You might be familiar with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. It’s a holy grail skin care product for some HuffPost staff members and a tried-and-true classic. But although I’ve enjoyed using the Ultra Facial Cream before, I’m actually here to tell you about an under-the-radar sister product that’s cheaper (and, I would argue, better): Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer.
Both moisturizers come from the same line, and look pretty similar at first glance: They’re both formulated to work for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and contain hydrating ingredients like squalane and glycerin (the Ultra Facial Cream has some additional ingredients like pro-ceramides and glacial glycoprotein). They’re also both well-reviewed, though the Ultra Facial Cream definitely has more buzz. But there are a few noteworthy differences that make the Ultra Facial Moisturizer my personal favorite.
“I’ll let you in on a not-so-secret secret: The Moisturizer is way cheaper than the Cream for the same amount of product.”
First, I find the formula of the Moisturizer to be much more lightweight and thinner than the Cream. This isn’t to say that the Moisturizer doesn’t still deliver powerful results — I can vouch for the brand’s all-day hydration claim. However, my combination skin loves the gel- or lotion-like feel of the Moisturizer as opposed to the richer Cream, because I find that it absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel heavy. Both my dry patches and oily T-zone are satisfied. Kiehl’s notes on Amazon in their Q&A section that the Moisturizer is better-suited for oilier skin types.
I especially like to reach for it in spring and summer, when I know my face gets sweatier and I’d rather not pack on heavier products. If you’ve been thinking of swapping out some products for warmer months, this could be a good start.
I also prefer the packaging of the Moisturizer, which comes in a squeeze bottle rather than the Cream’s tub. I don’t know about you, but I hate the sensation of digging my fingers into a vat of goo to get the product out. A bottle that lets me better control the amount I extract (and keeps it from getting under my fingernails) is a win in my books. I will concede that it’s less convenient for traveling if you buy the bigger size bottle I own, but Kiehl’s does sell mini 2.5-ounce bottles.
Plus, I’ll let you in on a not-so-secret secret: The Moisturizer is way cheaper than the Cream for the same amount of product. 4.2 ounces of the Moisturizer is $42, while a 4.2-ounce tub of the Cream is $70. Yes, $42 is still on the pricier side for a moisturizer, but a little goes a long way, and I’d even argue that I don’t use much more of the Moisturizer per application than I would the Cream. One bottle lasts me months.
Reviewers are also sold on the Ultra Facial Moisturizer, noting that it’s a great year-round option, works well under powder foundations and doesn’t have a greasy feel. One reviewer wrote, “My coworker looked at my forehead and asked me if I had done any fancy Korean skin treatment. I told her it was just the smoothing effect of the moisturizer.”
Another reviewer said, “This lotion is my favorite! I’ve been using it for years.” They added, “It absorbs well and gives your skin a healthy glow (NOT a shiny sweaty look).”
Whether you’re an Ultra Facial Cream devotee who wants something more lightweight or less messy to apply, or you’re just looking for your next favorite moisturizer, don’t overlook this hidden gem. Below, check out some more glowing reviews for why the Ultra Facial Moisturizer is worth the buy.
“I received my first bottle as a gift. I loved it because I have super sensitive, eczema prone skin. Literally everything irritates my face. BUT this product has already made a dramatic improvement in the appearance of my skin. I still have breakouts from every product I use but at least this moisturizer has made my face look smoother overall. I have struggled since puberty and I’ve never had what you call good skin. I’m 50 now and I’m just happy to finally find a much needed moisturizer for my aging skin. All the expensive TOP NAME products have been major disappointments. They’re too harsh and contain too many irritating chemicals.” — Kym D
“I had been buying the cream at Nordstrom, but found the lotion works just fine and is a better price point here.
I like that it has NO scent and my skin never feels irritated after and just drinks it in. This is truly great stuff!” — CAT55“honestly this has worked for me so well that i don’t have to think about other options. i like all of kiehls products. if you are looking for a basic clean and effective moisturizer, this is it.” — Armando Eleazar Estrada
“I use this as my everyday moisturizer all year round. I have used many other moisturizers and this one has worked the best for me. This is the only moisturizer that has brought more life to complexion and has evened out my skin tone. My skin is hydrated and soft.” — Maria Brown
“Great everyday moisturizer. I love that this makes my skin feel moisturized and refreshed. I love that it’s not heavy and doesn’t leave a sticky residue on my face. I have been using this product for years, and I’m still very happy!” — Liz Force
Aestura
A sensitive skin-friendly, barrier-strengthening cream
For a rich yet non-greasy moisturizer, the Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream Moisturizer is the best of both worlds. Dr. Y. Claire Chang, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, said it’s ideal for those with sensitive skin thanks to a patented blend of barrier-boosting ceramide capsules that allow the ingredient to stay within the skin barrier longer. “This leaves my skin looking glowy for hours — when applied, it feels luxuriously smooth and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving the skin hydrated and protected without any heavy residue,” she said.
Medicube
A K-beauty collagen jelly that visibly plumps
If glass skin is the goal, this editors’ pick is the road to getting there. From the K-beauty brand that you’ve undoubtedly seen on your For You Page more than a handful of times comes the Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream, a bouncy gel moisturizer that targets uneven skin tone as it hydrates. Instead of thick, pore-clogging oils, it uses hydrolyzed collagen and niacinamide to work its magic.
Promising review: “I was skeptical at 1st but one single I fell in love. A very little goes along way. You can use in a thin layer under makeup or thick for a overnight mask. I like to keep it refrigerated for that extra chill and it feel amazing. It hasn’t broken me out and just left me with beautiful glowing hydrating skin. For reference I am 40 with textured acne prone skin. I will definitely recommend and repurchase! Beautiful product.” — JustAmble
Tula
This multi-tasking SPF moisturizer that feels like silk
The Tula 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day Cream is a multi-tasking powerhouse. Not only does it act as a moisturizer and sunscreen with its SPF 30, but board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexis Stephens also said it has a silky texture that absorbs quickly, making it ideal for use under makeup as a primer. Plus, it contains “probiotics and ceramides to support the skin barrier without clogging pores,” she said.
La Roche-Posay
A ceramide moisturizer that provides 48-hour hydration
Looking for long-lasting moisture? You’ve found it in La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, which comes recommended by Stephens. “This is a go-to for sensitive or acne-prone skin because i’s oil-free and contains ceramide-3, niacinamide and prebiotic thermal water to calm and hydrate the skin without triggering breakouts,” she said. “It also helps restore the skin’s moisture barrier, which is often compromised in acne-prone individuals.”
CeraVe
A lightweight lotion that can be used on the face and body
Dermatologist Dr. Geeta Yadav said that although the Cerave Daily Moisturizing Lotion is lightweight, it’s nourishing thanks to a blend of ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help add hydration into the skin and reinforce the skin barrier, preventing irritation and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). “Though it’s best for those with normal to dry skin, those with oily skin can use it when their skin gets drier (in winter, for example),” she said. Not to mention, it can be used on both the face and body, making it great for those who value a low-maintenance skin care routine with minimal products.
Cetaphil
An SPF-infused moisturizer suitable for all skin types
Yadav is a fan of the Cetaphil Face Moisturizer because it’s made with SPF 35 as well as “hydrating glycerin, conditioning panthenol and antioxidants like vitamin E and niacinamide, which also helps calm the skin,” she said. Oily skin types will appreciate its matte finish. Because it provides long-lasting hydration for up to 24 hours, it’s also suitable for those with dry or combination skin types.
Neutrogena
A layerable gel moisturizer for oily and acne-prone skin
Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Moisturizer is a gel-based moisturizer that “works beautifully for oily and acne-prone skin types,” said Stephens. “It’s non-comedogenic and features hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate without feeling greasy or heavy on the skin.” Plus, it layers well under sunscreen and makeup.
Facile
This dermatologist-formulated moisturizer that feels like second skin
The only thing better than a feather-light moisturizer is one that plumps the skin at the same time. Cue the Facile Barely There Hyaluronic Acid Lightweight Moisturizer, one of our editors’ picks which was formulated by a dermatologist and uses skin-boosting panthenol and squalane to leave skin looking and feeling baby-soft.
Promising review: “I love Facile’s moisturizer! I’ve been using Facile for over a year and love the lightweight feel of this and it’s perfect for day and night. My go to!” — stephnina
BeautyStat
This probiotic-rich gel-cream hybrid
Hailing from cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson comes the BeautyStat Cosmetics Probiotic 24HR Moisture Boost Cream Moisturizer. Another editors’ pick, the gel-cream texture of this moisturizer instantly absorbs into the skin without feeling greasy (oily skin, rejoice), plus it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and a proprietary moisture complex to keep the skin barrier happy (and the pores clear).
