Kiehl's vs L'Oreal Paris
Kiehl's and L'Oreal Paris are an American skincare brand founded in 1851 and a French skincare brand founded in 1909, respectively, with both owned by L'Oréal S.A. Kiehl's is beloved for a thoughtful array of moisturizers, serums, toners, eye products, and more that feature trusted ingredients like glycerin and squalane, while the brand suits dry skin and skin with dark spots best. Conversely, L'Oreal Paris is beloved for its thoughtful range of serums, moisturizers, masks, and eye products, which frequently incorporate hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and its products suit oily skin and combination skin best. They differ primarily in their core formulations and targeted complexions, offering distinct solutions through specialized ingredients.
Kiehl's is an American skincare brand founded in 1851 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2000.
L'Oreal Paris is a French skincare brand founded in 1909 and owned by L'Oréal S.A..
en.wikipedia.orgloreal.comloreal-paris.co.ukcosmeticsbusiness.com
This page compares some of the most popular Kiehl's and L'Oreal Paris products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Kiehl's vs L'Oreal Paris 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
Deep hydration and moisture Mostly 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”
- “wake up with soft skin — L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Cream”
- “Leaves my face feeling plump and dewy all day. — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift”
Lightweight and non-greasy texture Mostly 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 fast — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Night Cream”
Skin barrier and texture improvements Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “skin is a lot smoother — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser Pure Retinol Night Serum”
- “My skin feels silky and soft to the touch. — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift”
- “Smooth and creamy texture that spreads very nicely. — L'Oreal Paris Pure-Clay Mask”
- “leaves skin feeling silky — Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate”
Dark spot fading and brightening Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “skin looks luminous — L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright”
- “significant reduction in the appearance of dark spots — L'Oreal Paris Bright Reveal 12% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum”
- “skin looks glowing — L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Cream”
- “Acne marks are gone — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
Gentle formula and suitability for sensitive skin Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “experienced zero irritation — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “fragrance-free — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “perfect for retinol newbies — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “very gentle, didn't irritate my skin — L'Oreal Paris Bright Reveal 12% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum”
Plumping and fine line reduction Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “diminished fine lines, under-eye discoloration as well Crow's feet — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Pressed Night Cream”
- “fine lines around eyes less noticeable — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser Pure Retinol Night Serum”
- “reduces puffiness under the eyes — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream”
- “Skin looks noticeably more plump — Kiehl's Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate”
High price and poor value Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
- “a little bit pricy — L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright”
- “taken aback by the price — L'Oreal Paris Bright Reveal 12% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum”
- “pricy daily staple — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
Burning, stinging, and irritation Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “burned my face immediately — Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque”
- “stings my face and feels like burning — Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream”
- “left my face bright red — Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque”
- “slight tingling the first few times — L'Oreal Paris Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel”
Unpleasant scent or strong fragrance Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “smells clinical — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “faint lab smell — Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum”
- “smell is overpowering — Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate”
- “The perfume smell is overwhelming and lingers. — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift”
Kiehl's vs L'Oreal Paris routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 297.00
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Moisturizer
Revitalift
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 37.88
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SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
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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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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
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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
-
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 L'Oreal Paris routine · SAR 912.66 · 89% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · SAR 2,309.98 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Kiehl's vs L'Oreal Paris routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 36.33
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Revitalift
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 37.88
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
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
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
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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 · 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 L'Oreal Paris routine · SAR 1,092.95 · 95% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · SAR 2,172.23 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Kiehl's vs L'Oreal Paris routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 191.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Revitalift
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 37.88
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
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
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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
-
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 L'Oreal Paris routine · SAR 1,079.76 · 95% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · SAR 2,149.18 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Kiehl's or L'Oreal Paris: which is better?
L'Oreal Paris offers a Superior routine fit for oily, combination, sensitive, acne-prone, mature, and oily acne-prone skin types on this page, while Kiehl's fits dry skin, skin with dark spots, and dry sensitive skin at a High level.
What is the difference between Kiehl's and L'Oreal Paris?
Kiehl's and L'Oreal Paris both offer deep hydration, but L'Oreal Paris achieves a superior routine fit for oily, combination, sensitive, acne-prone, and mature skin among the products on this page.
Kiehl's or L'Oreal Paris for dry skin?
Both Kiehl's and L'Oreal Paris offer a High routine fit level for dry skin based on the products on this page. Kiehl's features mostly fragrance-free formulas with lightweight moisturizers, while L'Oreal Paris provides deep hydration using key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Kiehl's or L'Oreal Paris: which moisturizer is better?
When comparing moisturizers, the products on this page show Lovi rates Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream and Midnight Recovery Omega-Rich Cloud Cream at a High fit level for dry skin, while L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Cream also reaches a High fit level for dry skin.
Which is more affordable, Kiehl's or L'Oreal Paris?
L'Oreal Paris is more affordable, as reviewers on the page often note high prices for Kiehl's while mentioning affordability as a benefit for L'Oreal Paris.
Kiehl's or L'Oreal Paris for dark spot fading and brightening?
For dark spot fading and brightening, both Kiehl's and L'Oreal Paris are suitable, with Lovi fit levels of High for the products on this page. L'Oreal Paris does better for dark spot fading and brightening according to reviewer themes.
Which brand has more products without fragrance, Kiehl's or L'Oreal Paris?
Kiehl's has more products without fragrance, as 26 of its 28 products on this page list no fragrance compared to only 5 of 10 products for L'Oreal Paris.
Kiehl's or L'Oreal Paris for mature skin and anti-aging efficacy?
For mature skin, Lovi rates Kiehl's as High and L'Oreal Paris as Superior. L'Oreal Paris does better for anti-aging and skin smoothing among the products on this page.
Kiehl's or L'Oreal Paris for oily skin?
For oily skin, L'Oreal Paris is the better choice because Lovi rates its routine as Superior, compared to High for Kiehl's. The products on this page for both brands feature key ingredients like glycerin, while L'Oreal Paris focuses on deep hydration and oil-balancing benefits.
Kiehl's or L'Oreal Paris for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, both brands offer products on this page with an average fit, though Lovi rates the overall routine fit as High for Kiehl's and Superior for L'Oreal Paris.
Kiehl's or L'Oreal Paris for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, L'Oreal Paris is the better choice because Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior, compared to Kiehl's which is Average.
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
Encapsulation and controlled release of retinol from silicone particles for topical delivery
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
The evaluation of aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion for photodamage
Skin barrier changes induced by aluminum oxide and sodium chloride microdermabrasion
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
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
-

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
-

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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