Versus

Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Cream Versus Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream

General Moisturizer
General Moisturizer
Korean Brand South Korea
American Brand United States

Updated on January 08, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides

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, parabens, silicones 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Masking, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Pentylene 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 Glycol
Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.

This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.

Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

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

A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.

When to use

73 Routines
44% use in am
56% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
51 Routines
35% use in am
65% use in pm
92% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Cream 13 ingredients

4.8 /5
from 4 ratings
Hydrating (2) No Scent (2) Works Well (2)
b3lla's avatar

b3lla

3 months ago
Review

honestly i was scared of this product for a long time because of the coconut oil but i finally gave it a go. this stuff is amazing! the koreans were onto something with this brand

#hydrating
#absorbs well
#no scent
#works well

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream 37 ingredients

3.7 /5
from 3 ratings
Heavy (2) Works Well (2) Absorbs Well (1)
MiaContreras's avatar

MiaContreras

1 year ago
Review

I have oily acne prone skin and this moisturizer makes my face feel hydrated and within a couple of week my barrier has improved i recommend this product

#expensive
#hydrating
#heavy
#absorbs well
PNW1996's avatar

M X

6 months ago
Review

Great oil free barrier repairing balm. Super thick. I wouldn’t use daily, only when needed- daily use might make the Palmitic Acid a problem. Palmitic acid is fine on skin that has a disrupted barrier- it helps re regulate things.

#heavy
#works well