If you’ve ever stood in front of a dizzying skincare aisle, wondering which cleanser will actually do the job without leaving your skin tight and uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Kiehl’s is a brand that pops up a lot in conversations about quality skincare, and their Ultra Facial Cleanser is one of those products everyone seems to mention. But let’s be honest — with so many options out there, does it really live up to the hype? Is it actually worth dropping your hard-earned cash on?
I took a deep dive into the Ultra Facial Cleanser (and a few other popular Kiehl’s cleansers) to see if it’s just another pretty face on the shelf or a legit skincare hero. Here’s what I learned. Spoiler: it’s mostly good news, but with some nuances you should know.
First off, a little background on why we even bother searching “Kiehl’s cleanser review.” Most folks want to know if their skin actually benefits — not just marketing jargon. They want something that cleans well without turning their face into a dried-out mess. Also, is it gentle for sensitive skin? And given Kiehl’s pricing, is it really worth the premium?
What’s Actually Inside the Ultra Facial Cleanser?
Ingredients can get confusing, but here’s a simplified breakdown: this one’s formulated to be gentle yet effective. The magic mainly comes from a few natural ingredients you might’ve heard of:
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Squalane: basically skin’s own little moisturizer. You lose it as you get older, so topping it up is a plus.
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Apricot Kernel Oil: sounds fancy, but it’s just a nourishing oil that helps keep skin nice and soft.
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Avocado Oil: packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Great for skin health.
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Vitamin E: everyone's skincare MVP for fighting damage and keeping skin young.
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A mild sugar-based cleaning agent that cleans gently without being harsh.
Plus, they keep it free from parabens, synthetic fragrances, dyes, and mineral oils. That’s always a win if your skin is on the sensitive side or you hate that “chemically” smell some cleansers have.
How Does It Perform in Real Life?
One thing I appreciated — and a lot of users agree — is that it manages to clean your face without that annoying tightness or dryness after rinsing. You know the feeling: some cleansers strip everything off your face, leaving it dry and uncomfortable. This one feels different. It foams just lightly (not those thick bubbles you get from harsher formulas), and really rinses clean.
People with different skin types seem pretty happy: from dry to combination to even sensitive skin. It’s rare to find a cleanser that so many say doesn’t irritate or cause breakouts.
Another unexpected bonus? Your skin feels kind of soft after washing, not just “clean.” That’s thanks to the oils mentioned earlier that stick around just enough to keep things hydrated.
How Does It Compare to Other Kiehl’s Cleansers?
Kiehl’s actually has a few other cleansers, so I put together a quick little comparison to highlight the differences:
If I had to pick a daily, all-around gentle cleanser that also hydrates, Ultra Facial Cleanser is a solid choice. But if you want deeper cleaning, especially for oily or acne-prone skin, their Rare Earth line might be worth exploring. Oh, and if you want to remove waterproof makeup, that oil cleanser is the champ.
So, Is It Worth It?
Here’s the bottom line: if you want a cleanser that won’t dry you out, feels nice, and is backed by ingredients that genuinely help your skin, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser is worth considering. For around $20-$25, it’s not the cheapest, but it’s not wildly overpriced either, especially given the quality.
Of course, no product is perfect. If you need something for heavy-duty cleansing or exfoliation, this isn’t it. But for most people—in particular if your skin leans sensitive, dry, or you just want a reliable daily cleanser—this fits the bill well.
Tips on How to Get the Most Out of It
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Use lukewarm water—not hot! Hot water can mess with your skin’s moisture barrier.
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Massage the cleanser gently, don’t scrub hard. Your skin will thank you.
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Follow it up with toner, serum, moisturizer—the usual routine.
Consistency is key here. Give it a bit of time and you’ll probably notice your skin feeling healthier, smoother, and better balanced overall.
Some Questions People Often Ask
Will this cleanser help if I have acne?
It’s mild and shouldn’t aggravate acne, but if you have stubborn breakouts, you’ll want to consult a dermatologist or try something more targeted. It’s not medicated.
Can it remove waterproof makeup?
Not really. For that, try their cleansing oil or a specialized makeup remover first.
Is it okay for sensitive skin?
Yes, definitely. It’s fragrance-free and gentle, which is great for sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
How often should I use it?
Twice a day, morning and night, for best results.
Will it make my skin dry?
Nope! It actually helps keep skin hydrated thanks to squalane and oils like avocado.
Final Thoughts
All said and done, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser feels like a product that walks the talk. You get a cleanser that’s gentle, nourishing, and effective — not always an easy combo. For anyone fed up with harsh, drying washes but unsure where to turn, this is definitely worth a shot.
It’s never fun wasting money on things that don’t work or that mess up your skin. So if you’re thinking of trying Kiehl’s cleanser, I’d say it’s a smart choice. Just remember, every skin is different—so keep an eye on how yours reacts, and don’t hesitate to swap out if you need something else.
Invest in your skin’s health — it’ll thank you down the road.
(If you’ve had your own experience with this cleanser or others from Kiehl’s, feel free to share—it’s always good to hear different takes.)
