# Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Omega-Rich Cloud Cream for acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for acne-prone skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/acne-prone-skin

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

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for acne-prone skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for combination skin as salicylic acid provides mild exfoliation, while glycerin and squalane offer excellent moisturization to enhance barrier resilience.
- The formula lacks sufficient ingredients for strong oil control, which is a key concern for your acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- The safety profile is good, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Lavender Oil, Zinc Gluconate

## What the research says

- The use of a salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic significantly reduces the needed quantity of benzoyl peroxide without impacting efficacy in mild to moderate acne, and as maintenance post-benzoyl peroxide allows a significant reduction of acne relapse compared to vehicle. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/))
- 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/))
- Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/))
- Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts. ([Molecules, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/))
- Plant-derived squalane protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage by counteracting ROS formation, suppressing apoptosis-related proteins p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and restoring the pro-survival p-Akt/mTOR pathway. ([Antioxidants, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40722956/))
- A combination cream of stimu-tex AS and saccharide isomerate reduced erythema, increased skin capacitance, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to placebo in 20 subjects after fractional CO2 laser procedure without causing serious adverse events. ([Lasers in Medical Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/))
- A skin barrier restoring cream with shea butter, silkflo, and vitamin E increased type I procollagen synthesis, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, decreased reactive oxygen species generation, and promoted hyaluronic acid production in H2O2-stimulated human keratinocyte cells compared to untreated cells. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39528438/))
- Electrospun poly (vinyl butyral-co-vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) patches loaded with evening primrose oil applied to the forearm of volunteers for 6 hours increased skin moisture, with pore size, shape, and fiber diameter influencing oil transport. ([Biomaterials Advances, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35929319/))
- A topical preparation containing urea, sunflower oil, evening primrose oil, wheat germ oil, and sodium pyruvate led to clinical improvement after a month in diverse hyperkeratotic skin conditions except pityriasis lichenoides. ([Medicina Cutanea Ibero-latino-americana, 1986](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3528709/))
- Topical application of linseed, evening primrose, and olive oil emulsions accelerated wound closure in rats with excision wounds compared to untreated controls, though via different mechanisms. ([Drug Delivery and Translational Research, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29667150/))
- Polysaccharide-based O/W emulsions incorporated with lavender essential oil applied to cellulosic support are non-irritating, provide softness and moisturizing effects, and are safe for topical patch applications. ([International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34547316/))
- Gellan gum hydrogel films co-encapsulating ofloxacin with tea tree or lavender oil achieved 98% wound contraction and completely healed epidermis in rats after ten days of treatment compared to baseline. ([International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33130262/))
- Topical application of lavender oil significantly promoted wound contraction, collagen synthesis, and fibroblast differentiation with up-regulation of TGF-beta in a rat model compared to control. ([BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27229681/))
- A dermocosmetic cream containing Punica granatum Pericarp extract, Salicylic acid, Niacinamide, Zinc gluconate, and Aqua Posae Filiformis significantly decreased inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesion counts in subjects with mild to moderate acne compared to untreated hemi-faces after 15 days. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41487026/))
- Daily use of a deep cleansing gel containing salicylic acid 2%, zinc gluconate 0.2% and lipohydroxy acid 0.05% significantly reduced total lesion count by 56.3% after 84 days in 35 subjects with mild to moderate truncal acne. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36698447/))
- Different strains of Propionibacterium acnes modulate cutaneous innate immunity with varying pro-inflammatory potentials, with P. acnes type III showing the highest and P. avidum the weakest, and zinc gluconate down-regulates the expression of most induced immune markers. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23947673/))

## Why other moisturizers fit acne-prone skin better

- Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components. ([Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/))
- 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/))
- A facial serum containing snail secretion filtrate, Calendula officinalis, and Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract significantly reduced inflammatory acne lesions compared to placebo in 66 participants with mild-to-moderate maskne over 12 weeks. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35763437/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users with normal to dry skin frequently praise this cream for its ability to deeply hydrate and repair the moisture barrier without feeling heavy, often waking up to a visibly plumper and more radiant complexion. While many enjoy the botanical scent and "cloud-like" texture, those with sensitive skin or fragrance aversions occasionally report irritation or find the smell overpowering.

- Liked: Deeply hydrating (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight whipped texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Non-greasy finish (often mentioned)
- Liked: Radiant morning glow (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Relaxing lavender scent (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Strong botanical fragrance (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Causes skin irritation (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Not rich enough (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your moisturizer twice a day in your AM and PM routines. Apply it daily to help keep breakouts under control.
- Apply after your cleanser and toner, and make sure to use your SPF right after in the morning.
- Gently spread a small amount of moisturizer over your face using soft motions. Let it absorb into the skin for a minute before getting dressed or applying makeup.
- Apply on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra moisture. This keeps your combination skin balanced without feeling heavy.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use. Stop using if you feel any irritation.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Cloud Cream work for acne-prone skin?

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Omega-Rich Cloud Cream works reasonably well for acne-prone skin, though other options fit it better. It provides gentle moisturization and mild exfoliation, but it lacks sufficient ingredients for strong oil control. A moisturizer for this skin needs targeted oil-controlling ingredients and blemish-fighting extracts to keep breakouts under control.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/), [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/)

### Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for acne-prone skin?

This cream works for acne-prone skin because salicylic acid provides mild exfoliation, while glycerin and squalane give your skin plenty of moisture. It is also made with zinc gluconate, evening primrose oil, and shea butter to help calm and soften your skin. However, an acne-prone skin type needs a moisturizer with stronger oil control ingredients to help manage breakouts.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/), [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/)

### What does Squalane do for acne-prone skin?

Squalane may help keep acne-prone skin soft and smooth, but peroxidated forms can trigger inflammation in skin cells. For a better fit on acne-prone skin, products need non-clogging, soothing ingredients that balance oil without causing irritation.
Sources: [The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16778793/)

### What does Butyrospermum Parkii Butter do for acne-prone skin?

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter can feel quite rich on acne-prone skin and may clog pores for some people. A product of this type needs lightweight hydration and ingredients that balance oil without heavy blockage.

### Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This moisturizer goes in the final step of your morning and evening routines. A product of this type for acne-prone skin needs ingredients that help control oil and target breakouts.

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

You can use this cream with retinol by applying your retinol treatment first and following it with this moisturizer. This order helps keep your skin soft and calm while reducing the dryness that retinol often causes.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/)

### How often should I use this cream?

You can use this moisturizer daily in your morning and evening routines, as its gentle formula is unlikely to cause irritation. However, because it lacks strong oil control for blemishes and breakouts, acne-prone skin needs a product with targeted ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide to help keep pores clear.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32141711/), [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/)

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?

This cream may not cause irritation because it has a good safety profile with no harsh ingredients, but acne-prone skin needs a product with strong oil control to truly manage breakouts.

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

You can use this moisturizer around the eyes and on the body, as its safe formula is unlikely to cause irritation. Because the skin around the eyes is exceptionally thin, it needs gentle, hydrating ingredients to keep the area smooth without feeling heavy.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

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

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (linalool, geraniol, citral, and citronellol). Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for acne-prone skin

- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$24.99 at Amazon
- [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$95.99 at Amazon
- [belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/belif/the-true-cream-aqua-bomb/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — CA$49.99 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/b-lab/matcha-hydrating-foam-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$22.95 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/advanced-replenishing-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$41.00 at Amazon
- SPF: [innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/innisfree/daily-uv-defense-mineral-sunscreen/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$24.50 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Canada has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Shea Butter, Squalane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cellulose, Cetearyl Glucoside, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil Flower, Rosa Damascena Oil Flower, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Lavender Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Glycine Soja Oil, Soybean Oil, Coriandrum Sativum Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Oil Leaf, Rosemary Oil Leaf, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Zinc Gluconate, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Silica, Adenosine, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Salicylic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Ultramarines, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral, Citronellol
## 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/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-omega-rich-cloud-cream/for/acne-prone-skin