Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Omega-Rich Cloud Cream for oily skin
Squalane
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter
Oenothera Biennis Oil
Lavender Oil
Zinc GluconateAverage
- AverageOily Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for oily skin; other moisturizers fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. 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
- Offers moderate suitability for your oily skin due to the presence of salicylic acid for mild exfoliation and ingredients like glycerin and squalane for hydration, but it lacks sufficient oil-controlling agents to fully address oily shine.
- The formula provides excellent moisturizing benefits, enhancing barrier resilience, though it does not contain specialized ingredients to target excess oil production.
- The product is safe for your oily skin, with no risks of irritation from harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing components like glycerin and squalane.
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.
People Say
★4.5Overall rating based on 1.0k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, users with normal to dry skin frequently praise this cream for its ability to deeply hydrate and repair the moisture barrier without feeling heavy, often waking up to a visibly plumper and more radiant complexion. While many enjoy the botanical scent and "cloud-like" texture, those with sensitive skin or fragrance aversions occasionally report irritation or find the smell overpowering.
Highlights
Deeply hydrating Mostly Mentioned
- “woke up with plump skin”
- “skin feels supple and soft”
- “got rid of my dry patches”
- “hydration lasts all night”
Lightweight whipped texture Often Mentioned
- “feels like a cloud on my skin”
- “whipped texture absorbs instantly”
- “lightweight but super moisturizing”
- “fluffy consistency sinks right in”
Non-greasy finish Often Mentioned
- “doesn't leave a sticky residue”
- “no oily film on my pillow”
- “matte but moisturized feel”
- “perfect for oily combo skin”
Radiant morning glow Sometimes Noted
- “skin looks glowing in the morning”
- “complexion looks refreshed and bright”
- “takes away the dullness”
- “looks like I slept 8 hours”
Relaxing lavender scent Sometimes Noted
- “smell helps me fall asleep”
- “soothing spa-like fragrance”
- “love the calming herbal scent”
- “perfect aromatherapy for bedtime”
High price point Sometimes Noted
- “too expensive for the amount”
- “pricey for a basic moisturizer”
- “jar is small for the cost”
- “not worth the high price tag”
Strong botanical fragrance Sometimes Noted
- “scent is way too overpowering”
- “smells too strongly of lavender”
- “fragrance gave me a headache”
- “wish it was unscented”
Causes skin irritation Rarely Noted
- “caused red itchy bumps”
- “broke me out in cystic acne”
- “burning sensation upon application”
- “not safe for sensitive skin”
Not rich enough Rarely Noted
- “need something heavier for winter”
- “not moisturizing enough for very dry skin”
- “had to apply multiple layers”
- “felt dry again by morning”
Sources: lovi.care, ulta.com, kohls.com, sephora.co.uk, kiehls.com, cultbeauty.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Omega-Rich Cloud Cream work for oily skin?
This moisturizer works reasonably well for oily skin, offering moderate hydration and mild exfoliation without causing irritation, though it lacks strong oil-controlling agents. A product for this skin type needs oil-absorbing ingredients, peptides, and a lightweight texture that controls shine without clogging pores.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017BioMed Research International, 2020
Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for oily skin?
This cream works for oily skin because it contains salicylic acid for mild exfoliation, alongside glycerin and squalane for lightweight hydration. To be a better fit for oily skin, this type of product needs ingredients that actively control excess oil production and maintain a shine-free finish.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017BioMed Research International, 2020
What does Squalane do for oily skin?
Squalane helps keep oily skin soft and smooth without feeling heavy, though oxidized forms may sometimes trigger irritation. To work well for oily skin, this type of product needs lightweight, non-clogging ingredients that balance moisture without adding excess grease.
What does Butyrospermum Parkii Butter do for oily skin?
Butyrospermum parkii butter is a rich ingredient that may feel too heavy for oily skin and can sometimes clog pores. For oily skin, a moisturizer needs lighter ingredients that hydrate without feeling greasy or heavy.
Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for oily skin?
This moisturizer goes near the end of your routine, right before sunscreen in the morning and as a final step in the evening. It is safe for oily skin and provides gentle exfoliation and hydration, but oily skin of this type needs dedicated oil-controlling ingredients to manage shine.
Can I use this cream with retinol, and in what order?
Yes, you can use this cream with retinol by applying the retinol first and following it with this moisturizer to help keep your skin calm and hydrated. Using a barrier-enhancing moisturizer alongside retinoids is unlikely to cause irritation and may improve your skin's tolerance to the treatment.
How often should I use this cream?
You can use this cream daily as part of your morning and evening routine, because it provides good moisture and is safe for your skin. To properly care for oily skin, a moisturizer of this type needs specialized ingredients to target excess oil production.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Health Science Reports, 2021
Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?
This cream is unlikely to cause irritation or breakouts on oily skin, as it features soothing ingredients like glycerin and squalane alongside salicylic acid for mild exfoliation. However, because it lacks sufficient oil-controlling agents to fully address oily shine, this skin type needs targeted shine-reducing ingredients and oil-balancing components to keep pores clear.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024BioMed Research International, 2020
Can I use this cream around the eyes or on my body?
You can use this cream around your eyes and on your body, but oily skin of this type needs targeted oil-controlling agents and mattifying ingredients to properly manage shine in those areas.
Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (linalool, geraniol, citral, and citronellol). Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.
What the research says
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, 2020Twice 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, 2024The 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, 2023A 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, 2017Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts.
Molecules, 2025Plant-derived squalane protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage by counteracting ROS formation, suppressing apoptosis-related proteins p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and restoring the pro-survival p-Akt/mTOR pathway.
Antioxidants, 2025A combination cream of stimu-tex AS and saccharide isomerate reduced erythema, increased skin capacitance, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to placebo in 20 subjects after fractional CO2 laser procedure without causing serious adverse events.
Lasers in Medical Science, 2025A skin barrier restoring cream with shea butter, silkflo, and vitamin E increased type I procollagen synthesis, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, decreased reactive oxygen species generation, and promoted hyaluronic acid production in H2O2-stimulated human keratinocyte cells compared to untreated cells.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025Electrospun poly (vinyl butyral-co-vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) patches loaded with evening primrose oil applied to the forearm of volunteers for 6 hours increased skin moisture, with pore size, shape, and fiber diameter influencing oil transport.
Biomaterials Advances, 2022A topical preparation containing urea, sunflower oil, evening primrose oil, wheat germ oil, and sodium pyruvate led to clinical improvement after a month in diverse hyperkeratotic skin conditions except pityriasis lichenoides.
Medicina Cutanea Ibero-latino-americana, 1986Topical application of linseed, evening primrose, and olive oil emulsions accelerated wound closure in rats with excision wounds compared to untreated controls, though via different mechanisms.
Drug Delivery and Translational Research, 2019Polysaccharide-based O/W emulsions incorporated with lavender essential oil applied to cellulosic support are non-irritating, provide softness and moisturizing effects, and are safe for topical patch applications.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2021Gellan gum hydrogel films co-encapsulating ofloxacin with tea tree or lavender oil achieved 98% wound contraction and completely healed epidermis in rats after ten days of treatment compared to baseline.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2021Topical application of lavender oil significantly promoted wound contraction, collagen synthesis, and fibroblast differentiation with up-regulation of TGF-beta in a rat model compared to control.
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016A dermocosmetic cream containing Punica granatum Pericarp extract, Salicylic acid, Niacinamide, Zinc gluconate, and Aqua Posae Filiformis significantly decreased inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesion counts in subjects with mild to moderate acne compared to untreated hemi-faces after 15 days.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026Daily use of a deep cleansing gel containing salicylic acid 2%, zinc gluconate 0.2% and lipohydroxy acid 0.05% significantly reduced total lesion count by 56.3% after 84 days in 35 subjects with mild to moderate truncal acne.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023Different strains of Propionibacterium acnes modulate cutaneous innate immunity with varying pro-inflammatory potentials, with P. acnes type III showing the highest and P. avidum the weakest, and zinc gluconate down-regulates the expression of most induced immune markers.
Experimental Dermatology, 2013
Why other moisturizers fit oily skin better
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
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Shea Butter, Squalane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cellulose, Cetearyl Glucoside, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil Flower, Rosa Damascena Oil Flower, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Lavender Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Glycine Soja Oil, Soybean Oil, Coriandrum Sativum Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Oil Leaf, Rosemary Oil Leaf, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Zinc Gluconate, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Silica, Adenosine, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Salicylic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Ultramarines, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral, Citronellol
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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