A cult-favorite, fragrance-free Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream designed to deliver deep, 24-hour hydration and barrier-strengthening benefits with squalane and glacial glycoprotein.
The formula features an exceptional blend of humectants and emollients that deliver deep, long-lasting hydration. At its core, Glycerin draws moisture into the skin, while Dimethicone and Squalane create a protective, breathable barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss. The addition of nutrient-rich botanical oils, such as Avocado, Apricot Kernel, Sweet Almond, and Rice Bran oils, replenishes essential lipids and softens the skin. Furthermore, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine (a ceramide precursor) strengthens the skin barrier, while Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract protects against extreme dryness, justifying the impressive 8.9/10 performance rating.
With a high 8.6/10 safety rating, this moisturizer is exceptionally gentle and suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. It is free from harsh drying alcohols and common synthetic fragrances, which reduces the risk of contact dermatitis. Preservatives like Phenoxyethanol and Chlorphenesin keep the formula stable and contamination-free within safe margins. While it contains mild exfoliants like Salicylic Acid and some PEG derivatives (such as PEG-8 Stearate), these are formulated at very low concentrations. However, individuals with highly acne-prone skin should note the presence of potentially comedogenic ingredients like Myristyl Myristate.
Earning a final rating of 8.8/10, this facial moisturizer is a highly effective, well-formulated product that successfully bridges the gap between high-performance hydration and skin safety. By pairing barrier-mimicking lipids like Squalane and ceramides with a rich array of natural plant oils, it addresses dryness at its root. Its mostly clean, non-irritating ingredient profile makes it a reliable staple for daily use, offering robust barrier support and a smooth complexion for almost all skin types.
This iconic moisturizer, recognized as the reformulated Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, is a superb daily hydrator built around a powerhouse combination of squalane, glycerin, and glacial glycoprotein (Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract). Squalane is a highly refined botanical lipid that mimics the skin’s natural oils, providing lightweight yet intensive emollient benefits without leaving a heavy, greasy residue. Combined with glycerin, a classic humectant, and dimethicone, a smoothing silicone, the formula creates an invisible, breathable seal on the skin to prevent transepidermal water loss and keep the skin plump and hydrated all day long. What sets this cream apart is its blend of nourishing plant oils, including apricot kernel, avocado, rice bran, olive fruit, and sweet almond oils. These botanical emollients deliver essential fatty acids and vitamins to deeply nourish the skin barrier and restore dry, flaky patches. To further strengthen the skin’s defense system, the formula features Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, a pro-ceramide that helps the skin synthesize its own ceramides, enhancing resilience against environmental aggressors. The presence of Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract also provides unique cryoprotective properties, making this cream exceptionally effective in harsh, cold, or windy climates. Additionally, a microscopic concentration of salicylic acid is included, which acts as a gentle texturizing agent to promote mild cellular turnover without causing any drying side effects. Despite its rich blend of oils, the cream boasts an ultra-lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that leaves a soft, healthy, and natural-looking dewy finish. Because it is formulated without synthetic fragrances, parabens, or drying alcohols, it is extremely well-tolerated by those with sensitive or compromised skin barriers. However, individuals with oily or highly acne-prone skin should exercise caution. The formula includes heavy emollients and fatty esters like Myristyl Myristate, alongside several rich botanical oils, which could potentially clog pores or feel overly heavy in humid climates. Overall, it remains one of the gold standards for dry, dehydrated, normal, and sensitive skin types seeking reliable, long-lasting barrier support.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Solvent
Concerns: None
Notes: Serves as the primary carrier to dissolve other ingredients in the formula.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: A classical, highly effective humectant that attracts and binds water to the skin.
🧪 Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract / 假交替单胞菌发酵产物提取物
Purpose: Skin protecting, deep hydrating
Concerns: Minimal. Extremely sensitive skin may react.
Notes: A glycoprotein sourced from Antarctica, known for its ability to protect skin from extreme cold and improve hydration.
🧪 Squalane / 角鲨烷
Purpose: Emollient, skin barrier replenishing
Concerns: None. Highly biocompatible.
Notes: Mimics the skin’s natural sebum, highly stable and softening without feeling greasy.
🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷
Purpose: Occlusive, emollient
Concerns: May feel slightly heavy for very oily or acne-prone skin.
Notes: Creates a silky protective barrier to prevent moisture loss.
🧪 Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane / 双-PEG-18 甲基醚二甲基硅烷
Purpose: Emollient, texture enhancer
Concerns: Contains PEG compound, which some prefer to avoid, but fully safe for skin.
Notes: Offers a water-soluble, lightweight silky feel.
🧪 Myristyl Myristate / 肉豆蔻酸肉豆蔻酯
Purpose: Emollient, consistency regulator
Concerns: Higher comedogenic potential for acne-prone skin.
Notes: Enhances the rich, waxy, and spreadable texture of the cream.
🧪 Prunus Apricot (Apricot) Kernel Oil / 杏仁油
Purpose: Emollient
Concerns: Low. Potential for mild allergy in nut-sensitive skin.
Notes: Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins to nourish dry skin.
🧪 Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil / 鳄梨油
Purpose: Emollient, skin replenishing
Concerns: Rich and heavy; might clog pores in very oily skin types.
Notes: A nutrient-dense oil high in fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E.
🧪 Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil / 稻糠油
Purpose: Emollient, antioxidant
Concerns: None.
Notes: Softens skin while providing antioxidant benefits.
🧪 Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil / 油橄榄果油
Purpose: Emollient, skin conditioning
Concerns: High oleic acid content might not suit compromised skin barriers if used in isolation.
Notes: Deeply nourishing traditional botanical oil.
🧪 Stearic Acid / 硬脂酸
Purpose: Emollient, fatty acid barrier
Concerns: Mild comedogenic potential for prone skin types.
Notes: Helps rebuild the lipid barrier and thicken the product structure.
🧪 Palmitic Acid / 棕榈酸
Purpose: Emollient, skin barrier component
Concerns: Can be mildly comedogenic.
Notes: A natural fatty acid that softens skin and forms a protective barrier.
🧪 Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil / 甜扁桃油
Purpose: Emollient
Concerns: Low risk of irritation, potential allergen for individuals with nut allergies.
Notes: Soothes and smooths skin, highly skin-friendly.
🧪 Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil / 野大豆油
Purpose: Emollient, skin barrier repair
Concerns: Mildly comedogenic for some individuals.
Notes: Packed with skin-replenishing lipids and phytosterols.
🧪 Myristic Acid / 肉豆蔻酸
Purpose: Emollient, opacifier
Concerns: Higher comedogenic rating.
Notes: Fatty acid used to adjust texture and consistency of the formulation.
🧪 Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine / 羟基棕榈酰植物鞘氨醇
Purpose: Pseudo-ceramide, skin barrier repair
Concerns: None.
Notes: A skin-identical lipid that helps restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
🧪 Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil / 向日葵籽油
Purpose: Emollient, skin conditioning
Concerns: None. Highly tolerated.
Notes: Rich in linoleic acid, which is key for restoring the skin barrier.
🧪 Stearyl Alcohol / 硬脂醇
Purpose: Fatty alcohol, emulsifier, thickener
Concerns: Non-drying despite being an “alcohol”, but can be mildly comedogenic for some.
Notes: Helps blend oil and water while softening the skin.
🧪 Glyceryl Stearate SE / 甘油硬脂酸酯 SE
Purpose: Self-emulsifying emulsifier
Concerns: None.
Notes: SE denotes “Self-Emulsifying,” containing a small amount of soap to stabilize the oil-in-water emulsion.
🧪 PEG-8 Stearate / PEG-8 硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Emulsifier, surfactant
Concerns: PEG derivative, which some choose to avoid, but thoroughly safe in cosmetic formulations.
Notes: Aids in forming and stabilizing the emulsion.
🧪 Sucrose Stearate / 蔗糖硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Emulsifier, skin conditioning
Concerns: Very low, highly mild and skin-friendly.
Notes: Sugar-based natural emulsifier that also hydrates.
🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Emulsifier
Concerns: Extremely low risk of irritation.
Notes: A standard, widely used ingredient to bind water and oils.
🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇
Purpose: Fatty alcohol, emulsifier
Concerns: Generally non-irritating, but might clog pores in highly acne-prone skin.
Notes: Gives the cream a velvety, smooth application experience.
🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆
Purpose: Thickener, gelling agent
Concerns: Safe.
Notes: Used to create the cream’s gel-to-cream consistency.
🧪 Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer / 丙烯酸(酯)类/C10-30 烷基丙烯酸酯交联聚合物
Purpose: Rheology modifier, emulsion stabilizer
Concerns: Environmental microplastic concern for some, though entirely safe for skin.
Notes: Stabilizes formulation and gives a fresh, non-sticky rubout.
🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶
Purpose: Thickener, stabilizer
Concerns: None.
Notes: A natural polysaccharide used to enhance cream texture.
🧪 Tocopherol (Vitamin E) / 生育酚
Purpose: Antioxidant
Concerns: Safe, very low sensitization rate.
Notes: Protects skin lipids and active oils in the formula from oxidation.
🧪 Salicylic Acid / 水杨酸
Purpose: Mild exfoliant, skin conditioning
Concerns: Low concentrations are generally safe, but highly sensitive skin should use with care.
Notes: Likely used in very low dosage here to assist preservation or provide mild skin renewing benefits.
🧪 Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract / 迷迭香叶提取物
Purpose: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Concerns: Contains fragrant constituents that may sensitize highly reactive skin.
Notes: Used for its soothing, anti-aging properties and to naturally stabilize plant oils.
🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Can cause contact allergy in a small percentage of individuals.
Notes: A widely-used, standard cosmetic preservative effective against bacteria.
🧪 Chlorphenesin / 氯苯甘醚
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Rare potential for contact irritation.
Notes: Often paired with other preservatives to boost antifungal efficacy.
🧪 Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate / 乙二胺二琥珀酸三钠
Purpose: Chelating agent
Concerns: None.
Notes: An eco-friendly, biodegradable chelator that binds metal ions to prevent spoilage.
🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油
Purpose: Preservative booster, humectant
Concerns: Low risk of contact allergy.
Notes: Synergistically enhances the efficacy of phenoxyethanol.
🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: pH adjuster
Concerns: Strong alkaline in raw form, but neutralized and completely safe in formulation.
Notes: Used to adjust and balance the pH of the cream.
🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸
Purpose: pH adjuster
Concerns: None.
Notes: Derived from citrus fruits, used to adjust pH to match the skin’s acidic mantle.