Ultra Facial Cream
GoodUltra Facial Cream
Daily moisturisation + barrier support
Kiehl's best-selling moisturiser: a fragrance-free, alcohol-free daily cream with a well-layered emollient base (Squalane, Apricot Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil, Sweet Almond Oil). The f…
Kiehl's best-selling moisturiser: a fragrance-free, alcohol-free daily cream with a well-layered emollient base (Squalane, Apricot Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil, Sweet Almond Oil). The formula includes Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine (a ceramide precursor), Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract (barrier conditioning), and Tocopherol. Salicylic Acid appears at the tail end; at this position, it functions as a preservative booster, not as an active exfoliant at this concentration. Myristyl Myristate (position 10) has some comedogenicity data; those prone to milia or closed comedones should note this. No fragrance, no parabens, no dyes: this is the cleanest product in the Kiehl's range.
This formula is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and free from Alcohol Denat, DMDM Hydantoin, and MIT — a clean safety profile for a daily leave-on moisturiser. One ingredient worth noting for acne-prone users: Myristyl Myristate (a fatty ester emollient) has moderate comedogenicity data in occlusion studies, meaning it can clog pores for some skin types. Chlorphenesin, a halogenated co-preservative, appears at a late position and is within safe limits for leave-on use.
The emollient base is well-layered — Squalane, Apricot Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil, and Sweet Almond Oil are all skin-compatible fats with good evidence for barrier conditioning. Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine is a ceramide precursor that supports the skin's natural barrier lipid cycle. Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract is a marine bioferment with barrier-conditioning activity. This is a heritage formula — not cutting-edge, but the structure is sound and the ingredients are appropriate for the moisturising claim.
Full INCI is published on Kiehl's product page. The formula makes no inflated claims — there's no SPF, no 'clinically proven' language. That said, Kiehl's doesn't disclose the concentration of the ceramide precursor, and the comedogenicity concern from Myristyl Myristate is not mentioned anywhere in the product communication.
Kiehl's is owned by L'Oréal, which sells in mainland China where animal testing can be required by regulation. RSPO certification for palm-derived ingredients has not been independently verified. No PETA certification. Standard plastic and glass packaging.
For Indian consumers: the multi-oil base is well-suited for dry to normal skin but may feel heavy in humid conditions. During monsoon and summer, a lighter gel moisturiser may be preferable. The fragrance-free formula is well-suited for sensitive skin types prevalent in India's pollution-exposed urban population.
| Ingredient | Note | Status |
|---|---|---|
Aqua/Water | Solvent base | Safe |
Glycerin | Humectant, widely studied and safe | Safe |
Dimethicone | Silicone film-former providing smooth application; occlusive and non-sensitising | Safe |
Squalane | Skin-identical emollient, non-comedogenic with excellent barrier support | Safe |
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane | Silicone-PEG emulsifier with low concern at cosmetic use levels | Safe |
Sucrose Stearate | Sugar-derived emulsifier that is mild and skin-compatible | Safe |
Stearyl Alcohol | Fatty alcohol used as emollient and emulsion stabiliser; not drying | Safe |
Myristyl Myristate | Fatty ester emollient with reported moderate comedogenicity in some occlusion studies; relevant for acne-prone skin | Note |
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil | Apricot kernel oil, lightweight with high oleic acid content and skin-softening properties | Safe |
Persea Gratissima Oil | Avocado oil, rich in oleic acid and vitamins with emollient benefits | Safe |
Oryza Sativa Bran Oil | Rice bran oil, an emollient with antioxidant activity from gamma-oryzanol | Safe |
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil | Olive oil, an emollient and antioxidant with high oleic acid content | Safe |
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil | Sweet almond oil, an emollient with skin-conditioning properties | Safe |
Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine | Ceramide precursor that supports barrier lipid synthesis | Safe |
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract | Marine bioferment with barrier-conditioning and antioxidant properties | Safe |
Salicylic Acid | At tail INCI position, functions as a preservative booster and pH adjuster, not as an active exfoliant at this concentration | Safe |
Tocopherol | Vitamin E, an antioxidant | Safe |
Phenoxyethanol | Preservative at typical cosmetic level (~0.5–0.8%) | Safe |
Chlorphenesin | Co-preservative, halogenated; permitted at current concentration with low risk in leave-on at tail position | Note |
Ingredients listed in INCI order as declared on product packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high → low).
Clean Sheet Scores are generated by analysing every ingredient against India, EU, US & Korean safety regulations. No brand sponsorship. No affiliate relationships. Independent science-backed analysis only.
The Clean Sheet does not use fear-based ingredient labels. We assess products through a structured evidence hierarchy:
- What global regulations say
- What toxicology says
- What the formula concentration shows
- What the product format changes
- What the intended user needs
- What testing evidence proves
- What the brand is claiming
