Acid helps clean your skin by acting as a surfactant. It tends to gather oil and dirt on your skin to be easily rinsed away.

One study from 2021 found Myristic Acid to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Learn more about Myristic Acid

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane contains this as ingredient number 30.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 14.

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
39% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
44% are disliked or very disliked
6% 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

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer 18 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 11 reviews
AndieGlass's Avatar'
Feb 25, 2024

I prefer this lotion for my night time routine and someone with primarily oily skin. This sunscreen is very hydrating and doesn’t feel heavy as the last step of my skin care routine. I wouldn’t recommend it for day time use because it...

I prefer this lotion for my night time routine and someone with primarily oily skin. This sunscreen is very hydrating and doesn’t feel heavy as the last step of my skin care routine. I wouldn’t recommend it for day time use because it definitely gives the skin a shiny look.

Hydrating
Light
Absorbs Well
Works Well
eggplanet's Avatar'
Oct 16, 2023

Pills
It pills up if anything rubs against my face. And it is not hydrating enough for me.

Pills
It pills up if anything rubs against my face. And it is not hydrating enough for me.

Jnke.'s Avatar'
Apr 6, 2021

Good, but not for me.
Purchased after I damaged my barrier and needed something simple- Texture is nice & light, not at all greasy or heavy. No scent. Does not leave me shiney or oily. But not heavy enough for my current dry skin &...

Good, but not for me.
Purchased after I damaged my barrier and needed something simple- Texture is nice & light, not at all greasy or heavy. No scent. Does not leave me shiney or oily. But not heavy enough for my current dry skin & needs to be reapplied after a few hours.... I do for the most part really like this moisturizer, but will not be repurchasing after seeing the product info.

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