# Kiehl's Age Defender Power Serum for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/combination-skin

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

Brand: [Kiehl's](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/brands/kiehl-s)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for combination skin; the serums alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate anti-aging effects for smoothing texture due to the presence of adenosine and hydrolyzed soy protein, which provide general skincare benefits like hydration and emollience with glycerin and dimethicone for your combination skin.
- While the formula is safe for your combination skin and free of harsh ingredients, it lacks sufficient components for optimal oil control on your oily areas.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/oily-skin): Low
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/dry-skin): Low
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/combination-skin): Low (this page)
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): Low
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Low

## Key ingredients

Cupressus Sempervirens Extract, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Caffeine

## What the research says

- Adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches showed similar or better efficacy on skin wrinkles, dermal density, elasticity, and hydration compared to adenosine cream in 22 female subjects. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29574973/))
- Horse oil-spread and adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches significantly improved skin elasticity, hydration, dermal density, and wrinkles compared with adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches in 20 women without causing adverse events. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30160014/))
- Topical application of a disodium adenosine monophosphate-based formulation reduced wrinkles and hyperpigmentation while improving hydration, barrier function, skin lifting, and epidermal turnover in female participants. ([International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42278371/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- Wearing an N95 mask alone compared to using dimethicone cream or hydrocolloid dressing caused more adverse skin reactions among 73 military health care workers, with no significant differences in fit test failure rates between groups. ([Military Medicine, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38771104/))
- A dimethicone skin protectant lotion significantly decreased visual scoring and transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control and SLS-only treated sites in 12 healthy humans exposed to sodium lauryl sulfate. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11428946/))
- Treatment with a moisturizer containing dimethicone and glycerine increased epidermal thickness by 0.019 mm, improved barrier function by decreasing transepidermal water loss by 13%, decreased melanin intensity, and induced keratins 6 and 16 in fifteen women with moderately photoaged forearms. ([Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17137484/))
- A topical cosmetic slimming product containing tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine, caffeine, carnitine, forskolin and retinol significantly reduced body circumferences and improved skin aspect compared with placebo in 78 women over 12 weeks. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21564138/))
- Topical sunscreen formulations containing caffeine combined with UV filters increased in vivo anti-UVB protection by approximately 25% and showed higher SPF values compared to caffeine-free sunscreen, while being well tolerated by the skin of healthy subjects. ([Frontiers in Physiology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31130869/))
- Caffeine gel combined with choline geranate showed high skin permeation capacity and superior clinical results in cellulite treatment compared to caffeine gel without ionic liquid. ([AAPS PharmSciTech, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33796955/))

## Why other serums fit combination skin better

- Niacinamide and ferulic acid incorporated in a stable multiple emulsion successfully reduced melanin, sebum, and skin erythema while improving skin elasticity and hydration in human skin compared to a placebo. ([BioMed Research International, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35342760/))
- 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/))

## What reviewers say

This serum is highly regarded for its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that effectively hydrates and firms men's skin. Users frequently report visible improvements in skin texture and a reduction in the appearance of forehead lines and wrinkles with consistent daily use.

- Liked: Fast absorption (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Non-greasy feel (often mentioned)
- Liked: Improves firmness (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Reduces lines (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused dryness (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Subtle results (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your serum as part of your PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and move to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, and right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏳for it to soak in.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive.
- Always do a patch test before using the serum for the first time, and avoid the eye area .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is Kiehl's Age Defender Power Serum a weak match for combination skin?

This serum is a weak match for your combination skin because it lacks sufficient components for optimal oil control on your oily areas, even though it provides basic hydration and smoothing. A treatment for combination skin needs effective ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, or zinc PCA that regulate oiliness, enhance radiance, and provide balanced hydration without overwhelming the skin.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29574973/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30160014/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a poor fit for combination skin?

This serum is a weak match for your combination skin because it lacks sufficient components for optimal oil control on your oily areas. A product of this type needs ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, and zinc PCA to regulate oiliness and manage oily shine while providing balanced hydration.

### What does Cypress Extract do for combination skin?

Cyperus rotundus essential oil is typically used in topical treatments for hyperpigmentation and hair reduction rather than for balancing combination skin. Because this product type is not an ideal match for your skin type, a suitable alternative for combination skin needs balancing ingredients that hydrate dry areas while managing excess oil in the T-zone.
Sources: [Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34618367/), [Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24408514/)

### What does Glycerin do for combination skin?

Glycerin helps keep combination skin soft and smooth by pulling moisture in and keeping it there. It improves hydration and supports your skin barrier, which is unlikely to cause irritation.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This serum goes in the evening routine for combination skin, applied after cleansing and toning and before moisturizing. Because it is a weak match for this skin type, a product of this type needs additional ingredients for optimal oil control on your oily areas.

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

You can use this treatment with retinol, applying it after your cleanser and toner and before your moisturizer in your evening routine. While the formula is safe for your combination skin, this type of product needs ingredients for oil control on your oily areas to be a better match for your skin.

### How often should I use this serum?

You can use this treatment in the evening as part of your routine. Because this product is a weak match for your combination skin, an ideal product of this type needs extra oil-balancing ingredients to manage shine on your oily areas.

### Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on your combination skin because the formula is safe and free of harsh ingredients. However, it lacks sufficient components for optimal oil control on your oily areas, so combination skin needs lightweight hydrators and oil-balancing ingredients like niacinamide or salicylic acid.

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

It contains fragrance (parfum, limonene, linalool, and citral) and drying alcohol (alcohol denat).

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €14.94 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Niacinamide 15% Firming Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-niacinamide-15-firming-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €52.57 at Amazon
- [Augustinus Bader The Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/augustinus-bader/the-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €385.99 at Amazon

## Routine for combination skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €56.86 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [La Mer The Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-mer/the-tonic/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €115.30 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €16.50 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €22.67 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €56.86 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/medicube/zero-pore-pad-2-0/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €22.99 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €14.94 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €16.50 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €22.67 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €56.86 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €76.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/sand-and-sky/australian-pink-clay-porefining-face-mask/for/combination-skin) — High fit — €48.22 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [La Mer The Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-mer/the-tonic/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €115.30 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €14.94 at Amazon

## Where to buy

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

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Phenoxyethanol, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Parfum, Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol, Propylene Glycol, Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract, Glycine Soja Oil, Soybean Oil, Caffeine, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Limonene, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Disodium Edta, Adenosine, T-Butyl Alcohol, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, Cryptomeria Japonica Bud Extract, Linalool, Citral
## 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/age-defender-power-serum/for/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/combination-skin (this page)
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-power-serum/for/combination-skin