Kiehl's vs Augustinus Bader
Kiehl's and Augustinus Bader are two celebrated skincare brands that offer distinct approaches to daily care. The American house, founded in 1851, provides nourishing moisturizers, targeted serums, soothing toners, and gentle eye products formulated with glycerin and squalane, while the German maker, founded in 2018, delivers luxurious moisturizers, serums, and eye products built around its proprietary preparations. Both lines suit dry skin and mature skin best, yet they differ fundamentally in their heritage and foundational ingredients.
Kiehl's is an American skincare brand founded in 1851 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2000.
Augustinus Bader is a German skincare brand founded in 2018.
augustinusbader.combeautymatter.compitchbook.com
This page compares some of the most popular Kiehl's and Augustinus Bader products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Kiehl's vs Augustinus Bader products
People Say
Lightweight texture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “light but nourishing — Augustinus Bader The Cream”
- “sinks in instantly — Augustinus Bader The Serum”
- “light gel texture — Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream”
- “feels like nothing — Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum”
Deep hydration Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Instantly hydrated — Augustinus Bader The Face Oil”
- “Extremely dry skin saved — Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream”
- “healthy glow — Augustinus Bader The Serum”
- “Keeps skin moisturized for 24+ hours — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
Skin barrier and texture improvement Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Softens fine lines — Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream”
- “skin is smoother — Augustinus Bader The Cream”
- “skin felt noticeably firmer — Augustinus Bader The Serum”
- “leaves skin feeling silky — Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate”
Brightening and dark spots Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Acne marks are gone — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “Skin looks radiant — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “Instant youthful glow — Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream”
Makeup compatibility Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “concealer glides on smoothly — Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado”
- “no pilling — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “no pilling — Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum”
- “concealer blends perfectly — Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream”
Gentle for sensitive skin Often MentionedNot 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”
High price point Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “pricy daily staple — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “Very expensive product — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “overpriced for what it does — Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream”
Ineffective or slow results Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Did absolutely nothing — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “Takes months to see — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “results were subtle — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “didn't see dramatic results — Augustinus Bader The Cream”
Packaging and dispensing issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “dipping fingers is unsanitary — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “hard to spread — Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado”
- “Dropper doesn't reach bottom — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “excessive packaging — Augustinus Bader The Serum”
Breakouts and acne Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “caused cystic acne — Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate”
- “cystic acne for some — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “Caused cystic acne — Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream”
- “bumps on forehead — Augustinus Bader The Cream”
Kiehl's vs Augustinus Bader routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$25.06
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
S$41.07
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Moisturizer
The Rich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$273.83
-
SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
S$21.09
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
S$39.68
-
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
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
-
SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
S$21.09
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
S$39.68
-
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
Buy Augustinus Bader routine · S$527.11 · 98% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · S$209.58 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Kiehl's vs Augustinus Bader 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
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$30.40
-
Hydrating Toner
TROIAREUKE H+Cocktail Purifying Ampoule Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$168.51
-
Moisturizer
The Rich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$273.83
-
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
Buy Kiehl's routine · S$287.99 · 90% fit
Buy Augustinus Bader routine · S$760.73 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Kiehl's vs Augustinus Bader routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$30.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Whamisa Organic Flowers Toner Deep Rich
Morning · Once a week
S$64.81
-
Moisturizer
The Rich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$273.83
-
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
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
Buy Augustinus Bader routine · S$656.63 · 91% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · S$287.99 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Kiehl's or Augustinus Bader: which is better?
Augustinus Bader provides better deep hydration and barrier improvement, while Kiehl's is often gentler for sensitive skin and offers a wider range of products on this page.
What is the difference between Kiehl's and Augustinus Bader?
Kiehl's and Augustinus Bader differ primarily in their formulation focus and ownership, with Kiehl's offering a wide range of targeted solutions using traditional ingredients like glycerin and vitamin C, while Augustinus Bader centers its line around the proprietary TFC8 complex. Reviewers find that Augustinus Bader delivers superior deep hydration and skin texture improvement, whereas Kiehl's provides better makeup compatibility and options that are gentle for sensitive skin.
Kiehl's or Augustinus Bader for dry skin?
Both Kiehl's and Augustinus Bader achieve a Superior routine fit for dry skin among the products on this page. Kiehl's offers various moisturizers and cleansers featuring key ingredients like glycerin and squalane, while Augustinus Bader relies on its proprietary TFC8 formula in items like The Rich Cream to help deliver deep hydration.
Kiehl's or Augustinus Bader: which moisturizer is better?
Augustinus Bader provides superior moisturizers like The Rich Cream for dry and mature skin, while Kiehl's offers popular lightweight options such as Ultra Facial Cream. Reviewers note that Augustinus Bader excels in deep hydration and luxury feel, whereas Kiehl's is often noted for a higher price point and occasional breakouts.
Which is more affordable, Kiehl's or Augustinus Bader?
Kiehl's is more affordable, whereas Augustinus Bader is known for an extreme price point.
Between Kiehl's and Augustinus Bader, which brand has better options for mature skin?
Both Kiehl's and Augustinus Bader provide Superior Lovi fit levels for mature skin among the products on this page. Reviewers note that Augustinus Bader does better for deep hydration and texture improvement.
How do Kiehl's and Augustinus Bader compare regarding fragrance in their products?
Kiehl's includes fragrance in a small number of the products on this page, whereas Augustinus Bader lists no fragrance in any of its products on this page.
Which brand performs better for skin with dark spots according to the routine fit ratings?
Augustinus Bader performs better for skin with dark spots, with Lovi giving it a Superior routine fit compared to Kiehl's High fit.
Kiehl's or Augustinus Bader for oily skin?
For oily skin, Lovi finds that both Kiehl's and Augustinus Bader achieve a Superior routine fit. Reviewers mention that the products on this page from Augustinus Bader provide a lightweight texture, while Kiehl's offers options like the Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner with a Superior fit level.
Kiehl's or Augustinus Bader for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, both brands offer products on this page with high or superior Lovi fit levels, but Kiehl's is often noted by reviewers as being gentle for sensitive skin. Augustinus Bader also features no fragrance across its products on this page, while Kiehl's includes fragrance in only 2 of its 28 products.
Kiehl's or Augustinus Bader for acne-prone skin?
Augustinus Bader provides a superior routine fit for acne-prone skin on this page, while Kiehl's offers a high fit level. Reviewers note that both brands share a similar likelihood of causing breakouts and acne.
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
Resveratrol as a Multifunctional Topical Hypopigmenting Agent
Calendula extract: effects on mechanical parameters of human skin
Fermented pomegranate extracts protect against oxidative stress and aging of skin
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
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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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