Kiehl's Milk-Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner

Kiehl's Milk-Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner
2.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity

Review

Does Kiehl's Milk-Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Kiehl's Milk-Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner:

  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.8 out of 10.

Moisturizer with the right occlusivity for normal skin, ideally to be used with extra humectants

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Milk-Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a low humectancy of 0.9 out of 10 and a moderate occlusivity of 4.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈4.0%), Squalane (est. ≈3.0%) and Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide some occlusive moisturizing that is adequate for normal skin.

However, it contains a low level of humectants, and people with normal skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

 

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

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Milk-Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

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

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
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Glyceryl Cocoate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Coceth Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Capryloyl Carnosine
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Nut/Stem Oil
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Silybum Marianum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Dehydroacetic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
9.3
4.0
3.0
2.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 9.3 20
4.6
4.0
3.0
2.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
3
2
0.3
All occlusives 9.3 20
4.6
All occlusives
9.3
4.0
3.0
2.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.9 3 No
All antioxidants
2.9
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
2
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Extract
0.3
Silybum Marianum Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.9 5 No
All soothing
0.9
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.
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated PolydeceneA clear, colorless, highly viscous liquid that commonly serves as an emollient. This rich emollient is on the heavier side but provides a smooth sensorial profile upon application.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Squalane
Est. %3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed OilA fatty oil pressed from safflower seeds that is used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It contains unusually high amounts of linoleic acid (up to 70%), as well as antioxidant compounds such as vitamin E, phytosterols, and phenolics.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric GlyceridesA synthetic ingredient that softens the appearance of skin and combines water with oil.
PEG-40 Glyceryl Cocoate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PEG-40 Glyceryl Cocoate
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
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 Coceth Sulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Coceth Sulfate
Capryloyl Carnosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Capryloyl Carnosine
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.
Tromethamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil expressed from the peels of mandarin. It contains up to 74% of limonene and other volatile compounds which create its sweet, mandarin aroma. It may induce sun allergies in people sensitive to citrus fruits.

Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Anthemis Nobilis Flower OilDistilled from the flowers of Roman chamomile, this fragrant essential oil is mainly constituted of esters of angelic and tiglic acid, which give it a sweet, crisp, fruity, and herbaceous scent.
Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Nut/Stem Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Nut/Stem Oil
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed ExtractSweet almond seed extract is extracted either from whole hulled sweet almonds or from the almond press cake left over after oil pressing. It contains various organic acids, flavonoids, and tannins – which provide antioxidant effects in skincare. Read more on almonds here: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil.
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.

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.
Silybum Marianum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Silybum Marianum ExtractAn extract from the seeds of the milk thistle. It is a powerful antioxidant that is able to protect the skin from UV-induced damage.
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.

Dehydroacetic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dehydroacetic AcidA globally approved preservative ingredient. It is a powerful fungicide and a moderate bactericide, which makes it a broad-spectrum preservative. Because it is mildly effective against bacteria, it is often paired with stronger bactericides.
Lactic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.