Kiehl's Skin Rescuer Review

Kiehl's Skin Rescuer
7.7
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
5.4 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does Kiehl's Skin Rescuer Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Kiehl's Skin Rescuer has to offer:
 
✅ Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 7.7 out of 10.
✅ Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Kiehl's Skin Rescuer has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

  

Key Benefits of Kiehl's Skin Rescuer

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Kiehl's Skin Rescuer:
 

🔵🔵 Perfect Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin with a Balanced Texture, Neither Too Light nor Too Heavy

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Skin Rescuer is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 7.7 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈9.0%) and Propanediol (est. ≈4.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 5.4 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Squalane (est. ≈6.0%) and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈2.5%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with normal skin who want maximum hydration in a formula with a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy. It combines a very high concentration of humectants with a moderate amount of occlusive ingredients to deliver effective dual-action moisturizing for normal skin.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal to dry skin for daily hydration.

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

🟣 Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Skin Rescuer has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ectoin (est. ≈0.3%),
 an amino acid-derived ingredient with moderate but proven anti-wrinkle efficacy.  A single clinical study involving 104 participants (Heinrich et al.) confirmed that a cream containing 2% ectoin reduced the average wrinkle width by 7% after 4 weeks of use, compared to the same formulation without ectoin (vehicle).
 
Among others, Kiehl's Skin Rescuer also contains Centella Asiatica Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Centella Asiatica Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Centella Asiatica Extract 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 contribute to 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 additional anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

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

Pros & Cons of Kiehl's Skin Rescuer

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Kiehl's Skin Rescuer to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ Perfect for moisturizing normal skin
Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
 

⭕ Cons: 

✅ We couldn't find any
   

Summary: Kiehl's Skin Rescuer

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Kiehl's Skin Rescuer
 is an ideal moisturizer for normal skin, combining a very high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients in a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy.
 
Kiehl's Skin Rescuer contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may offer a slight anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though relatively minimal, impact on wrinkles.
 
 
❗️ 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
60
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
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:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Undecane
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Tridecane
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-20 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Mannose
Function:
Origin:
Lauroyl Lysine
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
p-Anisic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ectoin
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Ceteareth-25
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Gallica Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Behenic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NS
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide EOP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide EOS
Function:
Origin:
Caprooyl Phytosphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Caprooyl Sphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
13.9
9
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
10.8
6.0
2.5
2.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
7.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 13.9 10
10.0
9
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 10.8 20
5.4
6.0
2.5
2.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
7.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 13.9 10
10
All humectants
13.9
9
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
2.5
2
0.3
All occlusives 10.8 20
5.4
All occlusives
10.8
6.0
2.5
2.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 2 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0.4
Ectoin
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
2
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.5 3 No
All antioxidants
1.5
Tocopherol
0.3
p-Anisic Acid
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Rosa Gallica Flower Extract
0.3
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
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. %60
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.

Squalane
Est. %6
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.
Propanediol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Undecane
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Undecane
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %2.5
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.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %2
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.
Tridecane
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Tridecane
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.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %1
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.
PEG-20 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-20 Stearate
Mannose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mannose
Lauroyl Lysine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lauroyl LysineA synthetic insoluble powder that improves the texture of a product, leaving the skin silky smooth and absorbing oils and sweat.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
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.
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.
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.
Triethanolamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethanolamineA clear, colorless, and highly viscous liquid, this ingredient is an excellent pH adjuster. When it is necessary to neutralize an acidic solution or to generally increase the pH of a product, triethanolamine is a common choice.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
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.

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.
Ectoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ectoin

An amino acid-derived ingredient with average, yet proven by one study, anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
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.
Ceteareth-25
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceteareth-25A natural or synthetically produced emulsifier often used to help form stable emulsions.
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl EsterA dipeptide-based ingredient claimed to stimulate elastin production and reduce the appearacne of wrinkles and sagging skin.
Rosa Gallica Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Gallica Flower ExtractAn extract derived from gallic rose. It contains some amount of soothing rose essential oil and also offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoids and tannins.
Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine
Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
Behenic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenic AcidA naturally-occuring ingredient from certain plant oils, behenic acid acts as an emulsifier and surfactant and provides a soft cushiony feeling.
Cholesterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CholesterolAn emollient and important barrier repairing lipid, effective when combined with fatty acids and ceramides. Around 25% of the skin’s lipid layer is made up of cholesterol and it is found in the membrane of every single cell in our body.
Ceramide NS
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NSA wax-like lipid natural to the skin’s lipid matrix. It is less frequently used but, in combination with other ceramides, can help to restore balance in the skin’s lipid barrier.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower ExtractDerived from German chamomile flowers, this extract is especially known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits. It contains two soothing compounds called chamazulene and bisabolol, as well as antioxidant flavonoids.
Ceramide AP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide APPreviously called Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide AP is one of the most common ceramides in the skin. Research has shown that dry, flaky skin has significantly less Ceramide AP. Its application helps to treat dry skin by restoring balance in the skin lipids.
Ceramide EOP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide EOP

Formerly called Ceramide 1, this ingredient is a skin-identical wax-like lipid with an ultra-long fatty acid chain. It restores and stabilizes the skin’s lipid matrix and helps to treat dry and flaky skin, especially when combined with other ceramides.

Ceramide EOS
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide EOS

A skin-identical lipid that is an essential part of the skin barrier. Aging or exposed-to-cold skin lacks it and applying a ceramide-rich cream can replenish the lipid barrier. It may replenish linoleic acid levels in acne-prone skin.

Caprooyl Phytosphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprooyl PhytosphingosineA synthetic emollient that is similar to skin-identical ceramides. It helps to replenish the building blocks of the skin’s lipid barrier and helps with the formation and stability of emulsions.
Caprooyl Sphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprooyl SphingosineA synthetic emollient similar to skin-identical ceramides. It helps to replenish the building blocks of the skin’s lipid barrier and aids in the formation and stability of emulsions.
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.