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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Bright SPF 30 versus Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 .

Last updated on September 28, 2023. Published on March 04, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both day moisturizers. They have a total of 15 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain BHA, exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, SPF 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 common allergens, 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.

Day Moisturizer American Brand United States
Day Moisturizer American Brand United States

Day Moisturizer

Day Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin during the daytime.

Day Moisturizer

Day Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin during the daytime.

Price

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
spf rating
30
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
30

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (4)
BHA
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

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

Concerns

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

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (4)
BHA
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

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

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (3)
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Ingredients Compared

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

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3% • Homosalate 5% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Octocrylene 2.7% • Water • Butyloctyl Salicylate • Behenyl Alcohol • Nylon-12 • Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate • Butylene Glycol • Dimethicone • Myristyl Myristate • Cetyl Esters • Ascorbyl Glucoside • Polyethylene • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil • Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil • Cananga Odorata Flower Oil • Eugenia Caryophyllus Bud Oil • Rosa Damascena Flower Oil • Jasminum Officinale Oil • Viola Odorata Flower/Leaf Extract • Polianthes Tuberosa Extract • Farnesol • Eugenol • Benzyl Salicylate • Citronellol • Citral • Benzyl Benzoate • Geraniol • Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract • Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract • Molasses Extract • Citrus Grandis Peel Extract • Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract • Hordeum Vulgare Extract • Palmaria Palmata Extract • Morus Nigra Root Extract • Punica Granatum Fruit Juice • Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract • Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract • Gentiana Lutea Root Extract • Curcuma Longa Root Extract • Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract • Sucrose • Glyceryl Stearate • Peg-100 Stearate • Peg-6 • Glycerin • Cholesterol • Linoleic Acid • Salicylic Acid • Di-Ppg-2 Myreth-10 Adipate • Sodium Hyaluronate • Betaine • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Steareth-21 • Trehalose • Tocopheryl Acetate • Myristyl Laurate • Trisiloxane • Di-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride • Caprylyl Glycol • Squalane • Myristyl Alcohol • Tromethamine • Sodium Dehydroacetate • Hexylene Glycol • Sodium Hydroxide • Phenoxyethanol • Pelargonium Graveolens Oil

Ingredients Side-by-side

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

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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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: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.

Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.

Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.

However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.

Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!

The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.

Learn more about Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane

Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Bright SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 7.

2
What it does: Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.

Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.

(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)

Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.

Learn more about Homosalate

Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Bright SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 2.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 4.

3
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Disliked

Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.

Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.

The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.

According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Salicylate

Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Bright SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 5.

4
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.

Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.

Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.

The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:

Learn more about Octocrylene

Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Bright SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 4.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.

5
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

Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Bright SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 5.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.

6
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.

Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Bright SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 11.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 8.

7
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil is oil from the peel of an orange fruit.

Limonene and linalool make up the majority of oils from citrus peels. Limonene has a "citrus" fragrance. Citrus peels also contain flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Citrus peel is also a rich source of flavonoids. Flavonoids are natural antioxidants and help protect your skin against damage. Flavonoids are a group of compounds naturally found in vegetables and fruits.

The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.

Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil

Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Bright SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 17.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 29.

8
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

Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Bright SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 47.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 10.

9
What it does:
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Peg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.

Peg-100 Stearate helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. It helps prevent oil and water from separating in a product. By binding oil and water, it helps remove dirt and oil to be rinsed away.

Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Bright SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 48.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 9.

10
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

Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Bright SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 50.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 2.

11
What it does: Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.

Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.

Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.

It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.

In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.

While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.

If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.

Learn more about Salicylic Acid

Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Bright SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 53.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 38.

12
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Caprylyl 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 Glycol

Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Bright SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 64.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 24.

13
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

Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Bright SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 65.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 6.

14
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

Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Bright SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 70.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 28.

15
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.

Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Bright SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 71.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 14.

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

26% are loved or liked
6% have mixed ratings
42% are disliked or very disliked
26% have no rating yet
29% are loved or liked
5% have mixed ratings
63% are disliked or very disliked
3% have no rating yet

Usage

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