Kiehl's Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum

Kiehl's Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.4 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity

Review

Results you may expect from using Kiehl's Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Kiehl's Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Kiehl's Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a high humectancy of 6.4 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.5 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Dimethicone (est. ≈6.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Adenosine, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Adenosine 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, could 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
Water
6
Dimethicone
4
Glycerin
3
Alcohol Denat.
2
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
1.5
Propanediol
1
Phenoxyethanol
1
Tocopherol
0.3
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
0.3
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
0.3
Capryloyl Carnosine
0.3
Salicylic Acid
0.3
Caprylyl Glycol
0.3
Xanthan Gum
0.3
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
0.3
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
0.3
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
0.3
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
0.3
Disodium EDTA
0.3
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
0.3
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
0.3
Limonene
0.3
Adenosine
0.3
Sodium Hydroxide
0.3
Methyldihydrojasmonate
0.3
Citric Acid
0.3
Eugenol
0.3
Sodium Benzoate
0.3
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
0.3
Citral
0.3
Potassium Sorbate
0.3
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
0.3
Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Oil
0.3
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
0.3
Citronellol
0.3
Linalool
0.3
Geraniol
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Capryloyl Carnosine
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Methyldihydrojasmonate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Eugenol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citral
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.4
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
7.0
6.0
1.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.4 10
6.4
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 7.0 20
3.5
6.0
1.0
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.4 10
6.4
All humectants
6.4
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
1
All occlusives 7.0 20
3.5
All occlusives
7.0
6.0
1.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Adenosine
-
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
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.2 3 No
All antioxidants
2.2
Tocopherol
1
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
0.3
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
0.3
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 3.2 5 No
All soothing
3.2
2
0.3
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.
Dimethicone
Est. %6
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.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Alcohol Denat.
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) WaterA fragrant, astringent essential water obtained by steeping and distilling the twigs and leaves of the witch hazel plant. It leaves the skin feeling tight and refreshed after application and helps with the healing of small cuts on the skin.
Propanediol
Est. %1.5
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.
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.
Tocopherol
Est. %1
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.

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.
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant, soothing, and humectant moisturizing extract obtained from Chinese magnolia-vine berries. Its main compounds are soothing and immunomodulatory lignans.
Capryloyl Carnosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Capryloyl CarnosineDescription is coming soon
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.
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.
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor OilA white paste-like substance derived from castor oil that belongs to a group of ingredients called PEGs (polyethylene glycols). It acts as a perfume solubilizer that helps fragrance agents dissolve in water and as a cleansing agent.
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Panax Ginseng Root ExtractDerived from the roots of the Korean Ginseng, this extract contains a mixture of antioxidant and soothing ginsenosides which are proven to reduce inflammation and treat eczema. The root is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine.
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateA chemically modified version of hyaluronic acid. It is more stable and less sticky than regular HA, while still providing the same humectant moisturizing properties (according to the manufacturer). There have been no clinical studies to confirm this.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose SesquistearateDescription is coming soon
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.
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf ExtractAn extract derived from the leaves of Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, a traditional herb used in Ayurveda medicine. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory rosmarinic acid, galic acid, flavonoids, and a sweet-scented essential oil.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel OilAn 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
LimoneneOne 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.
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

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.

Methyldihydrojasmonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethyldihydrojasmonateDescription is coming soon
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.
Eugenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EugenolA fragrant liquid that can be found naturally in the essential oils derived from cloves, cinnamon, basil, and bay leaf. It has a spicy and warm scent. People with sensitive skin should consider doing a patch test first, as it is a potential irritant.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower OilA fragrant essential oil with a distinct, rose-like scent derived from rose geranium. It is widely used in aromatherapy and massage therapy to ease tension. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Citral
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CitralA fragrant compound found in many essential oils (especially lemon myrtle and lemongrass essential oil). It has a sweet, lemon-like scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citral, or at least do a patch test before using.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) OilAn essential oil derived from common, or true, lavender. It is used in skincare for its lovely, calming scent. Like all essential oils, however, it may cause a contact skin allergy in more sensitive individuals.
Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) OilDescription is coming soon
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus OilAn essential oil with a fresh, minty, and lemony scent. It is obtained from the West Indian lemongrass, also known as camel grass, and some studies suggest that it has an antibacterial effect.
Citronellol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CitronellolA fragrant compound found naturally in many essential oils (mainly lemongrass). It can have a lemon or a rose scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citronellol, or at least do a patch test before using it.
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.
Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GeraniolA fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf OilAn essential oil distilled from the leaves of rosemary. It is used as a fragrance in skincare and has a spicy, earthy, camphoraceous scent. It also has antioxidant properties according to some research.