Kiehl’s is a long‑standing name in skincare, and many people are naturally curious whether it lives up to its reputation. The brand started in New York in 1851 and has grown into a global skincare line known for its apothecary roots and natural ingredients.
In this review, I’ll walk you through how Kiehl’s stands out, what users say, what to watch out for, and tips to get the most from their products.
A Bit of Background
Kiehl’s began as a small pharmacy in Manhattan’s East Village. Over time, it expanded into skincare, body care, and hair care lines. In 2000, it became part of the L’Oréal group, which helped broaden its reach while retaining much of its heritage branding.
One trademark of the brand is its messaging around combining natural ingredients with scientific formulas. Their site now claims “paraben‑free formulas” and mentions sustainability in packaging and ingredient sourcing.
What Users Often Like
Many fans of Kiehl’s point to these strengths:
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Effective core products: Items like Ultra Facial Cream, Midnight Recovery Concentrate, and Avocado Eye Cream are often praised as dependable staples.
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Gentle formulations: For many, Kiehl’s products are gentle enough for daily use, even on sensitive skin types.
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Clean, simple packaging and formula transparency: Because the brand leans into a pharmacy/apothecary feel, users often feel the brand is more honest and less flashy than many luxury brands.
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Wide availability: Kiehl’s is sold through its official store, department stores, and more recently on Amazon’s Premium Beauty platform, which adds convenience for many shoppers.
Common Complaints & Red Flags
No brand is perfect. Here are issues that users and reviewers often raise:
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High prices: Several users feel Kiehl’s charges premium prices, especially outside of discount periods.
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Inconsistency / packaging issues: Some reports mention damaged or leaking products, or products arriving late or mis‑shipped.
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Customer service frustrations: A number of users say customer support is not always responsive, especially around returns and order issues.
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Ingredient / sustainability critiques: Some critics point out that although Kiehl’s touts sustainable packaging and natural ingredients, many formulas still use plastic packaging and ingredients that are not 100 % renewable.
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Not fully cruelty free: Because the brand may allow animal testing in jurisdictions where it is required by law, it is not considered fully cruelty‑free.
One user shared:
“I like quite a bit of their products but their customer service is absolute garbage they did not deliver my sunscreen they promised to send out a second bottle never did.”
These kinds of stories suggest it’s wise to proceed carefully, especially for high value purchases.
Tips for Choosing & Using Kiehl’s
Here are suggestions to maximize your experience:
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Know your skin needs: If your skin is dry, anti‑aging, or acne prone, match your core product picks (moisturizer, serum, cleanser) to those goals. Kiehl’s offers multiple lines.
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Look for sale periods: Many users wait for Kiehl’s “Friends & Family” or seasonal discounts because full price can feel steep.
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Order from trusted sources: There have been user warnings about fake or low quality Kiehl’s items being sold on third‑party marketplaces.
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Patch test and monitor: Even gentle products can cause reaction in sensitive skin. Try new items on a small area first.
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Layer strategically: Use lighter serums first, heavier creams later. And if combining formulas from other brands, be sure they don’t conflict (e.g., too many actives at once).
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Stick with consistent use: As with many skincare routines, results often appear over weeks or months. Don’t judge too early.
My Take
Kiehl’s has a lot going for it: a rich history, a solid reputation, and some fan‑favorite staple products. It strikes a balance between natural and scientific that many people find comforting. However, it isn’t without its drawbacks especially on the price, customer service, and true sustainability fronts.
If you’re drawn to the brand, it’s smart to start with one or two trusted products rather than buying an entire regimen all at once. Use them consistently, track your skin’s response, and shop during discount events. Kiehl’s may not be perfect for everyone, but many users feel it’s worth exploring when approached thoughtfully.
