What started as an apothecary back in 1851 in New York City, Kiehl’s, according to company lore, was one of the first American pharmacies to showcase full ingredient lists on its product labels — a big deal in a time when government transparency wasn’t the status quo. Its most popular products (like the Calendula Toner, #1 Lip Balm, and Ultra Facial Moisturiser) were introduced in the 1960s, and still carry best-seller clout today with hundreds of on-site reviews and top-star ratings. In fact, I dare say that almost every beauty editor going has a pot or two rolling around in their skincare kits.
The question is, with so many beloved elixirs on offer, all with decades of research and expertise behind them, how do you know where to start? To help, I’ve rounded up the eight Kiehl’s products that I, a self-proclaimed devotee, can attest to. From extra soothing moisturisers to serums that seriously pack in the hydration, these are especially great for those with dry and sensitive skin.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser, £22
This is the ideal everyday cleanser for oily skin prone to breakouts because it helps maintain your skin’s natural pH balance while gently cleansing it. Squalane, vitamin E and avocado oil help moisturise, while apricot kernel oil gently exfoliates. A little goes a long way to leave you feeling fresh without that tight, uncomfortable sensation that some cleansers have — especially if you have sensitive skin like myself. If washing your face at the end of the day, this is best used as the second step in a double cleanse to remove every last trace of makeup, dirt, and grease.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser, $, available at Kiehl’s
Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, £65
Using the right serum can really transform your skincare routine. I’ve struggled to find a product that ticks every box, but I think I’ve found my match with this concentrate. It’s a powerful mix of stabilised vitamin C for super glowy skin, hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, and L-ascorbic acid for reducing the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture. Even better, it has antioxidant properties that protect skin throughout the day. Apply before you add your SPF for a tough barrier between your face and everyday aggressors.
Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, $, available at Kiehl’s
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, £37
There’s a reason why this face cream consistently makes must-have beauty lists, including our deputy beauty director’s own: It’s thick to the touch but has a lightweight texture that sinks into the skin quickly without leaving any sticky residue. Even better, it’s formulated for all skin types and won’t irritate sensitive skin or cause you to break out, while still packing a serious moisture punch. Thanks to buzzy ingredients like avocado and apricot kernel oils, glacial glycoprotein, and squalane, it promises to strengthen your skin’s natural barrier and retain water for longer.
I suffer from the worst allergies year-round, and, when they’re bad, I can be sneezing and spluttering for hours, causing red, inflamed skin and a nose rubbed raw. This is the only moisturiser I’ll use to calm down and soothe my skin. An added bonus is that it leaves it looking and feeling plumper and dewier, like you’ve actually been drinking the recommended 6-to-8 glasses of water a day.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, $, available at Kiehl’s
Kiehl’s Recovery Concentrate Moisturising Face Oil, £49
I’m a big fan of products that do all the hard work for minimal effort, and Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate is a great example. At £41 for 30ml, it’s not cheap, but I swear by its revitalising power. Simply massage a few pumps onto your skin — pre- or post-moisturiser — for a well-rested, glowing complexion, the likes of which you can only really get from plenty of water and a full 10 hours’ kip. Bonus: The lavender and primrose oil in the mix give you a luxe, spa-like feeling at home.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil, $, available at Kiehl’s
Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++, £44.50
We all know how important it is to wear SPF in all seasons and all weathers — yes, even autumn and winter. Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV SPF50 is a strong contender for my favourite everyday formula. It’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t block your pores. It’s ultra-lightweight, sinks into the skin effortlessly, and won’t leave a greasy trace or pill when makeup is layered on top. It also protects skin from UVA and UVB rays, and skin-damaging pollutants and moisturises at the same time (a win-win if you hate the typical oily sunscreen feel). My only complaint is that a 30ml tube runs out quickly, so best to stock up on the 60ml.
Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++, $, available at Kiehl’s
Kiehl’s Buttermask For Lips, £22
If you’re anything like me, your lips show the first signs of dehydration, be it too many cocktails and not enough water, or the temperature dropping. This overnight mask from Kiehl’s is a godsend: It uses coconut oil and mango butter to sink deep into the lips’ natural moisture barrier. It’s best applied before bed for plumper, softer lips, although it can also be used throughout the day for a quick fix. Personally, I prefer it to Laneige because it feels less sticky (a sensation I hate, especially when tossing and turning, trying to get to sleep).
Kiehl’s Buttermask For Lips, $, available at Kiehl’s
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, £30
Avocado is not just great on your toast — it’s also a saviour for the delicate skin around your eyes. Ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested, this rich, shea butter-infused cream is a favourite for those with sensitive skin as it doesn’t cause irritation. It also feels ultra refreshing on tired eyes. As someone who wears contacts — which can really dry my eyes out, especially during central heating season — this feels so good at the end of a long day.
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, $, available at Kiehl’s
Kiehl’s Creme de Corps, £35
As we head into late autumn and winter — the season of freezing temperatures and aggressive central heating — this stuff is saving my dry, dehydrated skin; leaving it super soft and with a delicious cocoa butter scent. Adding this to my evening shower routine is also doing wonders for my mental health too as I start to battle the effects of SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I light a candle, put on some chill music and spend a little extra time in the bathroom, feeling extra decadent.
Kiehl’s Creme de Corps, $, available at Kiehl’s
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
7 Skincare Trends That Are About To Be Everywhere