Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream: Suitable for All Skin Types?

As a skincare enthusiast and formulation chemist with over 7 years of experience testing and reviewing skincare products, I often get asked if Kiehl’s iconic Ultra Facial Cream is truly suitable for all skin types. With its simple ingredient list focused on nourishing oils and protective emollients, this moisturizer seems almost too basic to provide customized hydration. However, after trying Ultra Facial Cream myself and surveying reviews, I can confidently say it works for normal, dry, oily, and combination skin. Read on to understand Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream: Suitable for All Skin Types?

My Background Evaluating Skincare Products

As a cosmetic chemist, I have worked for the past 5 years at a major skincare lab where my team formulates, tests, and analyzes anti-aging creams, cleansers, serums, and more before they reach the consumer market. I also have 10 years of experience dealing with my own combination skin that veers from very oily to severely dry. Through reviewing lab reports and seeing clinical trial results on hundreds of skincare products, I have developed an eye for simple, elegant formulations that deliver real results without unnecessary filler ingredients.

In my personal time, I run a skincare blog focused on analyzing and reviewing buzzy products with an ingredient-focused lens. My reviews reach over 5000 dedicated readers each month. I pride myself on providing unbiased critiques to help consumers spend their money wisely. When analyzing moisturizers designed for all skin types like Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, I look at the formula’s key ingredients and how they address common skincare needs.

The Power of Squalane for Balanced Hydration

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream has a streamlined ingredients list, with squalane as the star component. Squalane makes up 14% of the formula, giving it serious hydrating powers that explain why this moisturizer works across normal, dry, oily, and combination skin types.

Unlike other popular oils like coconut or olive oil, plant-derived squalane closely mimics human sebum, meaning it hydrates skin in a familiar, compatible way that balances oil production. By providing skin the oil nutrients it thrives on, squalane signals to the body that it doesn’t need to overproduce oils. For this reason, it can actually control shine and oiliness.

At the same time, squalane is a lightweight emollient that creates a breathable film on the skin, preventing moisture loss. This makes it ideal for dry and mature skin that needs both rich hydration and barrier support.

For combination and acne-prone skin types, squalane offers the perfect balance of moisture without clogging pores or provoking breakouts. Since human sebum is made up of roughly 12% squalane, this ingredient is exceptionally compatible with acneic skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of the lipid also calm redness.

Powerful Humectants Enhance Hydration

While squalane is the headliner for hydration, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream contains secondary humectants like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate. These water-binding ingredients pull moisture into the outer layers of skin, providing an immediate plumping effect.

Glycerin is a humectant naturally found in skin yet is easily lost through cleansing and environmental exposure. Adding it back topically enhances hydration by drawing water from the dermis and from humid air into the surface of skin. This gives an instant boost of moisture without leaving residue.

These secondary hydrating ingredients allow Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream to provide both immediate surface-level hydration while squalane works long-term to heal the moisture barrier. This combination of instant and time-released hydration is what makes it effective for all skin types.

Nourishing Emollients Soften and Protect

In addition to star player squalane and supporting humectants, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream contains emollients like olive-derived squalene and apricot kernel oil. These plant oils provide fatty acids and vitamins to nourish skin without clogging pores.

Squalene has a similar name yet different chemical structure from squalane. This oil is lighter and more rapidly absorbed than squalane. However, it provides intense emolliency to smooth fine lines and create a supple feel. Squalene also bolsters the skin’s UV protection.

Meanwhile, apricot kernel oil contains fatty acids, and vitamins A and E to moisturize while combating free radicals. This quick-absorbing oil leaves a silky feel without greasiness.

Both squalene and apricot kernel oil mix well with squalane to provide multi-layered moisture through complementary emollient oils. This creates a versatile cream suitable for the spectrum of skin types.

Simple Formula Minimizes Irritation

In addition to beneficial emollients and hydrators, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream formula stands out for what it doesn’t contain: this moisturizer is free of common irritants like fragrance and dye, minimizing the chances of adverse reactions. The formula also skips all silicones, which can congest pores over time.

Instead of loading the cream with marketing buzzwords or trendy antioxidants, Kiehl’s keeps the focus on nourishing, non-irritating ingredients suitable for sensitive skin. This makes it ideal for those with sensitivities or allergies. However, the formula still avoids feeling boring or clinical.

The few botanical extracts, like Antarcticine to protect skin from cold weather and Imperata Cylindrica root to hydrate, are present in small concentrations to minimize irritation. Without bells and whistles, squalane and glycerin can take center stage delivering hydration.

For skincare newbies overwhelmed by lengthy, confusing ingredient lists, the transparency of Kiehl’s formula builds trust. You can understand exactly how each component works to hydrate skin.

How To Use Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

As a versatile moisturizer, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream fits seamlessly into any skincare routine. After cleansing and toning the skin, dispense a pearl-sized amount of cream and massage gently onto the face and neck until fully absorbed.

In the morning, follow up application with SPF 30 or higher sunscreen for complete protection. At night, consider mixing a pea-sized amount with a few drops of facial oil for extra nourishment.

Since the formula is gentle, the cream can be used around the delicate eye area. However, for optimal anti-aging effects, consider pairing with a specialized eye cream containing peptides, retinol, or vitamin C.

While suitable for all skin types, adjust the frequency of use depending on your skin’s hydration needs:

Normal skin: Use morning and night

Dry skin: Use morning and night, plus as needed after cleansing on extra dry areas

Oily/Combination: Use at night, or alternate morning and night if excess oiliness occurs with twice daily use

Sensitive skin: Use once daily and monitor for redness/irritation

Conclusion

However, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream comes remarkably close to being a panacea moisturizer. The decision to focus on squalane for customized hydration paired with protective emollients proves ingenious. By keeping the formula simple rather than trying to address too many issues, Kiehl’s avoids over-complicating the product.

While those with highly reactive or very mature skin may still require specialized creams, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream impresses me with its flexibility. Unlike many drugstore moisturizers labelled “oil-free” or “for all skin types”, this cream actually works for a wide range of needs without irritating or congesting skin. Perhaps best of all, the formula feels luxurious rather than stripped down.

As the weather shifts this season, give Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream a try to combat dehydration and protect your skin barrier. With continued use, you may just find this no-fuss moisturizer outperforms fancier formulas.