Kiehl's vs Good Molecules
Kiehl's and Good Molecules are American skincare brands offering trusted moisturizers, serums, eye products, and more. Kiehl's is beloved for featuring ingredients like glycerin and squalane, while the second brand utilizes glycerin and hyaluronic acid. The first brand suits dry skin and skin with dark spots best, whereas both suit acne-prone skin and the latter suits sensitive skin. They differ primarily in their specific compositions and target concerns, with the first brand relying on moisture-retaining properties and the other focusing on gentle effectiveness.
Kiehl's is an American skincare brand founded in 1851 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2000.
Good Molecules is an American skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by Beautylish, Inc..
beautymatter.comgoodmolecules.compitchbook.compreqin.com
This page compares some of the most popular Kiehl's and Good Molecules products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Kiehl's vs Good Molecules 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
Affordable and Great Value Price Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “best value for money — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “great value — Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum”
Lightweight and Non-Greasy Texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “feels like nothing — Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum”
- “absorbs instantly without residue — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream”
- “Absorbs quickly — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “absorbs quickly... zero irritation or tacky feeling — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
Deep Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “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 appears smooth and supple — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
Gentle and Sensitive Skin Friendly Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “experienced zero irritation — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “fragrance-free — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “no skin purging — Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream”
- “leaves my face feeling clean without the drying — Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel”
Skin Barrier and Texture Improvement Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “skin looks like brand new baby skin — Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment”
- “Leaves skin "baby soft," "super smooth," "polished feel" — Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder”
- “softened fine lines — Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream”
- “skin feels smoother — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
Fades Dark Spots and Brightens Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Acne marks are gone — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “Skin looks radiant — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “scar on your chin doesn't look nearly as noticeable — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
- “skin looks more radiant — Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner”
High Price and Value Concerns Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “pricy daily staple — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
Breakouts and Acne Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “caused cystic acne — Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate”
- “cystic acne for some — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “face broke out everywhere — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
- “gave me little white bumps — Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum”
Packaging and Design Issues Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “dipping fingers is unsanitary — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “Dropper doesn't reach bottom — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “Metal tube cracks — Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel”
Kiehl's vs Good Molecules routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 163.00
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Moisturizer
Lightweight Daily Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 114.00
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SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Morning
SAR 113.80
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
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Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
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Serum or Treatment
Daily Brightening Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 29.44
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Enzyme Powder
Pineapple Exfoliating Powder
Once a week
SAR 137.37
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
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Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 241.34
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Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning
SAR 275.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 460.35
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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
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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
Buy Good Molecules routine · SAR 930.09 · 89% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · SAR 2,309.98 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Kiehl's vs Good Molecules routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 163.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 78.00
-
SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Morning
SAR 113.80
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Overnight Exfoliating Treatment
Evening · Once a week
SAR 77.61
-
Enzyme Powder
Pineapple Exfoliating Powder
Once a week
SAR 137.37
-
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 Good Molecules routine · SAR 1,384.06 · 89% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · SAR 2,172.23 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Kiehl's vs Good Molecules routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 163.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 78.00
-
SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Morning
SAR 113.80
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Overnight Exfoliating Treatment
Evening · Once a week
SAR 77.61
-
Enzyme Powder
Pineapple Exfoliating Powder
Once a week
SAR 137.37
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
-
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
Buy Good Molecules routine · SAR 1,216.20 · 89% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · SAR 2,149.18 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Kiehl's or Good Molecules: which is better?
Both brands are great choices, but Good Molecules reaches a Superior Lovi fit for sensitive and acne-prone skin types while offering budget-friendly prices. Kiehl's is known for its lightweight and non-greasy textures along with deep hydration, though reviewers often mention a higher price point.
What is the difference between Kiehl's and Good Molecules?
Good Molecules offers more affordable prices and better fits for sensitive and acne-prone skin, while Kiehl's is known for a higher price point and provides lightweight, non-greasy textures with deep hydration.
Kiehl's or Good Molecules for dry skin?
Both Kiehl's and Good Molecules offer a high routine fit for dry skin. Kiehl's is noted for deep hydration and moisture, while Good Molecules is known for affordability and hydrating moisturizers.
Kiehl's or Good Molecules: which cleanser is better?
Both Kiehl's and Good Molecules offer great cleansers depending on your skin type, with Kiehl's performing exceptionally for oily and acne-prone skin while Good Molecules is ideal for dry and sensitive skin. Reviewers often mention that Kiehl's provides lightweight and non-greasy textures, whereas Good Molecules is known for being affordable and gentle.
Which is more affordable, Kiehl's or Good Molecules?
Good Molecules is more affordable than Kiehl's, as reviewers frequently mention its affordable and great value serums and moisturizers, whereas a high price point is a common concern for Kiehl's.
Which brand has better options for fading dark spots and brightening?
Both Kiehl's and Good Molecules offer products on this page that are well-suited for fading dark spots and brightening. Reviewers note that both brands perform equally well in this category.
How do the founding years and ownership of Kiehl's and Good Molecules compare?
Kiehl's was founded in 1851 in the United States and has been owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2000. In contrast, Good Molecules was founded in 2019 in the United States and is owned by Beautylish, Inc.
Which brand has more products formulated with fragrance?
Kiehl's has more products formulated with fragrance, with two products on the page listing fragrance, whereas every product from Good Molecules lists no fragrance.
Kiehl's or Good Molecules for oily skin?
Both Kiehl's and Good Molecules offer a high routine fit for oily skin, making either brand a strong choice depending on your budget and preference for lightweight textures.
Kiehl's or Good Molecules: which moisturizer is better?
Good Molecules offers better moisturizer options for sensitive and dry sensitive skin with a Superior Lovi fit level, whereas Kiehl's provides a High fit for those skin types. Reviewers often mention Good Molecules for affordable and hydrating moisturizers.
Kiehl's or Good Molecules for sensitive skin?
Good Molecules is the better choice for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to Kiehl's High. Both brands offer products that are fragrance-free or mostly fragrance-free.
Kiehl's or Good Molecules: which sunscreen is better?
Good Molecules offers a superior fit for dry sensitive skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, skin with dark spots, and mature skin with its Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, whereas Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum has a high fit for skin with dark spots, combination skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and mature skin.
Kiehl's or Good Molecules for acne-prone skin?
Good Molecules is the better choice for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to an Average fit for Kiehl's.
Research behind their key ingredients
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
Calendula extract: effects on mechanical parameters of human skin
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
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
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
The evaluation of aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion for photodamage
Skin barrier changes induced by aluminum oxide and sodium chloride microdermabrasion
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
Clinical and histologic changes determine optimal treatment regimens for microdermabrasion
Hippophae rhamnoides oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion improves barrier function in healthy human subjects
Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Clinical Assessment of a Novel Jasmonate Cosmeceutical, LR2412-Cx, for the Treatment of Skin Aging
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
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
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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
-

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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