Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane Review

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane
4.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
1.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
7.4 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Lauryl Laurate, Squalane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Behenyl Behenate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sorbitan Stearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Chlorphenesin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide
Review

Does Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane has to offer:
 
Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.5 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane:
 

🔵🔵 Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal to Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.5 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 1.6 out of 10 and a high Occlusivity of 7.4 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Squalane (est. ≈10.5%) and Behenyl Behenate (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide a significant level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for normal to dry skin.

The occlusive profile of Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane suggests a texture that is rich and creamy but not overly thick, offering the potential to absorb into the skin without leaving a greasy afterfeel in most cases.

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

📌 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.

Things to Be Aware Of: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane contains a low level of humectants.

People with normal to dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently 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.

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 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 Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal to dry skin
Rich and creamy texture without being overly thick
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane
, as a moisturizer, provides an adequate level of occlusivity for normal to dry skin, delivered in a rich yet not overly thick formula.
 
That said, there are some things about Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane worth noting.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains only a small amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane 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. 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
10.6
10.5
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Isononyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Behenate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
1.6
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
14.8
10.5
3.0
1.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 1.6 10
1.6
1
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 14.8 20
7.4
10.5
3.0
1.3
Moisturizing rating
4.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1
0.3
0.3
All humectants 1.6 10
1.6
All humectants
1.6
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
10.5
3
1.3
All occlusives 14.8 20
7.4
All occlusives
14.8
10.5
3.0
1.3
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
None
All antioxidants 0 3 No
All antioxidants
0
None
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
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.
Lauryl Laurate
Est. %10.6
Function
Origin
Lauryl LaurateLauryl laurate is an ester of lauryl alcohol and lauric acid. It is used in skincare products as an emollient and also helps to stabilize the emulsions in creams and lotions (which makes them a bit more opaque).
Squalane
Est. %10.5
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.
Isononyl Isononanoate
Est. %4
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.
Behenyl Behenate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Behenyl Behenate
Sorbitan Olivate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OlivateAn ester of sorbitol (a type of sugar alcohol) and olive oil fatty acids. It is used as an emulsifying agent to stabilize oil droplets in water (or vice versa).
Sorbitan Stearate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Sorbitan StearateA vegetable-derived ingredient most commonly used as an emulsifier to stabilize water and oil mixtures.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Polyhydroxystearic AcidA soft and malleable amber wax naturally derived from vegetable sources. It allows minerals to be very finely dispersed, which can improve SPF, decrease the white cast in sunscreens, and increase the color expression in pigmented products.
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) WaxA thick wax obtained from the stems of the Candelilla, or wax plant that is native to Mexico and the southern USA. Its stems are covered in wax to protect the plant from water loss. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient.
Propanediol
Est. %1
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.
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.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.