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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Paula's Choice Hydralight Moisture Infusing Lotion versus Vanicream Moisturizing Cream .

Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on July 05, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, 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 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 Hydralight Moisture Infusing Lotion

Starts at $33.00
Shop

Buy Moisturizing Cream

Starts at $13.43

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

Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

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

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Eczema (2)

Benefits

Hydrating

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
Eczema (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

Paula's Choice Hydralight Moisture Infusing Lotion contains this as ingredient number 1.

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
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

Paula's Choice Hydralight Moisture Infusing Lotion contains this as ingredient number 9.

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream contains this as ingredient number 8.

3
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Sorbic Acid is a preservative. It is the most commonly used food preservative in the world.

Sorbic Acid is a natural antibiotic and highly effective at preventing the growth of fungus. It is less effective against bacteria.

Potassium Sorbate, another commonly-used preservative, is the potassium salt of Sorbic Acid.

Sorbic Acid may worsen eczema. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.

Learn more about Sorbic Acid

Paula's Choice Hydralight Moisture Infusing Lotion contains this as ingredient number 36.

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream contains this as ingredient number 10.

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

42% are loved or liked
8% have mixed ratings
39% are disliked or very disliked
11% have no rating yet
18% are loved or liked
0% have mixed ratings
64% are disliked or very disliked
18% 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

Paula's Choice Hydralight Moisture Infusing Lotion 36 ingredients

Hydralight Moisture Infusing Lotion hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream 11 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) Heavy (1) Hydrating (1) No Scent (1) Works Well (1)
StanLoona_176's avatar

StanLoona_176

8 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

calming and moisturizing!

AshN.'s avatar

AshN.

3 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

This is a budget-friendly cream that I would recommend to anyone with dry to extremely dry skin for face or body use. Never had any issues with...

This is a budget-friendly cream that I would recommend to anyone with dry to extremely dry skin for face or body use. Never had any issues with irritation regarding it. Given how thick this formulation is you would not need much of it for your face, so it lasts a long time. (I bought this product back in March 2023 and I still have a 1/4 of it left!). I ran into this product because I couldn't find my usual CeraVe Moisturizing Cream so this is a pretty solid dupe. Usually leaves my skin very moisturized, but with a more matte finish. Big fan of the pump dispenser as I find it more sanitary.

Alternatives

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Our Dupe Finder has found 20 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Vanicream Moisturizing Cream.

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