“Spoiler alert : My skin has never looked better “
I’ll be completely honest – my skin has been going through it lately. Between the harsh winter weather, stress from work, and a series of restless nights, my complexion looked dull and lifeless. I was desperate for a change, so I decided to completely overhaul my skincare routine with something that had a reputation for delivering results.
That’s when I committed to testing 10 of Kiehl’s best-selling products for two weeks straight. As someone with dry, freckled skin that occasionally breaks out hormonally, I was curious to see if this cult-favorite brand could live up to its hype.
About My Skin
My skin type: Dry with frequent dehydration, prone to hormonal breakouts around my cycle, and covered in freckles that I actually love
My usual concerns: Dullness, fine lines starting to appear, stubborn dark circles, and the occasional clogged pore
My testing method: I completely replaced my existing routine with 10 Kiehl’s products for two weeks, using them exactly as directed
“The Products I Tested “
1. Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado
My experience: I’ve always been skeptical about eye creams, thinking they were just overpriced moisturizers in tiny jars. This product completely changed my mind. The rich, green-tinted cream feels incredibly nourishing without being heavy, and I noticed it actually helped minimize the appearance of my dark circles thanks to its subtle color-correcting properties.
Pros: Deeply hydrating, absorbs quickly, slight color-correcting effect
Cons: Pricey for the amount you get.
Will I repurchase: Absolutely!
2. Avocado Hydration Mask
My experience: This mask became my Sunday self-care ritual. The chunks of real avocado made application a bit messy (I definitely got some on my bathroom counter), but the results were worth it. My skin felt incredibly soft and plump after each use.
Pros: Intensely nourishing, leaves skin feeling replenished
Cons: Messy to apply, difficult to spread evenly
Will I repurchase: Yes, but I’ll lay down towels first
3. Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
My experience: At 12.5% vitamin C, this serum is no joke. The fragrance is quite strong – almost medicinal – but I got used to it. While I didn’t see dramatic anti-aging results in just two weeks (I’m 29, so I don’t have deep lines yet), I loved how it layered under my other products without pilling.
Pros: High vitamin C concentration, includes hyaluronic acid, great antioxidant protection
Cons: Strong scent that some might find off-putting
Will I repurchase: Yes, for long-term skin health
4. Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing & Dark Circle-Diminishing Vitamin C Eye Serum
My experience: This lightweight serum absorbed beautifully and didn’t irritate my sensitive eye area. I appreciate that it’s gentle enough for daily use. While I didn’t see a dramatic reduction in my dark circles, I’m hopeful about the long-term benefits.
Pros: Gentle formula, lightweight texture, contains beneficial ingredients
Cons: No immediate visible results for dark circles
Will I repurchase: Maybe – I’d like to test it longer
5. Midnight Recovery Concentrate
My experience: This is the product I’d heard about for years, and it lived up to every bit of hype. The face oil gave my dry skin exactly what it needed overnight. I woke up with a natural glow that I hadn’t seen in months. The blend of botanical oils felt luxurious and never caused breakouts.
Pros: Deeply hydrating, creates a beautiful glow, layers well
Cons: Strong fragrance (though I personally enjoyed it)
Will I repurchase: Already ordered a backup
6. Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
My experience: As someone who wears full-coverage foundation regularly, this clay mask was perfect for my weekly deep-clean routine. The Amazonian White Clay really does make your pores feel cleaner. I had to be careful not to leave it on too long since my skin is naturally dry.
Pros: Effective deep cleaning, great for makeup wearers
Cons: Can be drying if left on too long
Will I repurchase: Yes, for weekly use
7. Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
My experience: I’ve had bad experiences with retinol causing irritation and purging, but this formula was incredibly gentle. I was able to use it nightly without any redness or peeling. The addition of peptides and ceramides made my skin feel stronger.
Pros: Gentle enough for nightly use, no irritation, includes skin-barrier supporting ingredients
Cons: No dramatic results in just two weeks
Will I repurchase: Yes, retinol is a long-term investment
8. Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
My experience: This oil cleanser became an essential part of my double-cleansing routine. It melted away even my most stubborn waterproof mascara effortlessly. The squalane-enhanced formula never left my skin feeling stripped or tight.
Pros: Effectively removes all makeup, doesn’t strip skin
Cons: Strong fragrance might irritate sensitive skin
Will I repurchase: Definitely
9. Calendula Deep Cleaning Foaming Face Wash
My experience: This cleanser was designed for normal-to-oily skin, but I found it worked well for my dry skin too. The alcohol-free formula prevented over-drying, and it left my skin feeling genuinely clean without that tight feeling.
Pros: Thorough cleansing, alcohol-free formula, doesn’t over-dry
Cons: Might be too strong for daily use on very dry skin
Will I repurchase: For occasional use when I need a deeper clean
10. Clearly Corrective Brightening and Exfoliating Daily Cleanser
My experience: I was nervous about physical exfoliation after some bad experiences in my teens, but the Pearlstone in this cleanser is much gentler than traditional scrubs. My skin looked noticeably brighter and felt incredibly smooth after use.
Pros: Gentle physical exfoliation, brightening effect, softer skin
Cons: Too harsh for daily use despite the name
Will I repurchase: Yes, for 2-3 times per week
The Verdict
After two weeks of using exclusively Kiehl’s products, I can honestly say my skin has never looked better. The combination of products worked synergistically to address my main concerns: dryness, dullness, and early signs of aging.
What impressed me most:
- The quality of ingredients across all products
- How well the products layered together
- The immediate improvement in my skin’s hydration and glow
- No irritation despite using active ingredients
What could be better:
- The price point is quite high for a complete routine
- Some products have strong fragrances that might not suit everyone
- A few products didn’t deliver on their specific promises (like dark circle reduction)
My final assessment: While Kiehl’s isn’t the most affordable option, the quality justifies the price. I’m planning to incorporate about 7 of these products into my permanent routine.
About Kiehl’s as a Brand
Cruelty-free status: Kiehl’s is not considered cruelty-free as they sell in countries where animal testing is required by law.
Vegan products: The brand doesn’t market itself as vegan, as many products contain honey and beeswax.
Would I Recommend Kiehl’s?
Yes, with reservations about the price point. If you’re looking for high-quality skincare with research-backed ingredients and don’t mind investing in your skin, Kiehl’s delivers on its promises. The products feel luxurious, work well together, and produced visible improvements in my skin’s appearance and health.
My advice? Start with one or two products (I’d recommend the Midnight Recovery Concentrate and Creamy Eye Treatment) and build from there based on your skin’s response and your budget.
