Our Honest Thoughts on Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
.jpg "Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Review | Space NK")
One of skincare’s great pioneers; since 1851 Kiehl’s has harnessed the power of nature's riches, alchemising rare ingredients with science-backed blends to create revolutionary skincare. Over a century since the label’s humble beginnings as an antique apothecary in New York's East Village, Kiehl’s has continued to push the parameters of beauty today, refocusing education to the fore (you won’t find a Kiehl’s store without its fabled Mr. Bones mascot!) and valuing transparency by proudly listing all ingredients on its product labels.
Few brands combine holistic values with innovation as well as Kiehl’s – and its best-selling Ultra Facial Cream is a fine example of this. Drawing on decades of scientific research, the lightweight cream was first launched in 2006 and quickly crowned the ‘ultra hydrator’ for its acute focus on the two fundamentals of skincare: instant hydration and protection from aggressors.
But as the fickle winds of beauty shift, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream has remained an undisputed icon. Why? Well, supercharged by three crucial ingredients, this light-as-air moisturiser cocoons your complexion in a veil of sumptuous hydration. Olive-derived squalene – one of Kiehl’s signature ingredients – strengthens the skin’s barrier to keep it balanced, radiant and healthy, while pro-ceramides protect against moisture loss. At the heart, you’ll find glacial glycoprotein – collected from sea glaciers in icy reaches of the Arctic, this extract is esteemed for its ability to thrive in extreme conditions, so you relish nourished skin whether you’re scaling snow-capped mountains or braving the humidity of London’s heat.
Read on and discover two Space NK team members' honest thoughts on Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream below.
THE TOP LINE ON KIEHL'S ULTRA FACIAL CREAM
• Absorbs into skin seamlessly with an ultra-lightweight texture
• Provides long-lasting hydration for a smoother, nourished and radiant complexion
• Enriched with Squalane, Vitamin A and Vitamin E to support the skin’s barrier function
• Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
Rebz's Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream Review
• Skin type: Combination
• Skin tone: Olivey
• The product: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, £8.00
.jpg "Rebz's Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Review | Space NK")
The weather has been very humid in the UK recently and I usually always carry a mini moisturiser with me to replenish my hydration levels throughout the day. However, I haven’t had to reach for it once with the Ultra Facial Cream. Between travelling on the tube and working in an air-conditioned office, my complexion remained sumptuously nourished from the moment I applied it in the morning.
The featherlight feel of this moisturiser melted seamlessly into my skin and refrained from settling into my pores or producing excess oil – I was pleasantly surprised by the ultra-lightweight texture as it appeared quite thick and heavy initially. After multiple uses, I discovered you only need a small amount to cover every corner and crevice of your complexion; I expect it will take me a few months to get through the tub!
.jpg "Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Review | Rebz Before & After")
My skin can also be very sensitive around my eyes, and I often experience stinging with potent and targeted treatments, this cream didn’t spark any reaction and soothed irritation.
The fragrance-free formula also gives it a unisex appeal. It’s a solid choice that I think is very usable – I wouldn’t have any fears recommending the Ultra Facial Cream in the future.
Rebecca's Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream Review
• Skin type: Fairly balanced, slightly on the drier side
• Skin tone: Light
• The product: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, £8.00
If I am on the hunt for a new moisturiser, I am more inclined to purchase one that is effortless to apply, comfortable on my complexion and provides heaps of hydration.
I first applied the Ultra Facial cream at 5:45 am and was struck by the immediate cooling sensation my complexion was treated to and how quickly this cream absorbed into my skin, which is ideal when caught in the panic of an early morning rush.
.jpg "Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Review | Rebecca Before & After")
My main skincare priority and a quality I was inspecting closely, was how this moisturiser would perform under makeup as I often have issues with product separation and patchiness. The cloud-soft texture and airy feel of this moisturiser paired perfectly with my makeup and seamlessly prepped the skin for a smooth base.
With a slightly drier skin type, I prefer a richer formulation to target my skin concerns overnight, so I wouldn’t recommend this to someone seeking an intensive and repairing treatment. However, there was a visible improvement in the radiance of my complexion and I'm sure the fuss-free formula of the Ultra Facial Cream would produce impressive results on every skin type – even my ultra-picky boyfriend loved the texture of this cream!
The Verdict on Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
There’s a reason the Ultra Facial Cream has remained the brightest star in Kiehl’s constellation for so long – and the team was decidedly impressed by the moisturiser’s whisper-weight feel on the skin, long-lasting hydration and quick-absorbing properties. In the copious and complex market of moisturisers, the Ultra Facial Cream is a novelty with its fuss-free formula and universal charm, while also responding to the latest trend of ‘skin streaming’ (whitling your skincare routine to just the salient steps). Both Rebz and Rebecca discovered the tiniest amount is enough to cover your entire complexion, so even the smallest size is great value for money!
The Pros: As praised in the review, both Rebz and Rebecca applauded how well the Ultra Facial Cream acted as a base for makeup, experiencing no pesky patchiness or product separation. Tested in the most extreme environments, this product has also proven to prevent moisture loss in all temperatures – from the frost-kissed chill of alpine mountains to the humidity of London’s heat.
Who is it not suitable for: Specifically formulated with glacial glycoprotein and oil-derived squalane to deeply replenish and repair the skin’s driest areas, the Ultra Facial Cream is most effective for dried-out complexions. However, oiler skin types don’t fear – the accompanying Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream is destined to become your new hydrating hero.
MORE ON Kiehl’s
With a storied history combining the best of naturally derived ingredients with scientific innovation, the Ultra Facial Cream is just one creation in a spectacle of products that celebrate Kiehl’s time-honoured expertise. A superstar example is the Creme de Corps. Infused with plant-powered cocoa butter and squalane, this moisturiser promises to nourish skin in a velvety veil of hydration. Whether you're a resolute night owl or an early bird, the Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado nourishes and energises the delicate skin of your eyes. Finally, if it’s nocturnal nourishment you're seeking, the celebrated Midnight Recovery Oil repairs and replenishes skin as you catch up on some blissful beauty sleep.
Eager to explore Kiehl's award-winning formulations further? Read our curated roundup of the best Kiehl's products.
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