Those privy to the best in beauty have surely heard all about the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. Known for its ability to lather and slather atop your dry skin, it’s considered a “cult favorite” and “holy grail” to alleviate that dry, irksome feeling.
However, First Aid Beauty has recently recalled a batch of its avidly followed formulation across the United States, with the Food and Drug Administration issuing the second-highest risk classification for the popular tub.
The recall of 2,756 tubs dates back to Dec. 23 but, with the Trump Administration freezing many health agency reports, the ban made headway in the news about a month later. The bottom line? According to Reddit comments, Trump’s removal of health regulators is making skincare users nervous about the recall.
Initially reported by Newsweek, the Class II risk advisory, noting “the use or exposure to [the cream] may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.” Aka, a big skincare routine no-no as of late.
I’m partly in mourning, alongside other beauty fans, because the Ultra Repair Cream has been a mainstay product in my drawer for years. Its ability to blend well and nurture my dry skin deserves the praise it has received.
But, a health risk is a health risk, and I’m here to list five alternatives I’ve been reviewing for years that are nearly identical to the recently recalled moisturizer.
Whether you fancy a night cream or a more versatile consistency that includes SPF, find the regal assortment of First Aid Beauty alternatives to shop for in light of the recent beauty news.
I can’t stop using the Alpyn Beauty Super Peptides & Ghostberry Barrier Repair Cream. After reviewing the full Alpyn Beauty lineup, this new-ish cream is packed with hydrating ingredients and has a similar feel to First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream. Better yet, its inclusion of eight different peptides helps smooth my skin’s surface each time I dollop some on.
The Drunk Elephant Bora Barrier Repair Cream is such a superstar, I had to share all about it in a standalone review. With an incredibly moisturizing feel and buildable coverage, I love how it not only hydrates but gives my skin a lovely radiance boost, too.
Korean skincare is, in my opinion, the movement of the future — and belif’s The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb is one of those products that simply serves my skin well. It’s thought to help retain the skin’s moisture for up to 48 hours, and I certainly feel those effects. I hardly have to reapply and it’s the optimal product to slot into your skincare routine for that very reason.
Similar to the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, the Olay Regenerist Shea Butter + Peptide 24 Rich Cream contains shea butter that is a key agent in nourishing the skin. I love how lightweight and airy this particular formulation is, coupled with including skin-smoothing peptides in its ingredient list.
For a First Aid Beauty alternative that’s less than $25 on Amazon, the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is my top choice. After reviewing the lion’s share of La Roche-Posay, this cream is a standout in terms of its moisturizing effect (thanks to the brand’s proprietary Thermal Spring Water) and sensitive skin-friendly formulation.
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest and greatest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include reviewing the viral Korean beauty brand, Cosrx, and testing dermatologist-recommended acne cleansers. Victoria has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.