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Kiehl's

Ultra Facial Cream.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
Moisturizers

About this product

A rich, nourishing daily face moisturizer with a thicker texture, designed to provide lasting hydration and comfort for everyday use.

Moisturizers

The Guru Index verdict

87%

Approved

✓Approved · 87%
Guru Certified
Broad expert consensus
10Reviewers
10Approved
0Mixed
0Skip
#9 in Best Moisturizers

What the gurus are saying

Gurus consistently call this their favorite moisturizer and a worth-it splurge despite the higher price point. They praise its balanced, cooling texture that hydrates without feeling heavy, making it suitable for all skin types and seasons. The standout strength is its compatibility with active ingredients like retinoids and vitamin C, and its ability to seal in hydration effectively. The recurring hesitation is the cost, though reviewers agree the quality justifies the investment.
Synthesized from 10 expert reviews

Key actives & flags

Salicylic acid (BHA)Vitamin ESqualaneFragrance-freeAlcohol-free

Full ingredients

Aqua/​Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Squalane, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Sucrose Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, PEG-8 Stearate, Myristyl Myristate, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil /​ Apricot Kernel Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Persea Gratissima Oil/​Avocado Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil /​ Rice Bran Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil/​Olive Fruit Oil, Chlorphenesin, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Carbomer, Acrylates/​C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil /​ Sweet Almond Oil, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja Oil /​ Soybean Oil, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Myristic Acid, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, Salicylic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil/​Sunflower Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract/​Rosemary Leaf Extract, Citric Acid

Where to buy

Every take, in full

What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

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Dr. Daniel Sugai
Dr. Daniel Sugai
716k subs · 23k devotees
✓Approved
"My favorite that I've talked about on the channel is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. This is a luxe feel. It's a higher price point, but I love the nourishing thicker texture of it. More occlusive. It has squalene, which will be hydrating and moisturizing, and glacial glycoprotein. Just so comfortable overnight. Feels like a hug award to Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. And you can even use it in the summer time because when I put it on, it feels like it's been left in the fridge. It's just so cooling and it makes my face feel so smooth afterwards. So, big thumbs up to that. That's the one moisturizer I really will splurge on."
Top Pick: moisturizer
All 15 takes from Dr. Daniel Sugai
The Best Moisturizers for Retinol Users
"My favorite that I've talked about on the channel is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. This is a luxe feel. It's a higher price point, but I love the nourishing thicker texture of it. More occlusive. It has squalene, which will be hydrating and moisturizing, and glacial glycoprotein. Just so comfortable overnight. Feels like a hug award to Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. And you can even use it in the summer time because when I put it on, it feels like it's been left in the fridge. It's just so cooling and it makes my face feel so smooth afterwards. So, big thumbs up to that. That's the one moisturizer I really will splurge on."
Best Facial Moisturizers of 2025
"This is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. It's the highest price point out of the products mentioned. It just holds up in 2025 for good reason. It's a thicker, richer, nourishing cream. Great for those with drier skin types. It has squalane and glacial glycoprotein. All great things to moisturize and hydrate the skin this winter time. And it pairs so nicely with my retinoids. And as soon as it hits my skin, it's soothing. It feels like it was left in the refrigerator every time it hits my skin. It's just great for the winter time."
Get Your Morning Glow-up With These Expert Dermatologist Tips!
"You can moisturize with really nice fancy moisturizers. My favorite of all time, especially at bedtime after my retinol, is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream."
Dermatologist Compares: CeraVe AM vs PM Moisturizing Lotions- How to Add to your Skincare Routine
"One of my favorite moisturizers out there would be Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. This is very lightweight and it has the three essential ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. It's so lightweight and it works well with other actives if you want to do vitamin C again at bedtime, if you want to do your retinoid, if you want to do the prescription topicals for acne."
Dermatologist Explains: Anti-Aging Skincare Routine By Age
"Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, which yes higher price point but I feel is so nourishing and hydrating with it squalene and glacial glycol proteins."
You Are Doing Your Skincare Incorrectly: Common Skincare Routine Mistakes
"Whether it's a moisturizer like Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, which I'm busting out as the weather is getting colder, I splurge on this one for sure, you need an emollient to seal it all in after hyaluronic acid so that the moisture doesn't evaporate."
Dermatologist Explains: Three Ways to Improve Crow’s Feet!
"It's a great hydrator. I love how it plumps up my skin. You can use Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream to seal in that hydration."
Skin Hydration 101: Tips From A Dermatologist For Hydrated, Plump Skin
"My favorite moisturizer of all time has been the Ultra Facial Cream by Kiehl's. This is a little bit pricier but this is where I will splurge. It has squalane, glycerin, and protein, very nice and nourishing. That would trap in the hydration but also be a nice moisturizer, not too much occlusion, just enough."
STOP Using the Wrong Retinoid! Retinol vs Adapalene vs Tretinoin Explained by a Derm
"a thicker cream like Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream"
How to Upgrade your Nighttime Skincare Routine!
"You could splurge a little bit more and like say Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, my favorite moisturizer after a retinol."
Dermatologist Explains: Top Beauty Secrets (and Can Exercise Help with Wrinkles?)
"Moisturize afterwards with your favorite moisturizer whether it's Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, CeraVe PM lotion, those are great ones."
Skin Hydration 101: Tips From A Dermatologist For Hydrated, Plump Skin
"My favorite moisturizer of all time has been the Ultra Facial Cream by Kiehl's. This is a little bit pricier but this is where I will splurge. It has squalane, glycerin, and protein, very nice and nourishing. That would trap in the hydration but also be a nice moisturizer, not too much occlusion, just enough."
Dermatologist Explains: Three Common Skincare Mistakes!
"I use a moisturizing cream like Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, which is great for applying after your retinoid."
Dermatologist Explains: How to Mix Skincare Ingredients
"In the winter time when it's a little colder and you have the heaters on, do a thicker cream like Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. That's my favorite one to sandwich with a retinol or prescription retinoid. That one is really nice, it's cooling, it's a thicker texture than a lotion, so I go for that in the winter time."
Dermatologist Explains: Three Ways to Glow Up Your Skin Today
"My favorite moisturizer of all time has to be Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. Great, packed with squalane, so hydrating and moisturizing. It's just a nice cool texture. You put it on your skin and it feels like the cream was left in the fridge. I like that one a lot."
Doctorly
Doctorly
3.55M subs · 99k devotees
✓Approved
"I still reach for the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. I think it's a really nice moisturizer for normal skin, someone entry level into skincare that's looking for a moisturizer that is just going to be good for all skin tones, every all skin type. The Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is still a hero for me. It keeps you super hydrated and dewy without being very heavy. So it really is just such a balanced moisturizer. If you're drier, it will leave you with moisture. If you're oilier, it won't leave you with that feeling that you don't like where you feel oily. The texture is incredible. It's a little bit more expensive, especially for a facial moisturizer, but it's one of the first ones in that budget price point."
208SkinDoc
208SkinDoc
2.05M subs · 30k devotees
✓Approved
"This is a very popular product. It hydrates very well. Definitely has a little bit thicker texture to it, but even with that thicker texture, I'm not seeing a lot of it gunk up in the beard. I do like this product."
Dr. Shereene Idriss
Dr. Shereene Idriss
1.71M subs · 51k devotees
✓Approved
"Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is a thicker moisturizer. Although they call it lightweight, it is definitely thicker in consistency and it does have more grip to it than a gel moisturizer."
All 8 takes from Dr. Shereene Idriss
How To Get Rid Of Under Eye Bags & Puffy Eyes! | Dr. Shereene Idriss
"Kiehl's Ultra facial cream literally for your whole face you can just dab extra underneath your eyes."
Skincare for Your 20s: Acne, Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, Oily Skin | Dr. Shereene Idriss
"Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is a really good thicker moisturizer. It's a basic moisturizer, there aren't actives in here to really lock it in."
Sephora 2024 Spring Sale: Dermatologist’s Top Picks By Ingredient! | Dr. Shereene Idriss
"Ultra Facial Cream by Kiehl's is great for $39. You're not going to get any brightening effect from this and it doesn't give this glowy effect, but it is a great basic moisturizer that you can base your face with in very dry environment, especially at night."
6 Skin Mistakes Causing Flaky, Patchy Makeup | Dr. Idriss' Expert Tips
"Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is a thicker moisturizer. Although they call it lightweight, it is definitely thicker in consistency and it does have more grip to it than a gel moisturizer."
Skincare for Your 30s: Anti-Aging, Adult Acne, Oily Skin | Dr. Shereene Idriss
"Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is a great moisturizer that I absolutely love especially in the winter time or if you live somewhere very dry. I use this because of the peptides, the vitamin C, and the moisturizer form on top of this."
Winter Skincare Hacks for Dry Skin: Face & Body! | Dr. Shereene Idriss
"You can also use Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream if you're looking just to moisturize. I love this one for the face in winter. I like putting it all over my face as well at night."
Sephora 2023 Holiday Sale: Dermatologist’s Top Picks for ALL Skin Concerns! | Dr. Shereene Idriss
"I love this moisturizer. It is glycerin based, there is no hyaluronic acid in it. It is thick, thick, thick and has no scent, and it's just so silky smooth and beautiful, allowing your face to hold on to that moisture. It has squalane which does support and nourish your skin's moisture barrier, as well as glacial glycoproteins, which is the key sort of hero ingredient for this particular product that supposedly helps to maintain your skin's moisture balance."
How to Layer Hydrating Skincare for Glass Skin from a Dermatologist! | Dr. Shereene Idriss
"Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, this one is also equally thick. It's $38, it has glacial glycoproteins which is supposedly going to help restore your skin barrier as well as squalene and glycerin in it. It is slightly slippier, I would say, than some other options, but beautiful nonetheless."
Alexandra Anele
Alexandra Anele
1.42M subs · 27k devotees
✓Approved
"I usually use Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream for my moisturizer. I love it, it's my favorite daytime moisturizer. It's perfect, it's simple, there's nothing in it. It's moisturizing without being too heavy. It doesn't leave me looking oily or too shiny or anything."
Top Pick: daytime moisturizer
All 2 takes from Alexandra Anele
Grab a snack friends, I have SO many skin & hair care empties!
"The ultra facial cream is my favorite daytime moisturizer now. This is a moisturizer that I use daily underneath my sunscreen. What I like about it is it's hydrating enough but it doesn't make my skin look wet. It has squalane oil in it so it's nice and hydrating, it's not too heavy for my skin. I really really enjoy it and I like that it's very simple, no scent. It's just such a nice product. I never thought that Kiehl's would be like a staple in my skin care because I used it like a long time ago and I wasn't super into it, but I really love this moisturizer. I really do and I buy it."
How I FINALLY Healed my Dehydrated Skin
"I usually use Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream for my moisturizer. I love it, it's my favorite daytime moisturizer. It's perfect, it's simple, there's nothing in it. It's moisturizing without being too heavy. It doesn't leave me looking oily or too shiny or anything."
The Style and Beauty Doctor
The Style and Beauty Doctor
219k subs · 8k devotees
✓Approved
"The 1.7 oz Ultra Facial Cream is another really great creamy moisturizer."
All 3 takes from The Style and Beauty Doctor
Have $50 or LESS? Get THESE Skincare Sets at Sephora
"I love that moisturizer. Moisturizers, they're easy to give as gifts because you know who doesn't love a moisturizer, and I feel like you're not offending anyone by giving them a moisturizer."
What to Buy & Skip from the Sephora Savings Event
"The 1.7 oz Ultra Facial Cream is another really great creamy moisturizer."
What to Buy & Skip from the Sephora Savings Event
"The Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, which we just talked about in the set, so this is the full size. That's one of three honorable mentions to also look at if you're looking to buy a new moisturizer."
Hyram
Hyram
4.36M subs · 31k devotees
✓Approved
"I use Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. It's a nice gel cream, which is great when you have oily skin. Using a thick cream on your face will only accentuate the oil production that's going to happen anyway. Serums and cleansers are the best for helping to keep your skin balanced and basically signaling to your skin like hey, no need to create this much oil, you're fine."
Dr. Jenny Liu
Dr. Jenny Liu
315k subs · 6k devotees
✓Approved
"Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is a lightweight cream texture-wise. It absorbs really nicely. It layers very nicely under sunscreen. It does not make you look super shiny or feel greasy."
Dr. Vanita Rattan
Dr. Vanita Rattan
1.22M subs · 10k devotees
✓Approved
"This is one that I like, it's Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. It's literally the only product I like from this entire brand. I mean, I was looking at Kiehl's the other day, it's the only one. It's fragrance free, it doesn't have all the alcohol and all the rest of it. This is one I like, and you can see it's fatty, so that's the kind of thing that you want to look for. You want to go for one with a consistency like this or more."
Allie Glines
Allie Glines
830k subs · 34k devotees
✓Approved
"This is the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. I've seen makeup artists using this underneath makeup so I wanted to give it a go. That cream actually feels really nice on the skin."
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