celimax vs Kiehl's
celimax and Kiehl's are two distinct skincare lines, with the former being a Korean brand founded in 2019 and the latter an American brand established in 1851. While the Korean brand is adored for serums, moisturizers, toners, and makeup removers featuring targeted active ingredients, the American brand is beloved for moisturizers, serums, toners, and eye products utilizing key ingredients like glycerin and squalane. The former brand suits sensitive skin and skin with dark spots best, whereas the latter suits dry skin and sensitive skin best through deeply nourishing formulations. Ultimately, they differ in their national origins, foundational eras, and specific ingredient philosophies while both offering reliable support for a healthy complexion.
celimax is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by ABSORBLAB Co., Ltd..
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 celimax and Kiehl's products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular celimax vs Kiehl's products
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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
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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 Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Keeps skin moisturized for 24+ hours — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “Feels like a drink of water — Kiehl's Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate”
- “savior for dry patches — Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado”
- “Skin stays soft throughout the day — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
Lightweight and Fast Absorption Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “absorbs incredibly fast — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
- “sinks right into the skin — celimax Noni Ampoule”
- “feels like nothing — Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum”
- “Absorbs quickly — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
Gentle for Sensitive Skin Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “cleans deeply without stripping — celimax Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser”
- “Doesn't irritate — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
- “zero irritation or sensitivity — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
- “experienced zero irritation — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
Skin Texture and Smoothing Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “glass-like smoothness — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
- “skin feels noticeably smoother — celimax Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad”
- “leaves skin feeling silky — Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate”
- “skin feels smoother — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
Makeup Compatibility and Finish Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “works on dark skin — Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum”
- “absorbs instantly without residue — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream”
- “concealer glides on smoothly — Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado”
- “finally found THE matte sunscreen of all matte sunscreens — celimax Oil Control Light Sunscreen”
Brightening and Dark Spots Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Acne marks are gone — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “woke up glowing — Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate”
- “Skin looks radiant — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “marks faded faster than expected — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
High Price and Value Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Expensive for only 150ml — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
- “pricy daily staple — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
Lack of Results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “didn't notice pore reduction — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
- “results take time — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
- “Did absolutely nothing — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “Takes months to see — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
Packaging and Dispenser Issues Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “dipping fingers is unsanitary — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “Dropper doesn't reach bottom — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “tiny — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
celimax 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
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning
A$26.00
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.90
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$27.45
-
Serum or Treatment
Noni Ampoule
Evening · Once a week
A$29.33
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
Buy Kiehl's routine · A$685.63 · 86% fit
Buy celimax routine · A$222.15 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
celimax vs Kiehl's routines for oily skin
-
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
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$26.00
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.90
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$27.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
A$28.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
A$29.87
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Kiehl's routine · A$767.92 · 85% fit
Buy celimax routine · A$344.06 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
celimax vs Kiehl's routines for combination skin
-
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
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$26.00
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$27.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
A$28.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
A$29.87
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Kiehl's routine · A$693.88 · 83% fit
Buy celimax routine · A$316.07 · 76% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
celimax or Kiehl's: which is better?
Both celimax and Kiehl's are good options, as they offer equal routine fit levels across all skin types. Kiehl's does better for hydration and brightening dark spots, while celimax is gentler for sensitive skin and offers better value.
What is the difference between celimax and Kiehl's?
When comparing celimax and Kiehl's, both brands offer an equal routine fit across all skin types, but celimax is better for sensitive skin while Kiehl's excels in hydration, brightening, and makeup compatibility. Additionally, celimax is often noted for a lower price point and better value, whereas Kiehl's tends to have a higher price point alongside occasional packaging issues.
celimax or Kiehl's for dry skin?
Both celimax and Kiehl's are a High fit for dry skin. The products on this page provide great hydration, though celimax is known for being gentler on sensitive skin while Kiehl's offers richer moisturizers.
celimax or Kiehl's: which cleanser is better?
Both brands offer cleansers with high fit levels, but celimax tends to be gentler for sensitive skin, while Kiehl's provides a wider range tailored for specific needs like oily skin.
Which is more affordable, celimax or Kiehl's?
celimax is more affordable, as Kiehl's reviewers often mention a high price point. The products on this page for both brands offer comparable routine fits across different skin types.
celimax or Kiehl's: which brand is more gentle for sensitive skin?
celimax is more gentle for sensitive skin, whereas Kiehl's is noted for causing breakouts and skin irritation. Every product on the celimax page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, helping soothe sensitive skin.
celimax or Kiehl's: which is better for brightening and fading dark spots?
Kiehl's is better for brightening and fading dark spots, as it outperforms celimax in this review category. The products on this page include key ingredients like Vitamin C that may help improve uneven skin tone.
Do celimax or Kiehl's products contain fragrance?
Every product by celimax on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients. For Kiehl's, the vast majority of products on this page also list no fragrance, except for the Age Defender Moisturizer and the Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment for Men.
celimax or Kiehl's for oily skin?
Both celimax and Kiehl's offer a High routine fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that celimax is gentler for sensitive skin, while Kiehl's provides better hydration and brightening.
celimax or Kiehl's: which moisturizer is better?
Both celimax and Kiehl's offer excellent moisturizers, with celimax standing out for sensitive skin and Kiehl's leading in hydration and moisture. Reviewers frequently praise celimax for soothing and calming dry skin, while noting Kiehl's for providing lightweight, non-greasy hydration.
celimax or Kiehl's for sensitive skin?
Both celimax and Kiehl's offer a High routine fit for sensitive skin. However, celimax does better for sensitive skin regarding gentleness, while Kiehl's carries a higher risk of irritation based on reviews.
celimax or Kiehl's: which sunscreen is better?
Both celimax and Kiehl's offer sunscreens with a high fit level for skin with dark spots, oily acne-prone skin, combination skin, and sensitive skin. Reviewers note that Kiehl's provides better makeup compatibility and finish.
celimax or Kiehl's for acne-prone skin?
Both celimax and Kiehl's offer a high routine fit for acne-prone skin. Reviewers find that celimax is particularly gentle for sensitive skin, while Kiehl's provides strong hydration and brightening benefits.
Research behind their key ingredients
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens: focus on their safety and effectiveness
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
Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function
Calendula extract: effects on mechanical parameters of human skin
Protective effects of Camellia japonica flower extract against urban air pollutants
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
Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Rubiaceae) leaf extracts mitigate UVB-induced erythema
The evaluation of aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion for photodamage
Skin barrier changes induced by aluminum oxide and sodium chloride microdermabrasion
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
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
-

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
-

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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