Anua vs Kiehl's
Anua and Kiehl's are skincare brands that offer distinct approaches to complexion care. Anua is a Korean brand known for moisturizers, toners, serums, and cleansers featuring hyaluronic acid, heartleaf, and niacinamide, while the American brand Kiehl's relies on glycerin and squalane across its moisturizers, serums, toners, and eye products. The first brand suits oily acne-prone skin and dry skin best, whereas the second brand serves dry skin and sensitive skin effectively. Ultimately, they differ through their foundational ingredients and regional origins, with both providing targeted options for specific skincare concerns.
Anua is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by The Founders Inc..
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Kiehl's is an American skincare brand founded in 1851 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2000.
This page compares some of the most popular Anua and Kiehl's products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Anua vs Kiehl's products
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Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
A$26.00
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Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
A$33.00
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Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
A$36.95
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PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
A$36.00
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Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
A$22.00
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Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
A$35.00
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PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM
A$33.00
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Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad
A$33.40
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Ultra Facial Cream
A$74.00
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Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
A$189.99
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Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
A$153.74
-
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
A$109.00
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Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
A$82.99
- Midnight Recovery Concentrate
- Better Screen UV Serum
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Super Multi-Corrective Cream
A$174.32
People Say
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “complexion feels so plump — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
- “leaves skin plump — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
- “Keeps skin moisturized for 24+ hours — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “Feels like a drink of water — Kiehl's Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate”
Texture and Lightweight Feel Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “melts into skin — Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream”
- “Feels like water, not heavy oil — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
- “feels like nothing — Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum”
- “absorbs instantly without residue — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream”
Brightening and Dark Spots Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Significant reduction in hyperpigmentation from acne scarring. — Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum”
- “Gives a nice healthy glow — Anua PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM”
- “Acne marks are gone — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “woke up glowing — Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate”
Sensitive Skin Care Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Calms my redness instantly — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
- “calmed my red spots — Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad”
- “experienced zero irritation — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “fragrance-free — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
Skin Smoothing and Texture Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Skin feels super smooth — Anua PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM”
- “skin feels so smooth — Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner”
- “leaves skin feeling silky — Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate”
- “skin feels smoother — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
Glow and Radiance Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “glass-like glow — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
- “glassy skin look — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
- “beautiful glow — Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream”
- “Skin looks noticeably more plump — Kiehl's Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate”
Price and Value Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “price feels way too high — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
- “small size, the price is expensive — Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder”
- “bottle too small — Anua NANO RETINOL™ 0.3% + NIACIN RENEWING SERUM”
- “pricy daily staple — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
Breakouts and Acne Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “caused cystic acne — Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate”
- “cystic acne for some — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “developed tiny white bumps — Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado”
- “Wrecked my skin barrier — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
Sticky or Greasy Finish Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Left such a gross tacky finish that refused to dry. — Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum”
- “leaves a tacky finish — Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner”
- “oil slick in summer — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “too radiant for oily skin — Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum”
Anua vs Kiehl's routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$148.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning
A$62.15
-
Moisturizer
Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$213.07
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$90.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$82.99
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
-
Cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$19.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning
A$35.00
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$42.00
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$26.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$36.95
-
Enzyme Powder
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Once a week
A$27.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
Buy Kiehl's routine · A$685.63 · 86% fit
Buy Anua routine · A$238.92 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Anua vs Kiehl's routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Once a week
A$27.00
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$42.00
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$26.00
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
A$30.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$36.95
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$148.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$62.15
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$64.64
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$90.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
Evening · Once a week
A$153.74
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Once a week
A$109.00
Buy Anua routine · A$330.29 · 85% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · A$767.92 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Anua vs Kiehl's routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$35.00
-
Moisturizer
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$27.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$26.00
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
A$30.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$36.95
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$148.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$62.15
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$64.64
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$90.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
Evening · Once a week
A$153.74
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Once a week
A$109.00
Buy Anua routine · A$295.30 · 83% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · A$693.88 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Anua or Kiehl's: which is better?
Both brands are equal across all skincare routine fits and review themes, though Anua may be better for glow and value while Kiehl's is often noted for a higher price point. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer.
What is the difference between Anua and Kiehl's?
Anua is a South Korean brand founded in 2019 that achieves a High glow and radiance fit, whereas Kiehl's is an older United States brand founded in 1851. Anua features fragrance-free formulas across the products on this page, while a small number of Kiehl's products list fragrance in their ingredients.
Anua or Kiehl's for dry skin?
Both Anua and Kiehl's offer a High routine fit for dry skin, though Anua's products on this page feature fragrance-free formulas with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin hydration and quality, while emollients enhance the skin barrier.
Anua or Kiehl's: which cleanser is better?
Both Anua and Kiehl's offer effective cleansers, with Lovi fit levels varying from High to Superior depending on your skin type and specific product choice on each brand's page.
Which is more affordable, Anua or Kiehl's?
Anua is more affordable than Kiehl's, as Anua does better on price and value.
Where and when were Anua and Kiehl's founded, and who owns them?
Anua was founded in 2019 in South Korea and is owned by The Founders Inc., whereas Kiehl's was founded in 1851 in the United States and has been owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2000.
How do Anua and Kiehl's differ in their fragrance formulations across products?
Every product on the Anua page lists no fragrance in its ingredients. In contrast, 26 of the 28 products on the Kiehl's page list no fragrance, while two products contain it.
What are the main key ingredients found across Anua's products compared to Kiehl's?
Anua features key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, heartleaf, niacinamide, glycerin, ceramide, panthenol, and centella asiatica across its products. In comparison, Kiehl's relies on glycerin, vitamin C, squalane, shea butter, and vitamin E.
Anua or Kiehl's for oily skin?
Both Anua and Kiehl's are a High fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that Anua helps with brightening serums, while Kiehl's helps with lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers.
Anua or Kiehl's: which moisturizer is better?
Both Anua and Kiehl's offer effective moisturizers with equal routine fit for dry skin, oily skin, and sensitive skin. Reviewers note that Anua moisturizers help with soothing and barrier support, while Kiehl's moisturizers are lightweight and non-greasy.
Anua or Kiehl's for sensitive skin?
Both Anua and Kiehl's are a High fit for sensitive skin on the products on this page. Anua features heartleaf and ceramides, which help soothe irritation and support the skin barrier, while Kiehl's uses squalane and glycerin to deliver deep hydration without added fragrance in almost all formulas.
Anua or Kiehl's: which sunscreen is better?
Anua offers the Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream, while Kiehl's features the Better Screen UV Serum among the products on this page. Both brands provide high Lovi fit levels for sunscreen across various skin types.
Anua or Kiehl's for acne-prone skin?
Both Anua and Kiehl's are a High fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Reviewers report that Anua helps with brightening serums and soothing moisturizers, while Kiehl's features gentle serums and deep hydration.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Topical menthol--a human model for cold pain by activation and sensitization of C nociceptors
Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Panax ginseng induces human Type I collagen synthesis through activation of Smad signaling
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
Calendula extract: effects on mechanical parameters of human skin
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Natural Arctium lappa fruit extract improves the clinical signs of aging skin
Preparation and evaluation of anti-wrinkle cream containing saffron extract and avocado oil
In vitro and in vivo anti-allergic effects of Arctium lappa L
The evaluation of aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion for photodamage
Skin barrier changes induced by aluminum oxide and sodium chloride microdermabrasion
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
Emulgels powered by coco-glucoside: A stable and effective synbiotics delivery system for skin care
Clinical and histologic changes determine optimal treatment regimens for microdermabrasion
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Clinical Assessment of a Novel Jasmonate Cosmeceutical, LR2412-Cx, for the Treatment of Skin Aging
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Behind this comparison
Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated 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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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