Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
5.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity

Review

Does Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream:

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.

Lightweight moisturizer ideal for oily skin and a humectant boost for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.5 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈7.5%) and Propanediol (est. ≈5.0%).

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.

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.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It 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. 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
7.5
5
3
2.5
2
1
1
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Isononyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethiconol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Tetrasodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Menthoxypropanediol
Function:
Origin:
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Function:
Origin:
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Function:
Origin:
Sarcosine
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
15.0
7.5
5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
3.0
3.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 15.0 10
10.0
7.5
5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 3.0 20
1.5
3.0
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
7.5
5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 15.0 10
10
All humectants
15.0
7.5
5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
3
All occlusives 3.0 20
1.5
All occlusives
3.0
3.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Pseudoalteromonas 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
All antioxidants 0.3 3 No
All antioxidants
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
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.
Glycerin
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Propanediol
Est. %5
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.
Dimethicone
Est. %3
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.
Isononyl Isononanoate
Est. %2.5
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.
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic AcidA pH buffer that secures the pH around 7.5.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %1
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.
Carbomer
Est. %1
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %1
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.

Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
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.
Dimethiconol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconolA synthetic dimethicone with rich, non-tacky emolliency. It features the typical sensorial profile of silicones, with high spreadability and a luxurious, oil-free after-feel. Dimethiconol can also serve as an antifoaming 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.

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.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Tetrasodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrasodium EDTAOne of the most common synthetic chelators. It can reduce the 'hardness' of water and so is often used in rinse-off products.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Menthoxypropanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Menthoxypropanediol
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.
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Biosaccharide Gum-1A polysaccharide with humectant moisturizing and soothing properties.
Sarcosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SarcosineA sweet-tasting amino acid that moisturizes the skin by attracting water to its surface. It also offers protection to the skin by stabilizing proteins against UV damage and denaturation.
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.