Kiehl's skincare
Kiehl's is an American skincare brand founded in 1851 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2000.
Kiehl's is beloved for its expertly formulated moisturizers, serums, toners, eye products, and more that incorporate nourishing glycerin and squalane. Its products suit combination skin and mature skin best. For specific concerns, the brand offers standout solutions including the Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner for acne-prone skin, the Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash for skin with dark spots, and the Ultra Facial Toner for mature skin. Through these formulas, its key ingredients work to significantly increase hydration, restore epidermal barrier function, counteract oxidative stress, and stimulate fibroblast migration.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006
This page covers some of the most popular Kiehl's products; for the whole Kiehl's range, with a fit score for every product, use the Lovi app.
Kiehl's moisturizers
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Ultra Facial Cream
€20.95
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Midnight Recovery Concentrate
€54.78
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Super Multi-Corrective Cream
€53.30
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Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
€23.71
- Age Defender Moisturizer
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Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate
€62.95
- Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment for Men
- Midnight Recovery Omega-Rich Cloud Cream
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Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream
€37.94
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 59.9k+ reviewsReviewers most often praise Kiehl's for lightweight texture, deep hydration, and brightening complexion. The most common complaints are breakouts and heavy formulas.
Highlights
Lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers Mostly Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly without residue — Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream”
- “Absorbs quickly — Ultra Facial Cream”
- “Sinks in instantly — Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate”
Gentle serums Mostly Mentioned
- “experienced zero irritation — Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “perfect for retinol newbies — Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “No irritation at all — Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
Deep hydration Often Mentioned
- “Keeps skin moisturized for 24+ hours — Ultra Facial Cream”
- “Feels like a drink of water — Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate”
- “savior for dry patches — Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado”
Improves skin texture Sometimes Noted
- “leaves skin feeling silky — Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate”
- “skin feels smoother — Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “skin looked & felt smoother — Super Multi-Corrective Cream”
Brightening and fading dark spots Sometimes Noted
- “Acne marks are gone — Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “Skin looks radiant — Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “faded acne scars — Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate”
Makeup compatibility and primer benefits Sometimes Noted
- “concealer glides on smoothly — Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado”
- “no pilling — Ultra Facial Cream”
- “sits great under foundation — Better Screen UV Serum”
High price point Often Mentioned
- “pricy daily staple — Ultra Facial Cream”
- “Very expensive product — Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “overpriced for what it does — Super Multi-Corrective Cream”
Causes breakouts and skin irritation Often Mentioned
- “burned my face immediately — Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque”
- “caused cystic acne — Midnight Recovery Concentrate”
- “stings my face and feels like burning — Super Multi-Corrective Cream”
Product not rich or effective enough Often Mentioned
- “skin felt tight after an hour — Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream”
- “Did absolutely nothing — Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “Takes months to see — Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
Greasy or heavy residue Sometimes Noted
- “oil slick in summer — Ultra Facial Cream”
- “too radiant for oily skin — Better Screen UV Serum”
- “didn't absorb well — Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate”
Sources: lovi.care, amazon.com, sephora.com, ulta.com, kiehls.com, reddit.com, and more
Other Kiehl's products
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Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner
€30.83
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Ultra Facial Toner
€16.94
- Daily Refining Milk-Peel Toner
- Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner
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Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
€25.45
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Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser
€24.90
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Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser
€20.80
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Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
€32.95
- Eye Fuel
- Age Defender Eye Repair
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Better Screen UV Serum
€41.06
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Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
€28.85
- Energizing Radiance Masque
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Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
€24.75
Questions and answers
Is Kiehl's good for oily skin?
Yes, Kiehl's is good for oily skin, as Lovi rates the brand-focused routine High for oily skin. Reviewers often mention lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers among the selection.
Is Kiehl's worth it?
Kiehl's may be worth it for shoppers seeking lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers and gentle serums, though some reviewers note a high price point and potential skin irritation. Lovi rates the brand-focused routines High for dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, and combination skin, and Average for acne-prone skin. Additionally, 26 of the 28 Kiehl's products on this page list no fragrance.
What are Kiehl's's best products?
Which Kiehl's moisturizer is best for dry skin?
The best moisturizer for dry skin is Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate, which Lovi rates Superior for dry skin. Super Multi-Corrective Cream and Midnight Recovery Omega-Rich Cloud Cream also rate High for dry skin.
Does Kiehl's cause breakouts?
Yes, Kiehl's may cause breakouts because reviewers often mention that some products lead to breakouts and skin irritation. Lovi rates the Kiehl's-focused routine Average for acne-prone skin.
Is Kiehl's fragrance-free?
Most of the Kiehl's products on this page are fragrance-free, as 26 out of 28 items list no fragrance. However, a couple of formulas like the Age Defender Moisturizer and the Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment for Men do include fragrance.
What are the key ingredients in Kiehl's products?
The key ingredients across the Kiehl's products on this page include glycerin, vitamin C, squalane, shea butter, and vitamin E.
How do I build a Kiehl's skincare routine?
To build a Kiehl's skincare routine for dry skin, start your morning with Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash, followed by Ultra Facial Toner, Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate, and Better Screen UV Serum. In the evening, use Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil as a pre-cleanser, repeat the foaming face wash, apply Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, and finish with the Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate.
Where can I buy Kiehl's, and how much does it cost?
Kiehl's products are available to buy at stores in Spain. Prices on the page range from €16.94 to €63.54, with most items costing between €24.75 and €53.30.
What are good alternatives to Kiehl's?
Good alternatives to Kiehl's with pages on Lovi include CeraVe, Cetaphil, Paula's Choice, Neutrogena, Dermalogica, and Good Molecules.
Kiehl's vs CeraVe: which is better?
Lovi rates CeraVe as better for most skin types, giving CeraVe-focused routines a Superior fit for oily, sensitive, combination, and acne-prone skin, compared to a High fit for Kiehl's in those categories. Both brands share a High fit for dry skin, where Lovi rates the Kiehl's-focused routine High.
Who owns Kiehl's, and where is it from?
Kiehl's is an American brand founded in 1851, owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2000.
Is Kiehl's cruelty-free?
PETA, Leaping Bunny, and Cruelty Free International, the registries Lovi checks, do not list Kiehl's as cruelty-free.
Is Kiehl's good for dry skin?
Yes, Kiehl's is good for dry skin, and Lovi rates the Kiehl's-focused routine High for dry skin. Key products like Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate achieve a superior fit, helping to provide deep hydration.
Which Kiehl's cleanser is best for oily skin?
Lovi rates Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash and Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser as Superior for oily skin, followed by Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser as High. These cleansers help manage oil while keeping skin calm.
Is Kiehl's good for sensitive skin?
Yes, Kiehl's is generally good for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates the Kiehl's-focused routine High for sensitive skin. The Kiehl's products on this page are mostly fragrance-free, though 26 of 28 products list no fragrance.
Which Kiehl's sunscreen is best for sensitive skin?
Lovi rates Better Screen UV Serum High for sensitive skin.
Is Kiehl's good for acne-prone skin?
Lovi rates Kiehl's-focused routine Average for acne-prone skin. Reviewers often mention that some products may cause breakouts and skin irritation.
Is Kiehl's good for skin with dark spots?
Yes, Kiehl's is good for skin with dark spots because the brand features specialized treatments and Lovi rates the brand-focused routine High for this skin concern. The Kiehl's products on this page list no fragrance, except for Age Defender Moisturizer and Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment for Men. Additionally, niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.
Research behind Kiehl's's 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
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
Behind these ratings
Lovi rates every product from its 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
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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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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