Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Face Gel Hydrator - US Versus Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
Updated on March 15, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, 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
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Face Gel Hydrator 13 ingredients
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer 19 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Face Gel Hydrator 13 ingredients
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Stearate
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide As
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Carnosine
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPhytosterols
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-11
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningIngredients 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 GlycerinPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Face Gel Hydrator 13 ingredients
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer 19 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Face Gel Hydrator 13 ingredients
Good for my hands, not for my face. Doesn't worsen hormonal acne but clogs my pores and give me little superficial pimples.
breaks me out
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer 19 ingredients
Lightweight, calming, noncomedogenic moisturizer. It has a light/buttery texture and absorbs quickly. This works for my sensitive oily skin and doesn't break me out, and it doesn't cause sunscreen to pill/peel or anything.
Best lightweight every face cream
This product is perfect for my dry combo skin. It's scentless and lightweight and makes my face feels hydrated. Perfect for everyday use.
