Kiehl's reviews and discussion

4.2

90% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Gentle formulas for sensitive skin
  • Consistently hydrating moisturizers and creams
  • Iconic, nostalgic musk fragrance
  • Effective, nourishing hand salve
  • Occasionally heavy, greasy textures
  • Underwhelming anti-aging performance
  • Strong sunscreen scent lingering
  • Plastic-heavy product packaging

Kiehl’s earns largely positive reviews for gentle, reliable hydration across sensitive and diverse skin types, with standouts like Ultra Facial Cream, Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Crème de Corps, Avocado Eye Cream, and Ultimate Strength Hand Salve; however, reviewers flag heaviness in some formulas, mixed anti‑aging performance, plastic-heavy packaging, and frequent complaints about high pricing and less “clean” ingredients. Kiehl’s is good if you want dependable basics, soothing masks, and nostalgic scents like Musk, but look elsewhere for potent actives, ultra-light textures, or strictly natural formulations.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

78 reviews and posts

  • I really enjoy this Khiels barrier restore cream. I get very dry irrrtated skin in the winter so alternate between this and the Dieux Instant angel cream. A good option if you suffer from dry or sensitive skin.

  • A game-changer for active hands! I wash my hands constantly and work with my hands a lot. This is the only hand cream I've found that instantly soothes dryness without making my palms slippery. It acts like an invisible protective glove. It’s a bit of an investment, but a tiny dab goes a long way, and nothing repairs severe dryness like this.

    Verified purchase

  • Love love love the avocado eye cream for the winter! It’s thick enough without being overly thick and it brightens up my under eyes so well! I love the look and feel of the cream and it’s always something I repurchase when my under eyes need a little more oomph

  • Kiehl’s has been around since the 1800s. I find it astonishing any business can be that old. Their products are pretty great though. Nothing beats their hand cream. This formula delivers 0.3 percent pure retinol held in a sealed capsule of powder. You twist the capsule onto the bottle once. Then press a button to release the powder into the liquid base and shake to activate. This is fresh retinol at full potency. I felt it works to give the skin a smoother texture and thought I looked better without makeup than usual. It’s easy to layer. However, there are same level retinols out there for less.

  • Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser is a great go- to cleanser for daily use. I’ve gotten numerous samples of it over the years and always find it nice to take with me while traveling, especially when some places I go are dry and others aren’t. It’s dependable, works well without drying out my skin.

  • I have sensitive skin that easily gets red and reacts to everything. Kiehl's sunscreen serum suits my skin while providing full SPF 50 sun protection. The texture feels comfortable and lightweight, it doesn't clog my pores and soothes any redness. My skin feels hydrated and smooth. I didn't any bad reaction while using it. I love that it is a mineral sunscreen with less chemicals and it's still gentle even on sensitive skin. You don't need to apply much and the tube lasts a long time.

    Received a free product from Kiehl's
  • This is quite pricey (nearly $50) so starting with that call out because it isn't totally accessible but everyone BUT my skin really loves this product... especially in the winter. Not much else has really worked but this does the trick and my skin looks better in the AM

  • I wanted to love this, but it fell a little short. The texture is pleasant and it moisturizes well, but the SPF 20 is limiting for everyday sun protection, and it didn’t stand out enough to justify the price. A solid product, just not one I’d repurchase.

  • This cleanser is creamy and foams up easily. I always double cleanse, so I’ve been using this as my second step and it has done a great job at cleansing and rinsing away the oil residue from my step 1. For a foam cleanser, it’s very gentle and non-stripping. My skin doesn’t feel dry or tight after using this. It’s fragrance free, and suitable for all skin types. I’m acne prone and I’ve had no issues with this heavier cleanser.

  • I’ve been using kiehls ultra facial toner for a couple years in my morning and nighttime skincare routine. I don’t know it’s true benefits since I’ve use it with other products. I just like how my face feels so smooth after using this toner.

  • I like this brand. I’ve also tried there calendula pedal infuse, calming mask and their ultra facial oil, free cleanser and their ultra facial barrier hydrating cleanser, and nothing has disappointed me so far

  • Now if you’re one for clean products, this isn’t for you, but if you love a classic, the lip balm is my go to for a favorite and it always makes me feel nostalgic for simpler times and beauty routines!

  • Kiehls products are always high quality and great for my sensitive skin. This cream has a light scent but nothing irritating. It's moisturizing and doesn't irritate my dry skin. I use it on my entire face morning and night.

  • I’ve been using the ultra facial cream for years and have gone through multiple refills of it so I decided to try out the avocado eye cream as well. I’ve been using it for a month, but I feel like my dark circles are getting a little bit better and my under eyes feel moisturized. Really enjoying this product so far!

  • I like most of their stuff. My favorites are the avocado eye cream and the ultra facial cream. It works well under makeup and does a nice job hydrating. I like that it's unscented and comes in quality packaging.

  • The Ultimate Strength Hand Salve and Crème de Corps are lifesavers for dry winter skin. We keep the hand salve by the kitchen sink to use after dishwashing, and it really helps. Crème de Corps is a great straightforward body lotion. I wish they'd bring back the grapefruit scent, though!

  • I love Kiehl's products and have been using them since I was in college. Everything works really well and they're great for gifting. The avocado eye moisturizer is such a tried-and-true for me! I re-purchase it regularly.

    Received a free product from Kiehl's
  • I use Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream every day and it's a perfect fit for me. It's not at all greasy, but keeps my face well moisturised, soft and generally healthy. Also, since I've been using it I've found I'm less prone to outbreaks. The only drawbacks I can think of are that doesn't contain any SPF and it's expensive (but I find that a pot lasts for ages).

  • While out shopping with a friend, we stopped in a Kiehl's to get their Lip Balm #1 (price $12) and they gave us a free sample of the Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash. I had never tried Kiehl's before but after trying these products, I'm hooked. The Lip Balm is amazing. It's silky smooth and a little goes a long way. The Foaming Face Wash left my skin feeling soft and smooth and it evened softened some red spots I have. I'm looking forward to getting the face wash is a larger size. These products aren't cheap but they are definitely worth the price.

    Feedback

    Excellent, high-quality products that are worth the price.

    Received a free product from Kiehl's
  • Kiehl's isn't my favorite for many reasons. Some unscented products like the ultra face moisturizer seem to have an "off" almost floral undertone. Even light fragrances are off-putting to my husband. The moisturizer was also super thick and seemed to not soak in easily. Maybe I put too much on? I've only tried sample packets of this cream but every time I am disappointed. I think this would make a good hand cream but not on my face.

    Received a free product from Kiehl's