- Originally published on 15 March 2014
- Updated 30 May 2020 with information on Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cream
Kiehl’s is one of my favorite beauty brands and their clinically tested products are effective as long as you get the right ones for your skin type or concerns. I’ll break down the difference between the 3 Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Creams and help you make a more informed decision on which you should get.
About the Ultra Facial Cream
2 million jars of the Ultra Facial Cream was sold in 2012. The “24-hour hydrating cream” is touted as a moisturizer that combats skin dryness and replenishes moisture all day even in harsh environments.
New formula targeting customers with dry skin
A few new formulas of the Ultra Facial Cream is now available and they all boast the lightweight texture of the original formulation while providing deep hydration to improve skin radiance, and smoothen and soften dry skin.
Price
Both come in a 50ml jar.
- Ultra Facial Cream: $52
- Ultra Facial Cream Intense Hydration (No longer available in Singapore)
- Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream: $52
Texture
These creams are compared and used on my skin type which is combination but tending towards dry.
- Ultra Facial Cream
- Between a gel and cream, but more cream-like
- Absorbs quickly when it is applied and massaged onto the skin
- Leaves behind slight stickiness, but is not greasy
- Ultra Facial Cream Intense Hydration
- Has a more gel-like texture, but still a cream
- Absorbs well when massaged, turning into liquid and “drunk up” by the skin
- No stickiness or residue
- Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
- Has an extremely light gel-like texture
- Melts into skin and absorbs instantly when applied
- Leaves skin looking shine-free
Are they effective?
Yes. All Ultra Facial series creams do what is expected of them and my skin also looked more radiant and healthy with consistent use.
Keeping skin hydrated helps to reduce the chances of breakouts. Breakouts happen when the skin tries to counter dryness with an over-production of sebum.
All 3 creams work to keep skin moisturised and sufficiently hydrated. It boils down to preference in texture and your skin type.
Which should I use?
Here are the environments and skin types that would benefit most from each cream.
Ultra Facial Cream
- Looking for natural-looking skin with hints of dewiness
- Work in a mostly air-conditioned environment or travel to countries with drier environments and want a heavy-duty moisturizer
- Have dry or very dry skin, and experience flakiness
Ultra Facial Cream Intense Hydration
- Have dry or very dry skin and experience flakiness, but prefer a lighter texture
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
- Have oily or combination skin that looks shiny during the day
- Want a texture that’s super light-weight and leaves your face feeling fresh and matte
Purchasing from Kiehl’s
Kiehl’s has a team of trained customer representatives (in lab coats, no less) who are able to advise on the suitability of each product for your skin. You can discover how to use combinations of products to get the best effect based on your skin concerns.
They also have a generous “Try Before You Buy” sampling policy. They encourage testing their products with complimentary samples before you take the leap and purchase – no questions asked.
Exchange policy
If you end up purchasing an unsuitable product can choose to return the product within 30 days with proof of receipt. After a personalized consultation, an appropriate product will be provided in exchange.
Refund policy
Kiehl’s offers a 100% money-back guarantee within 30 days of purchase with proof of receipt. More details on their exchange policy can be found here.
Disclaimer: Products in this post were sent to me for review purposes. All opinions shared are honest and my own based on my experience. I’m not trained in dermatology and advice provided is based on layman experience and research. Please do your own due diligence before purchase.
The post Which Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream should I choose? appeared first on Carrie Sim.