Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 Review

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
Ingredients

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Glycerin, Octocrylene, Homosalate, Octisalate, Squalane, Avobenzone, Dimethicone, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Silica, Octyldodecanol, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Palmitic Acid, Tocopherol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Steareth-100, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Carbomer, Chlorphenesin, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Limonene, Ectoin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Myristic Acid, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Linalool, Salicylic Acid
Review

Does Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 has to offer:
 
✅ Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.3 out of 10.
✅ Slight 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.
✅ Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities.

  

Key Benefits of Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Perfect for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 is highly moisturizing, with 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%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with combination and oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and 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.

🟣 Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 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 Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 also contains Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, an ingredient often 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.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Pseudoalteromonas Ferment 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.

☀️☀️ Moderate to High Sun Protection for Daily Outdoor Activities

With an SPF of 30, Kiehl's Ultra Facial 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 model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Kiehl's Ultra Facial 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 perfect for combination and oily skin
✅ Also a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
Provides moderate to high sun protection, suitable for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates
 

⭕ Cons: 

✅ We couldn't find any
   

Summary: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, perfect for combination and oily skin. It's also a great option for those with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 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.
 
 
With an SPF of 30, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 offers moderate to high sun protection, appropriate for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates.
 
📌 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. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecanol
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Palmitic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Steareth-100
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Ectoin
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Myristic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:

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
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.

Octocrylene
Est. %6
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Homosalate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
Octisalate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
OctisalateA 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
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.
Avobenzone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
AvobenzoneA 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
DimethiconeThe 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
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.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA 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
OctyldodecanolAn 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
Stearic AcidA 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
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.
Palmitic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitic AcidA 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
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.

Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA 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
Steareth-100
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA 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
Ophiopogon Japonicus Root ExtractA 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
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.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA 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
Capryloyl Salicylic AcidA 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
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.
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.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerThis 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
Disodium EDTAA 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
Sodium Hydroxide

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
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil

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
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.

Ectoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ectoin

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

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidA 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
Myristic AcidA 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
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) OilAn 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
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment ExtractAn 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
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.
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.
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.