Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream Review: Would Users Buy It Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this product in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of expert reviews, retailer ratings, ingredient information and user comments, all listed at the end of this article. Our method.
A light gel-cream for oily skin, but evidence is thin
DermFND reports an Amazon average of 4.3 out of 5 from 650 ratings and scores the ingredient quality 8.2 out of 10. Skinsort has only 14 reviews (3.9 out of 5), where the top themes are that it feels light and absorbs well. It is fragrance-free and best suited to oily and combination skin; DermFND notes it is not ideal for dry or sensitive skin. Independent expert tests were hard to find, so treat this as a provisional verdict.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- have oily or combination skin
- want a light gel-cream under makeup or sunscreen
- want a fragrance-free moisturizer
Skip it if you…
- have dry or sensitive skin
- are prone to fungal acne
- want a heavily moisturizing cream
This review summarizes ratings and ingredient information and is not medical advice. If you have acne, eczema, rosacea or another skin condition, talk to a dermatologist. Reactions to skincare vary from person to person.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream is a light gel-cream for oily skin. Its headline ingredients include glycerin, an Antarctic-derived glycoprotein, sarcosine for oil balance and a small amount of salicylic acid.
We found limited independent testing, so this review relies on two ingredient databases and retailer ratings.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key details
| Texture | Light gel-cream |
|---|---|
| Made for | Oily and combination skin |
| Notable ingredients | Glycerin, Antarctic-derived glycoprotein, sarcosine, salicylic acid, vitamin E |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free |
| Silicones | Contains dimethicone |
What users love
What users complain about
Is the premium justified?
It is a pleasant, light gel-cream, but the lightweight hydrating job is done well by cheaper gel moisturizers, and independent testing is scarce. It makes sense if you like the texture and have oily skin.
Tips from users
- Patch-test if your skin is reactive, since it contains salicylic acid.
- Use sunscreen in the morning.
- Switch to a creamier moisturizer if your skin feels tight.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Light, quick-absorbing texture
- Fragrance-free
- Ingredient quality rated well
- Suited to oily and combination skin
What owners complain about
- Not ideal for dry or sensitive skin
- Not fungal-acne safe per both databases
- Premium-priced for a light gel-cream
- Little independent testing
Other options users compare
These are the moisturizers most often compared with Kiehl's Ultra Facial Gel Cream.
| Product | Known for | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream (this review) | Light fragrance-free gel-cream | You have oily or combination skin | See on Amazon |
| Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Read our review | Light hyaluronic acid gel | You want light hydration for less | See on Amazon |
| CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion | Light lotion with ceramides | You want a gentle night moisturizer | See on Amazon |
Want a light gel-cream for oily skin?
Check current sizes and prices on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Gel Cream fragrance-free?
Yes. Skinsort and DermFND both list it as fragrance-free.
Is it good for dry skin?
DermFND says it is not ideal for dry or sensitive skin.
Does it contain salicylic acid?
Yes, according to Skinsort and DermFND, which flag it as a possible irritant for reactive skin.
Is it safe for fungal acne?
Both databases mark it as not fungal-acne safe.
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Sources we analyzed
- Skinsort: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream — review themes and ingredient flags
- DermFND: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream — ingredient analysis and ratings
Figures reflect each source as of October 20, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.