Kiehl's vs Allies of Skin
Kiehl's and Allies of Skin are skincare brands offering nourishing moisturizers, targeted serums, and gentle eye products that rely on ingredients like glycerin, squalane, and niacinamide. Kiehl's suits mature skin and sensitive skin best through barrier-supporting formulations, while the other brand offers rich hydration tailored for dry skin and mature skin. Ultimately, the two differ in their core formulations, with the American brand featuring heritage ingredients like glycerin and squalane, and its counterpart utilizing potent actives to improve aging signs and decrease hyperpigmentation.
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 Kiehl's and Allies of Skin products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Kiehl's vs Allies of Skin 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
Deep hydration and moisturization Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Keeps skin moisturized for 24+ hours — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “Feels like a drink of water — Kiehl's Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate”
- “nourished and hydrated — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “more like a spray serum — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
Lightweight texture and absorption Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “sinks easily into damp skin — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
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”
- “Woke up looking well-rested — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
- “Pores appear to be tighter — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
Gentle and non-irritating formula Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “experienced zero irritation — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “fragrance-free — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “Best retinol for sensitive skin — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
- “feels super soothing, doesn't trigger redness — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
Fades dark spots and brightens Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “scars visibly lightened after I started using this — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
- “Gives me a nice youthful glow — Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment”
- “brightens the undereye — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “Acne marks are gone — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
Visible plumping Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “more like a spray serum — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
- “Skin feels hydrated — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
- “Skin looks noticeably more plump — Kiehl's Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate”
High price point Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “pricy daily staple — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “Very expensive product — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “overpriced for what it does — Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream”
- “Pricey — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
Ineffective or slow results Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “Did absolutely nothing — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “Takes months to see — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “results were subtle — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “still not impressed with the results — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
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”
- “left my face bright red — Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque”
- “Slightly irritating... when I first started — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
Packaging and design issues Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “dipping fingers is unsanitary — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “Dropper doesn't reach bottom — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “pump head is fixed — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
Kiehl's vs Allies of Skin routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.19
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
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Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$98.99
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$194.18
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
-
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
Buy Allies of Skin routine · CA$427.33 · 97% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · CA$413.99 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Kiehl's vs Allies of Skin routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$98.99
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$194.18
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
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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 · 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 Allies of Skin routine · CA$565.07 · 93% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · CA$370.40 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Kiehl's vs Allies of Skin routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$44.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$98.99
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$194.18
-
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 Allies of Skin routine · CA$532.16 · 94% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · CA$373.49 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Kiehl's or Allies of Skin: which is better?
Allies of Skin is generally better for your skin routines, as Lovi rates its overall routine fit as Superior across all skin types compared to Kiehl's High rating. Allies of Skin also does better for fading dark spots and visible plumping, while Kiehl's may cause burning, stinging, and irritation.
What is the difference between Kiehl's and Allies of Skin?
Allies of Skin offers superior routine fit across all listed skin types compared to Kiehl's, while Kiehl's provides a wider range of products that frequently feature lightweight textures and zero fragrance in nearly all items on this page.
Kiehl's or Allies of Skin for dry skin?
Allies of Skin is a better fit for dry skin, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to Kiehl's High fit. Allies of Skin relies heavily on hydrating formulas that help improve moisture levels.
Kiehl's or Allies of Skin: which moisturizer is better?
Allies of Skin is better for moisturization, as the products on this page achieve a Superior routine fit for dry skin compared to Kiehl's High fit. Niacinamide helps fade dark spots and brighten the complexion.
Which is more affordable, Kiehl's or Allies of Skin?
When it comes to affordability, Allies of Skin and Kiehl's both feature a high price point among reviewers, but Kiehl's is noted as having a disadvantage with its high price point as a specific review theme.
Kiehl's or Allies of Skin: which brand is better for fading dark spots and brightening?
Allies of Skin does better for fading dark spots and brightening than Kiehl's. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products, Kiehl's or Allies of Skin?
Allies of Skin has more fragrance-free products since every product on its page lists no fragrance, whereas 2 of the 28 products on the Kiehl's page list fragrance.
Kiehl's or Allies of Skin: which brand does better for visible plumping?
Allies of Skin does better for visible plumping. The products on this page help provide visible plumping and effective anti-aging benefits.
Kiehl's or Allies of Skin for oily skin?
Allies of Skin is superior for oily skin, whereas Kiehl's has a high fit for oily skin. The products on this page for Allies of Skin offer a Superior routine fit for oily skin compared to Kiehl's High routine fit.
Kiehl's or Allies of Skin for sensitive skin?
Both brands are suitable, but Allies of Skin has a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin compared to Kiehl's High fit. The products on this page from Allies of Skin list no fragrance in their ingredients.
Kiehl's or Allies of Skin for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Allies of Skin is superior, while Kiehl's routine fit is average. Allies of Skin helps provide effective brightening and plumping serums that reviewers often note for gentle use.
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
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
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
Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yoghurt and Opuntia humifusa Raf. (F-YOP)
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
Effects of a Greek Yoghurt-based Complex on the Human Facial Skin Microbiome
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
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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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