If you are seeking a mild facial cleanser that’s suitable for dry skin, you may have heard about Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser. But does it live up to the hype? So, here we go with this Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser review!
With so many skincare options available, it’s hard to find a dry skin facial cleanser that purifies the skin and keeps its natural moisture barrier happy — especially when you have dry or sensitive skin. The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser is a bods best friend (and okay, sure, it’s not technically a cheap face wash, but it’s inexpensive enough to find a spot in your bathroom cabinet worldwide), and yep, it’s often cited as one of the best face washes for dry skin on the market right now. So what is it about this product that sets it apart in a crowded market?
The review of Kiehl Ultra Facial Cleanser differs from most reviews because it goes beyond the impression and covers everything necessary about the product. We’ll look at how it’s formulated, how it feels, how it performs on varying skin types, and how it stacks up against similar options. Most importantly, we’ll tell you whether it lives up to its promise of a mild face wash for sensitive skin that is hydrating and not irritating.
Did You Know?
Do you know that Kiehl’s has been in the scene since 1851? Once a small Pharmacy in New York City, Kiehl’s is now highly regarded for its skincare as well as the brand being committed to the use of natural ingredients.
Also Read: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser Review: Best Fragrance-Free Daily Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
At a Glance: What You Need to Know
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Product Name | Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser |
Best For | Dry and sensitive skin |
Key Ingredients | Squalane, Apricot Kernel Oil, Vitamin E |
Texture | Creamy gel |
pH Level | 5.5 – 6.0 |
Price | Moderate |
Availability | Kiehl’s stores, online retailers |
A Closer Look: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser is a fan-favorite facial cleanser from the American cosmetics brand Kiehl’s. It’s formulated for gentle-cleansing that won’t rob your skin of natural moisture, with the ability to rid your face of dirt, excess oil, and makeup in one fell swoop.
Here’s what some of its key elements would do:
- Gentle Cleansing: It is designed to be gentle and pH balanced for the skin to help protect the skin’s natural barrier.
- Pure-Fact Impurity Removal: Quickly dissolves excess oil, dirt and even makeup.
- For All Skin Types: Although it’s commonly touted for normal to dry and sensitive skin for its non-invasive nature, it is believed suitable for all skin types, oily and acne-prone included, as it helps to balance the skin and remove impurities without removing too much and over-drying.
- Free Of: Paraben, synthetic fragrance, mineral oil and dye.
- Dermatologist-Tested: Show healthy-looking skin with this dermatologist-tested formula.
Key Ingredients and Their Functions
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser’s ingredient list is one of the key highlights. These ingredients come together to help make a gentle face wash for sensitive skin that still cleans the skin without irritation. Here are some key components:
- Squalane: A signature Kiehl’s ingredient, this botanical lipid is derived from olives and a high-quality cream ingredient with a molecular structure that closely resembles skin lipids. It’s quick, simple, easily absorbed and does marvels to restore skin’s protective barrier, leave it soft, supple and moisturized.
- Avocado Oil: Sourced from the part of the fruit that isn’t edible, avocado oil is a rich, fatty-acid emollient known to be the most moisturizing of any fruit oil. It’s also a natural source for amino acid proteins, Vitamins A, D, E, and potassium.
- Glycerin: A powerful humectant to attract and retain moisture in the skin to keep it hydrated and soft.
- Apricot Kernel Oil: A skin-softening oil that’s extracted from apricot kernels and contains vitamins E and K, which is known for helping skin retain its elasticity.
First Look: My Thoughts on the Packaging
When I got the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser, the first thing that struck me was the clean and neat packaging. The product is housed in a strong and simple to squeeze tube, which further ensures one applies the perfect amount. The sleek and minimal design is a testament to Kiehl’s commitment to the quality and no-nonsense, no-fuss presentation, an anomaly in a market often saturated with attention-seeking packaging.
Who Should Try this Cleanser?
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser is mainly designed for those who have dry or sensitive skin types. But its mild ingredients mean this face wash is a good choice for anyone who wants a moisturizing face wash. For the skincare newbie or the fanatic, this product is intended to work for just about anyone.
How I Use It for Best Results

There’s nothing tricky about applying Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser. Here’s a simple guide:
- Splash your face with warm water.
- Dispense a small amount of the cleanser onto your hands.
- Massage the product carefully with your fingertips in small circular movements on your face.
- Rinse well with lukewarm water and pet dry Face.
Pair It With
For best results, try Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
User Reviews: What People Are Saying
During my research for this Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser review, I found user experiences ranging. A lot of users loved that its mild formula was still able to clean their skin without stripping them of moisture or causing irritation.
Editor’s Note: My Skin Type & Experience
Having dry, sensitive skin, I was excited to try Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser. It made good on its promises when I used it for a few weeks. My skin felt clean but not dry, and there weren’t any breakouts or irritation.
How It Stacks Up Against Other Cleansers
To provide you with a better context, let’s do some comparisons with 2 other common cleansers in the market, with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser.
Feature | Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser |
---|---|---|---|
Best For | Dry/Sensitive Skin | All Skin Types | Dry/Sensitive Skin |
Key Ingredients | Squalane, Apricot Kernel Oil | Glycerin | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid |
Texture | Creamy Gel | Lotion-like | Creamy Gel |
Price | Moderate | Budget-friendly | Budget-friendly |
Mini Cleanser Face-Off
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser earns a spot on our best face washes list for its creamy, rich texture which spreads easily on the skin and moisturises as well!
Want deeper insights? You can read my full reviews of Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser for a more detailed comparison to Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser in actual use.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ideal for sensitive skin.
- Makes skin soft and moist.
- Takes off the makeup and impurities without taking off the skin.
- Hydrates the skin
Cons
- It may not fit every budget.
- Exclusive to Kiehl’s store and select online.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Adding to Your Routine?
After thoroughly testing for this Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser review, I’m pleased to say that yes it is easily worthy of its title of being the best face wash for dry skin. Though it’s not the most budget-friendly option, its capacity to clean thoroughly without stripping your moisture barrier makes it worth the splurge for dry skin types.
we’ve been looking for a mild Face wash for sensitive skin that doesn’t make your skin feel tight, and we just found it: The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser is ideal for gentle yet thorough cleansing. It ultimately has turned into my pick of favorite hydrating face cleansers for making sure my skin is feeling and looking happy and hydrated year round.
FAQs
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser good for acne-prone skin?
It was not formulated for acne, but it is gentle. Some people with acne may want a cleanser that contains salicylic acid.
Is Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser cruelty-free?
Yes, Kiehl’s does not test on animals.
Can Kiehlʼs Ultra Facial Cleanser be used to take off make up?
It’s good at removing light makeup, but for waterproof formulas you may want to start with an oil cleanser.