Kiehl's vs ISDIN
Kiehl's and ISDIN are well-established skincare houses offering thoughtfully formulated daily solutions. The American label is celebrated for nourishing moisturizers and gentle toners featuring glycerin and squalane, while the Spanish counterpart is known for sophisticated sunscreens and targeted serums. Both options suit sensitive skin, though the former leans toward dry types and the latter accommodates oily, acne-prone complexions. They ultimately differ in their heritage and precise active compositions, with the former emphasizing barrier restoration and the latter focusing on balanced, protected radiance.
Kiehl's is an American skincare brand founded in 1851 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2000.
ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.
puig.combeautymatter.comuploads.puig.com
This page compares some of the most popular Kiehl's and ISDIN products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Kiehl's vs ISDIN products
-
Ultra Facial Cream
A$74.00
-
Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
A$189.99
-
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
Lightweight and Non-Greasy Texture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “Lightweight formula absorbs fast — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “feels like nothing — Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum”
Gentle and Sensitive Skin Friendly Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Sensitive/reactive skin tolerates — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “no excessive exfoliation — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
- “doesn't sting eyes — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “experienced zero irritation — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
Deep and Intense Hydration Often 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”
- “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
Makeup Compatibility Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “acts like a primer — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “Great under makeup — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “concealer glides on smoothly — Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado”
Skin Barrier and Texture Improvement Often MentionedRarely 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”
- “skin was much smoother — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
Brightening and Dark Spot Fading Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “Acne marks are gone — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “Skin looks radiant — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “faded acne scars — Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate”
- “My hyperpigmentation has lightened and skin looks more even, even shines more. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
High Price and Value Issues Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “pricy daily staple — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “Very expensive product — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “My only wish is that ISDIN would make this product in a bigger size bottle. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
Unpleasant Scent and Fragrance Issues 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”
- “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Ineffective or Slow Results Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “don't see result — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “no noticeable changes yet — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
- “Did absolutely nothing — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
Burning, Stinging, and Irritation Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “this did make my eyes water water in the sun. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “mild redness or irritation — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
Kiehl's vs ISDIN routines for dry skin
-
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
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$27.35
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
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
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 ISDIN routine · A$223.48 · 94% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · A$685.63 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Kiehl's vs ISDIN routines for oily skin
-
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
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$80.43
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
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 ISDIN routine · A$440.85 · 94% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · A$767.92 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Kiehl's vs ISDIN routines for combination skin
-
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
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
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 ISDIN routine · A$384.33 · 93% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · A$693.88 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Kiehl's or ISDIN: which is better?
ISDIN generally performs better for lightweight textures, sensitive skin, and sunscreen options on this page, while Kiehl's is often chosen for deep hydration and brightening benefits.
What is the difference between Kiehl's and ISDIN?
Kiehl's is an American brand offering a wide range of targeted serums, cleansers, and moisturizers that focus on deep hydration and brightening, whereas ISDIN is a Spanish brand known particularly for its ultralight, highly rated sunscreens. Reviewers note that ISDIN generally excels in lightweight textures and makeup compatibility, while Kiehl's is often chosen for barrier improvement and dark spot fading.
Kiehl's or ISDIN for dry skin?
Both Kiehl's and ISDIN fit dry skin well, with Lovi rating Kiehl's routine fit as High and ISDIN's as Superior. Reviewers note that Kiehl's delivers deep hydration while ISDIN offers lightweight moisturizers.
Kiehl's or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?
When comparing moisturizers, Kiehl's offers deep and intense hydration and works well for dry skin, while ISDIN is known for its lightweight options.
Which is more affordable, Kiehl's or ISDIN?
Both Kiehl's and ISDIN are often mentioned by reviewers as having a high price point.
Between Kiehl's and ISDIN, which brand is better for brightening and fading dark spots according to review themes?
According to review themes, Kiehl's does better than ISDIN for brightening and fading dark spots.
How do Kiehl's and ISDIN compare in terms of fragrance-free product options on the page?
Kiehl's offers significantly more fragrance-free choices, with 26 out of 28 products on this page listing no fragrance. In contrast, only 3 of the 8 products on the ISDIN page are fragrance-free.
Which brand performs better for skin barrier and texture improvement based on reviewer feedback?
Kiehl's performs better for skin barrier and texture improvement based on reviewer feedback. The products on this page help deliver deep hydration and address skin texture concerns.
Kiehl's or ISDIN for oily skin?
Kiehl's or ISDIN: which sunscreen is better?
ISDIN sunscreens are better rated on this page, with superior fit levels for mature, sensitive, and dry sensitive skin types.
Kiehl's or ISDIN for sensitive skin?
Both Kiehl's and ISDIN fit sensitive skin well, with Lovi fit levels of High for Kiehl's and Superior for ISDIN. Reviewers report that ISDIN does better with gentle and sensitive skin friendly formulas, while Kiehl's has more fragrance-free options on this page.
Kiehl's or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?
Both Kiehl's and ISDIN fit acne-prone skin well, with Lovi fit levels reaching High across several of their products on this page. Reviewers note that Kiehl's helps with deep hydration and texture improvement, while ISDIN is often praised for its ultralight sunscreens.
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
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
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
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
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.
-

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
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.























































