I Tried 5 Kiehl's Cult Favorites for 3 Months: Was It Actually Worth It?
The lineup.. photo by @cocoapixi
When a Brand Slides Into Your DMs (The Good Kind)
A few months ago, I posted a video raving about Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum SPF, a product I've genuinely loved for about a year, and bought with my own money multiple times. It was just me being enthusiastic about sunscreen (because good SPF is chef's kiss).
Then something unexpected happened: Kiehl's saw the video and sent me a thank-you gift! A PR package with five products to try. No strings attached. No obligation to post. Just a genuine "hey, thanks for loving our SPF" gesture with one simple request: if I decided to share my thoughts, be honest and use #giftedbykiehls.
So here I am, four months later, writing this whole review. Why? Because I actually loved almost everything they sent.
I've spent years perfecting a skincare routine that keeps my normal skin looking healthy, glowing, and (let's be real) better than my driver's license photo suggests. When Kiehl's sent me their retinol serum, dark spot corrector, clay mask, cleanser, and moisturizer, I didn't expect to fall in love. But three of these products completely replaced items in my routine. One became my holy grail winter moisturizer. And one? I'm still testing it (more on that below).
This is my completely honest, unfiltered review of what worked, what didn't, and whether Kiehl's deserves a spot in your skincare lineup. Whether you're preventing, maintaining, or actively fighting the signs of aging and hyperpigmentation they have all bases covered.
Let's dive in.
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My 4-Month Kiehl's Skincare Experiment: The Setup
My skin profile:
Skin type: Normal (lucky, I know)
Climate: Los Angeles (dry, sunny, requires serious hydration and SPF game)
Main concerns: Maintaining a healthy skin barrier, preventing future damage, keeping that healthy glow, occasional texture issues, hyperpigmentation
Experience level: Self-proclaimed skincare nerd with 6 cleansers open at once (yes, I have a problem, no I don’t want help!)
The products Kiehl's sent me:
Ultra Facial Barrier Hydrating Cleanser
Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Face Mask
Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C
Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide
Ultra Facial Moisturizing Cream with Squalane
My approach: I didn't dump everything into my routine at once (because I'm not a monster who wants to destroy my skin barrier). I strategically incorporated each product over 4+ months, tracking texture changes, hydration levels, and whether my skin looked healthier or staging a rebellion.
The honesty clause: I didn't take “before photos” because this wasn't a planned review, it was just me using products I ended up loving and wanted to share. This review is based on what I noticed over four months: how my skin felt, what changed, what friends commented on, and which products I genuinely reached for every single day. Sometimes the best reviews come from products you didn't plan to love but couldn't imagine living without. So, this is real-life testing; the kind where you incorporate things into your routine because they work, not because you're obligated to create content.
Product #1: Ultra Facial Barrier Hydrating Cleanser
The Promise:
Clinically proven to gently cleanse away makeup and sunscreen in one wash while hydrating and supporting your skin's moisture barrier.
Key Ingredients That Matter:
Squalane: Mimics your skin's natural oils (translation: hydration without greasiness)
Amino Acids: Protein building blocks that strengthen your skin barrier
Glycerin: Humectant that pulls moisture into your skin
How I Used It:
Evenings, 2-3x weekly when my skin felt drier than the Sahara (thanks, LA weather). Occasionally in the morning if I woke up feeling dehydrated, but that was rare.
The Results After 4+ Months:
Here's the thing about cleansers: they're the unsung heroes of skincare. You don't expect to fall in love with them. But this one? It became my dry-weather ride-or-die.
What I loved:
Cream-to-foam texture that feels luxurious (not stripping)
A little goes a LONG way (the tube lasted from September through now, an incredible value)
My skin felt soft, plump, and ready for serums, not tight or squeaky
Never irritated my skin, even when used daily
Removed sunscreen effectively without double cleansing
What surprised me: I have 6 cleansers open (I know, I KNOW), but I found myself reaching for this one more and more. When a cleanser beats out your existing routine, that's saying something.
The one "meh" moment: The tube size looks small (5 oz), but don't let that fool you. It's lasted months with regular use.
Would I Repurchase?
I already did. I bought the holiday duo set with my own money about a week before writing this. This is now my official fall/winter cleanser.
Best for: Dry, normal, or combination skin | Anyone who wants gentle-but-effective cleansing | People who hate that tight, stripped feeling after washing
Current Price: $29 at Sephora | $29 at Ulta | $29 at Kiehl's
Product #2: Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Face Mask
The Promise:
Detoxifies skin by drawing out excess dirt and oil with Amazonian White Clay while Aloe Barbadensis soothes.
Key Ingredients That Matter:
Amazonian White Clay: Absorbs excess oil and impurities
Bentonite Clay: Deep cleanses and purifies pores
Aloe Barbadensis: Soothes and calms irritation
How I Used It:
Started with 2x weekly in late summer when my forehead was producing enough oil to fry an egg. Tapered to 1x weekly in fall/winter.
The Results After 3+ Months:
I'm no stranger to clay masks. I've tried many over the years, but this one struck a perfect balance between effective and not drying.
What I loved:
Drew out oil WITHOUT that uncomfortable "tight mask" feeling
Pores on my nose and cheeks visibly appeared smaller for 1-2 days post-use
Prevented or minimized breakouts I felt brewing under the surface
Didn't leave my skin red, irritated, or flaky
A little product covers your entire face
Real talk moment: I have genetically large pores (thanks, Dad). No mask will permanently shrink them, but this one makes them look refined and less noticeable especially before big events or content shoots.
The Plot Twist:
While I was testing this, Kiehl's released an upgraded version with a 330mg Hydro-Activated Clay Blend (mixing Amazonian White Clay + Bentonite Clay) plus 12mg of Allantoin for better skin balance. I'm genuinely curious to compare, and I'll update this post once I test the new formula.
Would I Repurchase?
Absolutely yes. This is a staple clay mask, especially for summer shine control. The current jar will last me another 6+ months (you need so little per use), but I'm already eyeing the updated version.
Best for: Oily, combination skin | Large pore concerns | Anyone who wants oil control without over-drying |
Current Price: $47 at Sephora | $47 at Ulta | $47 at Kiehl's
Product #3: Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C
The Promise:
Reduce the look of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and post-acne marks with a potent form of Vitamin C, White Birch Extract, and Peony Extract.
Key Ingredients That Matter:
Activated C (Vitamin C): Brightens and evens skin tone
White Birch Extract: Helps reduce visible dark spots
Peony Extract: Soothes and calms skin
How I Used It:
This is where I'll be honest: I didn't use this as directed initially. The bottle says 2x daily, but I started with 3-4x weekly because I didn't want to overwhelm my skin with too many new actives at once.
The Results After 3 Months (With Inconsistent Use):
What I loved:
ZERO irritation or peeling (huge for a Vitamin C serum)
Absorbs quickly without tackiness or pilling under makeup
Lightweight, almost watery texture
My overall texture improved and skin looked smoother and more refined
Gentle enough for sensitive skin
What I'm still evaluating: The dark spot/hyperpigmentation claims. I have seen slight improvement in post-acne marks, but I wasn't consistent enough in the first 2 months to give this a fair shot. The name "Clearly Corrective" is intimidating (sounds aggressive), but the formula is surprisingly gentle.
The Honest Update:
I'm now using this daily as directed to see the full brightening and dark spot results over the next 8-12 weeks. I'll update this section once I've completed 3 months of consistent use, because that's how long Vitamin C typically needs to show dramatic results. Don’t worry, I have already taken my “before” picture.
Current status: Cautiously optimistic. Texture improvements are real; dark spot fading is TBD.
Would I Repurchase?
Leaning yes (80% probability). I need to finish the bottle using it consistently, but so far it's been gentle, effective on texture, and plays well with my other products. If the dark spot results match the texture improvements, this will be a definite repurchase.
Best for: Hyperpigmentation, post-acne marks | Vitamin C beginners who fear irritation | Anyone wanting brightening without sensitivity | Combination, normal or oily skin
Current Price: $65 at Sephora | $65 at Ulta | $65 at Kiehl's
Product #4: Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide
The Promise:
A gentle retinol you can use 2x daily to reduce wrinkles, firm skin, improve tone and texture, and "regain up to 5 years of youth" (bold claim, Kiehl's).
Key Ingredients That Matter:
Pure Retinol: Gold standard for anti-aging (boosts collagen, smooths texture, prevents future damage)
Ceramides: Strengthen skin barrier and prevent moisture loss
Peptide: Supports skin firmness and elasticity
How I Used It:
Started conservative: 2x weekly at night for 3 weeks, then every other night. I could have used it 2x daily (as directed), but I like giving my skin 2 "hydration-only" days per week to recover. My ADHD brain also can't handle complicated schedules, so every-other-night worked perfectly.
The Results After 3 Months:
THIS IS THE ONE. This is the retinol I wish I'd found years ago when I first started getting serious about prevention and maintenance.
What I experienced:
Week 1-2: Slight tightness around my mouth and jawline (normal retinol adjustment), but ZERO irritation, peeling, or redness
Week 3-8: Texture became noticeably smoother and my skin had more of a glow in natural light, and my foundation sat flawlessly
Month 3: That "lit from within" glow everyone talks about? I finally get it. My skin looks healthier, plumper, and more even-toned. The texture is chef's kiss.
Why this retinol is different: Most retinols come with a laundry list of rules: Use at night only. Don't mix with Vitamin C. Expect peeling. Start slow. Wear extra sunscreen. Build tolerance over 6 months. You can also use it morning AND night from day one. The "micro-dose" formula means retinol is delivered gradually, so you get results without irritation. It's genuinely the most user-friendly retinol I've tried.
Real talk: Whether you're in prevention mode (20s-30s), maintenance mode, or actively treating visible signs of aging (40s-50s+), this retinol works. It's gentle enough for beginners but effective enough that you'll actually see results. My skin texture is smoother, my pores appear smaller, and I have that healthy glow that makes people ask "what are you using?"
Would I Repurchase?
YES, and I'm already planning to. This has become my go-to retinol recommendation for literally anyone asking, whether you're just starting out or you're a retinol veteran.
The selling point: I can use it daily without thinking. No complicated schedules, no skin freakouts, just consistent results.
Best for: Retinol beginners and veterans | Normal, dry, oily or combination skin | Anyone who wants results without irritation | People with ADHD who hate complicated routines (its me; I’m people) | Prevention, maintenance, or active anti-aging
Current Price: $65 at Sephora | $65 at Ulta | $65 at Kiehl's
Product #5: Ultra Facial Moisturizing Cream with Squalane
The Promise:
Repair skin barrier, prevent water loss, deeply hydrate, and replenish moisture.
Key Ingredients That Matter:
· Squalane: Mimics skin's natural oils for lasting hydration
· Glacial Glycoprotein: Helps skin retain moisture
· Desert Plant Extract: Provides extreme hydration
How I Used It:
Nightly moisturizer with a seasonal twist (keep reading)
The Results After 4 Months:
Plot twist: I LOVED this moisturizer, but only after I almost gave up on it.
The Disaster (September):
I received this PR package on Labor Day weekend. Los Angeles was HOT. The cream's texture looked so lightweight and silky, I immediately slathered it on my face that night.
BIG MISTAKE.
The next morning, my forehead was shinier than a Beyoncé tour costume. My T-zone looked like I'd rubbed olive oil on it. Way too hydrating for my combination skin in 90°F weather. I almost wrote this product off entirely.
The Redemption (October-Now):
Instead of giving up, I put it away until October when temperatures dropped. I tried it again in late-October, and suddenly? MAGIC.
This is now my holy grail fall/winter moisturizer. It's rich enough to keep my skin hydrated through dry indoor heating but doesn't feel heavy or greasy. I wake up with plump, glowy skin instead of tight and dehydrated.
The lesson: For me, this is a seasonal superstar. It's was too hydrating for hot, humid weather on my skin, but PERFECT for cold, dry months.
Would I Repurchase?
I already did! My jar was running dangerously low, so I bought the holiday kit (cleanser + moisturizer duo) with my own money. This will be my staple October-March, then I'll switch to something lighter April-September.
Best for: Fall/winter hydration | Dry skin year-round | Anyone in cold climates | People who struggle with seasonal dryness or dehydration
Current Price: $39 at Sephora | $39 at Ulta | $39 at Kiehl's
I couldn’t face January without these two! Photo by @cocoapixi
Is Kiehl's Worth the Hype?
The short answer: Yes, especially if you want effective ingredients without aggressive irritation.
Kiehl's sits in this interesting category of masstige brands (mass Prestige). You're paying $35-78 per product, which isn't cheap, but also isn't $300 La Mer territory.
What you're getting:
Science-backed ingredients (retinol, ceramides, vitamin C)
No-nonsense formulations without fragrance or irritants
Products that actually LAST (the cleanser is 4+ months in and still going)
Gentle enough for multiple skin types but effective enough to see results
Who should buy Kiehl's:
Anyone serious about skincare (prevention, maintenance, or active treatment)
People intimidated by harsh actives
Anyone who wants luxury results without luxury prices
Skincare enthusiasts who don't want to navigate complicated routines
Normal skin types looking for reliable, effective products
Who might want to skip:
If you need aggressive, fast results (medical-grade retinoids might be better)
If you're on a tight budget (The Ordinary offers cheaper alternatives)
If you love fragrance in skincare (Kiehl's is fragrance-free across the board)
Final Thoughts: An Unexpected Skincare Love Story
Testing these products over 3+ months gave me real insight into how they perform long-term, not just glossy first impressions. And honestly? That's the best kind of review.
I didn't set out to become a “Kiehl's converter”. They sent me a thank-you gift after seeing my SPF video, with zero expectation that I'd post about it. But when products are genuinely good, you end up reaching for them every day. You end up repurchasing with your own money. You end up writing over two thousand+ words because you're excited to share.
My biggest takeaways?
The Retinol Serum is a game-changer; effective, gentle, and foolproof
The Rare Earth Mask is the perfect middle-ground clay mask; effective without destroying your skin
The Ultra Facial Cream and Barrier Cleanser are seasonal MVPs that earn their place in any cold-weather routine
The Vitamin C serum has promise, but I need more consistent use to confirm dark spot results
I'm not chasing trends or buying products because influencers tell me to. I'm investing in what actually works for my skin, my lifestyle, and my budget. Kiehl's delivered on all three fronts.
I genuinely loved almost everything they sent (except that moisturizer in September- we don't talk about September). I've already repurchased two products with my own money, and I'm eyeing their Milk-Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner, Powerful Strength Vitamin C serum and their Midnight Recovery Concentrate for my next purchases.
If you made it this far: Thank you for reading my skincare novel! Drop a comment below with your Kiehl's experiences, questions, or what products I should try next.
Authors Note: "Kasey Bree'Ann here! The girl behind CocoaPixi.com. I've been visiting beauty counters with my mom since I was a little girl, and even in my 40s, we still hit the mall every Saturday. Some of us never outgrow it. A lifetime of obsession, six years of blogging, and every review is based on real personal experience, conversations and things I have tried, loved or dreamed about. Stick around!"