Last updated: September 27, 2026
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is one of those moisturizers that has stayed on bathroom shelves for years because it is uncomplicated: a lightweight, everyday cream built on squalane and humectants that promises long-lasting hydration without heaviness. It sits in the mid-to-premium price tier (roughly $35–70 depending on jar size, check current pricing). With so many drugstore creams doing similar jobs, it is fair to ask whether it still earns its reputation.
What the cream is built on
The formula centers on squalane, an emollient that mimics part of the skin’s natural oil, along with glycerin as a humectant and the brand’s signature glacial glycoprotein and plant-derived ingredients. The result is a soft, fast-absorbing texture that feels more like a lotion-cream hybrid than a heavy barrier balm. Check the current label for the full ingredient list, as formulations can be refreshed over time.
Kiehl's - Ultra Facial Cream Daily Moisturizer, 4.5% Squalane - 1.7 fl oz
Included for 'Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Review: Does It Actually Work?' because the listing specifies Ultra Facial Cream Daily Moisturizer and 4.5% Squalane, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Kiehl's - Ultra Facial Cream Daily Moisturizer, 4.5% Squalane - 4.2 fl oz
Included for 'Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Review: Does It Actually Work?' because the listing specifies Ultra Facial Cream Daily Moisturizer and 4.5% Squalane, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Kiehl's - Ultra Facial Cream Daily Moisturizer, 4.5% Squalane - 5.07 fl oz
Included for 'Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Review: Does It Actually Work?' because the listing specifies Ultra Facial Cream Daily Moisturizer and 4.5% Squalane, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Kiehl's - Ultra Facial Cream Daily Moisturizer, 4.5% Squalane - 0.95 fl oz
Included for 'Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Review: Does It Actually Work?' because the listing specifies Ultra Facial Cream Daily Moisturizer and 4.5% Squalane, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on AmazonHow it feels on the skin
It spreads easily, absorbs within a minute and leaves a natural, slightly soft finish. It is neither matte nor shiny, which makes it an easy base for sunscreen and makeup. On very dry skin, it may feel too light on its own in winter; on oily skin, it can feel just right or slightly rich depending on climate.
Performance by skin type
| Skin type | Fit | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Excellent | Use morning and night year-round |
| Combination | Very good | Lighter layer on T-zone |
| Dry | Good in mild weather | Add a hydrating serum or richer night cream in winter |
| Oily / acne-prone | Mixed | Try the oil-free version or a gel moisturizer |
| Sensitive | Usually fine | Patch test; check label for your triggers |
Does it actually work?
As a daily moisturizer, yes. It keeps normal and combination skin comfortable through the day and helps reduce the tight feeling after cleansing. It does not contain strong actives, so it will not treat acne, pigment or wrinkles; that is not its job. Its value is reliability and texture: it layers well over serums and under sunscreen, and most people can use it without issues.
Where it falls short
For compromised barriers, eczema-prone or very dry skin, a cream with ceramides, cholesterol and more occlusive ingredients will often do more. For oily, breakout-prone skin, a gel-cream or oil-free formula may feel better. And price-wise, several drugstore creams offer similar hydration for less, though they may not match the texture.
Where it fits in a routine
Morning: cleanser, optional vitamin C or niacinamide serum, Ultra Facial Cream, SPF 30+. Night: cleanser, treatment step (retinoid, exfoliant or hydrating serum), Ultra Facial Cream. On retinoid nights, it can be used as a buffer: apply a thin layer before the retinoid if your skin is sensitive, or after to lock in hydration.
How much to use
A pea-to-almond-sized amount covers the face; add a little more for the neck. Using too much under sunscreen can cause pilling, so let the cream absorb for a minute first.
Seasonal adjustments
Many long-time users treat Ultra Facial Cream as their spring-to-autumn moisturizer and switch to, or layer with, something richer when indoor heating kicks in. A practical winter tweak is to keep the cream in the morning for its easy finish under sunscreen, and at night either apply it over a hydrating serum or top it with a thin layer of a ceramide balm on the cheeks. In humid summers, oilier skin types can use a smaller amount or apply it only to the cheeks and around the mouth.
Value check
You pay a premium for the brand, texture and consistency rather than cutting-edge actives. If you love how it feels and it keeps your skin balanced, that is worth something, because a moisturizer you enjoy is a moisturizer you use. If budget matters most, test a drugstore alternative with squalane or glycerin first.
FAQ
Is Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream good for oily skin?
Many people with oily skin use it in cooler months, but in heat and humidity a lighter gel or the oil-free version is usually more comfortable.
Can I use it under makeup?
Yes. It absorbs quickly and gives a smooth, neutral base. Apply sunscreen after the cream and before makeup.
Bottom line
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream works as a dependable, pleasant everyday moisturizer for normal and combination skin. It does not treat specific concerns, and dry or oily extremes may need something more targeted. Buy it if you want a reliable, easy-layering cream and are happy to pay for texture and consistency.
