Aqua / Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Squalane, Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Sucrose Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Peg-8 Stearate, Myristyl Myristate, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil / Apricot Kernel Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Persea Gratissima Oil / Avocado Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil / Rice Bran Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil / Olive Fruit Oil, Chlorphenesin, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil / Sweet Almond Oil, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja Oil / Soybean Oil, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Myristic Acid, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, Salicylic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil / Sunflower Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract / Rosemary Leaf Extract, Citric Acid.
As some of you may know, I have a dry skin and thus bit of a criteria when it comes to facial moisturizers;
- Must use natural/organic ingredients
- Must have some sort of moisturizing agent including but not limited to: cocoa butter, coconut butter/oil, shea butter/oil, almond oil, argan oil, honey and avacado oil/butter.
Being the awesome and adventurous woman that I am [heh!], I thought i’d branch out and try something new and so I came across Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer while at Space: NK in Kingston a few weeks ago.
After testing a bit in the store, I opted for the 17ml version [as it was the cheapest..something i’ll touch on later] and have been using it for the last two weeks.
Thoughts
It was only after I purchased the moisturizer that I saw all of the negative reviews on this product. Yikes!
However I noticed that the majority of reviews belonged to users with combination/oil skin. Mine is dry so I thought i’d give it a bit of a chance. I use the cream twice a day and after the third day I noticed that my skin felt a lot softer in the morning, which was a lovely surprise!
As a very light product, I expected the moisturizer to stay on top of my skin however it actually absorbs pretty well and is light enough for use in the day. It’s also scent free which is great as I hate the smell of non-natural cosmetics. A little goes more than a long way so it is good value for money.
After the 10th day I noticed that my skin felt a LOT more hydrated and supple; it contains Antarcticine [a glycoprotein] and imperata cylindrica [desert plant] extract, which both add moisture while helping skin retain water. For someone like me who’s stuck to certain ingredients for years; this is both a surprising and exciting change! I find it the perfect way to sooth and protect dehydrated, winter-abused skin.
Cons
- Cost – I think the £17 price tag for 75ml is a little hefty! I understand that Kiehl’s is a high-end price and all but they could have included a couple [read: 10] more mgs for that price! That’s just my opinion though. The quality of the moisturizer is excellent though.
- Target Audience – While I personally think that the moisturizer is amazing, I don’t think that it should be aimed for “all skin types”; I’ve read no less than 30 reviews of this product on various blogs and nearly all of them do not recommend it for combination or oily skin. I think it should be aimed towards those with dry skin [especially as a night-cream…it’s amazing!]
In conclusion; outside of my normal creams, I LOVE this and now use it everyday. It’s definitely something I would purchase again [ bank account permitting!] and I think it’s perfect for the transitioning months ahead.
Editor’s Note: We reviewed this article on September 22, 2023. As per our editorial policy, we are constantly updating our content, to make sure it reflects the best of the best when it comes to beauty, wellness, and fashion. We want to assure our readers that we still stand by our recommendations, which we do.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream has officially raised the bar for skincare standards. This daily facial cream is heavier than a moisturizer but avoids turning me into a greasy, oily mess. I’ve found it works perfectly on my dry skin, especially as the temperature begins to drop. Although the streamlined white packaging drew me in, it was the non-irritating formula blending seamlessly into my sensitive skin that sealed the deal.
This cream may not have all the bells and whistles of other products, such as vitamin C or SPF, but it surely lives up to its claims of providing deep, lasting hydration for 24 hours. Keep reading for my full review.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
Best for: Dry skin
Uses: Moisturize and hydrate skin
Potential allergens: BHT [butylated hydroxytoluene]
Active ingredients: Glacial glycoprotein, squalene
Price: $32
About the brand: Originating as an apothecary in New York City, Kiehl's has been creating cult-favorite classic formulas since 1851.
About My Skin: Seasonally dry and flaky
My skin—the beautiful, frustrating organ that it is—has officially entered its dry season. With winter right around the corner, I have officially pulled out every hydrating product I own, moisturizers, creams, and masks included. The dry patches and flaking skin seemed to appear overnight, but a quick switch of my skincare routine always does the trick.
Luckily, this product fell in my lap at the perfect time. Anyone with oily skin should probably reserve this product for night time use, but my dry skin allows me to use the Ultra Facial Cream morning and night. I find this product is best to use in the morning after washing my face and toning. I then follow up with an SPF to protect my skin. At night, I apply the cream after cleansing and follow up with a 0.1% tretinoin cream [commonly known as Retin-A]. The thick consistency of this product also creates a great barrier for my drying acne products, such as the strong tretinoin prescription.
The Feel: Thick, creamy consistency
The Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream felt very heavy on my hand when initially testing the product. Applying the cream to my face, however, was a different experience. The cream is easy to apply, gliding around my face like butter, then quickly melts into my skin leaving a dewy glow. The product feels lightweight on my skin from the time of application through the end of the day. This moisture also creates an incredible base for makeup, allowing me to apply concealer almost immediately after moisturizing.
The Results: True 24-hour hydration
Nicole Pulyado/Design by Cristina Cianci
The Kiehl’s website raves that this cream is the brand's number one product, providing “lasting 24-hour hydration:” a claim I may have rolled my eyes at. But my curiosity got the best of me, and I decided not to wash my face for 24 hours after applying the cream. To my surprise, I woke up the next day with flawlessly plump, moisturized skin. It even looked like I used something stronger, like a face mask or exfoliant. This product is neither of those things, but it produces comparable results on a daily basis.
As far as long term results, I continue to notice a huge difference in my skin. Since using Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, my dry patches have vanished and seasonal dryness is a problem of the past. In fact, I haven’t used a single hydration face mask in months because I haven’t had the need to. Overall, the cream solved my winter woes and drastically improved my skin tone and texture.
The Scent: Non-existent
True to its simplicity, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream has no detectable scent. I appreciate this detail as it prevents the cream from mixing with other fragrances I use on a daily basis.
Since using Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, my dry patches have vanished and seasonal dryness is a problem of the past.
The Packaging: Simple, chic, and slightly inconvenient
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream features a simple white plastic jar with lots of black text on the front. I appreciate the simple packaging without fancy colors or bottles because I know it keeps the price down for consumers. Personally, I would rather have a simple bottle to hold my product if it means I can save a few dollars.
One of the few complaints I have about this cream, however, is the contamination possibilities that come along with a jar. Make sure to use a clean makeup brush or freshly washed hands to get product out of the container—this greatly minimizes contamination and bacteria growth that could affect the product and your skin.
The Value: Plenty of product for the price
I tested the 4.2 oz jar which, at $55, isn’t exactly what I consider affordable skincare. But upfront pricing isn’t always what it seems—a little goes a long way with this facial cream, so I anticipate it will last me many months. You definitely get more than what you pay for with this face cream, but if you’re still hesitant, the standard 1.7 oz jar comes in at $32, and a 1.0 oz jar is available for an affordable $22. Based on the results and how long it will last me, this cream is well worth the price.
Similar Option: A drugstore fave
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream [$14]: As my former go-to simple moisturizer, CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream both looks and feels similar to Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. While CeraVe is dermatologist recommended and a great product for anyone with sensitive skin, I find the Kiehl's cream to meet and exceed the results of CeraVe. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is more hydrating and lasts longer than its competitor.
Our Verdict: Perfectly plump skin
I can’t say enough good things about this product; I’m worried I’m gushing. If you want maximum hydration, moisture retention, and overall softer skin, this is absolutely the face cream for you.
Why is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream good?
Our best face moisturizer does more than hydrate, smooth, and soften–it also strengthens skin's barrier in two ways. First, it strengthens skin on the surface, so that it can better retain moisture. Secondly, it helps maintain skin's moisture deep within the skin barrier.
Are Kiehl products worth it?
Their products are just expensive. The eye cream is beautiful - absorbs really well, lasts a long time and does very slightly colour correct. Quite expensive, but worth it if you can afford it. Kiehl's is a staple for many but as a skincare junkie I just think there's more exciting brands out there.
When should I use Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream?
Ultra Facial Cream Use this Kiehl's classic as the final step in your nighttime skincare routine for softer, smoother, and visibly healthier skin.
Does Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream clog pores?
This facial cream is non-comedogenic and will provide 24-hour hydration without clogging pores.