🇦🇪United Arab Emirates

Kiehl's Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream for acne-prone skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

Kiehl's Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream

Average

  • AverageCombination Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

Works for acne-prone skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Offers moderate suitability for combination skin, as glycerin and panthenol provide excellent hydration and barrier support, though it lacks sufficient ingredients for optimal oil control on your oily areas.
  • Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract and Bisabolol offer general soothing and hydration benefits that are supportive for your acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
  • The formula is safe for your combination skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

How to apply

  • Use your moisturizer twice a day in your AM and PM routines. Apply it daily to help keep breakouts under control.
  • Apply after your cleanser and toner, and make sure to use your SPF right after in the morning.
  • Gently spread a small amount of moisturizer over your face using soft motions. Let it absorb into the skin for a minute before getting dressed or applying makeup.
  • Apply on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra moisture. This keeps your combination skin balanced without feeling heavy.
  • Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use. Stop using if you feel any irritation.

People Say

★4.5Overall rating based on 1.2k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, this lightweight gel-cream is highly favored by users with oily and combination skin for its refreshing texture that effectively soothes redness and calms inflammation without feeling heavy. Some users with dry skin report it is not hydrating enough, and a small number of users dislike the tacky residue it can leave or experience irritation from the essential oils.

Highlights

  • Lightweight, absorbs fast Mostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs instantly”
    • “weightless feel”
    • “watery freshness”
    • “melts into skin”
  • Good for oily skin Often Mentioned
    • “perfect for oily skin”
    • “non-greasy”
    • “doesn't clog pores”
    • “balances oil”
  • Soothing and calming Often Mentioned
    • “reduced redness”
    • “calms inflammation”
    • “soothing hydration”
    • “relieved discomfort”
  • Radiant finish Sometimes Noted
    • “healthy glow”
    • “dewy look”
    • “boosts radiance”
    • “fresh appearance”
  • Smooths skin texture Sometimes Noted
    • “skin feels soft”
    • “smooth canvas”
    • “improves texture”
    • “makeup glides on”
  • High price point Sometimes Noted
    • “too expensive”
    • “pricey for results”
    • “not worth the money”
    • “small amount for price”
  • Not hydrating enough Sometimes Noted
    • “not moisturizing enough”
    • “skin felt tight”
    • “need to reapply”
    • “dry patches remained”
  • Sticky finish Sometimes Noted
    • “leaves a film”
    • “sticky residue”
    • “tacky feeling”
    • “slippery texture”
  • Causes irritation Rarely Noted
    • “burning sensation”
    • “caused breakouts”
    • “tingling”
    • “made face itchy”
  • Strong fragrance Rarely Noted
    • “smells like lemon candy”
    • “scent is overpowering”
    • “fragrance caused nausea”
    • “too perfumey”

Sources: lovi.care, kiehls.com, sephora.sg, ulta.com, spacenk.com, femaledaily.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does Kiehl's Calendula Water Cream work for acne-prone skin?

This cream works moderately well for acne-prone skin, as glycerin and panthenol provide good hydration and comfort, though it lacks sufficient ingredients for optimal oil control. An effective product of this type for this skin needs targeted oil-control ingredients and soothing extracts to help manage breakouts and keep the skin balanced.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for acne-prone skin?

Glycerin, panthenol, calendula extract, and bisabolol make this cream a good fit by helping to hydrate, soothe, and support your skin. However, to truly excel for acne-prone skin, a product of this type needs dedicated oil control ingredients.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

What do Micronized Calendula Petals do for acne-prone skin?

Micronized Calendula Petals help calm acne-prone skin by reducing red bumps and easing inflammation. This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation and may support skin healing.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022

What does Calendula Flower Extract do for acne-prone skin?

Calendula officinalis extract helps calm acne-prone skin by reducing redness and swelling. It is unlikely to cause irritation and may help soothe angry breakouts when used in your daily routine.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2021Molecules, 2020

Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This moisturizing treatment goes after cleansing and toning in your morning routine, and after your treatment step in the evening. This type of product works for acne-prone skin, though it needs added oil-controlling ingredients to properly balance oily areas.

Can I use it with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this moisturizing treatment with retinol to help keep your skin calm and hydrated. Apply it either before or after your retinol treatment, as it is safe and unlikely to cause irritation.

Cutis, 2006

How often should I use this cream?

You can use this moisturizing treatment twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine. Regular daily application helps keep your skin hydrated and supported while soothing blemishes, though acne-prone skin also needs effective oil-controlling ingredients for the best results.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Health Science Reports, 2021

Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?

This cream is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for your acne-prone skin, and it will not cause purging since it lacks exfoliating acids or retinoids. Glycerin and panthenol help keep your skin soft and calm, but this skin type needs extra oil-controlling ingredients for an optimal fit.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

Can I use this cream around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this moisturizing treatment around your eyes and on your body, though it is primarily made for facial use. Because the skin around your eyes is among the thinnest on your body, the gentle hydrating ingredients like glycerin and panthenol help keep that area soft and comfortable.

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (limonene, citral, citronellol, geraniol, farnesol, and linalool).

What the research says

  • A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

  • A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability.

    The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

  • Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment.

    American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

  • Topical application of Calendula officinalis extract cream significantly improved skin hydration and firmness (reflected in significant changes in R0 and R6 parameters) in 21 healthy human volunteers compared to a base cream.

    Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 2011

  • Treatment with standardized extract of Calendula officinalis L. led to a shorter epithelization time and faster healing speed compared to mineral oil in patients with acute skin loss wounds of the hand and fingers healing by secondary intention.

    Tissue Barriers, 2022

  • Topical administration of Calendula provides weak evidence of effectiveness in acute and chronic wounds compared to standard treatments based on a narrative review of available trials.

    Wounds, 2008

  • The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020

  • Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001

  • Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012

  • Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019

  • Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans.

    Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000

  • Hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol, and isotonic saline nasal sprays all significantly improved dry nose symptoms over four weeks in 240 patients, with hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol providing superior nasal moisturisation compared to the other two.

    Auris, Nasus, Larynx, 2020

  • Application of an alpha-bisabolol-containing cream produced a significant skin-lightening effect in pigmented skin compared to a vehicle control in the majority of female subjects after 8 weeks.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010

  • The combination of allantoin, bisabolol, D-panthenol and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate reduces UVB-induced PGE2, inflammatory cytokines, and mitochondrial superoxide in human epidermal keratinocytes.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024

Why other moisturizers fit acne-prone skin better

  • Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components.

    Molecules, 2023

Ingredients

Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Propanediol, Panthenol, Dimethicone Peg-10 15 Crosspolymer, Bisabolol, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Chlorphenesin, Citrus Limon Lemon Peel Oil, Sodium Citrate, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Limonene, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Geranium Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Oil Flower, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Farnesol, Linalool, Tocopherol, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Artemisia Absinthium Extract

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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Prices checked 2 Nov 2026

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Arab Emirates.

How does it fit your skin?

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