Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30 Review

Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30
5.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.9 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
30
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30 has to offer:
 
✅ Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.
✅ Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities.

  

Key Benefits of Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30:
 

🔵 Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30 is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.9 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈9.0%).

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.

☀️☀️ Moderate to High Sun Protection for Daily Outdoor Activities

With an SPF of 30, Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30 provides moderate to high sun protection, making it suitable for daily use during moderate sun exposure, such as commuting or light outdoor activities.

This level of SPF offers excellent defense against UVB rays, blocking up to 97% of harmful radiation. When labeled as broad-spectrum, these products also protect against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging and hyperpigmentation.

❗️For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

This level of SPF works well for skin types mildly prone to sunburn. It is particularly suitable for low-to-moderate UV index environments and non-tropical climates. However, it is not recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure or intense UV conditions. Reapplication every two hours is essential to maintain effectiveness.

📌 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 Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30 to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30 is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Calcium PCA, Adenosine, Copper PCA, and Alteromonas Ferment Extract. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their 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, these ingredients do 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 Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30 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
Provides moderate to high sun protection, suitable for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30
, 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.
 
With an SPF of 30, Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30 offers moderate to high sun protection, appropriate for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates.
 
That said, there are some things about Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30 worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30 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
65
9
6
4
3
2.5
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:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Cyclohexasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Isononyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Ceteareth-20
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
p-Anisic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Calcium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Copper PCA
Function:
Origin:
Alteromonas Ferment Extract
Function:
Origin:
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
10.2
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.8
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10.2 10
10.0
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.8 20
0.9
1.5
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 10.2 10
10
All humectants
10.2
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.5
0.3
All occlusives 1.8 20
0.9
All occlusives
1.8
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Calcium PCA
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Copper PCA
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Alteromonas Ferment Extract
-
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Tocopherol
0.3
p-Anisic Acid
0.3
Corallina Officinalis Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
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. %9
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Isohexadecane
Est. %4
Function
Origin
IsohexadecaneA clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as an emollient. It is made up of pure hydrocarbons and leaves a dry feeling on the skin upon application. It also increases the spreadability of a product.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Cyclohexasiloxane
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
CyclohexasiloxaneA clear silicone fluid with very low viscosity that is commonly used as a solvent and emollient. It has excellent spreadability, rubs in quickly, and leaves a silky smooth after-feel on the skin.
Isononyl Isononanoate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Isononyl IsononanoateAn ester of a branched fatty acid with a branched fatty alcohol. It is an easily spreadable emollient that has a silky, dry, non-greasy feel on the skin.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Ceteareth-20
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Ceteareth-20A fatty alcohol emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water together, best for oil-in-water emulsions. It is also a cleansing agent. When combined with cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth-20 forms a mix that, according to acne.org, can be comedogenic.
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.

Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl TaurateAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener with gelling properties. The products containing this ingredient frequently feature lightweight and refreshing aesthetics upon application to the skin.
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.
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.

Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
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.
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.
p-Anisic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
p-Anisic AcidA simple phenolic acid with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that is used as a preservative. It has a faint, sweet aroma and can be found in anise, fennel, and cocoa seeds.
Calcium PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calcium PCA

Description is coming soon

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.

Copper PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copper PCA

A blue-green synthetic salt of copper and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. It has antimicrobial properties and may be able to help with wound healing and sebum control, although the studies are lacking.

Alteromonas Ferment Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alteromonas Ferment ExtractAn (allegedly) anti-wrinkle mixture of exopolysaccharides from marine microorganisms.
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Corallina Officinalis ExtractAn extract from red marine alga, Corallina officinalis is used in skincare for its antioxidant properties. It also contains an immense amount of calcium and special, sulfur-containing polysaccharides.
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.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.