• Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
My Women Stuff
  • About Me »
    • Contact Me
      • For PR
  • Budget Beauty »
    • Save & Splurge
  • Makeup »
    • Eyes »
      • Brow pencil
      • Mascara
      • Eyeshadow
      • Eyeliner
    • Face »
      • BB Cream
      • Blush
      • Bronzer
      • CC Cream
      • Concealer
      • Foundation »
        • Cream Foundation
        • Liquid Foundation
        • Cushion Foundation
      • Highlighter
      • Loose Powder
    • Lips »
      • Lip Gloss
      • Lipstick
      • Lipbalm
    • Makeup Brushes
  • Skincare »
    • Cleanser »
      • Cleansing Balm
      • Cleansing Cream
      • Cleansing Gel
      • Cleansing Milk
      • Cleansing Oil
      • Cleansing Water
      • Makeup Remover
    • Mask
    • Moisturiser
    • Scrubs
    • Serum »
      • Vitamin C
      • Retinol
    • Sunscreen
    • Toner/Lotion
    • Treatment »
      • Acne
      • Anti-Aging
      • Brightening/Whitening
      • Hydrating
    • Bath & Body »
      • Body Lotion
      • Body oil
      • Hair
      • Shower Gel
    • Facial Oils
  • Tips »
    • Tips & Discussions
    • Blogging Tips
  • Lifestyle »
    • Cooking at Chez PB
    • Beauty Services »
      • Hair Salon
      • Facial
      • Spa
    • Fashion »
      • Bags
      • Jewellery
      • Shoes
    • Home
  • Brands
  • Product Reviews
    • Beauty hor d’oeuvres
  • Blog
Home » Skincare » Cleanser » If you wished Kiehl’s Ultra Facial was Oil Free you (and I) got your wish!

If you wished Kiehl’s Ultra Facial was Oil Free you (and I) got your wish!

June 16, 2011 Paris B 44 Comments

The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial skincare has been taken to the Arctic to protect the chapped skin of the Arctic explorers, which it did. In the super cold dry air of the Arctic, it is no wonder that the popular Ultra Facial Cream is moisturizing, but very thick. I tried a sample of the Ultra Facial Cream once, but in a dry cool climate. My skin loved it. It kept my skin from drying out and it just felt lovely overall. When I returned to the tropics and tried it, it felt heavy and greasy. Unless you have super dry skin, I cannot see the Ultra Facial Cream catching on in the Tropics, no matter what they say.

kiehl's ultra facial oil free range
  • Save

Enter the new Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil Free range which is for normal to oily skin types. When I first heard about it, I was quite interested. It promises to hydrate the skin as well as the Ultra Facial range, but without the heaviness associated with it. It is also paraben free, silicone free, fragrance free and oil free. I was sent the range nearly 2 months ago so here are my thoughts on it. It is expected to be launched here soon, or may already be in Kiehl’s stores 🙂

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil Free Cleanser – RM85/200ml

This is a fairly large tube of facial cleanser that foams up very nicely even with just very little, and it cleans the skin well. It isn’t drying on my skin, but it doesn’t make it feel wonderful either. I’d say its a good little cleanser, but not a must have. Its a cleanser! I don’t have much to say about it 😛

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil Free Toner – RM85/250ml

I’ve used the Kiehl’s Cucumber toner and Acai Toning Mist before this. Like the Cucumber Toner, this one is a wipe on toner but unlike the Cucumber Toner this one does not feel astringent. In keeping to the hydrating theme, this toner does make my skin feel a little bit hydrated than regular toners. It reminds me of the lotions used in Japanese skincare and although I did not quite feel it initially, I do quite like it now. After 2 months, I’m not even a quarter of the way though the bottle and I apply this using a cotton pad, wiping the lotion all over my skin and then lightly patting it in. Its nothing earth shattering, but its quite nice.

kiehl's ultra facial gel cream
  • Save

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil Free Gel Cream – RM100/50ml

This one is, for me, the star product of the range. If you like light gel cream textures you too may like this one. If you don’t, you won’t because gel creams feel differently on the skin compared to normal oil based creams. I find that gel creams tend to feel a little sticky going on, but once they absorb, my skin feels lovely thereafter.

kiehl's ultra facial gel cream
  • Save

The texture of this cream is pretty much like all other gel creams – light and translucent. I apply this by doing the 5 dot method – forehead, cheeks, nose and chin and then massage it in. I also use varying amounts depending on how my skin feels at the time and never once have I felt oily. I think this one might be good for oily skinned gals too.

kiehl's ultra facial gel cream
  • Save

This is the cream I credit with restoring the balance of my skin and which made me think hard about using hydration as a means to curing my skin problems and imbalance. I use it a lot in the day, because it is so light yet helps my skin remain moisturised throughout the day – no mean feat in this hot weather and air conditioning. At night, I sometimes alternate this with something a little heavier or I use this as a sleeping pack.

Yes I love this one a lot. 2 months, and I’m not even halfway through my tub yet. Its all good 🙂

Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat, Propanediol, Glycereth-26, Isononyl Isononanoate, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltautamide/Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Imperata Cylindrical root extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Panthenol, Cucumis Sativus Juice/Cucumber Fruit Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Fmla 685478/11 Code FIL D45072/1

I will tell you that Alcohol Denat is one of the ingredients. Personally, I’m not affected by it, but if you are, then its best you don’t use this one.

Pros: Not oily, Gel Cream is very good and hydrating for my skin, Toner is not astringent and helps skin feel more hydrated

Cons: Gel Cream can feel a little sticky before it absorbs, Some people may not like the presence of alcohol denat in the ingredients

The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil Free skincare range is already available in the stores, and we know by now that Kiehl’s has a very generous sampling policy (just don’t abuse it 😛 ) so if you are in store, or are in the market for a new moisturiser do take a look and see if they have samples you can take home to try and see if you like it. As for me, I’m keeping this Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil Free Gel Cream on my “to repurchase” list. Its more affordable than other gel creams I’ve tried, does its job very well for me and is all in all, something I can see myself using very often, and I do! 🙂

If you have tried anything from this range, do share your thoughts, whether you like it or no. We all have different preferences anyway 😉

Paris B

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil Free skincare range is available at all Kiehl’s stores and counters. Cleanser: RM85/200ml, Toner: RM85/250ml, Gel Cream: RM100/50ml

Here’s the official statement I obtained from Kiehl’s re: Animal Testing : At Kiehl’s, we are committed to providing products of the highest quality, safety, and efficacy.  Our products and ingredients undergo extensive screening so that customers may purchase and use our products with complete confidence. In order to assure the safety and efficacy of our formulations, we use a variety of ways to test our products.  This can include consumer panels, sensory testing and instrumental evaluation.  Kiehl’s does not—nor have we ever—tested our products on animals.

Was this helpful? Tell your friends!

0 Shares
  • Facebook 0
  • Twitter
44 Insightful comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION
Disclosure: Featured products were provided by PR for consideration. For posting guidelines please read my disclaimer.

YOU MAY FIND THESE THESE POSTS HELPFUL TOO!

About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and facilitate discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

PREVIOUS POST: Clinique Derma White City Block Anti-Pollution SPF40 : A Sheer Tinted Sunscreen Not BB Cream
NEXT POST: Annick Goutal Petite Cherie Limited Edition Fragrance Is Summer In A Pear Orchard

44 comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

  1. Hanny says

    June 16, 2011 at 9:01 am

    OOOOO. I might try this once I finish my current skincare stash.

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      June 16, 2011 at 2:24 pm

      I thought you preferred using Clinique skincare? This might be a bit light by comparison

      Reply
      • Hanny says

        June 16, 2011 at 5:50 pm

        Hmmm, I’ve decided to branch out. heh heh heh.

        Reply
  2. Emma says

    June 16, 2011 at 9:21 am

    Did you know Kiehl tests on animals? I think that should be added to your cons. 🙁 It’s disappointing that animals are killed just so we can wear makeup and hair products.. 🙁

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      June 16, 2011 at 2:24 pm

      That’s sad. I’m trying to get the official word.

      Reply
  3. Nikki says

    June 16, 2011 at 11:27 am

    Base on your description and judging the look of the product on photos, I have a feeling this will work on me!!!!

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      June 16, 2011 at 2:25 pm

      Living in the similar sort of climate, that’s great to know! Sometimes the heat and humidity can really mess with my skin so I’m glad to have this option.

      Reply
  4. xin says

    June 16, 2011 at 11:36 am

    it looks so light! like so much lighter than moisture surge.

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      June 16, 2011 at 2:26 pm

      It feels lighter than moisture surge. Not so gel like, more liquid.

      Reply
      • Mari says

        June 17, 2011 at 1:30 am

        God, I gotta try that one! I already loved the normal Ultra Facial Cream – but I’ve got to use it oh so sparingly considering the climate here! – and I’m sure I’ll absolutely adore the gel cream version! And it’s still lighter than Moisture Surge! I’ve been using Clinique’s MS in the morning (bc it is downright freezing these days and my skin is drying out), but I’ll exchange it for Kiehl’s as soon as I can. I’m becoming more and more infatuated with Kiehl’s every day since my trip to Europe.^^ Great tip, Paris!

        Reply
        • ParisB says

          June 17, 2011 at 12:21 pm

          Yes Mari! Do give this one a go if you can get it in Brazil. I find the Ultra Facial cream a little too heavy in our tropical weather. However, we don’t get a dry climate here – I didn’t know it got dry and cold in Brazil

          Reply
  5. Alene says

    June 16, 2011 at 11:37 am

    aww Pawis sho sweet. always reminds ppl that there is alcohol, or as i recall in a previous post, even warned those who have probs with hyaluronic acid not to use a product that contained it.
    thank you!!!

    this sounded so good till the end. =( i guess i’ll stick with my garnier fruit water thing.

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      June 16, 2011 at 2:27 pm

      Haha yeah this has hyaluronic acid or something similar too. I’m not good with chemical names 😛 And someone previously mentioned they were sensitive to alcohol denat although i personally am not. Lots of people don’t like it though. Hey, if the garnier works for you – its good for the pocket!

      Reply
      • casey23 says

        July 30, 2012 at 9:24 pm

        it contains alcohol because alcohol is a part of gel formation 🙂 Also, I really liked this gel too, I took a few samples from Kiehl’s when I last visited, and I was very much pleased with this product but there are a few gel-creams I need to finish first (Biotherm – Aquasource, Clinique – Moisture Surge and Mac – mineralise charged water gel cream something :P). Kiehl’s is in my favorite brand list, but I really don’t like their toners if it contains alcohol 🙁

        Reply
  6. Denise says

    June 16, 2011 at 1:41 pm

    Clinique started my love affair with gel creams with the DDMG. Being oily skinned in a tropical country, this range looks real good to me right now. Thanks for the review!

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      June 16, 2011 at 2:28 pm

      Keep a look out for it at your local Kiehl’s stores and I hope you get yourself a sample to try 😉 Its quite different from DDMG – much lighter

      Reply
  7. electronicfly says

    June 16, 2011 at 2:11 pm

    how does the moisturizer compare against the garnier aqua defense one?

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      June 16, 2011 at 2:29 pm

      Gosh… that’s testing me 😛 I haven’t repurchased the Garnier one so I honestly cannot remember how it compares. If I recall, the texture is similar – a watery gel cream but I can’t remember anything else 😛

      Reply
      • electronicfly says

        June 17, 2011 at 10:41 am

        hehehehe xP shall go testing at Kiehl’s 😛

        Reply
  8. May Yee says

    June 16, 2011 at 2:20 pm

    I remembered you reviewing Vichy’s Aqualia Thermal Aqua Gel and was wondering if this is better than Vichy’s?

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      June 16, 2011 at 2:32 pm

      I prefer this because it has no scent, and the texture is lighter and absorbs better without a sticky feel thereafter. In terms of hydration, they are about par. Pricewise too I believe its about par. I’ve finished my tub of Vichy Aqualia though so I’m unable to do a side by side comparison. Thanks for reminding me of it 🙂

      Reply
  9. Ashley says

    June 16, 2011 at 2:27 pm

    I have never tried Kiehl’s products but I need to get a sample of the Ultra Facial Gel Cream! I am addicted to gel-based moisturizers 😀

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      June 16, 2011 at 2:33 pm

      These textures are lovely aren’t they? 🙂 I wish I had them on hand when I had oily skin 😛

      Reply
  10. makeup.addict says

    June 16, 2011 at 2:55 pm

    I bought the Kiehl’s Oil Free Gel Cream about 3 weeks back, and I do have to say, it is quite good. I have been using it only during the day alternating with my Bobbi Brown Hydrating Gel Cream, Clinique Moisture Surge and Origins Starting Over Oil Free with Mimosa. Kiehl’s Oil Free Gel Cream is definitely my second fave, just behind Bobbi Brown’s which has a lighter texture and is even more easily absorbed by my skin compared to the others. I really thank the Skin Gods and Goddesses for creating gel cream moisturizers, I really don’t know (and don’t want to remember!!Eeeks!!)
    how I survived before without them.

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      June 16, 2011 at 4:29 pm

      Me too! I haven’t tried the others except Clinique Moisture Surge. I have gone back to using gel cream moisturisers in the day too. Its just more suitable in our weather 🙂

      Reply
  11. rinnah says

    June 16, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    This sounds lovely! I’m always on the lookout for gel based moisturizers because I like how it feels on my skin.

    This one and the Laneige sleeping mask are on my next-to-buy list! 😀

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      June 16, 2011 at 6:24 pm

      Hopefully they work for you! I think most of us in this heat and humidity are grateful for the evolution of gel cream moisturisers 😀

      Reply
  12. Sh says

    June 16, 2011 at 9:18 pm

    Very tempting! Especially now that thr’s the megasale. Hav u ever tried estee’s hydrationist? Very tempted to try this as my hydrationist is finishing soon…

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      June 17, 2011 at 12:18 pm

      Yep I’ve tried Hydrationist but only the serum (Hydrationist review here) I still use it alternated with Vichy Aqualia as my day moisture serum.

      Reply
  13. Nek says

    June 17, 2011 at 3:59 am

    Yoo Paris:) Found your blog by accident, nice and informative. Will be back again checking your exciting news about women:)
    By the way i am a Malaysian, residing in Phoenix, Arizona, USA
    Have a nice day!

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      June 17, 2011 at 12:22 pm

      Thanks for dropping by!

      Reply
  14. lorraine says

    June 17, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    does it live up to it’s ’24 hr mattifying’ claim?

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      June 17, 2011 at 3:10 pm

      Not having oily skin, I’m not your best person to verify this claim. However, I personally say that it does not leave my skin looking or feeling matte, just hydrated. I don’t get very oily so I can’t verify anything else.

      Reply
  15. Iza says

    June 17, 2011 at 3:31 pm

    Gosh Paris, are those some the products that you have? (first pict) He he he he!!!

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      June 17, 2011 at 4:08 pm

      Just a fraction 😛

      Reply
  16. Nadia says

    June 25, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    Oh I loved the Ultra Facial range so I’m pretty sure a lighter oil free version would be even better. I’m so going to check this out!

    Reply
  17. MrsRance says

    November 14, 2011 at 10:25 am

    Hai again PB 😀 bought this one also together with the RMC. I already use this one, and me likey a lot 🙂 hope doesn’t break out on me. but I use it only for morning and on top I add Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50. Such a great combo. Thank u Paris 😉

    Reply
  18. Charlie says

    December 18, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    Hello! I am a quiet reader and enjoy all your postings as well as readers’ comments.

    Yes. Just like MrsRance, I use this and top it up with Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 and dust on my Monave. Great stuff from Kiehl’s!

    I was given the Ultra Facial (which is oil base) range samples to try. However, I was attracted to this range because of the oil-free, paraben-free, silicon-free,fragrance-free, colorant-free,etc. And took the plunge. Definitely not oily as compared to Ultra Facial range.

    Initially, I was skeptical about the cleansing foam (how they dry skin out and have that feeling like a super-clean-dish), surprisingly, it is not that bad. All I need is just a pea size for night and half a pea size for morning, foam it up, wash, rinse and no left over residue feeling. Not too bad. Very economical. I suspect it can last a year.

    The toner to me is just a regular toner. I rather use Avene Thermal Spray and pat it on my face. I’m all for spray on and pat toner.

    Followed by the Gel Cream and sunblock as mentioned. I use Gel Cream both AM and PM.

    Cheers!

    Reply
  19. hd says

    May 6, 2012 at 3:22 am

    In comparison to the Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief (Gees thats long) does it absorb better or worse? And which one is more moisturising? And if you were to compare the two in 3 sentences what would you say?

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      May 6, 2012 at 10:00 pm

      I find both the Kiehl’s and Clinique comparable. Kiehl’s seems to take a bit longer to absorb but once absorbed, it’s the same to me.

      Reply
  20. trah says

    July 3, 2012 at 12:19 pm

    WHY PARIS WHY??? You’re an evil enabler!!!! My current ultra facial cream is good for one more use and I’m going to purchase Clarin’s HydraQuench cream as replacement because I’m using the sample. Now I’m tempted to try this range instead. Oh well, I’ll check it out when I returned the empty tub for recycling at Khiel’s store this weekend.

    Speaking of animal testing, what’s your take regarding Urban Decay’s recent announcement to sell their products in China? http://www.temptalia.com/urban-decay-press-statement-animal-testing-and-china

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      July 3, 2012 at 12:27 pm

      Hi Trah, Kiehl’s is very generous with their samples, so try to get a sample to see if you like it 🙂 As for the UD thing, I personally think it a big marketing gimmick and a smart move for them to earn more money. China is a huge market. I don’t hold a strong view on animal testing either way but I do believe there are probably better ways to go about testing things.

      Reply
Newer Comments »

Comment Policy:At MWS we love reading your comments. However, if you are new to leaving comments you may benefit from reading the comment policy first.

What's your view? Share it! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

My Women Stuff by Paris B

Welcome to My Women Stuff, a beauty blog based in Malaysia, written by veteran blogger, Paris B. What you can expect is honesty, critical views & a healthy dose of shared life lessons sprinkled amongst beauty product reviews. What you shouldn't expect is a page filled with unnecessary narcissistic photos. MWS is a blog for those who love to read, because we love to write! Read More about MWS and Paris B

Subscribe for weekly updates of all published content

RECENT REVIEWS

biologique recherche lotion p50 review

Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 revisited : Is it a facial in a bottle?

mad hippie cream cleanser

This Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser is one of the better cream cleansers I’ve ever used

skin rocks retinoid 2 serum

Might this Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 Serum by Caroline Hirons be the best Vitamin A serum I’ve ever used?

I tell stories on Instagram @parisbmws

I bought the Kinbor A5 planner on a whim about 2 m I bought the Kinbor A5 planner on a whim about 2 months ago. It’s one of my best purchases under RM30 so far! Read it on the blog www.mywomenstuff.com

It’s not too late to buy one 😆

#kinbor #kinborplannerweekly #kinborplanner #parisbmws #verticalplanner #weeklyplanner
This #elemis cleansing butter had been on my radar This #elemis cleansing butter had been on my radar for the longest time! On the blog mywomenstuff.com

#parisbmws #elemismy #elemismalaysia #elemissuperfood #cleansingbutter
Let’s talk about makeup and whether your prefere Let’s talk about makeup and whether your preferences/style has changed post pandemic? One of my signature makeup items is now optional! 😱 

On the blog: mywomenstuff.com
Hoppy CNY every bunny! 😆🧧 From me and my fur Hoppy CNY every bunny! 😆🧧 From me and my fur kids, one of whom is uncooperative and the other has no choice 😆
Listen for the ASMR 😁 I love balms and this blu Listen for the ASMR 😁 I love balms and this blue balm had me wondering if it was any similar to Blue Cocoon 😆 Review on the blog mywomenstuff.com 

#skincreamery #skincreamerybalm #naturalskincare #savannagoodness #skincarebalm #skincarecommunity #skincarejunkie #skincarelover #skincareblogger #parisbmws #over40blogger #over40skincare #dryskincareroutine
Belated new year musings on the blog mywomenstuff. Belated new year musings on the blog mywomenstuff.com 

This furry fella is so much a part of my life, but yet I have so few photos with him 😅 I shall remedy that this year! And I also hope to post a little more this year. Maybe quick shots that may not be so ✨aesthetic✨
Join over 10500 followers on Instagram

ABOUT ME · CONTACT ME · DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT · PRIVACY · ARCHIVES

© Copyright MY WOMEN STUFF 2007 - 2022 · All Rights Reserved