When we launched the first Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer in the early 1970s, we had no idea that it would become a classic (or part of the Smithsonian Museum’s collection). Today, about 50 years later, the Ultra Facial family comprises 13 products—a handful of which are now cult classics. But while many are familiar with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream (our #1 best-selling face cream worldwide) and gentle Ultra Facial Cleanser, there’s a lot more to this collection than our long-time best-sellers. Encompassing everything from cleansers to toners to overnight masks, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial collection is full of formulas for healthy-looking skin.
Here, we’ll introduce you to the products in the Ultra Facial family. You’ll learn what makes each skincare staple special and how to use them in your own routine. Discover the full lineup ahead.
Ultra Facial Cleansers
As you likely know, washing your face is an essential first step in an effective skincare routine. What you may not realize, however, is that the cleanser you use sets the tone for the rest of your routine—which is why it’s so important to choose the right one. Our Ultra Facial collection contains three distinct cleansers, which we’ll dive into below.
Ultra Facial Cleanser
First up is our iconic Ultra Facial Cleanser. Formulated with renewable squalane, glycerin, and avocado oil, this gentle face wash dissolves dirt and impurities without over-drying the skin. It’s pH-balanced to help maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier and is dermatologist-tested for safety and gentleness. We suggest applying a dime-sized amount of the paraben-free cleanser to damp skin, massaging it onto your face gently, then rinsing with lukewarm water.
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser
Those with oily skin types sometimes find that they prefer using oil-free skincare products. If you fall into this category, Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser is worth a try. The foaming face wash with vitamin C-rich lemon fruit extract and desert plant extract thoroughly cleanses the skin and visibly reduces excess oil. It also helps wash away other impurities without stripping the skin. Use it morning and night as your go-to cleanser to help keep normal or oily skin feeling fresh and balanced.
Ultra Facial Hydrating Concentrated Cleansing Bar
If you’re looking to declutter your counter or cut down on your beauty waste, we suggest snagging Ultra Facial Hydrating Concentrated Cleansing Bar. This unique solid cleanser is 99% biodegradable* and formulated with five times less water** than traditional liquid cleansers. It’s also made with zero plastic packaging, instead coming housed in a paper carton certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). As for its skincare benefits, the solid cream-to-foam bar hydrates as it cleanses, leaving the skin feeling clean and comfortable. And like the original Ultra Facial Cleanser, it’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.
*As per OECD test 301 or equivalents.
**Compared to formula composition of our liquid facial cleanser.
Ultra Facial Toners
We have two facial toners in our Ultra Facial Collection: The original version and an oil-free option for those with oilier skin types. Learn about both of these standouts below.
Ultra Facial Toner
Soothe, tone, and prepare your skin for moisture with Ultra Facial Toner. The alcohol-free formula boasts a blend of emollients, including avocado oil, squalane, apricot kernel oil, and vitamin E, and helps remove debris without stripping the skin. Like many of the other products in our Ultra Facial family, this gentle, hydrating toner is pH-balanced for comfort and suitable for all skin types. We recommend applying it to your face after cleansing with a clean cotton round.
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner
If you’re looking for a facial toner that can help reduce visible shine, Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner fits the bill. This non-drying, alcohol-free toner with desert plant extract helps remove dirt, impurities, and visible oil, leaving your skin healthier-looking over time. As with the original version, we recommend applying this toner to just-cleansed skin with a clean cotton round, avoiding the immediate eye area.
Ultra Facial Creams
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is a staple—as we mentioned earlier, the hydrating formula is our best-selling face cream worldwide. Here, learn about the original Ultra Facial Cream, plus other face moisturizers in our Ultra Facial collection.
Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane
Dual-action squalane and glycerin are two of the key ingredients in our iconic Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane, a lightweight cream moisturizer suitable for all skin types. The fast-absorbing formula delivers instant hydration, keeping the skin feeling moisturized for up to 24 hours. In addition, the best-selling moisturizer helps restore, strengthen, and protect the skin’s natural moisture barrier. A dime-sized amount is all you need: Just apply it to your face and neck as the final step in your morning and nighttime skincare routine for smoother, softer, and healthier-looking skin over time.
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Moisturizer is a Kiehl’s favorite amongst those with oilier skin types. This ultra-light gel cream absorbs immediately with a cool, refreshing feel and helps maintain skin’s natural moisture balance. Over time, the non-comedogenic moisturizer helps visibly reduce shine and diminishes the appearance of enlarged pores. Plus, the alcohol-free and fragrance-free formula comes packaged in 100% recyclable plastic, showcasing our ongoing efforts to build a Future Made Better. Use it morning and night or as needed to help keep your skin hydrated, balanced, and fresh-feeling.
Ultra Facial Moisturizer
For those who love the classics, Ultra Facial Moisturizer is a must-try. First introduced approximately 50 years ago, this daily moisturizer delivers all-day hydration to help soften and nourish all skin types. Moreover, the mild moisturizer was the catalyst that inspired the entire Ultra Facial collection—which in our eyes, makes it something of an institution. Apply a small amount to cleansed, toned skin at the end of your skincare routine for lightweight yet long-lasting hydration. (Not sure how to pick between Ultra Facial Cream and Moisturizer? The latter is slightly richer if your skin needs more moisture!)
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion
Our decades-beloved Ultra Facial Moisturizer also comes in an oil-free variety specifically designed for those with normal-to-oily skin types. Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion boasts a lightweight texture that deeply conditions skin without leaving it feeling greasy. In fact, it helps to visibly reduce excess oil on the skin’s surface, leaving you with a more balanced appearance over time.
Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
For those with dry, damaged skin, there’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream. The rich cream formula with colloidal oatmeal helps repair the natural moisture barrier of dry, distressed skin. Our reparative formula also helps alleviate irritation, leaving the skin feeling more comfortable.
Ultra Facial Moisturizers With SPF
Sunscreen is a must, which is why our Ultra Facial collection includes two moisturizers with SPF to help shield your skin against damaging UV rays. Learn about them ahead.
Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 30
Defend your skin from skin-aging UVA and UVB rays with Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 30. Made with squalane, avocado oil, and broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen, this lightweight moisturizer hydrates, smooths, and nurtures skin while helping to protect against sun damage. Apply liberally to your face and neck at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply at least every two hours.
Remember that sunscreen is just one part of sun safety. To further protect your skin, it’s best to stick to the shade whenever possible and avoid direct sunlight at midday.
Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30
Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 boasts many of the same qualities as the original Ultra Facial Cream but with the added benefit of broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen. The lightweight formula has a non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. Apply it as the final step in your morning skincare routine and reapply every two hours (or after sweating or swimming) for hydrated, healthy-looking skin.
Ultra Facial Mask
While Kiehl’s Ultra Facial family consists mainly of daily staples, there’s also a skin-pampering treat in the collection—a nourishing, multi-purpose overnight face mask. Find details on this ultra-luxe treatment below.
Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane
If you’re prone to dryness or irritation, an overnight mask may be what your skin needs to look and feel its best. Enter: Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask With 10.5% Squalane. The transformative balm-to-oil formula delivers intense hydration and helps minimize overnight moisture loss. It also helps strengthen your skin’s resilience against environmental aggressors, preventing dryness for up to three days. To use it, smooth a generous layer of the non-comedogenic formula onto clean, dry skin before going to bed. When you wake up, just follow your regular morning skincare routine. As an overnight mask, we recommend usage around three times per week. However, you can also use it as a quick 15-minute mask to address dryness as needed or daily as a gentle, nourishing cleansing balm.