Kiehl's Since 1851
Kiehl's traces its origins to 1851, when it opened as a pharmacy on the corner of 13th Street and Third Avenue in New York City. For over a century, it operated as a neighborhood apothecary, hand-mixing skincare formulations for local customers. The brand maintained this independent, sample-generous approach even after L'Oreal acquired it in 2000, preserving the pharmacy heritage while expanding globally. Kiehl's is known for generous sampling (they encourage customers to try before buying), apothecary-style stores with knowledgeable staff, and formulations that blend pharmaceutical ingredients with natural extracts. Their Ultra Facial Cream, Midnight Recovery Concentrate, and Calendula Herbal Extract Toner are long-standing hero products. With 10 products across 7 categories averaging 83/100 at the premium tier, Kiehl's delivers consistently strong formulations that balance heritage with modern ingredient science.
Brand Philosophy
Kiehl's maintains its apothecary roots by formulating skincare that blends natural ingredients with pharmaceutical actives. The brand values efficacy over marketing -- their stores encourage sampling and hands-on product education rather than glossy advertising. Transparency about ingredients and honest product recommendations are central to the brand identity.
Consumers seeking heritage skincare with a genuine pharmaceutical background. Strong across hydration, anti-aging, and sensitive skin categories at a reasonable premium price point.
- Ultra Facial Cream
- Midnight Recovery Concentrate
- Calendula Herbal Extract Toner
- 170+ year pharmacy heritage
- Generous sampling culture
- Squalane
- Calendula Extract
- Glycerin
- Vitamin C
- Retinol
Kiehl's Since 1851 at a Glance
Strongest Categories
Kiehl's Since 1851 performs best in: Body Care (1 product, avg 89/100); Mask (1 product, avg 87/100); Acne Treatment (1 product, avg 84/100).
Best Conditions Served
Across all products, Kiehl's Since 1851 scores highest for: Eczema-Prone Skin (avg 88/100); Dry/Dehydrated Skin (avg 86/100); Aging/Mature Skin (avg 86/100). If your primary concern is one of these conditions, Kiehl's Since 1851 products are particularly worth considering.
Certifications
Common certifications include Paraben-Free, Fragrance-Free, Mineral Oil-Free, Dermatologist-Tested, Silicone-Free, Dye-Free.
Best Kiehl's Since 1851 by Skin Condition
The highest-scoring Kiehl's Since 1851 product for each condition we evaluate.
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Cleansing Clay Mask
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Cleansing Clay Mask
Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions Breakout Control Targeted Blemish Spot Treatment
Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Cleansing Clay Mask
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
All Kiehl's Since 1851 Products (10)
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
Kiehl's Creme de Corps Body Lotion with Cocoa Butter
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Cleansing Clay Mask
Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner
Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions Breakout Control Targeted Blemish Spot Treatment
Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum
Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Eye Cream
