# Kiehl's Age Defender Moisturizer for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

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

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

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

A weak match for oily acne-prone skin; the moisturizers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for your oily skin and blemishes due to Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, which aids in pore cleansing and oil control, but the overall benefit is insufficient for your primary concerns.
- The presence of glycerin and soybean protein provides moderate moisturizing and texture smoothing, but the formula lacks sufficient ingredients for effective seboregulation.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Glycerin, Dimethicone, Caffeine, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tocopherol

## What the research says

- Daily treatment with a facial serum containing multiple acids reduced post-inflammatory hyperchromia lesion grade and number by 29.4% at 56 days, and decreased skin oiliness by 30.7% at 7 days in Brazilian patients with acne vulgaris. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/))
- A novel composition containing salicylic acid, capryloyl salicylic acid, HEPES, glycolic acid, citric acid, and dioic acid showed similar tolerance and efficacy compared with clindamycin 1% and benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in subjects with acne vulgaris. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23545907/))
- 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/))
- Cellulose acetate and soy protein hydrolysate nanofibrous dressings promote fibroblast proliferation in vitro and accelerate wound healing with reduced scar formation in vivo. ([Advanced Healthcare Materials, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29359866/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/))
- Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation. ([Journal of Periodontology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/))
- Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910367/))
- Topical application of an antioxidant serum containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented particulate matter-induced degradation of extracellular matrix components, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the skin of 15 female volunteers compared to untreated controls. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40642809/))
- Dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate showed non-comedogenic potential with less than a 50% increase in microcomedones in 12 healthy male subjects compared to octyl palmitate. ([Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/))
- Topical application of an antioxidant mix containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented PM and UV-induced skin barrier perturbation, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers, MMP9 activation, and Type I collagen loss in 15 healthy females compared to untreated exposed skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590207/))

## Why other moisturizers fit oily acne-prone 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366684/))
- Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components. ([Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/))

## How to apply

- Use this AM and PM routine every day to help clear your skin. Always remember to finish with SPF in the morning.
- Apply the moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your SPF during the day.
- Gently press a small amount into your skin and avoid rubbing to keep pores clear.
- Apply on clean, slightly damp skin to help the product absorb better and control oil.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a simple patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is Kiehl's Age Defender Moisturizer a weak match for oily acne-prone skin?

This moisturizer is a weak match for oily acne-prone skin because its ingredients do not control oil well enough for your main concerns. A product of this type needs powerful hydrating and repairing ingredients, soothing extracts, and light ingredients that support the skin barrier without heavy oils or clogging pores.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this cream a poor fit for oily acne-prone skin?

This cream is a weak match for your oily acne-prone skin because it lacks sufficient oil-controlling ingredients to manage excess oil effectively. A moisturizing treatment for this skin type needs lightweight hydrating agents, soothing extracts, and ingredients that support the skin barrier without clogging pores or adding heavy oils.

### What does Glycerin do for oily acne-prone skin?

Glycerin helps keep oily acne-prone skin hydrated without feeling heavy. It draws moisture into the skin while supporting the skin barrier so it stays soft and balanced.
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/)

### What does Dimethicone do for oily acne-prone skin?

Dimethicone helps protect oily, acne-prone skin from irritation, but it shows varying performance in keeping skin hydrated compared to other protectants. Because it can feel heavy, this type of skin often needs lighter ingredients like natural plant oils with a higher linoleic acid to oleic acid ratio to keep pores clear and the skin barrier strong.
Sources: [Ostomy/wound Management, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16439809/), [Military Medicine, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38771104/)

### Where does it go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This product is a weak match for oily acne-prone skin because it lacks sufficient ingredients to control oil effectively, though it provides some mild exfoliation and smoothing. For this skin type, a product of this type needs dedicated oil-balancing ingredients like niacinamide or targeted acids to help manage shine and breakouts.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31461548/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/)

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

This cream is a weak match for your oily acne-prone skin because it lacks enough oil-controlling ingredients, even though it helps clear pores a little. When using it with retinol, apply your retinol first and let it absorb before putting on this moisturizer to keep your skin smooth and calm. Oily acne-prone skin needs a product of this type to provide stronger oil control and soothing ingredients to truly help breakouts.

### How often should I use it?

This moisturizer is a weak match for oily acne-prone skin because it lacks sufficient ingredients for effective oil control and pore balancing. To properly care for this skin type, a product of this type needs targeted oil-regulating ingredients and gentle exfoliants that keep pores clear.

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This cream is a weak match for oily acne-prone skin and may contribute to clogged pores or breakouts because its overall benefit is insufficient for your primary concerns. While it offers moderate exfoliation and oil control, it lacks enough ingredients for effective seboregulation. A product of this type needs targeted oil-balancing ingredients and lightweight hydrators to properly care for this skin.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23545907/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

This moisturizer is generally formulated for facial use, and while it can be applied to other areas, the delicate skin around the eyes often requires specialized care due to its extreme thinness. For body use, rich moisturizers of this type need targeted ingredients like niacinamide or ceramides to adequately address thicker skin needs.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

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

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

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.88 at Amazon
- [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.50 at Amazon
- [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — $49.95 at Amazon

## Routine for oily acne-prone skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon
- SPF: [make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/make-p-rem/uv-defense-me-blue-ray-sun-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.99 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $21.70 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Rodial Vitamin C Brightening Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/rodial/vitamin-c-brightening-tonic/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $31.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $39.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $21.70 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $69.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/herbivore-botanicals/blue-tansy-bha-and-enzyme-pore-refining-mask/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $58.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.60 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $39.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

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

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat, Sucrose Stearate, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Octyldodecanol, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Synthetic Wax, Sodium Polyacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Parfum, Polyurethane-2, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Chlorphenesin, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Limonene, Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract, Dimethiconol, Tocopherol, Caffeine, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Glycine Soja Protein, Soybean Protein, Myristic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Adenosine, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethyl Mea, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Linalool, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Water, Fruit Water, Lemon Fruit Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sugar Maple Extract, 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-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/kiehl-s/age-defender-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
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