Kiehl's vs Biore
Kiehl's and Biore are two respected skincare names that offer distinct approaches to daily regimens. The American heritage brand relies on glycerin and squalane to power its moisturizers, serums, toners, and eye products, while the Japanese lineup features balanced sunscreens, cleansers, masks, and makeup removers. Both brands suit sensitive skin and dry skin best, though the former addresses concerns with targeted extracts for increased hydration and barrier restoration, and the latter emphasizes gentle, reliable care through thoughtfully formulated everyday essentials.
Kiehl's is an American skincare brand founded in 1851 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2000.
Biore is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kao Corporation.
This page compares some of the most popular Kiehl's and Biore products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Kiehl's vs Biore products
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Ultra Facial Cream
A$74.00
-
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
-
Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
A$82.99
- Midnight Recovery Concentrate
- Better Screen UV Serum
-
Super Multi-Corrective Cream
A$174.32
People Say
Pores and Oil Control Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Gets the gunk out — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
- “Keeps shine away — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
- “Removes waterproof mascara, eyeliner, foundation. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- “sucked the gunk out of my pores — Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “feels like a moisturizer — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
Lightweight and Non-Greasy Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “feels like nothing — Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum”
- “absorbs instantly without residue — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream”
- “Absorbs quickly — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “melts into skin — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
Relaxing and Refreshing Scent Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Love the tingle — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
- “Fruity fragrance, smells like apple/grape, refreshing. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- “calming lavender smell — Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate”
Skin Barrier and Texture Improvement Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “leaves skin feeling silky — Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate”
- “skin feels smoother — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “skin looked & felt smoother — Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream”
- “Leaves skin feeling clean — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
Makeup Compatibility Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “concealer glides on smoothly — Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado”
- “no pilling — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “primer-like — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
Stinging and Skin Irritation Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “burned my face immediately — Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque”
- “stings my face and feels like burning — Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream”
- “left my face bright red — Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque”
- “stings eyes — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
High Price and Value Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “pricy daily staple — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
Product Ineffectiveness Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “skin felt tight after an hour — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream”
- “Did absolutely nothing — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “Doesn't get all blackheads — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
- “Doesn't shrink pores — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
Unpleasant Scents and Fragrance Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “smells clinical — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “faint lab smell — Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum”
- “smell is overpowering — Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate”
- “smells like alcohol — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
Packaging and Application Issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “dipping fingers is unsanitary — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “hard to spread — Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado”
- “Dropper doesn't reach bottom — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “Stains the sink — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
Kiehl's vs Biore routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
d'Alba First Spray Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.09
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$32.34
-
Serum or Treatment
Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$16.95
-
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
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
Buy Biore routine · A$214.43 · 92% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · A$685.63 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Kiehl's vs Biore routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.99
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$32.34
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$16.95
-
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
-
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 Biore routine · A$378.72 · 91% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · A$767.92 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Kiehl's vs Biore routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$73.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$32.34
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$16.95
-
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
-
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 Biore routine · A$371.64 · 90% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · A$693.88 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Kiehl's or Biore: which is better?
Biore is the better choice for value and oil control, whereas Kiehl's does better for hydration and skin barrier improvement among the products on this page. Lovi rates Biore's routine fit as Superior for all skin types, while Kiehl's is High.
What is the difference between Kiehl's and Biore?
Kiehl's offers a much larger range of specialty serums, masks, and treatments, whereas Biore focuses on essential pore and cleansing care. Kiehl's is better for hydration and skin texture, while Biore performs better for pores and oil control.
Kiehl's or Biore for dry skin?
For dry skin, both Kiehl's and Biore are well-suited choices as Lovi rates their routines as High and Superior, respectively. Kiehl's features a wide array of products on this page like the Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate with a Superior fit for dry skin, while Biore offers specialized value.
Kiehl's or Biore: which cleanser is better?
Both Kiehl's and Biore offer effective cleansers, with Kiehl's providing more options suited for various skin concerns while Biore focuses on straightforward deep cleaning. For instance, Lovi rates the Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash as High for acne-prone skin, whereas Biore's Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser is rated Average for oily skin.
Which is more affordable, Kiehl's or Biore?
Biore does better for price and value compared to Kiehl's, where reviewers often mention a high price point. Lovi rates routine fit for all skin types as Superior for Biore and High for Kiehl's.
Which brand offers better pore and oil control, Kiehl's or Biore?
Biore does better for pores and oil control compared to the products on this page from Kiehl's.
Do Kiehl's products contain fragrance, and how does that compare to Biore?
Most Kiehl's products on this page list no fragrance, though a few contain it, whereas every Biore product on this page lists no fragrance.
Which brand is older and where was it founded?
Kiehl's is older, having been founded in 1851 in the United States, whereas Biore was founded in 1980 in Japan.
Kiehl's or Biore for oily skin?
For oily skin, Kiehl's is a strong choice as the products on this page provide deep hydration and oil control, while Biore also excels in pores and oil control. Lovi rates the routine fit for oily skin as High for Kiehl's and Superior for Biore.
Kiehl's or Biore: which sunscreen is better?
Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum offers High Lovi fit levels for skin with dark spots, combination skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and mature skin, while Biore UV Aqua Rich ranges from Average to Low across those same skin types. Reviewers note that Kiehl's excels in hydration and lightweight feel.
Kiehl's or Biore for sensitive skin?
Both Kiehl's and Biore fit sensitive skin with a High Lovi rating across the products on this page. Kiehl's features gentle serums that are mostly mentioned by reviewers, while Biore offers fragrance-free options throughout its lineup.
Kiehl's or Biore for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, both brands work well, with Lovi rating Kiehl's routine fit as High and Biore's as Superior. Reviewers note that Biore does better for pores and oil control, while Kiehl's offers a much larger variety of targeted serums and cleansers for this skin type.
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
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
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
The evaluation of aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion for photodamage
Skin barrier changes induced by aluminum oxide and sodium chloride microdermabrasion
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
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
-

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
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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