Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water Review

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water
5.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water has to offer:
 
✅ Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water:
 

🔵 Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, making it ideal for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
That said, there are some things about Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
❗️ Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Gluceth-20
Function:
Origin:
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Tachibana Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.4
6
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.4 10
10.0
6
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.4 10
10
All humectants
11.4
6
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1.3 -
Total
0
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.9 3 No
All antioxidants
1.9
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
1.3
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.2 5 No
All soothing
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Alcohol Denat.
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Methyl Gluceth-20
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Methyl Gluceth-20A humectant synthetically derived from glucose. It takes on the form of a clear, syrupy liquid.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidA derivative of vitamin C. Its stability in skincare formulations is better than ascorbic acid’s, although clinical studies are yet to indicate whether it has the same collagen-boosting benefits.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) ExtractAn extract from lavender flowers that mostly contains lavender essential oil. It also offers many beneficial antioxidant and astringent phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolic acids.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Synthetic FluorphlogopiteAlso known as synthetic mica, this ingredient’s best property is its ability to form thin, sheet-like crystals. This gives products (mostly makeup) great slip.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Citrus Aurantium Tachibana Peel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Tachibana Peel Extract
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root ExtractA soothing extract obtained from a hybrid species of tree peony that contains various active compounds such as astringent tannins, terpenes, and paeonols.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.