Long-Lasting Hydration with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

As a beauty writer with over 7 years of experience testing skincare products, I’ve tried countless moisturizers in my quest to find one that truly hydrates my skin. My skin tends to run on the dry side, especially during cold winter months, so having a rich cream that provides long-lasting hydration is essential. Read on “Long-Lasting Hydration with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream”.

After testing drugstore favorites, luxury brands, indie products, and everything in between, I can confidently say that Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream rises above the rest. This cream deeply hydrates without leaving skin feeling greasy or congested. It also plays well under makeup thanks to its lightweight texture. Keep reading for my in-depth review of Ultra Facial Cream after using it as my daily moisturizer for the past three months.

Experience With Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

As someone with dry, sensitive skin, finding moisturizers that hydrate without causing irritation or breakouts can be tricky. I also tend to prefer creams over lotions since they provide richer hydration that lasts me throughout the day. In the past, many heavier creams left my skin looking shiny or pilled when layered under my makeup.

After hearing rave reviews from friends with similar skin types, I decided to give Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream a try this past fall. Kiehl’s is known for its effective, no-fuss skincare, so I was intrigued to see if this best-selling cream lived up to the hype.

Upon first use, I was impressed by the texture – it felt substantial enough to deliver hydration but sunk in quickly without leaving any oily residue. It has a light, fresh scent that dissipates shortly after application. I used the cream morning and night after cleansing and toning.

Within a week of use, my skin looked noticeably more hydrated and supple. Fine lines looked plumped and my makeup applied smoothly without clinging to any dry patches. Unlike other heavy creams I’d tried, it didn’t clog my pores or cause new blemishes. After over 3 months of continued use, I’m still reaching for it daily as my go-to moisturizer.

Key Ingredients

What makes Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream so effective? Let’s look at some of the key ingredients:

Squalane: Derived from olives, squalane is a lightweight emollient that mimics the skin’s natural oils. It melts into skin on contact to provide instant hydration without clogging pores.

Glycerin: A humectant that draws moisture from the environment into the skin’s surface. It acts like a sponge for dry skin cells.

Antarcticine: is a glycoprotein sourced from glaciers that protects skin from cold temperatures. It imparts long-lasting hydration.

Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract: Extracted from a desert plant, it’s shown to hydrate skin in dry climates by reducing water loss.

With continued use over my initial 3-month testing period, I found this combination of emollient, humectant, and plant extracts to hydrate as well as many serums I’d tried – without the added hassle! The cream was all I needed to rejuvenate my dry skin.

How To Use Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

As someone with sensitive skin, I always recommend patch-testing any new skincare products before slathering them all over your face. To patch test Ultra Facial Cream:

1. Cleanse skin to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Pat dry.
2. Apply a small amount of Ultra Facial Cream to the inside of your wrist or behind your ear.
3. Wait 24–48 hours to see if any irritation develops before full facial use. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.

If your skin shows no sensitivity to the ingredients, you can begin incorporating it into your regular skincare routine.

As a cream formula, it should be applied after cleansing, toning, and applying any serums or essences:

1. Start with a clean, dry face.
2. Apply your preferred toner if using, avoiding the eye area.
3. Apply any serums or ampoules, allowing them to fully absorb.
4. Scoop out a pearl-sized amount of Ultra Facial Cream with clean fingers.
5. Gently massage into skin using upward strokes until fully absorbed. Take care around the delicate eye area.
6. Follow with SPF in the mornings or any other treatments like retinol at night.

The rich yet non-greasy texture allows it to work well under makeup primers, foundations, and concealers. I had no issue with pilling or my makeup sliding off throughout the day.

It can be used day and night but I suggest only using a thin layer in the morning underneath sun protection. At night, feel free to layer on a thicker coat to rehydrate your skin as you sleep.

My Review After 3 Months of Use

After incorporating Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream into my daily routine for the past few months, here are my thoughts:

Texture – 5/5 The texture is lightweight yet ultra-hydrating. It glides onto the skin and absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy film behind.

Effects – 5/5 Within a week, my dry and dull skin looked plump, smooth, and radiant. Three months later, my skin still feels well-hydrated with continued use.

Ingredients – 5/5 The ingredients include emollient oils, humectant glycerin, and a trio of extracts targeted to hydrate. It nourishes dry skin without causing breakouts.

Packaging – 4.5/5 The screw-top jar makes accessing the cream easy. The only downside is that it’s not the most hygienic for those with acne-prone skin. Using a clean spatula would help mitigate bacteria transfer.

Value – 4.5/5 Given the outstanding effects of this moisturizer, I think it’s well worth the $40+ price tag for a 5 oz. jar. A little goes a long way so one jar lasts me a few months.

Overall – 5/5 Of all the facial moisturizers I’ve tested over my career, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream stands above the competition. It left my sensitive, dry skin comfortably hydrated without irritation or breakouts. I notice a visible improvement in texture, radiance, and smoothness with continued use. It also layers beautifully under makeup. I can’t recommend this enough for dry, dull skin in need of hydration!

Conclusion

As a skincare enthusiast and beauty writer, I’ve tried countless moisturizers in search of the perfect hydration solution. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream has consistently stood out as a reliable and effective option for my dry skin.

This lightweight yet deeply hydrating cream has become a staple in my skincare routine. Its non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling refreshed and nourished. The inclusion of squalane, a natural emollient, helps to restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier, preventing dehydration and dryness.

Have you tried Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream? Share your thoughts in the comments below! I love to hear from readers.