celimax vs Kiehl's
celimax and Kiehl's are two distinct skincare lines offering serums, moisturizers, toners, makeup removers, and eye products. The Korean brand features carefully selected ingredients tailored for sensitive and acne-prone skin, whereas the American brand relies on dependable ingredients like glycerin and squalane to suit mature and sensitive skin. Through these targeted offerings, both provide gentle yet effective compositions for daily routines. Ultimately, the brands differ in their founding heritages, specific standout treatments, and underlying active compounds.
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
€50.99
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Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
€43.99
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Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
€69.00
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Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
€29.76
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Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
€47.44
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Midnight Recovery Concentrate
€52.00
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Better Screen UV Serum
€17.81
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Super Multi-Corrective Cream
€69.41
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
€20.00
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Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning
€20.00
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Moisturizer
Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€67.00
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SPF
Better Screen UV Serum
Morning
€17.81
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Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€34.99
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Serum or Treatment
Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
€56.06
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
€31.93
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Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€18.06
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Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning
€20.00
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Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€20.00
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SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
€37.19
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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
€12.90
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
€31.93
celimax vs Kiehl's routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€20.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
€20.00
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€55.49
-
SPF
Better Screen UV Serum
Morning
€17.81
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€34.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€19.50
-
Serum or Treatment
Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
Evening · Once a week
€69.00
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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
€29.76
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€18.06
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
€20.00
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€20.00
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€40.49
-
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
€21.66
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Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
€19.99
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
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Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
celimax vs Kiehl's routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€20.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
€20.00
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€55.49
-
SPF
Better Screen UV Serum
Morning
€17.81
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€34.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€17.15
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Serum or Treatment
Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
Evening · Once a week
€69.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Once a week
€29.76
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€18.06
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
€20.00
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€20.00
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€40.49
-
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
€21.66
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
€19.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
Questions and answers
celimax or Kiehl's: which is better?
Both brands perform well, but celimax is better suited for sensitive skin while Kiehl's excels in hydration and brightening dark spots. celimax offers a more budget-friendly price point, whereas Kiehl's provides a wider variety of targeted formulations across its products on this page.
What is the difference between celimax and Kiehl's?
Both celimax and Kiehl's offer strong options for various skin types, but celimax is often noted as more gentle for sensitive skin, while Kiehl's generally delivers better hydration, moisture, and brightening for dark spots. The products on this page show that celimax tends to be better for value, whereas Kiehl's reviewers more frequently mention a high price point.
celimax or Kiehl's for dry skin?
Kiehl's is a better fit for dry skin than celimax, offering a High routine fit compared to celimax's Average level. Emollients help support dry skin by enhancing the skin barrier.
celimax or Kiehl's: which cleanser is better?
Both celimax and Kiehl's offer effective cleansers, with Kiehl's standing out for offering superior options like the Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash for oily and acne-prone skin. Reviewers note that Kiehl's provides deep hydration and excellent texture improvements, while celimax products on this page list no fragrance, making them a gentler choice for sensitive skin.
Which is more affordable, celimax or Kiehl's?
celimax is more affordable than Kiehl's, as high price and value is a frequently noted negative review theme for Kiehl's while celimax scores better in that category.
celimax or Kiehl's: which brand is better for mature skin?
Both celimax and Kiehl's are a High fit for mature skin on the products on this page, but celimax is noted as better for sensitive skin while Kiehl's excels in hydration, brightening, and dark spots. Topical hyaluronic acid may help improve skin quality and signs of aging.
celimax or Kiehl's: which brand is better for dark spots and brightening?
celimax or Kiehl's: which brand uses fragrance in its products?
celimax lists no fragrance across the products on this page, whereas Kiehl's includes fragrance in 2 of its 28 products.
celimax or Kiehl's for oily skin?
Both celimax and Kiehl's are a High fit for oily skin. The products on this page help provide good hydration without heavy residue, though Kiehl's may come with a higher price point.
celimax or Kiehl's: which moisturizer is better?
When comparing moisturizers from the products on this page, Kiehl's is better for hydration and moisture, while celimax is better for sensitive skin due to its soothing and calming formulas. Reviewers note that Kiehl's provides lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers with deep hydration, though some mention a high price point.
celimax or Kiehl's for sensitive skin?
Both celimax and Kiehl's fit sensitive skin with a High level. celimax tends to be better for gentle care on sensitive skin, while every product on this page from celimax lists no fragrance.
celimax or Kiehl's: which sunscreen is better?
Both celimax and Kiehl's offer sunscreens on this page with High fit levels for several skin types. Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum may help with skin with dark spots, combination, sensitive, acne-prone, and mature skin, while celimax Oil Control Light Sunscreen is well suited for skin with dark spots, mature, oily acne-prone, and combination skin.
celimax or Kiehl's for acne-prone skin?
Both celimax and Kiehl's offer products that are well-suited for acne-prone skin, with equal fit levels across their routines on this page. Reviewers note that celimax is particularly gentle for sensitive skin, while Kiehl's is often recognized for its brightening benefits and deep hydration.
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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