Kiehl’s Review

About Kiehl’s

Since its inception in 1851 as a small apothecary in New York City’s East Village, Kiehl’s has been committed to providing exceptional skincare products. With a heritage spanning over 170 years, the brand combines time-tested formulations with modern science to deliver effective and innovative solutions.

Kiehl’s is renowned for its dedication to using high-quality ingredients in its skincare formulations. From botanical extracts to advanced scientific compounds, each ingredient is carefully selected to ensure optimal results. The brand continually invests in research and development, staying at the forefront of skincare innovation.

One of the unique aspects of Kiehl’s is its personalized approach to customer care. The brand’s knowledgeable and friendly skincare experts offer personalized consultations to help customers find the most suitable products for their specific needs. This personalized attention has earned Kiehl’s a loyal following and a reputation for exceptional customer service.

Kiehl’s has a roster of iconic products that have become cult favorites. The Ultra Facial Cream, loved for its intense hydration, has achieved legendary status. The Midnight Recovery Concentrate, with its potent blend of botanical oils, is cherished for its rejuvenating properties.

These products, along with many others, have solidified Kiehl’s as a trusted name in the skincare industry. A study showed that daily skincare routines potentially can have a significant long-term impact on the overall quality of a person’s complexion

In addition to its skincare expertise, Kiehl’s is committed to sustainability and social responsibility. The brand actively seeks eco-friendly packaging solutions and supports various environmental initiatives. Kiehl’s also engages in philanthropic endeavors, with programs dedicated to causes such as child welfare, environmental conservation, and HIV/AIDS research.

Studies About Skincare Products

If you are considering Kiehl’s products to address specific skin concerns (such as dryness, dullness, or signs of aging), it may be helpful to learn about some recent studies on skincare ingredients found in the brand’s products.

• A 2018 study investigated the efficacy of natural oils, such as jojoba oil and sunflower seed oil, which are known to be used in Kiehl’s products. The study found that these oils can improve skin barrier function, hydration, and reduce inflammation.
• A 2019 study explored the benefits of antioxidants, like vitamin E and flavonoids, which are present in some Kiehl’s products. The results showed that these antioxidants can protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, reducing signs of aging and maintaining skin health.
• A 2022 study evaluated the effectiveness of plant-derived ingredients, like green tea extract, which can be found in some Kiehl’s products. The study discovered that these ingredients can provide anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant benefits, contributing to overall skin health and appearance.
• A 2021 study examined the benefits of hyaluronic acid, a popular ingredient in skincare products, including some offered by Kiehl’s. The research demonstrated that hyaluronic acid can significantly improve skin hydration, elasticity, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Kiehl’s Pros and Cons

Pros

• High-Quality Formulations: Kiehl’s is known for its commitment to using top-notch ingredients in its skincare products. The brand’s emphasis on quality ensures that customers receive effective and reliable solutions for their skincare concerns.
• Iconic Products: Kiehl’s boasts a range of iconic products that have garnered a loyal following. From the Ultra Facial Cream to the Midnight Recovery Concentrate, these cult favorites are often praised for their noticeable results and luxurious textures.
• Personalized Customer Service: Kiehl’s offers personalized consultations to help customers find the most suitable products for their specific needs. This one-on-one approach allows for tailored recommendations and enhances the overall shopping experience.
• Environmental Consciousness: Kiehl’s demonstrates a commitment to sustainability by actively seeking eco-friendly packaging solutions and supporting environmental initiatives. Their efforts contribute to reducing the brand’s ecological footprint and promote responsible skincare practices.
• Philanthropic Initiatives: Kiehl’s engages in philanthropy by supporting various charitable causes. Through programs focused on child welfare, environmental conservation, and HIV/AIDS research, the brand strives to make a positive impact in society.

Cons

• Premium Price Range: Kiehl’s products are often positioned in the higher price range within the skincare market. While the quality justifies the cost for many customers, it may be a deterrent for those on a tighter budget.
• Limited Accessibility: While Kiehl’s has expanded its global presence, some customers may not have easy access to physical stores. Online purchasing is an option; however, some individuals prefer to experience products in person before making a purchase.
• Potentially Overwhelming Product Range: Kiehl’s offers a wide selection of skincare products, which can be overwhelming for customers who are new to the brand. It may take some time and research to find the most suitable products for specific skincare concerns.
• Packaging Design: While Kiehl’s emphasizes simplicity and functionality in their packaging, some customers may find it lacking in visual appeal compared to other brands that invest more in luxurious or aesthetically pleasing packaging.
• Fragrance in Some Products: Certain Kiehl’s products may contain fragrance, which can be a potential irritant for individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies. It’s important for such individuals to carefully read product labels or consult with a skincare expert before making a purchase.

Ingredients

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is a popular ingredient in many Kiehl’s products due to its excellent hydrating properties. It has the ability to attract and retain moisture, resulting in plumper and more moisturized skin. Hyaluronic Acid helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving the skin looking smoother and more youthful.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant known for its brightening and anti-aging benefits. Kiehl’s incorporates Vitamin C into several products to help reduce the appearance of dark spots, even out skin tone, and promote a more radiant complexion. It also aids in protecting the skin from environmental stressors and free radicals.

Squalane

Squalane is a lightweight, non-greasy oil derived from plants. It closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it an excellent moisturizing ingredient. Kiehl’s utilizes squalane in various products to help improve skin hydration and smoothness. It helps restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier and keeps it soft and supple.

Calendula Extract

Calendula Extract is a botanical ingredient derived from marigold flowers. It has soothing and calming properties, making it beneficial for sensitive or irritated skin. Kiehl’s incorporates Calendula Extract into products such as toners and creams to help reduce redness, discomfort, and promote overall skin comfort.

Retinol

Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, is a powerful ingredient in anti-aging skincare. Kiehl’s utilizes Retinol in some of its products to help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. Retinol works by promoting cellular turnover and stimulating collagen production, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

Shea Butter

Shea Butter is a rich and nourishing ingredient derived from the nuts of the African Shea tree. Kiehl’s incorporates Shea Butter into its body care products to provide intense hydration and nourishment to dry or dehydrated skin. It helps to restore and maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier, leaving it soft and supple.

Benefits:

Kiehl’s products are formulated with carefully selected ingredients that offer a range of benefits for the skin and hair. These ingredients work synergistically to deliver noticeable results. Let’s explore some of the key benefits provided by Kiehl’s products and the ingredients behind them:

Deep Hydration and Nourishment:

Kiehl’s incorporates ingredients like Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid to provide deep hydration and nourishment to the skin. Squalane mimics the skin’s natural sebum, replenishing moisture levels and leaving the skin soft, smooth, and supple. Hyaluronic Acid attracts and retains moisture, improving the skin’s moisture barrier and helping to plump the skin’s surface, resulting in a more hydrated and youthful complexion.

Brightening and Even Skin Tone:

Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient found in many Kiehl’s products. It offers significant benefits in brightening the complexion and promoting an even skin tone. Vitamin C helps to fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration caused by sun damage or aging, leaving behind a radiant and more luminous complexion.

Soothing and Calming:

Kiehl’s incorporates ingredients like Calendula Extract known for their soothing and calming properties. They help to reduce redness and irritation, providing relief to sensitive or stressed skin. It promotes a calm and balanced complexion, allowing the skin to feel soothed and more comfortable.

Reduction of Puffiness and Dark Circles:

Caffeine is a key ingredient found in Kiehl’s eye care products. It offers the benefit of reducing puffiness and the appearance of dark circles around the eyes. Caffeine’s vasoconstrictive properties help constrict blood vessels and reduce fluid retention, resulting in a more refreshed and awakened look.

Strengthening and Conditioning:

Kiehl’s hair care products, such as shampoos and conditioners, contain amino acids that offer benefits in strengthening and conditioning the hair. Amino acids help to strengthen the hair shaft, reduce breakage, and improve the overall condition of the hair, resulting in softer, shinier, and more manageable locks.

5 Kiehl’s Skincare Bestsellers

Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream

Eye wrinkles. They’re inevitable for all of us, but their appearance doesn’t have to be as obvious as we think. With the right eye cream, one that moisturizes, de-puffs, and soothes, fine-lines pop pack out, inflammation decreases, and younger-looking eyes are had.

The Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream comes in 0.5oz and 0.95oz jars and features avocado oil, beta-carotene, and shea butter in its formula. This blend moisturizes and de-puffs the area by up to 32% as shown in a clinical study.

With this cream you’ll also get a little protection from blue-light damage—yes, the light from your phone harms your whole eye, skin, and all!

A special oil-in-water formula, this concentrated cream stays put throughout the day. See things differently with this Kiehl’s eye cream for $32–$50.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane

The Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane is perhaps the one product Keihl’s is most loved for. It uses the power of squalane from olives to properly hydrate skin with 2.3x more moisture—but not in a greasy, heavy way.

Instead, this lightweight, easily-absorbed Kiehl’s moisturizer gives your skin 24 hours of moisture and a healthy glow. It’s perfect for all skin textures and tones, and since it’s free of fragrances and dyes, a great pick for sensitive skin too.

You can pick up a tub of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream in 1oz or 1.7oz for $22-$32.

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Face Oil

Nighttime is when our skin’s repair system really puts in the work. When it’s got all the right tools (like moisture, anti-inflammatories, and retexturizing extracts), it can do what it does best, but to an even higher level.

The Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Face Oil uses moisturizing squalane, soothing lavender, and evening primrose to restore elasticity and create a smooth, supple appearance.

Available in 0.5oz, 1oz, and 1.7oz bottles, you can wake up to renewed skin with this lightweight formula for $29-$78.

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum

When you think of vitamin C, bright colors, sunshine, and a vision of health usually come to mind. The antioxidant is known for its leading role in immunity and wellness, and it turns out it can have a similar effect on your skin.

The Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum harnesses the power of the vitamin to brighten skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and smooth all over. You’re also getting a hit of Hyaluronic acid for a luminous, hydrated glow.

Designed to show results in just 2 weeks, this potent concentrate is like liquid gold for your skin. Get it in a 50mL, 75mL, or 100mL bottle for $70-$110.

Kiehl’s Dark Spot Solution Clearly Corrective Corrector

When dark spots come knocking, they don’t often leave. They’re usually the result of too much sun or fluctuating hormones, but the Kiehl’s Dark Spot Solution Clearly Corrective Corrector helps to scrub out uneven skin tone and brighten your overall appearance.

Using activated vitamin C, salicylic acid, and peony extract, the corrector brings back the look of your natural skin by brightening its tone and turning down the contrast on darker spots. It even tackles the redness of post-acne marks by up to -27%.

Tested by dermatologists and approved to be gentle, the Dark Spot Solution Clearly Corrective Corrector is sold in 1oz, 1.7oz, and 3.4oz bottles for $56-$140.

Packaging and Presentation:

Kiehl’s pays meticulous attention to its packaging design and presentation, contributing to an overall premium user experience. The brand’s packaging is known for its classic and minimalist aesthetic, often featuring clean lines, simple fonts, and earthy tones. This understated elegance reflects Kiehl’s commitment to a timeless and sophisticated brand image.

Functionality is a key aspect of Kiehl’s packaging. Many of their products are housed in sturdy and practical containers, such as bottles with pump dispensers or jars with wide openings for easy access to the product. This ensures convenient and hygienic usage, allowing customers to dispense the right amount of product without wastage.

In addition to being functional, Kiehl’s packaging is often aesthetically pleasing. The brand strikes a balance between simplicity and elegance, with a focus on showcasing the product itself rather than excessive embellishments. The clean and uncluttered design not only enhances the visual appeal of the packaging but also aligns with the brand’s straightforward and transparent approach.

Kiehl’s also demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility through its packaging choices. The brand has made efforts to incorporate recycled and recyclable materials in its packaging, reducing its environmental footprint. Additionally, Kiehl’s encourages customers to participate in their recycling program by returning empty product containers to their stores for responsible disposal or recycling.

The attention to detail in Kiehl’s packaging extends beyond the external appearance. Product labels often provide clear and informative descriptions, including ingredient lists, usage instructions, and product claims. This attention to detail empowers customers to make informed choices about the products they purchase and reinforces the brand’s commitment to transparency.

Overall, Kiehl’s packaging and presentation exemplify a seamless blend of functionality, aesthetics, and environmental consciousness. The brand’s dedication to detail not only enhances the overall user experience but also reflects Kiehl’s values of authenticity, quality, and responsible practices.

Skincare Tips with Kiehl’s

Cleanse with Care

Start your skincare routine by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser, such as Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser. Massage it onto damp skin in circular motions to remove impurities without stripping away essential moisture. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water for a refreshed and clean canvas.

Hydrate Intensely

Kiehl’s is known for its hydrating products, and incorporating them into your routine can work wonders for your skin. After cleansing, apply Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream or their powerful hydrating serum, Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate, to replenish moisture and maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Target Specific Concerns

Kiehl’s offers a range of targeted solutions for various skincare concerns. Whether you’re concerned about dark spots, fine lines, or uneven texture, explore their specific serums or treatments like Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution or Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate to address your specific needs.

Protect with SPF

Sun protection is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Before heading out, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen like Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA+++ to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Remember to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re spending extended time outdoors.

Treat Your Eyes

The delicate skin around the eyes requires extra care. Incorporate Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado or Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Dark Circle Reducing Vitamin C Eye Serum into your routine to hydrate, nourish, and address concerns like puffiness or dark circles.

Pamper Your Body

Don’t forget to show love to your body as well. Kiehl’s body care range, including their beloved Creme de Corps or their nourishing body oils, can provide intense hydration and nourishment to your skin. Apply after showering or as needed for soft and supple skin.

Remember, consistency is key in any skincare routine. Give your skin time to adapt to new products and allow them to work their magic. When in doubt, consult with a skincare specialist or visit a Kiehl’s store for personalized recommendations tailored to your skin’s unique needs.

Who Is Kiehl’s For?

Since Keihl’s focus is on clean, natural ingredients, the brand is a great option for those who care about what they’re putting on their skin but want it to work too.

There’s definitely a more mature feeling carried by Keihl’s. The majority of its products are for skin concerns that have to do with aging, like wrinkles, dull skin, and uneven tone.

Offering products for both men and women, those who love the history of Kiehl’s may gravitate towards the brand more so than new-age ones touted by teenage influencers.

Comparison: Kiehl’s vs. L’Occitane

When figuring out which skincare brand to buy, the options can get a little overwhelming. This section of our Kiehl’s review exists to help you see the differences between our featured brand and another that, from afar, looks similar.

Here, we’ll take a close look at the two, checking out comparative products to see if there are any big differences.

In terms of product selection, Kiehl’s and L’Occitane are pretty well matched. The competitor offers skincare, hand care, bath and body, hair care, and men’s products, along with fragrances, which is the one thing it looks like our featured brand doesn’t have.

Looking at ingredients, we compared the L’Occitane Aqua Réotier Ultra Thirst-Quenching Cream to Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane. Both are meant for complete hydration, but use different star ingredients to get the job done.

• L’Occitane Aqua Réotier Ultra Thirst-Quenching Cream:
  • Réotier water, hyaluronic acid, glycerin
  • What it does: 24 hours of moisture, smoothes
  • Good for all skin types
  • 50mL
  • $39

• Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane:
  • Squalane, glycerin, glacial glycoprotein
  • What it does: 24-hour hydration, balances, smoothes
  • Good for all skin tones & textures, safe for sensitive skin
  • Fragrance-free, dye-free
  • 50mL
  • $32

After checking out ingredients, it looks like Kiehl’s has the more natural products, and we appreciate they don’t contain fragrances or dyes making them safe for sensitive skin. Its option is also a bit cheaper than the competitor.

Both brands do, however, have an impressive online presence, with many long-time customers swearing by their products. Kiehl’s and L’Occitane also have solid return policies, so it’s safe to give both companies a try to see which works best for you.

Alternatives

In addition to Kiehl’s, there are several other skincare brands that have gained recognition for their effective products and unique offerings. Here are a few notable brands worth exploring:

1. Amorepacific: Amorepacific is a renowned Korean skincare brand that combines traditional Asian ingredients with advanced technology. Their products are known for their luxurious textures and ability to promote radiant and youthful-looking skin.
2. Roc: Roc is a well-established brand that specializes in anti-aging skincare. With a focus on research and innovation, Roc offers a range of products formulated with potent ingredients to address specific skincare concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
3. La Prairie: La Prairie is synonymous with luxury skincare. Their products are crafted with exceptional ingredients and cutting-edge technology, designed to provide age-defying benefits. La Prairie is known for its indulgent formulations that deliver unparalleled results.

Kiehl’s Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

In the last section of this Kiehl’s review, you saw what makes this brand so unique, and in this one, we’ll show you just why customers love its products so much. To kick things off, we’ve rounded up a few ratings for the brand’s best-sellers to give you a general vibe of how they’re enjoyed.

• Lip Balm #1: average of 4.3/5 stars from 738 reviews
• Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum: average of 4.4/5 stars from 971 reviews
• Midnight Recovery Concentrate Face Oil: average of 4.6/5 stars from 2,744 reviews
• Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane: average of 4.7/5 stars from 3,452 reviews
• Avocado Eye Cream: average of 4.4/5 stars from 2,125 reviews

Because the Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane looks to be the brand’s most popular product, we decided to take a close look at what customers had to say about it. It’s not an understatement to say this cream is luxurious—but not in the overly oily way. Shoppers say it’s “lightweight” and one Kiehl’s review said it “absorbs well and not heavy greasy looking.”

In terms of what this cream can do, another buyer said that it “helped with texture” and that the redness on their cheeks has gone away. Providing all-day hydration, this face cream appears to be equally as effective for hotter climates as it is for cold—probably thanks to nourishing, hydrating squalane.

While combing the web, we came across a handful of products rated on Makeup Alley. Choosing to check out the Midnight Recovery Concentrate, we found an overall score of 3.5/5 stars from 395 shoppers.

Users write about glowing skin and how fast this serum actually works. One Kiehl’s review read, “LOVE! This really does seem to make my skin look better overnight…A little goes a long way.”

With higher-priced products, it’s kind of important they go a long way, not to mention they need to be effective. This concentrate looks to be both.

For our next stop, we turned to Sephora and looked into the Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides and Peptides. 473 shoppers awarded the serum a 4.6/5 star score, of which you’ll find the breakdown for below:

• 5 stars: 69%
• 4 stars: 24%
• 3 stars: 6%
• 2 stars: <1%
• 1 star: <1%

There are so many happy customers who have used this serum, with one saying it’s the “best serum I’ve ever used.” Buyers notice big differences in their skin, reporting a reduction in fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness.

One Kiehl’s review even read, “This actually does work, that’s why it’s expensive.” This serum is a clear winner, and it’s honestly refreshing to read about a pricier skincare product that actually pulls its weight.

Overall, Kiehl’s is a dependable brand. It has built its name over the years, and it’s awesome to see that its products are still as loved today as they’ve always been. Customers speak of dreamy formulas with skin-loving feels and effective results—with skincare, is there much more you can ask for?

Is Kiehl’s Worth It?

Without a doubt, and we’ll tell you why. During this Kiehl’s review, we found this is a brand with a lot of history, but also, a ton of evolution. Its products have stood the test of time, been adjusted where appropriate, but still maintain the heart of what makes it such a cool brand.

With a focus on natural, skin-nourishing ingredients, Keihl’s offers an array of products that boost wellness inside and out. In comparison to other brands of the same caliber, this one actually clocks in lower on the price scale, which is something we truly appreciate like a brand that has as much clout as this one.

Not sure you’ll love Kiehl’s? Try a product. If you don’t like it, send it back for a full refund.

Kiehl’s Promotions & Discounts

Great skin is a gift, but the brand goes even further than that to tell their customers how much they love them. Throughout this Kiehl’s review, we spotted that the brand offers free shipping for orders over $50 along with three samples stashed inside.

Interested in always staying stocked up? Kiehl’s has an auto-replenishment program that gives 5% off with every shipment. Frequent buyers can earn more perks, like discounts and gifts with the Rewards program.

Where to Buy Kiehl’s

To access the brand’s entire selection, deals, and free samples, the best place to shop is right from Kiehls.com. Live outside the US? You can also find them at Sephora or use the Store Locator to search for an authorized retailer.

FAQ

Does Kiehl’s ship internationally?

Unfortunately, Kiehl’s website doesn’t ship internationally, but the brand is sold in retailers around the globe—just use the Store Locator tool to find one near you.

Does Kiehl’s give samples?

Yes! You’ll get three free samples with all orders over $50.

What is Kiehl’s Shipping Policy?

Kiehl’s is proud to offer free standard shipping for orders $50+. Delivering to all 50 states, you’ll have a few different shipping options that vary in price based on your order total:

• Standard $7 or free over $50, 3-5 business days
• 3-Day $12-$16
• 2-Day $17-$21
• Overnight $22-$26

Once your order ships, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a tracking link that you can click to keep an eye on where your order is on its journey.

What is Kiehl’s Return Policy?

Trying out new products can be tricky. There’s no one-fits-all formula, and Kiehl’s gets that. To honor the many differences in skin and preferences, the brand offers a 100% money-back guarantee on all of its products. The only request is that you return it to the same source you brought it from.

For items purchased online, you’ll need to call 1-800-KIEHLS-2 and then return them by mail to Kiehl’s Since 1851, 1620 Stateline Rd E, Southaven, MS 38671—just be sure to tuck your sales receipt into your return package.

How to Contact Kiehl’s

For any other information that we didn’t include in this Kiehl’s review, you can use the following methods below to get in touch:

• Phone: 1-800-543-4572
• Contact form on the website

The brand’s customer service hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Saturday through Sunday, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm EST.

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Check out similar brands we’ve reviewed:

Amorepacific Skincare Review

Roc Skincare Review

Roc Skincare Review

La Prairie Skincare Review