celimax vs Kiehl's
celimax and Kiehl's are distinct skincare brands offering effective serums, moisturizers, toners, and gentle eye products. The Korean brand, founded in 2019, relies on thoughtful formulations to suit skin with dark spots and oily skin best, while the American brand, founded in 1851, favors dependable ingredients like glycerin and squalane to suit mature skin and sensitive skin best. Through these reliable offerings, both brands deliver measured results, though they differ in their specific formulations and targeted concerns.
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
CA$52.00
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Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
CA$48.00
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Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
CA$52.00
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Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
CA$35.00
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Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
CA$89.00
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Midnight Recovery Concentrate
CA$175.00
- Better Screen UV Serum
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Super Multi-Corrective Cream
CA$103.00
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
CA$53.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning
CA$36.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$87.00
-
SPF
Ultra Facial Cream
Morning
CA$52.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$51.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
CA$105.00
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
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Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$31.25
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$28.95
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$21.76
-
Serum or Treatment
Noni Ampoule
Evening · Once a week
CA$38.99
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy Kiehl's routine · CA$413.99 · 80% fit
Buy celimax routine · CA$216.93 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
celimax vs Kiehl's routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$31.25
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$28.95
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$21.76
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
CA$25.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.98
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
-
Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$53.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$36.00
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$33.00
-
SPF
Ultra Facial Cream
Morning
CA$52.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$51.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
Evening · Once a week
CA$52.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Once a week
CA$35.00
Buy celimax routine · CA$328.99 · 83% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · CA$370.40 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
celimax vs Kiehl's routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$31.25
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$28.95
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$21.76
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
CA$25.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.98
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
-
Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$53.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$36.00
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$33.00
-
SPF
Ultra Facial Cream
Morning
CA$52.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$51.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
Evening · Once a week
CA$52.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Once a week
CA$35.00
Buy celimax routine · CA$269.00 · 81% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · CA$373.49 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
celimax or Kiehl's: which is better?
Both celimax and Kiehl's are great choices, with celimax doing better for acne-prone skin and Kiehl's winning on hydration and brightening. Kiehl's tends to be more expensive and has packaging issues, while celimax offers better value.
What is the difference between celimax and Kiehl's?
celimax tends to be better for sensitive or acne-prone skin, while Kiehl's generally offers stronger hydration and brightening benefits. Kiehl's also comes at a higher price point and has more products containing fragrance compared to celimax.
celimax or Kiehl's for dry skin?
Kiehl's provides a better routine fit for dry skin, rating High compared to celimax at Average. Kiehl's offers targeted options like Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate, which helps deliver deep hydration.
celimax or Kiehl's: which cleanser is better?
Both celimax and Kiehl's offer highly rated cleansers, with Kiehl's providing a superior fit for oily and acne-prone skin types. The products on this page help cleanse effectively while supporting skin barrier health.
Which is more affordable, celimax or Kiehl's?
Between the two brands, celimax offers better value and affordability, whereas Kiehl's is frequently noted by reviewers for its high price point.
Which brand contains fragrance in some of its products, celimax or Kiehl's?
Kiehl's includes fragrance in a small number of the products on this page, whereas celimax lists no fragrance across any of its products. Specifically, two of Kiehl's items list fragrance in their ingredients.
celimax or Kiehl's for dark spots and brightening?
Kiehl's does better than celimax for brightening and fading dark spots. Reviewers often mention its gentle serums and ability to fade dark spots, and key ingredients like Vitamin C help target pigmentation.
celimax or Kiehl's for oily skin?
Both celimax and Kiehl's offer a high routine fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that the products on this page for both brands provide lightweight and fast absorption.
celimax or Kiehl's: which moisturizer is better?
Kiehl's performs better for hydration and moisture overall, while celimax excels in soothing and calming sensitive skin. Kiehl's offers lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers and targeted options like the Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate, whereas celimax features fragrance-free barrier creams that help restore the skin barrier.
celimax or Kiehl's for sensitive skin?
Between celimax and Kiehl's, celimax is often considered better for sensitive skin because it is noted to be more gentle, while Kiehl's is frequently reported to cause skin irritation.
celimax or Kiehl's: which sunscreen is better?
Both celimax and Kiehl's offer sunscreens with High fit levels for several skin types on this page. Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum may help with brightening and dark spots, while celimax Oil Control Light Sunscreen helps with oil control.
celimax or Kiehl's for acne-prone skin?
celimax is the better choice for acne-prone skin, offering a High routine fit compared to Kiehl's Average fit. The products on this page help soothe and clear breakouts without harsh reactions.
celimax or Kiehl's for dry sensitive skin?
Kiehl's is the better choice for dry sensitive skin, offering a High routine fit compared to an Average fit from celimax. Kiehl's also delivers superior hydration and moisture according to the review themes on this page.
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
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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
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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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