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There are a ton of awards in the beauty industry and not all of them tell you anything about the quality of the product they are awarded to. The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration has been featured on so many of these lists though, it has to mean something.

On top of that it claims to provide relief for eczema skin, which technically means it is making a drug claim. Why is it allowed to do that?

Let’s take a closer look!

What the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration claims

This fast-absorbing, rich hydrating moisturizer provides instant and long-term relief for dry, distressed skin, even eczema. Good for face and body.

The interesting thing here is that they mention eczema and are basically making a drug claim, something you shouldn’t do in cosmetics. (More info: The difference between skincare and drugs)

When you do turn the tube around though, you will see that they have the “Drug Facts”-section on top, with Colloidal Oatmeal mentioned as active ingredient, and that is indeed FDA approved as over the counter drug since 2003, which according to my understanding makes this cream an over the-counter drug similar to a 2% Salicylic Acid acne treatment rather than only a cosmetic. (More info: The benefits of colloidal oat meal in skincare)

Facts about the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration

Prize and size

There are different sizes available, the one that I have in the tube contains 56,7 g and is available for 18 $ on the website here. There is also 170,1 g for 38 $ that comes in a pot and then a big size with the best value for money that inlcudes 396,8 g for 70 $. It is cruelty-free and free from synthetic fragrances, but does contain a few plant extracts that might be problematic when your skin is sensitive or you suffer from eczema.

Texture and smell

The cream is truly boring in terms of both scent – none except a faint hint of what you associate with cream – and appearance. It is white, more on the thick side and is just your typical cream in every other aspect.

How to use the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration

Now just to be clear: I do not suffer from eczema and haven’t had a flare up of Atopic dermatitis in a very long time, so I can’t tell you if in these conditions this cream will work. (More info: Is a damaged skin barrier the reason for acne and atopic dermatitis?)

I am however prone to flakiness around the mouth when cold weather mixes with my Tretinoin routine, yet at the same time don’t tolerate many rich creams without clogged pores. I used the Ultra Repair Cream at night as it is too much for my skin during the day and while the flakiness didn’t completely disappear, it was much better than it used to be. (More info: How to use Tretinoin with minimal irritation)

Despite the thick texture it spreads easily, sinks in fairly quick, but can be felt on the skin in a good way for several hours, like a soft protective layer. While I am pretty sure it will be too much for me during the warmer months, it is beautiful now that it is cold.

Ingredients of the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration

Water solv, Stearic Acid emo|vc 0 2–3, Glycerin sii|h 0 0, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate emo|amic, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride emo, Glyceryl Stearate SE emu 2 3, Glyceryl Stearate emo|emu 0 1–2, Cetearyl Alcohol emo|vc|emu|surf 1 2, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter emo|vc, Dimethicone emo 0 1, Squalane sii|emo 0 1, Allantoin so 0 0, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract aox|so, Caprylyl Glycol h|emo, Ceramide 3 sii, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract, Colloidal Oatmeal so|aox|emo|abrasive/scrub, Disodium EDTA chel, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil perf|amic, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract so|sb, Sodium Hydroxide buff, Xanthan Gum vc, Phenoxyethanol pres

Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
Other than the 0,5 % Colloidal Oatmeal we mentioned earlier there is also Allantoin for soothing, Glycerin as humectant and then a whole bunch of lipids like Squalane and Ceramide 3 as well as Shea Butter, Dimethicone and other emollients to smooth out the skin. (More info: The benefits of Ceramides in skincare and The benefits of Colloidal Oatmeal in skincare explained)
You will find Green Tea Extract for antioxidants as well as Licorice Root Extract which has anti inflammatory and skin brightening properties. (More info: The benefits of Green Tea in skincare explained and The benefits of Licorice Root Extract in skincare explained)
What surprised me was the Eucalyptus Essential Oil – while it is not a commonly known trigger for sensitivities, I would have preferred a formula without it in a product aimed at eczema prone skin.

More info: How to read the ingredient list in your skincare products

Does it live up to its claims?

Yes.

It is rich and fast absorbing even though it leaves a protective layer on the skin.

Would I repurchase and which skin types do I recommend the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration to?

The cream is amazing for irritated and dry skin, especially when it is cold outside, and did work for my combination skin without clogging my pores, so I can see myself repurchasing it next winter. Especially when we go skiing and I spend the day outside in the snow I can imagine it being very helpful in protecting my face.
If your skin leans more on the oily side though, it is probably too heavy for you to use.

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