Is Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or dry skin?

The cream is formulated for normal to dry skin and provides strong moisturization; while its oil blend benefits dry skin, the presence of silicones and preservatives may trigger irritation or breakouts in sensitive or acne-prone individuals, so a patch test is advised.

What does squalane do in Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream?

Squalane is a lightweight, stable hydrocarbon that mimics the skin's natural lipids, helping to seal in moisture without feeling greasy and supporting barrier repair.

How often should Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream be applied and does it contain any controversial ingredients?

For most users the recommended usage is twice daily - morning and evening - after cleansing; the formula includes silicone (cyclohexasiloxane) and preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and BHT, which some consumers consider controversial, though they are used within regulatory limits.

Kiehl's • 50 ml

Ultra facial cream

Cosmetic Products

Product Insights

Ultra Facial Cream from Kiehls is a 50 ml moisturizer formulated with water, glycerin, squalane and a blend of plant oils such as apricot kernel, avocado, sweet almond and olive, designed to deliver lasting hydration and a smooth skin feel. The formula also incorporates silicones (cyclohexasiloxane), preservatives phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin, and low-level antioxidants like BHT, which can be potential irritants for very sensitive skin. Overall it targets normal to dry skin types for twice-daily use, but a patch test is recommended for acne-prone or highly reactive skin.

Comparative Analysis

Positioned in the premium moisturizing segment, Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream stands out by combining a lightweight silicone base with multiple nourishing plant oils to offer 24-hour hydration, differentiating it from ordinary drugstore moisturizers.

Ingredients

Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Squalane, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Sucrose Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, PEG-8 Stearate, Myristyl Myristate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, 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, Disodium EDTA, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, 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, BHT, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid.

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