# Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Superior · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/oily-skin

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

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for oily skin; a few moisturizers fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Offers excellent moisturizing for your oily skin due to high concentrations of glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, which hydrate and plump without clogging pores, complemented by salicylic acid for mild exfoliation and pore-cleansing.
- The inclusion of Menthoxypropanediol and Cucumis Sativus Cucumber Fruit Extract Juice further enhances the soothing and refreshing experience, making it well-suited for managing oily shine.
- The product demonstrates a high safety profile with no risks of irritation for your oily skin, thanks to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing components.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/oily-skin): High (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/dry-skin): Warning
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Micronized Amino Acid, Glacial Glycoprotein, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid

## What the research says

- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- Transgenic cucumber expressing poly-γ-glutamic acid synthesis genes increased water content by 6-14%, reduced water loss by 11-12%, decreased facial wrinkles and roughness by 19.58% and 24.97%, decreased skin melanin by 5.27%, and improved facial elasticity in human skin and zebrafish compared to controls. ([International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38336313/))
- 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/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients. ([CMAJ, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837684/))
- Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590107/))
- Topical 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid achieved the greatest lesion reduction at early 2 to 4 week time points compared to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin, while 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin showed similar efficacy at 10 to 12 weeks in acne patients. ([Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20488582/))

## What reviewers say

This lightweight gel moisturizer is highly recommended for oily and combination skin, providing hydration without greasiness or pore-clogging. Users frequently praise its oil control and refreshing feel, making it ideal for warmer weather. However, individuals with dry skin often find it lacks sufficient moisture, and a small number of sensitive users have reported stinging or a sticky residue.

- Liked: Lightweight & non-greasy (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Excellent oil control (often mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating for oily (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Insufficient for dry (often mentioned)
- Liked: Alcohol-free formula (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Cooling & refreshing (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Sticky/tacky finish (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Pilling issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Stinging sensation (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine every day to keep your face fresh.
- Apply this moisturizer after cleansing and toning, but right before your SPF in the morning.
- Gently press a small amount into your skin and let it absorb fully.
- Apply on clean, slightly dry skin to help control that oily shine.
- Avoid the eye area and do a quick patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream a great fit for oily skin?

This moisturizer is a great fit for your oily skin because it hydrates and plumps without clogging pores, while salicylic acid gently exfoliates and helps manage oily shine. Cucumber fruit extract and other soothing components add a refreshing feel, and the formula is very safe with virtually no risk of irritation.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for oily skin?

This cream is a great fit for oily skin because it uses glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to hydrate and plump without clogging pores, alongside salicylic acid for mild exfoliation and pore-cleansing. Menthoxypropanediol and cucumber fruit extract add a refreshing feel that helps manage oily shine while keeping the skin calm.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### What does Micronized Amino Acid do for oily skin?

Micronized Amino Acid is a poor fit for oily skin because it typically lacks the oil-controlling agents and lightweight hydration that oily skin needs to stay balanced and clear.

### What does Glacial Glycoprotein do for oily skin?

Glacial Glycoprotein helps keep oily skin hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy. It supports the skin barrier so your face stays comfortable and balanced throughout the day.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37699769/)

### Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This moisturizing treatment goes in the morning routine after a hydrating toner and before sunscreen, and in the evening routine as the final step after your treatment. It helps hydrate your oily skin without clogging pores while offering a very safe and soothing experience.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

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

You can use this cream alongside retinol by applying the retinol first, letting it absorb, and then following with this moisturizer to help keep your skin comfortable and hydrated. This approach is unlikely to cause irritation and supports your skin barrier while using stronger treatments.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/)

### How often should I use this cream?

This cream is a great fit for your oily skin, so you can use it twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine. Using it regularly helps keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores while managing oily shine.
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 oily skin?

This cream is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily skin because it hydrates without heavy oils and includes salicylic acid to help keep pores clear. It also has a safe profile with no risks of irritation.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

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

This moisturizing treatment is generally safe to use on the body and around the eyes, though the skin there is very thin and may react differently than facial skin. It is unlikely to irritate because it contains gentle, hydrating ingredients without harsh additives, making it well-tolerated across different areas.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

It has no fragrance and contains drying alcohol (alcohol denat).

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €14.90 at Amazon
- [Anua Heartleaf 78% Soothing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/anua/heartleaf-78-soothing-cream/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €16.98 at Amazon
- [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/oily-skin) — High fit — €17.90 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €11.35 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €19.99 at Amazon
- SPF: [make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/make-p-rem/uv-defense-me-blue-ray-sun-cream/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €34.30 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.fr: €31.90 (https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B09DGF47WH?tag=lovi-care-web-product06-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Notino: €36.00 (https://www.notino.fr/kiehls/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream-soin-hydratant-pour-peaux-normales-a-grasses/p-16118789/)
- Lookfantastic: €36.17 (https://www.lookfantastic.fr/p/kiehl-s-ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream-various-sizes/12916137/)
Prices checked 10 Oct – 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethiconol, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Tetrasodium Edta, Tocopheryl Acetate, Menthoxypropanediol, Pseudoalteromonas Extract Ferment, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sarcosine, Salicylic Acid, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Propanediol, Cucumis Sativus Cucumber Fruit Extract Juice, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
## 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/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/oily-skin (this page)
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-oil-free-gel-cream/for/oily-skin
