Kiehl's vs Pixi
Kiehl's and Pixi are established skincare brands known for their thoughtful ranges of moisturizers, serums, toners, and eye products. The American apothecary relies on glycerin and squalane to nourish dry and sensitive skin, while the British line offers gentle, balanced care for oily and sensitive skin without heaviness. Both companies feature standout formulations for acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature concerns, such as exfoliating toners and hydrating cleansers. Ultimately, Kiehl's and Pixi differ through their targeted ingredients, with the former emphasizing deep epidermal barrier restoration and the latter delivering reliable daily radiance.
Kiehl's is an American skincare brand founded in 1851 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2000.
Pixi is a British skincare brand founded in 1999.
pixibeauty.comtracxn.compitchbook.com
This page compares some of the most popular Kiehl's and Pixi products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Kiehl's vs Pixi 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
-
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
Hydration and Moisture Mostly 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”
- “Instant surge of hydration — Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist”
- “deeply hydrates and balances — Pixi Antioxidant Tonic”
Lightweight and Non-Greasy Texture 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 — Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist”
- “Absorbs fairly quickly into the skin. — Pixi Vitamin-C Serum”
Brightening and Radiance Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “gives instant glow — Pixi Glow Tonic”
- “Skin is noticeably brighter — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “gives a lovely glow — Pixi Rose Oil Blend”
- “Acne marks are gone — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
Skin Barrier and Texture Improvement Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “leaves skin feeling silky — Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate”
- “skin feels smoother — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “Skin feels incredible, so smooth — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “forehead bumps gone — Pixi Glow Tonic”
Gentle on Skin Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “experienced zero irritation — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “fragrance-free — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “perfect for retinol newbies — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “doesn't sting — Pixi Glow Tonic”
Scent and Fragrance Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “smells like fresh roses — Pixi Rose Oil Blend”
- “lovely subtle rose scent — Pixi Rose Tonic”
- “Smells fresh — Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist”
- “calming lavender smell — Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate”
High Price Point Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Bottle is too small — Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist”
- “Slight downside is the price — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “bottle is very small — Pixi Rose Oil Blend”
- “pricy daily staple — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
Sticky, Tacky, or Heavy Finish Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “leaves a tacky film — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream”
- “rolled off my face — Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate”
- “pills under my makeup — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream”
- “slippery and won't stay put — Pixi DetoxifEYE Depuffing Eye Patches”
Product Ineffectiveness Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Did absolutely nothing — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “Takes months to see — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “didn't notice change in dark circles — Pixi DetoxifEYE Depuffing Eye Patches”
- “Not strong enough — Pixi Retinol Tonic”
Strong Scent and Fragrance Issues Not notedOften Mentioned
- “smell is overpowering — Pixi Glow Tonic”
Kiehl's vs Pixi 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
Hydrating Milky Mist
Morning
A$55.28
-
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
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$60.96
-
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 Pixi routine · A$284.74 · 94% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · A$685.63 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Kiehl's vs Pixi routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Retinol Tonic
Morning · Once a week
A$43.25
-
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
Glow Tonic
Evening
A$59.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$60.96
-
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 Pixi routine · A$463.41 · 95% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · A$767.92 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Kiehl's vs Pixi routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$73.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Retinol Tonic
Morning · Once a week
A$43.25
-
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
Glow Tonic
Evening
A$59.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$60.96
-
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 Pixi routine · A$445.60 · 92% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · A$693.88 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Kiehl's or Pixi: which is better?
Both Kiehl's and Pixi are great skincare brands, with Pixi often doing better for brightening and radiance while Kiehl's is noted for being gentle on skin. Lovi shows that Pixi has a Superior routine fit for dry, oily, combination, sensitive, acne-prone, mature, and dark spot skin types, whereas Kiehl's fits those skin types at a High level.
What is the difference between Kiehl's and Pixi?
Kiehl's is an American brand founded in 1851 and owned by L'Oréal, while Pixi is an independent UK brand founded in 1999. Kiehl's features fragrance-free options across most of its products on this page, whereas Pixi relies heavily on key ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, with Lovi fit levels showing Pixi as Superior for dry, oily, and sensitive skin routines.
Kiehl's or Pixi for dry skin?
Both Kiehl's and Pixi provide options that are well-suited for dry skin, though Pixi achieves a Superior routine fit compared to Kiehl's High routine fit for dry skin. Kiehl's offers products like the Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate with a Superior fit for dry skin, while Pixi features formulations such as the Hydrating Milky Mist with a Superior fit.
Kiehl's or Pixi: which moisturizer is better?
Both Kiehl's and Pixi offer well-reviewed moisturizers, but Pixi achieves a superior routine fit for dry skin compared to Kiehl's High fit. Reviewers mention that Kiehl's provides lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers and deep hydration, while Pixi delivers deep hydration as well as radiance and glow.
Which is more affordable, Kiehl's or Pixi?
Pixi is more affordable than Kiehl's, as a high price point is often mentioned as a negative review theme for Kiehl's while Pixi is noted as better on price.
Between Kiehl's and Pixi, which brand does better with scent and fragrance?
Pixi does better with scent and fragrance, as Kiehl's often has strong scent and fragrance issues noted by reviewers.
How do the founding years and countries of origin compare between Kiehl's and Pixi?
Kiehl's was founded in 1851 in the United States, whereas Pixi was founded later, in 1999, in the United Kingdom. Additionally, Kiehl's is owned by L'Oréal S.A., while Pixi is independently owned.
Which brand uses Aloe vera and Hyaluronic acid as key ingredients across its products?
Pixi uses Aloe vera and Hyaluronic acid as key ingredients across the products on this page.
Kiehl's or Pixi for oily skin?
For oily skin, Pixi offers a Superior routine fit with products like Glow Tonic, while Kiehl's provides a High routine fit with items such as Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner. Pixi excels in brightening and radiance, whereas Kiehl's is noted for being gentle on skin.
Kiehl's or Pixi for sensitive skin?
Both Kiehl's and Pixi provide a High routine fit for sensitive skin. Kiehl's is noted by reviewers for being gentle on skin, while Pixi offers superior radiance with key ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid.
Kiehl's or Pixi for acne-prone skin?
Pixi offers a Superior routine fit for acne-prone skin, while Kiehl's provides a High fit. Pixi is more affordable and focuses on brightening and radiance, whereas Kiehl's leans toward gentle formulas.
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
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
Design and in vivo evaluation of emulgel formulations including green tea extract and rose oil
The evaluation of aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion for photodamage
Skin barrier changes induced by aluminum oxide and sodium chloride microdermabrasion
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
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
Clinical study of a spray containing birch juice for repairing sensitive skin
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
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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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