Hello Hello!
First, let me figure out how to turn this thing on. I swear, I’ve almost forgotten how to blog LOL! Well, yes, actually I have and I’m still living in a flux but I thought I’d ease into things with a quick post. Also, just to let you know I’m still here :)
A week or two back, I was telling you about a very lightweight gel moisturiser from Olay and how I disliked the scent. Well, the hot hot weather isn’t letting up at all here, so here’s another lightweight gel cream that I have been using and liking, and which you might like too :)
Now wait, where have you seen this before? Ah, this isn’t new. The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream was launched about 3 years ago when I first tried it and liked it. But as is wont to happen, the formula has been upgraded because apparently, the previous formula didn’t sit too well with oily skinned folks, so it has been made even lighter now with 24 hour hydration.
I will tell you I don’t have oily skin, but I now have something approximating normal skin. I know, what’s considered ‘normal’ eh? For me, it means I don’t get too oily in the day (just sitting down doing nothing vs sweating) nor do I dry out to a husk. So I use this, but only in the day, and I like it!
I didn’t have a problem with the previous formula so I don’t have much to add. I went through about 3 tubs of this back then, but I haven’t used it in at least a year, so I don’t really have a basis for direct comparison per se.
Kiehl’s says that this new formula has a refreshing cool feeling on the skin but I was quite surprised to read about it because I didn’t experience any cooling feeling. I wouldn’t have liked it if I did, if I’m to be honest.
The texture of the gel cream is still a very lightweight gel er… cream. It is translucent, and feels like a burst of water on the skin which is very lovely and comfortable.
In tub, it looks like an opaque white, but it is in fact, a translucent gel that does not feel heavy at all. I couldn’t say that it’ll suit dry skinned folks, because this just wouldn’t cut the mustard. It’ll be far too light in a dry environment so I wouldn’t pick this one.
However, if you live in a hot and humid environment or have oily skin, and have not yet found a product that helps keep your skin hydrated while feeling comfortable, then this is one to try. My skin does feel hydrated with this on, and I find that when I pair this with heavier sunscreens like the AM+PM sunscreen I’ve been using recently, it doesn’t make my skin feel as oily as it does with a heavier moisturiser, and it sits well under foundation.
Best of all, it’s fragrance free. I love that, because so many similar gel moisturiser products out there are heavily scented so my preferences lean to a product that has no scent.
For normal-dry skinned ladies, I wouldn’t use this in the evening. It’s far too light especially if you sleep in an air-conditioned room. I tried and it just wasn’t sufficient for me. So, I use this one strictly for the day only.
Reader Victoria asked me on Instagram if I liked this better than the Origins Make A Difference+ moisturiser and my answer is no. I personally prefer the Origins MAD+ because it makes my skin feel better, it’s a little heavier and makes my skin look and feel like I’ve made a difference. This one delivers lightweight hydration, which is about all it does so I’d personally still pick Origins to repurchase, but since I have this, I will use it up :)
In a nutshell
The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream sports a new and upgraded formula in 2014 in a more lightweight formula more suited for those with oily skin, and delivering longer lasting hydration to the skin. I liked the old formula and I like the new one as well but I only use it in the day time as I do not have oily skin but normal-dry skin. I like that it is fragrance-free and very light on skin and absorbs very easily and quickly without feeling sticky. It does help my skin feel and stay hydrated for most of the day which is nice but it is ultimately all that it does.
Pros: Lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly and easily into skin, Comfortable and hydrating, Not sticky nor oily, Affordable, Fragrance-free
Cons: Contains alcohol denat. so those who are sensitive to alcohol on skin should take note
Who will like this: Anyone with oily skin who needs hydration in a lightweight gel formula
Here is the new ingredient list if you’re interested:-
Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Carbomer, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Dimethiconol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Menthoxypropanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Fmla 685677 Code F.I.L. D164354/3
The ingredient list in this 2014 version of the Ultra Facial Oil Free Gel Cream is largely similar to the previous formula which you can see here, with slight changes in the composition of the ingredients, but alcohol is still present so if you are sensitive to it, this will not be for you. I personally did not experience any drying, nor discomfort.
Are you a fan of the Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream? Have you tried this new 2014 version?
Some have asked if I prefer this to the Olay Aquaction Gel, the answer is yes. It is less sticky and there is no scent so I’d pick this, even if it’s double the price of Olay because I prefer it. But if you have budgetry concerns then naturally, this may make you grimace a little. Not pricey in the big scheme of things, but pricey for those on a small budget. That said, Kiehl’s has a money back guarantee and is generally generous with their sampling so go forth and sample! :D Then let me know how you like it ok? :)
Paris B
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream for Normal to Oily skin types (2014 version) Price: RM100/50ml Availability: Kiehl’s stores
Hi PB! I was looking for a non-silicone lightweight moisturizer like this.
Unfortunately this has dimethicone in the ingredient list :(
How have you been??
Hello hello!! I’ve been good and very busy and the sporadic blog posts can attest to :P I did see the dimethicone in the list, pity! I do like how it doesn’t feel siliconey though. If you could, Kiehl’s are great with samples so you can ask them for a sample and see if it breaks you out? :)
I didn’t even know this one existed! I’m a big fan of the Ultra Facial Cream, but this might be handy for super-hot summer days (which seem rather far away at the moment). Funnily enough, I’m trying a shu uemura gel cream today that has a lovely feel, but the scent is way too much for my nose! So hearing that the Kiehl’s is fragrance free is a big bonus for me.
Oh yes this does! It’s been around for a couple of years but maybe less raved about overseas where winter and dry air doesn’t make for a good medium for this range, but here in the tropics, it’s the bee’s knees! :) If you like Ultra Facial (Which is far too thick for me even with my dry skin) then you will love this for Summer. It’ll be perfect! :)
I’m nearing the end of my Laneige gel cream and (unsurprisingly) I’ve put off looking for a new lightweight moisturizer…. This review was quite timely ;) I’ll have to check this out!
Hey Shana, if you like the Laneige gel cream, you’ll like this one! It’s very refreshing on the skin but since Kiehl’s is usually quite good about giving samples, I’d recommend getting a sample and trying it out to see if it’ll suit you :)
I remember this moisturiser! It was okay for me, nothing fancy. I found it really watery though even for my combo skin. But on summer days …. oooooh yeeeaahhh feels good.
They claim to have boosted its efficacy for 24 hour hydration! Strong claims, but how many of us will wear just one moisturiser the whole day eh? I know I couldn’t :P Since it’s mostly just Summer here all the time, it’s great for our weather and I think, a good way for those who hate the oily feel of face creams to get started using a moisturiser (I was shocked at how many people actually don’t use one!)
Whew, seriously didn’t know Kiehls have reformulated this ( but then, I don’t use much of their products anyways heh). Well, time to pop into the local Kiehl’s since the weather is soooooooo warm in UK these days.. it’s like a heat wave… without air conditioner! sigh.
Speaking of which, have you happen to have tried their Skin Rescuer daily hydrator? Wanna know your thoughts on it haha (since i’m on the fence about it).
I only just found out too :D You know what’s horrible about summer in the UK? The heat that gets trapped indoors and the lack of a fan and air-conditioning! LOL I used to suffer like crazy because it feels like an oven and you have nowhere to hide because houses are made to keep in the warmth since it’s always so cold, they can’t cope with heat :P I hope you’re faring better – staying outdoors in the shade was one of the best things to do! Oh and yes, definitely pick up some samples from Kiehl’s to try. It’ll be nice in the heat :D I haven’t tried the Skin Rescuer. I don’t know why but it just didn’t seem to fit my needs as I don’t have serious redness to counteract. Did you not like it? ;)
Oh my, I know right? Sigh.. But apparently the brits really love this sunny weather (everyone says so when I have random chats with people – quite a british thing eh? Talking about the weather hahahaha-). Anyways, for the skim rescuer that I mentioned, umm.. just inconclusive about it. Hate the smell.. mind you, this have no fragrance, and I understand people with sensitive skin and all but without fragrance, compared to other moisturizers without fragramce, this smells… weird. Okay I think ima rant on it on my blog sometime or this will reflect on me badly (sad face) haha. Anyways, I hope youre well Paris, and have a nice day to you and everyone who bothers to read this (lol).
ah Brits get so little sun, they need whatever they can get! haha :D Do go rant on your blog. Would love to know your thoughts on it because I don’t think I’ll be trying it :) Enjoy the Summer while it lasts, Robert!
Hi Paris. Thanks for mentioning me and also for the comparison with the Origins moisturiser. My Origins one will probably only last me until end of August so looks like I will be getting that again since there is no cheaper and comparable substitute :-)
Yep! I’m thinking of going back to it so I’m trying to use this up as quickly as I can :P
Oh, I received a sample of this cream earlier this summer. I only used it once, but I know what you mean with the alcohol sensitivity. I have certain products that I had to stop using because my skin was too sensitive to the alcohol.
But definitely, it does seem like a great gel cream for the summer. Oil free is always a plus for oily ladies such as myself. =P
Absolutely true, Joann. Gel textures are comfortable, and they deliver enough hydration to keep skin hydrated even under all that oil :)
Hi Paris,I bought my first tub after reading your post! And im repurchasing until now..the new formula is not much different from the old..(the SA says its better, but to be honest, i dont feel any different :p)
The best thing about this moisturiser is, it is moist enough for my oily skin even when I use other products containing Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
I pray they will never change or discontinue this moisturiser!
Hi Sasha! I’m happy you love this formula because it does leave skin feeling so refreshed doesn’t it? :D I’m glad they didn’t raise the price (yet) though despite the reformulation. Happy you found a moisturiser to love!