Kiehl's Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner for skin with dark spots
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Allantoin
Propylene Glycol
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
Superior
- SuperiorNormal Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
One of the best toners for skin with dark spots.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dark spots: hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Excellent suitability for your normal skin is provided by Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract and Glycerin, which offer anti-inflammatory and humectant actions, respectively, indirectly aiding in managing pigmentation concerns.
- The formula also offers excellent soothing and calming for irritated skin due to the presence of these ingredients in moderate concentrations for hydrating and reducing redness.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your normal skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients, and presence of soothing ingredients like Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract.
How to apply
- You can use this soothing toner AM and PM every day. Start 3×/week and build up to daily use if your normal skin tolerates it well.
- Apply this soothing toner right after cleansing and before your moisturizer or SPF.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the soothing toner into your skin. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before moving to the next step.
- Apply the soothing toner on clean, slightly damp skin to help with better absorption. This works well for normal skin wanting to target pigmentation.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and always do a patch test before your first use of this soothing toner.
People Say
★4.4Overall rating based on 3.5k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this alcohol-free toner is widely praised by users with normal-to-oily and sensitive skin for its ability to gently soothe redness and irritation without stripping moisture. Many appreciate its refreshing feel and ability to balance oil production. Some users find the herbal scent and floating flower petals bothersome or the product overpriced for its effects.
Highlights
Gentle & non-drying Mostly Mentioned
- “doesn't strip skin”
- “no tight feeling”
- “alcohol-free formula”
- “gentle enough for daily use”
Refreshing hydration Often Mentioned
- “lightweight hydration”
- “refreshing feel”
- “absorbs quickly”
- “leaves skin soft”
Soothes redness Often Mentioned
- “reduced redness immediately”
- “soothing on sensitive skin”
- “helped post-shave irritation”
High price point Often Mentioned
- “way too expensive”
- “overpriced for a toner”
- “not worth the money”
- “pricey repurchase”
Balances oily skin Sometimes Noted
- “controls my oil”
- “mattifies without drying”
- “less greasy t-zone”
- “helped with breakouts”
Annoying petals Sometimes Noted
- “petals stick to face”
- “clogs the dispenser”
- “messy application”
- “petals are useless”
Packaging issues Rarely Noted
- “bottle leaks”
- “dispenses too much”
- “cap breaks easily”
- “messy to travel with”
Scent dislike Rarely Noted
- “smells like old tea”
- “strong herbal scent”
- “unpleasant smell”
- “smells like medicine”
Sources: lovi.care, ulta.com, sephora.co.th, kohls.com, kiehls.com, spacenk.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Kiehl's Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner one of the best fits for skin with dark spots?
This toner is one of the best fits for skin with dark spots because Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract and glycerin help calm irritation and keep your skin hydrated, which indirectly supports managing pigmentation concerns. It also has a very safe formula with no harsh ingredients, making it unlikely to irritate your skin.
Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 2011Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Which ingredients make this toner a good fit for skin with dark spots?
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract and glycerin make this toner a great fit because they help calm irritation and keep skin hydrated, which indirectly supports managing dark spots. The formula is very safe and unlikely to cause irritation on normal skin since it leaves out harsh ingredients.
Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 2011Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
What does Calendula Flower Extract do for skin with dark spots?
Calendula officinalis extract helps calm skin and supports overall skin health, though it is not a direct brightener for dark spots. Skincare for dark spots typically requires targeted ingredients like vitamin C, licorice root extract, or peony root extract to effectively fade discoloration.
Molecules, 2020International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025
What does Allantoin do for skin with dark spots?
Where does this toner go in a skincare routine for skin with dark spots?
This toner goes right after cleansing in your morning routine to help hydrate and calm your skin. It is unlikely to irritate your skin and helps prep it for the moisturizer and SPF that follow.
Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 2011Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Can I use this toner with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this toner with retinol by applying it right after cleansing to calm and hydrate your skin before using your retinol treatment. This helps keep your skin comfortable and is unlikely to cause irritation.
How often should I use this toner?
You can use this toner daily in the morning as part of your routine. It is very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation.
Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 2011Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Can this toner clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for skin with dark spots?
This toner is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for your skin with dark spots because it has a very safe formula without harsh ingredients, and includes soothing parts like Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract. It also helps calm and hydrate your skin without leaving heavy residue.
Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 2011Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Is this toner fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
Topical application of Calendula officinalis extract cream significantly improved skin hydration and firmness (reflected in significant changes in R0 and R6 parameters) in 21 healthy human volunteers compared to a base cream.
Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 2011A 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, 2017A topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin, and dexpanthenol significantly reduced postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, and analgesic consumption, while improving wound healing after third molar surgery compared to a placebo.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020Treatment with standardized extract of Calendula officinalis L. led to a shorter epithelization time and faster healing speed compared to mineral oil in patients with acute skin loss wounds of the hand and fingers healing by secondary intention.
Tissue Barriers, 2022Topical administration of Calendula provides weak evidence of effectiveness in acute and chronic wounds compared to standard treatments based on a narrative review of available trials.
Wounds, 2008A facial serum containing snail secretion filtrate, Calendula officinalis, and Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract significantly reduced inflammatory acne lesions compared to placebo in 66 participants with mild-to-moderate maskne over 12 weeks.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022Topical gel containing chitosan, 0.2% chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol did not improve postoperative comfort regarding swelling and pain, but improved the wound's aesthetic appearance following impacted lower third molar extraction compared to no gel.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2016An overnight patch containing Allium cepa extract and allantoin safely promotes scar healing after dermatologic surgery, resulting in significantly greater reductions in observer- and patient-assessed POSAS scores compared to no treatment.
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2018Prophylactic application of a topical scar gel containing Allium cepae extract, allantoin, and heparin significantly improves patient-assessed scar color, stiffness, and irregularity compared to no treatment in women following a cesarean section.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2014Treatment with a combination of propylene glycol, ethanol, water, and shampoo was found effective, easy to use, and cosmetically attractive with no observed side effects in patients with dandruff.
Cutis, 1988A moisturizer containing glycerol and propylene glycol reduced transepidermal water loss, decreased epidermal thickness, increased stratum corneum thickness, and reduced dermal inflammatory infiltrate compared to untreated disrupted skin in six healthy beagle dogs.
Veterinary Dermatology, 2020Hydrolyzed corn starch containing maltotetraose activated the NRF2 pathway, upregulated antioxidant-responsive genes, increased NRF2 protein expression and nuclear translocation, and reduced reactive oxygen species levels in human keratinocytes exposed to oxidative stress.
PloS One, 2026Topical treatment with Arctium lappa fruit extract significantly stimulates dermal extracellular matrix metabolism and reduces wrinkle volume compared to vehicle in human subjects.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008An aqueous extract of Arctium lappa L. significantly reduced degranulation and cys-leukotriene release in human basophils in vitro and inhibited acute ear swelling by 50% upon topical administration in a whey-sensitized mouse model of allergy.
Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2008Creams incorporating methanolic extracts of olive, burdock, mallow, and marsh horsetail exerted significantly higher moisturizing and skin tearing force effects compared to control cream in rats and mice, with marsh horsetail showing the maximum effect, while licorice extract did not show a significant increase.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011
Ingredients
Water, Propylene Glycol, Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Disodium Edta, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Allantoin, Hedera Helix Ivy Stem Extract Extract Leaf, Glycerin, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score 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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