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It can be difficult to find a moisturizer that strikes the perfect balance between being deliciously hydrating while still having a lightweight finish, but Kiehl’s popular Ultra Facial Cream handles this task with aplomb. Luckily for us, it’s currently over 20% off at Amazon, making it the perfect time to give this must-have face cream a try.
The magic behind its efficacy is hiding in plain sight in the ingredients list.
It is formulated with squalane (a botanical lipid that can prevent water loss) and ceramides, which are essential for a strong skin barrier and healthy complexion. This comforting cream is designed to deeply hydrate and balance the skin’s natural moisture barrier, leaving it soft, smooth and plump.
In previous reporting, HuffPost shopping writer Tessa Flores noted that this cream helps to soothe her chronic eczema. Even the driest patches don’t stand a chance against this cream, and I can attest to that as well. This is among my go-to mid-winter wonders when my skin is parched from months of radiator heat.
This cream is also great for reducing redness and calming the skin. My complexion gets incredibly irritated during the fall and winter months as a result of the changing weather, allergies, dry heat and more. This cream is a lifesaver and doesn’t cause my skin to break out, like most super-hydrating creams usually do.
The resounding feedback among reviewers is that this cream is deeply hydrating without feeling greasy or heavy.
Having a lightweight, yet nourishing cream, is a must for all skin types, but it’s especially helpful for those with acne-prone and sensitive skin, or who otherwise struggle with dry skin. It also has a nearly imperceptible scent, which is a must for anyone who is sensitive to fragrance.
Take a look at what other shoppers have to say, then pick up this skin care essential for yourself while it’s on sale. Your thirsty skin will be thanking you for it in the weeks and months to come.
“I use Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream every morning before applying my foundation, and it’s become an essential part of my routine. The cream soaks in quickly without leaving a greasy residue, giving my skin a smooth, hydrated base for makeup. It’s lightweight yet nourishing — perfect for mature skin that needs moisture without heaviness. After daily use, my skin feels soft, comfortable, and radiant all day. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a reliable, everyday facial cream.” — Angela M.
“My holy grail!! Very light weight but feels so luxurious. I am on my third one. And I accidenlty put my husband on this so now we both use it! It’s is very refreshing and hydrating. There’s no scent so it’s a plus for me!” — Erica Garcilazo
“Best moisturizier of my life! I’m in my mid 70s and have been moisturizing my face since I was a teenager – thanks Mom! I’ve used everything from drugstore brands to health food store brands to premium department store brands. This is the best moisturizer I have ever used. I’ve been using it for several years now, but just discovered the ease of refilling from this pouch. I keep a 2-week supply in a small travel size container, in preparation and hope of going on some sort of trip, though I use it twice daily at home. This packaging is both economical and simple. Thanks Kiehl’s!” — Travelin’ Girl
“This is hands down one of the best moisturizers I’ve used. It’s super lightweight, absorbs quickly, and leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated all day. I love that it doesn’t feel greasy and works well under makeup. A little goes a long way, and it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin. Worth every penny! ” — Alexandra Bosco
Also, fall is the perfect time to tackle that (known and unknown) summer sun damage. Take a look at these hyperpigmentation-reducing products from previous reporting and stock up.
A trio of products developed to target and fade hyperpigmentation
While I firmly believe that it was the use of all the products on this list that helped significantly reduce my melasma, I give the most credit to these three items from Dr. Idriss. Available for individual purchase or as a set of three, this kit is a one-stop shop for fading hyperpigmentation that includes a brightening serum, vitamin C moisturizer and an AHA mask.
The Major Fade Hyper serum has a really lightweight, dewy finish that makes the skin look illuminated upon immediate application, while hardworking ingredients that include alpha arbutin, kojic acid and niacinamide can help to fade long-term discoloration and nourish the skin.
Major Fade Active Seal moisturizer is chock-full of vitamin C, an antioxidant known for its brightening prowess. The addition of 4-Butylresorcinol gives it the power to help visibly fade hyperpigmentation while ceramides provide moisture and hydration.
The Major Fade Flash mask, while not intended for daily use, is a must in a spot fading regime. It’s made with glycolic acid, lactic acid and tranexamic acid, which work together to exfoliate, smooth, even skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots. It’s the sleeper hit of the trio.
I’ve seen the biggest changes in smy skin since I started using these products religiously. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to melasma, and these products have been absolute game-changers all around. Not only is my skin brighter and clearer, but it’s soft, smooth, supple and hydrated. You can get the starter kit with smaller sizes at Sephora or a set of full-size products at Dr. Idriss.
Amazon
A potent serum worth every penny
As I noted in previous coverage where I sung the praises of this serum, it was my aesthetician who recommended I added iS Clinical Super Serum to my lineup, and now I can’t imagine my skin without it. is an oil-based vitamin C-rich serum that not only has the potential to help reduce typical signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage, but can help to reduce scarring as well. The key is a combination of 15% L-asorbic acid with copper tripeptide growth factors, the latter being a protein molecule that stimulates and accelerates skin regeneration and repair. Along with a couple of other ingredients, these two wonder actives work in tandem to stimulate collagen, smooth uneven pigmentation and even promote healing.
Even before the onset of pregnancy melasma, I had a fair amount of sun damage on my cheeks, and with regular use of the serum, I’ve found that it has blurred. Most noticeable, though, is the effect it’s had on my old acne scarring. I don’t have deep pocket scarring; mine look more like freckles or uneven patchiness. Even longstanding old marks are significantly faded now, while newer ones have been almost completely erased. I’ve kept in in rotation and can’t imagine a skin care regime without it. It’s worth every penny.
Amazon
A serum one TikToker called “filler in a bottle”
HuffPost readers love a high-quality skin care product that can replace pricey facial treatments, like this K-beauty serum that one beauty TikToker calls “filler in a bottle.” Its prowess is attributed to an ingredient called PDRN, which is widely used in injectables overseas. It has anti-inflammatory and tissue-repairing capabilities that can improve skin firmness and leave recipients with a telltale glow. It’s usually extracted from salmon sperm cells, but Iope’s serum has a completely vegan, plant-based formula that is as unique as it is effective.
Additional ingredients like niacinamide, probiotics and caffeine round out this repairing formulation — all ingredients that are beloved by HuffPost editors and readers alike. It”s such a great product that it was awarded a HuffPicks seal of approval.
I have covered countless serums in my many years of beauty reporting, but this one covers all my must-have bases. I’ve been using it for about about three months and have noticed that my skin is significantly more hydrated, glowy and bouncy. It might not directly be contributing to the active fading of melasma, but the all around brightening and glowy effect has made a big difference in my overall appearance. I’m a convert for life!
Amazon
A powerful retinal that doesn’t strip the skin
After finally connecting the dots between prescription tretinoin and my recurring bouts of perioral dermatitis, I was reticent to add a retinol back into my routine — but the popular Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 has been a great addition to my repertoire. It’s a mid-level strength that is powerful enough to be effective but gentle enough to use in tandem with all my other products without negatively affecting my skin.
I had long heard people rave about this highly-rated serum, and now that I’ve been using it consistently, I can’t say I’m surprised. It leaves my skin looking and feeling great. Not only does it address typical signs of aging like wrinkles and texture quickly and efficiently, but it’s also helped to round out my anti-hyperpigmentation routine without stripping my skin of moisture or being overly harsh. The formula is balanced with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help keep skin supple, soft, smooth and hydrated.
Amazon
A jar of AHA toner pads
Few items have impressed me quite as much as these cult-favorite toning facial pads. I’ve ditched most of my traditional AHA serums for these bad boys, and my skin has never looked better. These Medicube pads are designed to help exfoliate, balance and brighten skin, reducing oil production, minimizing breakouts and refining the look of pores. They are formulated with powerful alpha and beta hydroxy acids like white willow bark, vitamin C and calming botanical extracts like lavender to soothe skin.
The pads are thoroughly saturated with liquid (which cannot be said for comparable items), so there is enough product to treat my entire face, neck and chest. Each pad has a textured side and a smooth side, and I love that the container includes tweezers to pull each pad out without contaminating the rest.
I’ve noticed that my skin is softer, smoother and has a really noticeable glow. Most importantly, I’ve detected a decrease in the melasma that has plagued my since pregnancy. They’re incredibly potent, and it’s very obvious to me why they’re so popular. I’ve tried out other exfoliating pads and can confidently say that these are just as, if not more, effective at a fraction of the price.
