Kiehl's vs Bioderma
Kiehl's and Bioderma are heritage skincare brands that offer nourishing moisturizers, targeted serums, soothing toners, gentle eye products, and cleansers. The American brand relies on dependable ingredients like glycerin and squalane to suit mature skin and sensitive skin best, while the French brand utilizes nourishing glycerin to suit dry skin and combination skin best. Both brands approach everyday care with gentle formulations, though they differ in their specific heritage, founding eras, and key ingredient profiles.
Kiehl's is an American skincare brand founded in 1851 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2000.
Bioderma is a French skincare brand founded in 1977 and owned by Jean-Noël Thorel Foundation since 2018.
This page compares some of the most popular Kiehl's and Bioderma products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Kiehl's vs Bioderma 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
-
Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
CA$89.00
-
Midnight Recovery Concentrate
CA$175.00
- Better Screen UV Serum
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Super Multi-Corrective Cream
CA$103.00
People Say
Gentle on sensitive skin Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “doesn't sting my eyes — Bioderma Sensibio H2O”
- “doesn't cause any irritation — Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil”
- “mildest face wash I've tried — Bioderma Sensibio Gel Moussant”
- “experienced zero irritation — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
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”
- “healed my dry skin — Bioderma Sébium Hydra”
- “skin feels plump — Bioderma Atoderm Crème Ultra”
Lightweight and non-greasy texture Often 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”
- “absorbs instantly — Bioderma Hydrabio Serum”
Excellent makeup base Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “concealer glides on smoothly — Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado”
- “no pilling — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “Foundation didn't settle into pores — Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner”
- “foundation sits perfectly — Bioderma Hydrabio Serum”
Deep cleansing and pore care Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Probably the first cleanser that actually took all of my makeup off my face!!! — Bioderma Sébium Gel moussant”
- “melts makeup away — Bioderma Sensibio H2O”
- “Noticeable difference in size of pores — Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner”
- “sucked the gunk out of my pores — Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque”
Improves skin barrier and texture 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”
- “healed my skin barrier in two weeks — Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume”
High price point and poor value Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “pricier than other brands — Bioderma Sensibio Gel Moussant”
- “finished too quickly — Bioderma Hydrabio Serum”
- “pricey for water — Bioderma Sensibio H2O”
- “pricy daily staple — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
Greasy residue and shine Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “requires a thorough follow-up — Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil”
- “leaves a shine — Bioderma Sébium Hydra”
- “leaves an oily film — Bioderma Sensibio AR”
- “oil slick in summer — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
Dryness and lack of moisture Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “skin felt tight after an hour — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream”
- “some extremely dry skin types need a thicker balm or oil on top — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “Skin looks like sandpaper — Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner”
Causes breakouts and acne Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “broke me out — Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume”
- “clogged my pores — Bioderma Sensibio AR”
- “clogged my pores — Bioderma Atoderm Crème Ultra”
- “caused cystic acne — Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate”
Kiehl's vs Bioderma routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Atoderm Huile de Douche
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$33.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Atoderm Crème Ultra
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$30.99
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$30.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Pigmentbio Sensitive Areas
Evening · Once a week
CA$47.99
-
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
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy Bioderma routine · CA$239.94 · 89% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · CA$413.99 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Kiehl's vs Bioderma routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Sébium Gel moussant
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$30.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Sébium Mat Control
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$26.99
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Pigmentbio Sensitive Areas
Evening · Once a week
CA$47.99
-
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 Bioderma routine · CA$363.91 · 87% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · CA$370.40 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Kiehl's vs Bioderma routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Sébium Gel moussant
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$30.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Sébium Mat Control
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$26.99
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Pigmentbio Sensitive Areas
Evening · Once a week
CA$47.99
-
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 Bioderma routine · CA$307.01 · 89% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · CA$373.49 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Kiehl's or Bioderma: which is better?
Bioderma is better for deep cleansing and pore care as well as being gentle on sensitive skin, whereas Kiehl's is better for lightweight and non-greasy textures and improving the skin barrier and texture. For overall routines on this page, both brands achieve an equal High fit level for dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature, dark spot, and dry sensitive skin types.
What is the difference between Kiehl's and Bioderma?
Bioderma helps better with sensitive skin, deep cleansing, and pore care among the products on this page, while Kiehl's is better at providing lightweight, non-greasy textures and improving skin barrier and texture. Both brands offer equal routine fit levels for dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature, dark spot, and dry sensitive skin types.
Kiehl's or Bioderma for dry skin?
Both Kiehl's and Bioderma offer a High routine fit for dry skin. Kiehl's features a range with key ingredients like glycerin and squalane that helps provide deep hydration.
Kiehl's or Bioderma: which cleanser is better?
Bioderma does better for deep cleansing and pore care among the products on this page. Lovi rates the cleansing routines of both brands as High for oily skin.
Which is more affordable, Kiehl's or Bioderma?
Bioderma may offer lower prices, but the products on this page for both brands are frequently noted by reviewers for having a high price point.
Kiehl's or Bioderma: which brand has a higher percentage of fragrance-free products?
Kiehl's has a significantly higher percentage of fragrance-free products on this page, with 26 out of 28 products listing no fragrance, compared to Bioderma where only 9 of 20 products are fragrance-free.
Which brand performs better for deep cleansing and pore care according to review themes?
Bioderma performs better for deep cleansing and pore care according to the review themes on this page.
What are the founding years and parent companies of Kiehl's and Bioderma?
Kiehl's was founded in 1851 in the United States and has been owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2000. Bioderma was founded in 1977 in France and is owned by the Jean-Noël Thorel Foundation since 2018.
Kiehl's or Bioderma for oily skin?
Both Kiehl's and Bioderma offer a High routine fit for oily skin. Kiehl's features a lighter, non-greasy texture, while Bioderma is noted for deeper pore care.
Kiehl's or Bioderma: which moisturizer is better?
Both Kiehl's and Bioderma offer strong moisturizing options, with routine fit levels for dry skin rated as High for both brands. Kiehl's is often noted for lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers across the products on this page, while Bioderma focuses on soothing and barrier-repairing moisturizers.
Kiehl's or Bioderma for sensitive skin?
Both Kiehl's and Bioderma are a High fit for sensitive skin on Lovi. Bioderma does better for being gentle on sensitive skin, while Kiehl's offers lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers and gentle serums.
Kiehl's or Bioderma for acne-prone skin?
Bioderma fits acne-prone skin better, achieving a High routine fit level compared to Kiehl's Average level. Bioderma offers effective cleansers and soothing moisturizers that reviewers find helpful for pore care, whereas Kiehl's is more frequently noted for causing breakouts and skin irritation.
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
Hesperidin, Hesperetin, Rutinose, and Rhamnose Act as Skin Anti-Aging Agents
Development of Polymeric Micelles of Oleanolic Acid and Evaluation of Their Clinical Efficacy
Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated 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
Potentially beneficial effects of rhamnose on skin ageing: an in vitro and in vivo study
Formulation strategies to modulate the topical delivery of anti-inflammatory compounds
Salicyloyl-phytosphingosine: a novel agent for the repair of photoaged skin
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
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Interest in Micellar Solution to Reduce Unpleasant Skin Sensations
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
-

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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