Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30
6.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
30
SPF icon
SPF
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30:

  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.3 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • High sun protection for extended outdoor activities and exposure.

How moisturizing is it?

Highly moisturizing: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 has a moisturizing rating of 6.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.6 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈9.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 has a minimal 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 average, yet proven by one study, anti-wrinkle efficacy.
 
Among others, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 also contains Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 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, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

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

Sun protection

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 has an SPF of 30 and provides high sun protection. This level of protection is ideal for activities such as spending time at the beach, outdoor sports, or other activities involving prolonged sun exposure. It's important to apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating to maintain effectiveness.

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
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Ratings

All humectants
10.5
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
5.2
2.5
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10.5 10
10.0
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 5.2 20
2.6
2.5
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 10.5 10
10
All humectants
10.5
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2.5
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 5.2 20
2.6
All occlusives
5.2
2.5
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
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
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment 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
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Tocopherol
0.3
Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
0.3
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
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
The 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

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

Octocrylene
Est. %6
Function
Origin
A synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Homosalate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
A synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
Octisalate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
A UVB sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl salicylate. It is normally paired with UVA sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum protection. Octisalate also protects other ingredients, like colorants and antioxidants, from deterioration due to exposure to UV light.
Squalane
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
An 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.
Avobenzone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
A popular sunscreen that protects against UVA rays, which cause premature aging and skin cancer. Avobenzone degrades after about 30 minutes of sun exposure and becomes ineffective. It is therefore often paired with UV-filter stabilizers such as octocrylene.
Dimethicone
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
The most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
This 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
An 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.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Octyldodecanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An emollient fatty alcohol that spreads easily without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. It is also used as a solvent and dispersing agent for other ingredients.
Stearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
The 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.
Palmitic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A saturated fatty acid used in skincare as a strongly occlusive moisturizer and barrier repairing, emollient ingredient. It is a waxy-looking, white solid. Palmitic acid can be commonly found in animal and vegetable fats, notably palm oil.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
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.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Steareth-100
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A moisturizing extract derived from the roots of the dwarf lilyturf, also known as mondo grass. It is rich in humectant polysaccharides and contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A derivative of salicylic acid, with bigger and more lipid-soluble molecules. This makes it more powerful and safer than salicylic acid. It is used as an exfoliating and peeling agent.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An 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.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
This ingredient can refer to several kinds of dimethicone crosspolymers. Like other silicones, it makes products feel slippery and non-greasy but can also increase the thickness or improve the water-resistance of a formula.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An essential oil derived from the peels of the sweet orange. It is commonly used as a fragrance because of its pleasant, citrusy scent. The main constituent of the essential oil is limonene (up to 96%).
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
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.
Ectoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

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

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A smaller-molecule version of the regular hyaluronic acid. It is a powerful humectant that absorbs into the skin and offers moisturizing, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects. It is also slightly anti-inflammatory and displays subtle antioxidant properties.
Myristic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A common fatty acid found in various vegetable oils, most notably palm and coconut oil. It is a strongly occlusive moisturizing, emollient, and emulsifying ingredient.
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An essential oil distilled from peppermint leaves that is used as a fragrance and for its cooling effect on the skin. It contains up to 50% of menthol, which interacts with heat-sensitive nerve endings upon application to the skin, producing a cold sensation.
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An ingredient obtained from a bacterial culture. According to the patent holder, it produces a special glycoprotein that promotes collagen and elastin synthesis and moisturizes the skin by drawing water to it.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
This 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.