celimax vs Kiehl's
celimax and Kiehl's are two respected skincare brands offering thoughtfully formulated serums, moisturizers, toners, and more. celimax suits sensitive skin and acne-prone skin best, featuring ingredients like heartleaf and BHA, while Kiehl's suits skin with dark spots and combination skin best, incorporating nourishing glycerin and squalane. The Korean brand is known for gentle yet effective compositions delivering reliable results, whereas the American brand utilizes targeted formulations that increase hydration and counteract oxidative stress. Ultimately, both offer specialized options for daily routines, differing in their foundational ingredients and historical origins.
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
€45.45
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Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
€41.45
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Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
€52.44
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Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
€20.70
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Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
€47.44
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Midnight Recovery Concentrate
€64.40
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Better Screen UV Serum
€18.90
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Super Multi-Corrective Cream
€78.00
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
€30.36
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Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning
€25.00
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Moisturizer
Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€72.00
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SPF
Better Screen UV Serum
Morning
€18.90
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Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€33.50
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Serum or Treatment
Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
€59.80
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Nourishing Mask
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
€19.90
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Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€18.00
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Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning
€18.00
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Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€18.99
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SPF
Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€12.98
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Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€16.90
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Serum or Treatment
Noni Ampoule
Evening · Once a week
€15.60
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Nourishing Mask
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
€19.90
celimax vs Kiehl's routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€18.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
€18.00
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€18.99
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€34.30
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€16.90
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
€20.90
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Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
€18.83
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
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Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
€79.97
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Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€30.36
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
€25.00
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€31.90
-
SPF
Ultra Facial Cream
Morning
€45.45
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€33.50
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€29.29
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Serum or Treatment
Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
Evening · Once a week
€52.44
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Once a week
€20.70
celimax vs Kiehl's routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€30.36
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
€25.00
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€31.90
-
SPF
Better Screen UV Serum
Morning
€18.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€33.50
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€17.15
-
Serum or Treatment
Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
Evening · Once a week
€52.44
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Once a week
€20.70
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€18.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
€18.00
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€18.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€16.90
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
€20.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
€18.83
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
€79.97
Questions and answers
celimax or Kiehl's: which is better?
Both celimax and Kiehl's are great skincare brands, with celimax being gentler for sensitive skin and Kiehl's performing better for hydration and brightening dark spots.
What is the difference between celimax and Kiehl's?
Both celimax and Kiehl's offer effective skincare lines, but celimax is better for sensitive skin while Kiehl's excels in hydration and moisture. Reviewers note that celimax products on this page often provide soothing benefits without fragrance, whereas Kiehl's frequently features formulas that target dark spots and provide deep hydration.
celimax or Kiehl's for dry skin?
For dry skin, Kiehl's is the better choice because Lovi rates its routine fit as High, whereas celimax is rated Average.
celimax or Kiehl's: which cleanser is better?
Which is more affordable, celimax or Kiehl's?
celimax offers better affordability than Kiehl's, as reviewer feedback frequently notes high price points for Kiehl's while highlighting value for celimax.
Between celimax and Kiehl's, which brand is better suited for mature skin?
Both celimax and Kiehl's are well-suited for mature skin, as Lovi rates the routine fit for mature skin as High for each brand. The products on this page help provide soothing hydration and improve skin texture.
How do the origins and company ownership of celimax and Kiehl's compare?
celimax was founded in 2019 in South Korea and is owned by ABSORBLAB Co., Ltd., whereas Kiehl's was founded much earlier in 1851 in the United States and has been owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2000.
Which brand performs better for skin texture and smoothing according to reviews?
Both celimax and Kiehl's perform equally well for skin texture and smoothing.
celimax or Kiehl's for oily skin?
Both celimax and Kiehl's are great options, as Lovi rates both brands as having a High fit for oily skin. The products on this page help balance oil without feeling overly heavy.
celimax or Kiehl's: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer moisturizers with varying levels of effectiveness, but Kiehl's is often noted for deep hydration and makeup compatibility while celimax is recognized for soothing and calming dry or sensitive skin. Review themes indicate that Kiehl's generally performs better in hydration and moisture, whereas celimax is found to be gentler for sensitive skin.
celimax or Kiehl's for sensitive skin?
Both celimax and Kiehl's help with sensitive skin, as Lovi rates sensitive skin fit as High for both brands. Reviewers indicate that celimax is gentler for sensitive skin, while Kiehl's may cause breakouts and skin irritation.
celimax or Kiehl's: which sunscreen is better?
When comparing sunscreens, both celimax and Kiehl's sunscreen products on this page show high fit levels for skin with dark spots, mature skin, and oily acne-prone skin. Lovi rates the sunscreen fit for sensitive skin as High for celimax and High for Kiehl's. Sunscreen usage helps protect the skin from UV damage, and titanium dioxide in sunscreens may provide effective UV filtration.
celimax or Kiehl's for acne-prone skin?
celimax is better for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit as High compared to Kiehl's Average. Reviewers note that celimax is gentle for sensitive skin, making it a soothing choice for acne-prone routines.
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
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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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