celimax vs Kiehl's
celimax and Kiehl's are skincare brands that offer serums, moisturizers, toners, and more. The Korean brand features carefully selected ingredients for sensitive skin and acne-prone skin, while the American brand relies on glycerin and squalane for dry skin and mature skin. Both provide standout products for specific concerns, yet they differ in their foundational approaches to formulation and heritage.
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
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
S$57.34
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning
S$53.30
-
Moisturizer
Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$22.43
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SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
S$21.09
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
S$39.68
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Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask
Once a week
S$62.94
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$22.60
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning
S$31.24
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$27.93
-
SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
S$21.09
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$15.86
-
Serum or Treatment
Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$31.02
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask
Once a week
S$62.94
Buy Kiehl's routine · S$209.58 · 92% fit
Buy celimax routine · S$146.29 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
celimax vs Kiehl's routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$57.34
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$53.30
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$114.04
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$22.60
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$31.24
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$27.93
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$15.86
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening · Once a week
S$36.16
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
S$25.66
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
Buy Kiehl's routine · S$287.99 · 90% fit
Buy celimax routine · S$210.92 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
celimax vs Kiehl's routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$57.34
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$53.30
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$114.04
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$22.60
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$31.24
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$27.93
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$15.86
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening · Once a week
S$36.16
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
S$25.66
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
Buy Kiehl's routine · S$287.99 · 90% fit
Buy celimax routine · S$210.92 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
celimax or Kiehl's: which is better?
Both celimax and Kiehl's are strong skincare options, with Kiehl's offering a Superior routine fit for dry, mature, and oily acne-prone skin, while celimax provides better value for money and is often noted as gentler for sensitive skin.
What is the difference between celimax and Kiehl's?
Both celimax and Kiehl's offer effective routines for various skin types, but celimax is often noted for being gentler on sensitive skin and offering better value, while Kiehl's generally provides superior hydration and a wider range of products. Lovi rates Kiehl's routine fit as Superior for dry skin, mature skin, and oily acne-prone skin, compared to High for celimax in those categories.
celimax or Kiehl's for dry skin?
For dry skin, Kiehl's is Superior while celimax is High. Both brands offer good hydration options, though celimax is known for being gentler on sensitive skin while Kiehl's may provide a richer feel.
celimax or Kiehl's: which cleanser is better?
When comparing cleansers, Kiehl's is often preferred for offering specialized options with Superior Lovi fit levels for oily and oily acne-prone skin types, such as its Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash and Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser. Both brands provide fragrance-free formulas across many of their cleansing products, though reviewers note that Kiehl's may occasionally cause skin irritation.
Which is more affordable, celimax or Kiehl's?
celimax is more affordable, as reviewers often note high prices for Kiehl's while pointing to better value from celimax.
celimax or Kiehl's for dark spots?
Does celimax or Kiehl's use fragrance in their products?
celimax lists no fragrance in any of the products on this page. Kiehl's also keeps most of its line fragrance-free, though 2 of the 28 products on this page include fragrance.
celimax or Kiehl's for oily skin?
For oily skin, Kiehl's is a better fit with a Superior routine level compared to celimax's High level. Reviewers mention that Kiehl's provides lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers and deep hydration, helping manage oily skin without heavy residue.
celimax or Kiehl's: which moisturizer is better?
Both celimax and Kiehl's offer effective moisturizers, with celimax being better for sensitive skin and Kiehl's providing superior hydration and value for mature or dry skin.
celimax or Kiehl's for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, celimax is often preferred because it is gentler, while Kiehl's may sometimes cause skin irritation. Lovi gives celimax a High fit level for sensitive skin.
celimax or Kiehl's: which sunscreen is better?
When choosing a sunscreen, both celimax and Kiehl's offer products on this page that rate High for skin with dark spots, mature skin, and oily acne-prone skin. The Oil Control Light Sunscreen by celimax helps with oil control, while Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum may provide added serum benefits. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in sunscreens are effective for protection.
celimax or Kiehl's for acne-prone skin?
Both celimax and Kiehl's are great options for acne-prone skin, as the products on this page offer a High Lovi fit level for this skin type. Reviewers note that celimax is generally more gentle for sensitive skin, while Kiehl's may provide better results for brightening and dark spots.
celimax or Kiehl's for mature skin?
When choosing between celimax and Kiehl's for mature skin, Kiehl's generally fits better with a Superior routine fit, while celimax has a High routine fit. Both brands feature helpful ingredients like retinol that help stimulate collagen accumulation in naturally aged 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
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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
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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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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