One of the most iconic and popular of Kiehl’s products, that’s been a mainstay in their skincare line is their Calendula toner. I’d wanted to try it for the longest time due, I admit, for the simple reason that it contained flower petals in the bottle. How many products do you know that contain flower petals in the bottle? 😛 But I couldn’t use it because it was formulated for oily skins and I was repeatedly warned that it would be too drying for my normal-dry skin.
So, I was quite surprised when offered the new Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash to try, because this too, is formulated for normal to oily skin types and I just don’t fall into that category. However, I was emboldened to try it, because I’d read that it wasn’t drying and that it was a soap and sulfate-free cleanser so it was more gentle on skin.
Well, never a better time than the present to try this, I say! When I moved house, I made sure to prep my bathroom. I like having proper shower items at hand, and since I was between houses at the time, I thought it was a good time to break out this cleanser to try.
Now, I have to note one thing – this is not a makeup remover. I happened to come across a few reviews and comments online that talked about using this product to remove makeup and how successful (or not) it was, and I was puzzled. Kiehl’s never intended for this product to be a makeup remover. They say that it gently cleanses skin of impurities which does not equal removing makeup. Always use a separate makeup remover, whatever you want to use and then use this as your second step of cleansing, which is what I do.
And I’m happy to report that despite my misgivings, this face wash isn’t drying, not even on my normal-dry skin. It comes in a yellow plastic bottle, but the product itself is a clear gel. You only need a little, pumped into your palm and then lather it up with water.
Despite being a sulfate-free product, it does lather up quite well so that’ll please those who can’t get used to a non-lather face wash. There is a faint scent which bug some people but doesn’t bug me – a slightly herbal-flower scent but I like herbal scents.
As promised on the label, this face wash does cleanse the skin quite impressively and does not dry out the skin, which I appreciate. It also feels fairly gentle, and you get a nice clean feeling on skin, without that squeaky clean, tight feel.
Having used this for over a month, I’m actually quite happy with it remaining in my shower for my evening face wash. However, I am still partial to using my Vichy Normaderm face wash for keeping spots at bay, so I can’t in all good conscience say I’ll repurchase it, simply because I prefer something else. But if you want a gentle face cleanser that is soap and sulfate free and isn’t drying, then this is one to consider.
In a nutshell
The Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash is formulated for normal to oily skin types, but I found it relatively gentle and non-drying even on my normal-dry skin. It has a soap and sulfate-free formula and only a little is needed to lather up, and it cleanses the skin well without leaving it feeling tight and uncomfortable or dry after that. I find it works well as a basic cleanser or as a double cleanse, but not to remove makeup as some people have suggested. For that, use a proper makeup remover.
Pros: Lasts a long time, Soap and sulfate free formula for those who want to stay away from those, Does not dry out the skin, Feels gentle and cleanses skin well, Works well as a second cleanser for a double-cleansing routine
Cons: The faint floral-herbal scent may not suit everyone
Who will like this: Anyone who is looking for a soap and sulfate free face wash, Anyone who wants a gentle face wash that does not dry out the skin too much yet wants some foam action
Here is the ingredient list for anyone interested to know what’s in there. The bottle is round so you’re going to have to piece it together for yourself 😛
Have you used the iconic Calendula toner before? Have you tested this complementary face wash?
This is fairly new on shelves, so I’m sure Kiehl’s will have samples on hand if you’d like to give this a try and see if it works for your skin type. They are generally quite good about sampling after all. If you’ve tried this, I’d love to know what you think – did you find it comfortable or too drying or did the scent bug you?
Paris B
Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash Price: RM105/230ml Availability: Kiehl’s stores
I love this! Started using it a month ago and can’t stop using it now. It cleanses so well yet is so gentle, and I love that it’s in a huge bottle too. I would like it even more if it was like their toner and had some calendula leaves in the bottle, but it’s just a really nice bonus lol.
Yay! It’s been a staple in my bathroom for at least a month without me getting too bored so it must be a good thing! I was expecting to see some calendula petals in there too! But perhaps it would just have been too much bother LOL!
Hi Paris, this actually sounds like something I can use in summer time. I am currently using cleansing balms which I really enjoy. Spring is coming in Australia and my face will go from normal to combination. I also like that herbal kind of scent. I think I will drop by the store and pick up a sample. Thanks for the review x
Hey Grace, it does sound more like a summer time cleanser, I’d agree. Might feel a bit drying in winter unless you have oily skin. I love cleansing balms too and I’m working very hard to finish my Bobbi Brown one so I can open a new one! Trying to be good you see (and mostly failing) heh
I gave this a go recently..which reminds me that my review on this is stil pending gosh. I like the cleanser but the smell bugged me quite a bit..the smell rather put me off, which sucks since its actually a decent cleanser.. your rec of the vichy normaderm has served me well, my skin has never looked better 🙂 im almost done with my first bottle of it!
Oops! Did you have a deadline? 😉 I read of a few people who were bugged by the smell so you aren’t odd in any way – perhaps I’m odd for not being fussed by it! haha I didn’t really notice it either but like you, I’m all about Vichy Normaderm! Woohoo! Bestest cleanser ever!
I’m using this after getting a sample from them. I’m a combination skin prone to dry side as well. This isn’t drying on my face and cleanse well (I use it with my Clarisonic) without irritate my drier skin. The smell doesn’t bother me at all and I would say it’s actually quite mild in the scent. However, I wouldn’t repurchase this simply because there should be something better out there. I still prefer my Perricone Md Nutritive Cleanser.
Ooh Perricone, I’ve heard some very good things about their products but I haven’t tried their cleansers. Only a cream that put me off coz of the smell haha!
I tried the toner in the past, but I really was not impressed by it. I didn’t feel like it was worth my money. In fact I feel that most of the products from Kiehl’s are not worth the money. They’re very overpriced for what they are, especially in Japan. I’ve tried toners, lip balms, eye creams, sunscreen, the bb cream, the midnight recovery concentrate and the powerful line reducing concentrate. The only one I liked was the powerful line reducing concentrate. But for that price I can get a vitamin c formulation that I like better here in Japan.
I’ve been told that a lot of brands like Kiehl’s are really pricey in Japan and understandably if there are more affordable local alternatives, it would make sense to use them 🙂 I haven’t tried the toner but I know of lots of people who really like it so I guess it’s just one of those things that either appeal or don’t. You’re lucky to have access to all the lovely Japanese skincare goodies that the rest of us can just lust over – they do wonderful things in Japan!
i haven’t tried this one out before. In fact I just heard abt it from you lol. However I do use handmade calendula soap bar to treat my eczema-ridden skin. It’s somehow soothe the eczema and moisturize my skin well. I’m being out of topic here, sorry. haha
Haha Kiehl’s isn’t doing too good a job at promotion then! 😉 I used a calendula balm many years ago for rashes and stuff, and I remember it worked very nicely so it must be something good in calendula!
This sounds really great, perfect for my skin during summers. Right now, I’m enjoying how “normal” my skin feels in this cool weather as opposed to the oiliness I experience during summer.
Ah, I wish there was some cool air here too! haha… I don’t have oily skin but you know, when it’s hot and all, it’s only natural to sweat and get oily and icky and times if you even just breathe! haha!
I discovered the Calendula duo at an event with Kiehl’s recently and haven’t looked back. It’s infinitely more suited to me than other more stripping cleansers but not so emollient that I don’t feel even more of a grease ball than I usually am.
You see, I have an extremely oily t-zone with dry cheeks so I have a tough time balancing the two. This product seems to handle my dual condition well, however, and has been added to my daily cleansing routine.
The petals in the toner are insanely pretty but I guess it is easier to add petals to liquid than to a gel so they were forgone from the cleanser. Kiehl’s has these pretty blossoms hand-inserted into each bottle! I personally love the scent – the cleanser comes across as something like Chrysanthemum tea for me.
I am now a ready convert to the soothing/ healing abilities of anything calendula after this. I regret that it has taken me this long to find out about this plant!
Ah it’s so good to know that this one works for you! It definitely does feel gentle and if it doesn’t make this dry skinned gal feel like a husk, I’m sure it must feel lovely for everyone else 😀 I don’t mind the scent either so I wasn’t too sure what the fuss was about but then, scents are such personal things that it’s so hard to say what’ll work for everyone. I guess they did the best they could!