Side-by-side comparison

Avène Tolerance Extreme Emulsion vs Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

Neither moisturiser relies on a targeted treatment active; both are about comfort and skin support. They share Squalane, so texture, price and the rest of the formula decide it.

1Shared hero active
Avène
Tolerance Extreme Emulsion
MoisturiserMid-rangeMorning or evening
sensitiveRednessDamaged Barrier

A minimalist 8-ingredient emulsion designed for hyper-reactive and post-procedural skin. Steriled glass packaging, preservative-free, fragrance-free. When your routine has caused a flare and nothing else will sit comfortably on your face — this is usually the product that does.

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Kiehl's
Ultra Facial Cream
MoisturiserPremiumMorning or evening
DrynessDamaged Barrier

A squalane + glacial glycoprotein daily cream for dry to normal skin. Rich but not greasy, very lightly fragranced. A sensible daily moisturiser that won't interfere with actives — though the price/performance ratio against CeraVe is debatable.

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The verdict

Which should you choose?

Both lean on Squalane for hydration and support. Avène Tolerance Extreme Emulsion is the better fit for sensitive skin and redness; Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream for dryness. On price, Avène Tolerance Extreme Emulsion is the less expensive option (Mid-range versus Premium).

The overlap

What they share

This hero active appears in both formulas:

Squalane
The formulation

Ingredient stacks, side by side

Avène Tolerance Extreme Emulsion — top of the list

  • Avène Thermal …~50–80%
  • Mineral Oil~5–25%
  • Squalane~3–10%
  • Glycerin~2–6%
  • Glyceryl Stear…~1.5–4%
  • Carbomer~1–2%

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream — top of the list

  • Aqua / Water~50–80%
  • Glycerin~5–25%
  • Squalane~3–10%
  • Cyclohexasilox…~2–6%
  • Bis-PEG-18 Met…~1.5–4%

● marks ingredients that appear near the top of both lists. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order, not disclosed doses.

At a glance

The specs

Avène Tolerance Extreme EmulsionKiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
CategoryMoisturiserMoisturiser
Price tierMid-rangePremium
Best forsensitive, Redness, Damaged BarrierDryness, Damaged Barrier
Usage notesMorning or eveningMorning or evening
Shared hero activesSqualane
Questions

Common questions

Is the Avène Tolerance Extreme Emulsion or the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream better?
Neither is a treatment product, so it comes down to feel and fit. Both use Squalane; pick on price, texture and the concerns each suits.
What's the difference between the Avène Tolerance Extreme Emulsion and the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream?
Avène Tolerance Extreme Emulsion's hero actives are Squalane. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream's are Squalane. They also sit in different price tiers (Mid-range versus Premium).
Are the Avène Tolerance Extreme Emulsion and Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream dupes for each other?
They're similar in role: both rely on Squalane for support rather than a targeted active. Texture and the rest of the formula will still feel different.
Can I use the Avène Tolerance Extreme Emulsion and Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream together?
They both fill the moisturiser slot in a routine, so you'd normally pick one. If you like both, use one in the morning and the other at night, and patch-test when introducing anything new.
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1 shared hero active

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