# Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil for skin with dark spots

**Lovi Fit: High fit for skin with dark spots.**
Normal Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/dark-spots

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: [Makeup removers](https://lovi.care/skincare/best/makeup-removers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dark spots: hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for skin with dark spots; a few pre-cleansers fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your normal skin as squalane and Oenothera Biennis Evening Primrose Oil provide emollient action, though it lacks sufficient humectants for optimal hydration.
- The formula effectively removes makeup and impurities with Ethylhexyl Palmitate and Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, but it does not contain specialized ingredients to target your main goal of pigmentation.
- The safety profile is excellent for your normal skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing components like lavender oil and coriander seed oil.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/dark-spots): High (this page)
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Squalane, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Lavender Essential Oil, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol

## What the research says

- Electrospun 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, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35929319/))
- Polysaccharide-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, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34547316/))
- Topical application of a vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate significantly increased epidermal thickness, type III collagen production, and glycosaminoglycans production in human skin explants compared to free vitamin C and vitamin C-palmitate. ([Scientific Reports, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33037252/))
- A topical serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract improved skin color, elasticity, radiance, smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkles compared to the untreated contralateral side in fifty female volunteers. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/))
- Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts. ([Molecules, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/))
- Plant-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, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40722956/))
- A 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, 1986](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3528709/))
- Topical 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, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29667150/))
- Topical application of 10% evening primrose oil (EPO) and Lioxasol creams resulted in increased cell proliferative activity in the skin of female pigs compared to untreated skin, with EPO producing a more pronounced increase in basal layer labelling index and Lioxasol causing a more immediate increase in papillary dermis labelled cells. ([Cell Proliferation, 1997](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9501921/))
- Gellan 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, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33130262/))
- Topical 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, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27229681/))
- A nanoemulsion cream containing lavender essential oil and licorice extract significantly reduced wound area, increased TGF-beta1 and collagen gene expression, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, and promoted faster tissue healing in rats compared to untreated and vehicle controls. ([Journal of Tissue Viability, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32204968/))
- Topical application of an emollient emulsion containing 15.0% caprylic/capric triglyceride doubled the amount of urocanic acid isomers and increased skin hydration with reduced transepidermal water loss in healthy subjects, though it did not prevent ultraviolet-induced urocanic acid isomerization. ([Life, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/))
- 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/))

## What reviewers say

This lightweight cleansing oil is widely praised for its ability to emulsify into a milk that effectively dissolves stubborn makeup without stripping the skin, leaving it soft and hydrated. While most users with dry or combination skin enjoy the spa-like lavender scent and non-greasy finish, a minority experience eye irritation (blurriness) or breakouts.

- Liked: Effective makeup removal (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating & non-stripping (often mentioned)
- Liked: Pleasant sensory experience (often mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight texture (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Eye irritation (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Price point (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Scent dislike (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Skin reactions (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this makeup remover as part of your PM routine every evening to melt away makeup and impurities.
- Apply this makeup remover as the first step of your evening routine before using your regular cleanser.
- Gently massage the makeup remover onto your face using circular motions, then rinse thoroughly with water.
- For the best results , apply the makeup remover directly to dry skin to help break down makeup effortlessly.
- Avoid the immediate eye area and do a patch test before your first use to ensure your skin feels comfortable.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c35a78bc839b6c00f5359ad6ae653522.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil a great fit for skin with dark spots?

This cleansing oil is a great fit because squalane and evening primrose oil make normal skin soft, while soothing ingredients like lavender oil keep the safety profile excellent without any harsh risks. It effectively melts away makeup and impurities, though it does not contain specialized ingredients to directly target dark spots.
Sources: [Biomaterials Advances, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35929319/), [International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34547316/)

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for skin with dark spots?

This cleanser does not contain specialized ingredients to target dark spots, but it is a good fit because its safety profile is excellent and it is very gentle on normal skin. Soothing components like lavender oil and coriander seed oil help keep skin calm without causing irritation.
Sources: [International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34547316/)

### What does Squalane do for skin with dark spots?

Squalane helps keep skin soft and smooth, but it is unlikely to directly fade dark spots on its own. For hyperpigmentation, this type of product needs added brightening ingredients like vitamin C or antioxidants to help even out skin tone.

### What does Evening Primrose Oil do for skin with dark spots?

Evening primrose oil contains linoleic acid, which helps lighten dark spots caused by the sun by slowing down pigment production and encouraging skin to shed pigmented cells. Studies show that topical application of these fatty acids may improve uneven skin tone.
Sources: [Archives of Dermatological Research, 1998](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9749992/)

### Where does it go in a skincare routine for skin with dark spots?

Use this makeup remover in the evening as the first step of your routine before washing your face. It safely melts away makeup and impurities without irritating your skin, though you will need a separate targeted treatment to help fade dark spots.

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

You can use this makeup remover in your evening routine before your regular cleanser and retinol treatment. It is very gentle on the skin, so it is unlikely to cause irritation when paired with retinol.

### How often should I use it?

You can use this makeup remover in the evening as the first step of your nighttime routine to effectively wash away makeup and impurities. Its soothing formula is gentle on normal skin, but since it lacks targeted brightening ingredients, this skin with dark spots also needs dedicated treatments with brightening actives.

### Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for skin with dark spots?

This cleansing oil is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for your skin, as it has a very safe formula with soothing ingredients like lavender oil and coriander seed oil. It gently removes makeup and impurities while keeping your skin calm.
Sources: [International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34547316/)

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

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (linalool, citronellol, geraniol, and limonene).

## Alternatives for skin with dark spots

- [Pyunkang Yul Deep Clear Cleansing Balm](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-clear-cleansing-balm/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — $15.99 at Amazon
- [Dermalogica PreCleanse](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dermalogica/precleanse/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — $49.00 at Amazon
- [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — $50.00 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/pyunkang-yul/calming-deep-moisture-toner/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — $16.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Isntree Green Tea Fresh Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/isntree/green-tea-fresh-serum/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — $17.90 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com: $38.00 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MCWXYGF?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Zea Mays Corn Germ Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate, Oenothera Biennis Evening Primrose Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate, Squalane, Coriandrum Sativum Coriander Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Lavandula Angustifolia Lavender Oil, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Geranium Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Rosemary Oil Leaf, Linalool, Tocopherol, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Glycine Soja Soybean Oil, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
## 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/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/dark-spots (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/dark-spots
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/dark-spots
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/dark-spots
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/dark-spots
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/dark-spots
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/dark-spots
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/dark-spots
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/dark-spots
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/dark-spots
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/dark-spots
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/dark-spots
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/for/dark-spots