# Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream for sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for sensitive skin.**
Normal Skin Fit: Superior · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/sensitive-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Australia.

Brand: [Kiehl's](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/kiehl-s)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with sensitive skin: redness, stinging, and reactions to new products. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for sensitive skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers excellent moisturizing for your normal skin due to high concentrations of glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, which provide hydration and plumping effects, though it lacks targeted ingredients for your redness and irritation concerns.
- Salicylic acid offers mild desquamation regulation, supporting skin renewal for your normal skin type.
- The product is safe for your sensitive skin, as it contains soothing ingredients like Menthoxypropanediol and Cucumis Sativus Cucumber Fruit Extract Juice, and lacks harsh or prohibited substances.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/dry-skin): Warning
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/sensitive-skin): Average (this page)
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Micronized Amino Acid, Glacial Glycoprotein, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid

## What the research says

- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients. ([CMAJ, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837684/))
- A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase. ([BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/))
- Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590107/))

## Why other moisturizers fit sensitive skin better

- A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366684/))
- Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment. ([American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/))
- A dexpanthenol-containing cream accelerated skin barrier repair, increased stratum corneum hydration, reduced skin roughness, and decreased skin redness compared to vehicle and untreated controls in sodium lauryl sulphate-irritated skin. ([The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19753737/))

## What reviewers say

This lightweight gel moisturizer is highly recommended for oily and combination skin, providing hydration without greasiness or pore-clogging. Users frequently praise its oil control and refreshing feel, making it ideal for warmer weather. However, individuals with dry skin often find it lacks sufficient moisture, and a small number of sensitive users have reported stinging or a sticky residue.

- Liked: Lightweight & non-greasy (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Excellent oil control (often mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating for oily (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Insufficient for dry (often mentioned)
- Liked: Alcohol-free formula (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Cooling & refreshing (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Sticky/tacky finish (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Pilling issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Stinging sensation (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this soothing AM and PM routine every day to keep your normal skin calm. Always remember to apply SPF in the morning after your moisturizer.
- Apply your moisturizer after your toner in the morning, and after your serum in the evening. This step locks in hydration and protects your skin.
- Gently press a small amount of the moisturizer evenly across your face. Avoid rubbing to keep your sensitive skin happy and calm.
- You can apply this gentle formula on dry or slightly damp skin for the best comfort. It works wonderfully on clean skin to soothe redness and irritation.
- Do a patch test before your very first use to check your skin's reaction. Avoid getting the product directly into your eyes .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream work for sensitive skin?

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream works for sensitive skin, though other products fit it better because it lacks targeted ingredients for redness and irritation. To fit sensitive skin well, a moisturizing treatment needs soothing ingredients that target redness and irritation while strengthening the skin barrier with components like fermented Centella Asiatica and nourishing oils.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for sensitive skin?

Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, menthoxypropanediol, and cucumber fruit extract help hydrate and calm sensitive skin. However, to truly excel for sensitive skin, a product of this type needs soothing ingredients that specifically target redness and irritation while enhancing the skin barrier with nourishing oils and centella asiatica.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Micronized Amino Acid do for sensitive skin?

Micronized Amino Acid helps calm sensitive skin by reducing irritation and redness while accelerating the natural skin repair process. It supports the skin barrier so that dry and reactive areas feel more comfortable and smooth.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34694692/)

### What does Glacial Glycoprotein do for sensitive skin?

Glacial Glycoprotein helps keep sensitive skin hydrated and protected against dryness. It supports the skin barrier so it stays calm and comfortable throughout the day.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37699769/)

### Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for sensitive skin?

This cream is used as a moisturizing treatment in the evening routine, and twice a week to start for sensitive skin. It is safe for this skin type and unlikely to cause irritation, though sensitive skin with redness needs a product with calming and redness-reducing ingredients.

### Can I use this cream with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this cream with retinol, and applying it after your retinol treatment helps keep your skin calm and comfortable. This type of product needs soothing ingredients and barrier-supporting agents like ceramides to keep sensitive skin protected and well-hydrated during retinoid use.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/)

### How often should I use this cream?

You can use this moisturizing treatment daily to keep your skin hydrated and smooth, though sensitive skin needs a product that also targets redness and irritation with calming ingredients and barrier-supporting agents.
Sources: [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/), [Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14571069/)

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for sensitive skin?

This cream is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for sensitive skin, as it has a lightweight gel texture and a safe profile without harsh substances. However, because it contains salicylic acid, it may cause mild skin renewal effects, though true purging is rare.

### Can I use this cream around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this moisturizing treatment on the body and around the eyes, though the skin there is much thinner than on the back and other areas. This cream is unlikely to irritate sensitive areas, but sensitive skin of this type needs specialized ingredients for redness and soothing care.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

### Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no fragrance and contains drying alcohol (alcohol denat).

## Alternatives for sensitive skin

- [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$32.25 at Amazon
- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$18.90 at Amazon
- [COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-92-all-in-one-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$24.00 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$73.61 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$54.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [Bioderma Bioderma Photoderm Mineral SPF 50+](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/bioderma/photoderm-mineral-fluide-spf50/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$24.49 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com.au: A$64.64 (https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09TDHGRVG?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethiconol, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Tetrasodium Edta, Tocopheryl Acetate, Menthoxypropanediol, Pseudoalteromonas Extract Ferment, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sarcosine, Salicylic Acid, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Propanediol, Cucumis Sativus Cucumber Fruit Extract Juice, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/sensitive-skin (this page)
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/sensitive-skin