celimax vs Kiehl's
celimax and Kiehl's are skincare brands that offer thoughtful arrays of serums, moisturizers, toners, and more. celimax is known for gentle, effective formulations featuring carefully selected ingredients that suit sensitive and acne-prone skin best, while Kiehl's is known for trusted ingredients like glycerin and squalane that suit dry skin and skin with dark spots best. The Korean brand focuses on targeted options like its Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad and Dual Barrier Creamy Toner, whereas the American brand emphasizes moisture-retaining and brightening properties through items like its Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner and Ultra Facial Toner. Ultimately, both offer reliable daily routines, but they differ in their foundational ingredients and specific skin type strengths.
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
SAR 120.00
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Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
SAR 130.50
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Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
SAR 349.81
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Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
SAR 322.96
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Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
SAR 361.00
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Midnight Recovery Concentrate
SAR 786.00
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Better Screen UV Serum
SAR 219.15
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Super Multi-Corrective Cream
SAR 449.90
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
SAR 241.34
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning
SAR 275.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 460.35
-
SPF
Better Screen UV Serum
Morning
SAR 219.15
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 365.61
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
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Serum or Treatment
Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
SAR 310.86
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 49.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning
SAR 53.05
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 44.90
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 47.09
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
SAR 117.81
-
Serum or Treatment
Noni Ampoule
Evening · Once a week
SAR 34.00
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Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
Buy Kiehl's routine · SAR 2,309.98 · 84% fit
Buy celimax routine · SAR 786.84 · 73% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
celimax vs Kiehl's routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 49.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.05
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 44.90
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 47.09
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
SAR 117.81
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
SAR 76.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
-
Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 241.34
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 275.00
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 153.00
-
SPF
Ultra Facial Cream
Morning
SAR 120.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 365.61
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
Evening · Once a week
SAR 349.81
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Once a week
SAR 322.96
Buy celimax routine · SAR 921.56 · 81% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · SAR 2,172.23 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
celimax vs Kiehl's routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 241.34
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 275.00
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 153.00
-
SPF
Better Screen UV Serum
Morning
SAR 219.15
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 365.61
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
Evening · Once a week
SAR 349.81
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Once a week
SAR 322.96
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 49.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.05
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 44.90
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 47.09
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
SAR 117.81
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
SAR 76.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
Buy Kiehl's routine · SAR 2,149.18 · 83% fit
Buy celimax routine · SAR 762.04 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
celimax or Kiehl's: which is better?
celimax is better for sensitive skin because it tends to be gentler, while Kiehl's is often preferred for hydration and moisture. The products on this page help support various skin types with different strengths.
What is the difference between celimax and Kiehl's?
celimax and Kiehl's both offer solid skincare products, but celimax generally tends to be gentler for sensitive skin and more affordable, whereas Kiehl's is often preferred for deep hydration, brightening dark spots, and makeup compatibility.
celimax or Kiehl's for dry skin?
For dry skin, Kiehl's fits better than celimax overall. Lovi rates Kiehl's routine fit as High for dry skin, compared to celimax at Average.
celimax or Kiehl's: which cleanser is better?
Both celimax and Kiehl's offer strong cleanser options for different needs, with Kiehl's featuring specialized washes like the Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash that achieves a Superior Lovi fit for oily and oily acne-prone skin. Meanwhile, celimax provides reliable choices such as the Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser, which reaches a High fit level for acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin.
Which is more affordable, celimax or Kiehl's?
celimax provides better value, as reviewers note Kiehl's has a high price point. Lovi rates celimax higher for affordability.
celimax or Kiehl's for sensitive skin: which is gentler?
celimax is gentler for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates its sensitive skin fit as High while Kiehl's is Average. Reviewers also note celimax does better for gentle care on sensitive skin.
celimax or Kiehl's for fading dark spots: which brand performs better?
Kiehl's performs better for fading dark spots, as the products on this page offer higher overall fit levels for this concern. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.
celimax or Kiehl's: which brand is better for acne-prone skin?
celimax is the better brand for acne-prone skin, offering a High routine fit compared to Kiehl's Average fit.
celimax or Kiehl's for oily skin?
For oily skin, both celimax and Kiehl's are good options as Lovi gives both brands a High fit level for this skin type. Reviewers note that products on this page from both brands help provide lightweight hydration without a heavy residue.
celimax or Kiehl's: which moisturizer is better?
When comparing moisturizers, celimax tends to be better for sensitive skin, while Kiehl's is often preferred for deep hydration and targeting dark spots. Lovi rates the routine fit for dry skin as Average for celimax and High for Kiehl's.
celimax or Kiehl's for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, both celimax and Kiehl's are good options, as Lovi rates both brands at a High fit level. Reviewers note that celimax tends to be gentler for sensitive skin.
celimax or Kiehl's: which sunscreen is better?
When choosing a sunscreen, both brands offer products with a high fit level for oily acne-prone skin, combination skin, sensitive skin, and skin with dark spots. Kiehl's sunscreen may also help provide additional antioxidant benefits across the products on this page.
celimax or Kiehl's for acne-prone skin?
celimax fits acne-prone skin better, as the routine fit level for acne-prone skin is High for celimax and Average for Kiehl's. Review themes also show that celimax does better for being gentle on sensitive skin.
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
-

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
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

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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