Kiehl's vs Pixi
Kiehl's and Pixi are distinct skincare labels offering thoughtful arrays of toners, serums, eye products, and moisturizers. The American brand is cherished for its nourishing ingredients like glycerin and squalane, while the British brand relies on carefully balanced formulas. Both suit mature skin best, though the former also targets dark spots and the latter addresses sensitive skin. They differ in heritage, founding years, and specific standout choices such as the Ultra Facial Toner and the Glow Tonic.
Kiehl's is an American skincare brand founded in 1851 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2000.
Pixi is a British skincare brand founded in 1999.
pixibeauty.comtracxn.compitchbook.com
This page compares some of the most popular Kiehl's and Pixi products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Kiehl's vs Pixi products
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Ultra Facial Cream
£15.75
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Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
£30.00
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Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
£42.75
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Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
£25.88
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Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
£41.25
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Midnight Recovery Concentrate
£52.50
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Better Screen UV Serum
£31.50
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Super Multi-Corrective Cream
£53.25
People Say
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”
- “Instant surge of hydration — Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist”
- “deeply hydrates and balances — Pixi Antioxidant Tonic”
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 — Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist”
- “Absorbs fairly quickly into the skin. — Pixi Vitamin-C Serum”
Brightening and Radiance Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “gives instant glow — Pixi Glow Tonic”
- “Skin is noticeably brighter — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “gives a lovely glow — Pixi Rose Oil Blend”
- “Acne marks are gone — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
Skin Barrier and Texture Improvement Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “leaves skin feeling silky — Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate”
- “skin feels smoother — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “Skin feels incredible, so smooth — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “forehead bumps gone — Pixi Glow Tonic”
Gentle on 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”
- “doesn't sting — Pixi Glow Tonic”
Scent and Fragrance Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “smells like fresh roses — Pixi Rose Oil Blend”
- “lovely subtle rose scent — Pixi Rose Tonic”
- “Smells fresh — Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist”
- “calming lavender smell — Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate”
High Price Point Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Bottle is too small — Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist”
- “Slight downside is the price — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “bottle is very small — Pixi Rose Oil Blend”
- “pricy daily staple — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
Sticky, Tacky, or Heavy Finish Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “leaves a tacky film — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream”
- “rolled off my face — Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate”
- “pills under my makeup — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream”
- “slippery and won't stay put — Pixi DetoxifEYE Depuffing Eye Patches”
Product Ineffectiveness Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Did absolutely nothing — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “Takes months to see — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
- “didn't notice change in dark circles — Pixi DetoxifEYE Depuffing Eye Patches”
- “Not strong enough — Pixi Retinol Tonic”
Strong Scent and Fragrance Issues Not notedOften Mentioned
- “smell is overpowering — Pixi Glow Tonic”
Kiehl's vs Pixi routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.29
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Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Milky Mist
Morning
£16.00
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Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£14.74
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SPF
Torriden DIVE-IN Mild Sunscreen
Morning
£22.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
£13.58
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Serum or Treatment
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
£22.00
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
£17.00
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Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£24.75
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Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning
£18.75
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Moisturizer
Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£57.00
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SPF
Better Screen UV Serum
Morning
£31.50
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£32.95
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Serum or Treatment
Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
£55.25
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
£17.00
Buy Pixi routine · £91.61 · 94% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · £181.95 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Kiehl's vs Pixi routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.29
-
Hydrating Toner
Retinol Tonic
Morning · Once a week
£14.05
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Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£14.80
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SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
£11.29
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£17.00
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Cleansing Toner
Glow Tonic
Evening
£9.20
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Serum or Treatment
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
£22.00
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
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Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
£61.99
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Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£24.75
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
£18.75
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£58.50
-
SPF
Better Screen UV Serum
Morning
£31.50
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£32.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
£29.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
Evening · Once a week
£42.75
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
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Cleansing Mask
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Once a week
£25.88
Buy Pixi routine · £146.42 · 94% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · £283.08 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Kiehl's vs Pixi routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£14.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Retinol Tonic
Morning · Once a week
£14.05
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£14.80
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£23.92
-
Cleansing Toner
Glow Tonic
Evening
£9.20
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
£22.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£24.75
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
£18.75
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£58.50
-
SPF
Better Screen UV Serum
Morning
£31.50
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£32.95
-
Cleansing Toner
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
Evening
£30.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
Evening · Once a week
£42.75
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Once a week
£25.88
Buy Pixi routine · £105.76 · 92% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · £285.07 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Kiehl's or Pixi: which is better?
Both Kiehl's and Pixi offer great options depending on your routine, but Pixi holds a Superior routine fit across all skin types compared to Kiehl's High fit. Kiehl's is noted for being more gentle on skin, while Pixi does better with brightening and radiance.
What is the difference between Kiehl's and Pixi?
Kiehl's and Pixi both offer effective skincare products on this page, but they differ in company background and formulation focus. Kiehl's was founded in 1851 in the United States and is owned by L'Oréal S.A., featuring key ingredients like glycerin and squalane, whereas Pixi was founded in 1999 in the United Kingdom as an independent brand centered around ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid.
Kiehl's or Pixi for dry skin?
For dry skin, Kiehl's has a High routine fit, while Pixi has a Superior routine fit. Kiehl's features deeply hydrating products such as Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate with a Superior fit for dry skin, whereas Pixi relies heavily on key ingredients like hyaluronic acid to support skin hydration.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Kiehl's or Pixi: which moisturizer is better?
Both Kiehl's and Pixi offer well-liked moisturizers, with Kiehl's providing options like lightweight, non-greasy formulas and Pixi featuring popular hydrating oils and mists. Reviewers frequently mention deep hydration for both brands, though Kiehl's is often noted for being gentler on skin while Pixi stands out for radiance and glow.
Which is more affordable, Kiehl's or Pixi?
Pixi is more affordable, whereas a high price point is often noted as a drawback for Kiehl's.
Which brand has a higher percentage of fragrance-free products, Kiehl's or Pixi?
Kiehl's has a higher percentage of fragrance-free products than Pixi on the products on this page. Specifically, 26 out of 28 Kiehl's products list no fragrance compared to 7 out of 10 Pixi products.
Which brand does better for brightening and radiance according to review themes?
Pixi does better for brightening and radiance according to review themes.
What are the founding years and countries of origin for Kiehl's and Pixi?
Kiehl's was founded in 1851 in the United States, while Pixi was founded in 1999 in the United Kingdom.
Kiehl's or Pixi for oily skin?
Both Kiehl's and Pixi fit oily skin well, with Lovi ranking Kiehl's as High and Pixi as Superior for the products on this page. Reviewers note that Pixi helps provide radiance and glow, while Kiehl's offers lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers.
Kiehl's or Pixi for sensitive skin?
Both Kiehl's and Pixi fit sensitive skin well, with Lovi fit levels of High for Kiehl's and Superior for Pixi. Reviewers note that Kiehl's is gentler on skin, while Pixi offers lightweight and soothing toners.
Kiehl's or Pixi for acne-prone skin?
Both brands offer products for acne-prone skin, with Lovi fit levels reaching High for Kiehl's and Superior for Pixi.
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
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
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
Design and in vivo evaluation of emulgel formulations including green tea extract and rose oil
The evaluation of aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion for photodamage
Skin barrier changes induced by aluminum oxide and sodium chloride microdermabrasion
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
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
Clinical study of a spray containing birch juice for repairing sensitive skin
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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