Kiehl's Since 1851cleanserCleanse step

Kiehl's Since 1851 Mini Ultra Facial Barrier-Hydrating Cleanser

This cleanser transforms from a cream to a foam, effectively removing impurities without compromising skin hydration. It's a solid choice for daily cleansing, especially for those with dry or normal skin.

Sephora price

$19.00

Price matters most when you are trying to learn whether this lane belongs in your routine without turning the test into a luxury gamble.

Sephora reviews

4.2 / 5

About 39 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

Best for Dry, Combo, Normal SkinGood for: Skin BarrierNon-ComedogenicWithout ParabensGood for: DrynessFragrance FreeSqualane: Helps support skin’s barrier, keeping it soft and moisturized.Glycerin: Hydrates and helps skin retain moisture.Amino Acid: Effectively cleanses skin while nourishing skin barrier.DrynessDullnessand Acne/Blemishes

These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.

Glass take

4.2 / 5 overall fit

A gentle, hydrating cleanser that effectively removes makeup and sunscreen without stripping the skin. Ideal for dry, normal, and combination skin types.

Kiehl's Since 1851 Mini Ultra Facial Barrier-Hydrating Cleanser

Sephora snapshot refreshed April 23, 2026

Price, rating, review count, and source status come from Sephora. Glass adds the routine fit, overlap risk, and what to compare next.

View Sephora

What Sephora says

What this product is supposed to do

A hydrating cream-to-foam cleanser that removes makeup and sunscreen while providing hydration.

NormalDryand CombinationDrynessDullnessand Acne/Blemishes

Lather formula with water to create creamy foam texture.

Massage over face in circular motion.

Rinse thoroughly and remove excess with a damp washcloth or water.

Gentle enough to use both morning and night.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

A reliable cleanser for dry, normal, and combination skin that prioritizes hydration and barrier support. It effectively removes makeup and sunscreen, making it a good first step in a routine.

Gentle yet effective cleansing

Users appreciate that this cleanser removes makeup and daily grime without leaving their skin feeling tight or stripped.

Hydrating properties

The inclusion of glycerin and squalane is frequently mentioned as a benefit for maintaining skin moisture.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

  • Dry skin
  • Normal skin
  • Combination skin
  • Anyone seeking a hydrating cleanser
  • Supporting a healthy skin barrier

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

  • You have very oily skin and prefer a deep-cleansing, mattifying wash
  • You are looking for an active-ingredient cleanser

Routine fit

Where this cleanser fits

Use this as the first step in your morning or evening skincare routine to remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities. Follow with your preferred treatments and moisturizer.

Why it works

Where it earns the slot and where it does not

The useful question is not whether this product is good in a vacuum. It is whether it makes your routine easier to run or just adds one more bottle with a familiar ingredient on it.

What it actually does well

  • Hydrating formula
  • Supports skin barrier
  • Removes makeup and sunscreen
  • Gentle for daily use
  • Fragrance-free

Where it starts to feel redundant

  • May not be sufficient for very oily skin types
  • Does not contain active exfoliating or treatment ingredients

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Morning and Night

This cleanser is gentle enough for both morning and evening use, making it versatile for any routine.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.2/ 5 overall

A gentle, hydrating cleanser that effectively removes makeup and sunscreen without stripping the skin. Ideal for dry, normal, and combination skin types.

Skin Barrier Support

4.5 / 5

This cleanser is formulated to support the skin barrier, making it a good choice for those concerned with dryness or sensitivity.

Hydration

4.4 / 5

Contains glycerin and squalane to help skin retain moisture, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated after cleansing.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Solvent

Aqua/Water/Eau

Badness

0.0 / 10

The primary solvent in cosmetic formulations.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Glycerin

Badness

0.0 / 10

Draws moisture into the skin, helping to hydrate and prevent dryness. It's a common and effective moisturizing ingredient.

Usually helps with

Dryness, dehydration, all skin types

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A gentle amino acid-based surfactant that creates a creamy lather and cleanses without stripping the skin's natural oils.

Usually helps with

Sensitive skin, dry skin, normal skin

Watch for

Can be slightly drying for very dry skin if not followed by moisturizer.

Viscosity Controlling Agent

Sodium Chloride

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to thicken the product's consistency.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient/Opacifier

Glycol Distearate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Adds a pearlescent appearance and helps to condition the skin.

Usually helps with

Dry skin, normal skin

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mild surfactant that helps to lift dirt and oil from the skin.

Usually helps with

Normal skin, combination skin

Watch for

Can be slightly drying for very sensitive or dry skin.

pH Adjuster

Citric Acid

Badness

1.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the product for optimal performance and skin compatibility.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

High concentrations can be irritating.

Emulsifier/Emollient

Glyceryl Stearate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to mix oil and water components and provides a softening effect on the skin.

Usually helps with

Dry skin, normal skin

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Peg-100 Stearate

Badness

1.0 / 10

Helps to blend oil and water ingredients, creating a stable emulsion.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Some individuals may have sensitivities.

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol

Badness

2.0 / 10

A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can cause allergic reactions in a small percentage of people.

Antioxidant/Preservative Booster

Hydroxyacetophenone

Badness

1.0 / 10

A synthetic antioxidant that also helps to boost the efficacy of preservatives.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Absorbent

Kaolin

Badness

1.0 / 10

A type of clay that can help absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin.

Usually helps with

Oily skin, combination skin

Watch for

Can be drying if used too frequently on dry skin.

Thickener

Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A modified starch used to thicken the product's texture.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient/Humectant

Caprylyl Glycol

Badness

1.0 / 10

Helps to condition the skin and improve its texture, also has some preservative properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Film Former/Thickener

Acrylates Copolymer

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to create a smooth texture and can form a film on the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient/Thickener

Behenyl Alcohol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A fatty alcohol that helps to soften and smooth the skin, and also thickens the product.

Usually helps with

Dry skin, normal skin

Watch for

None

Skin Conditioning Agent

Magnesium Gluconate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A mineral salt that can help condition the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Squalane

Badness

0.0 / 10

A highly stable and biocompatible emollient that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing hydration and supporting the skin barrier without feeling greasy.

Usually helps with

Dry skin, normal skin, combination skin, barrier support

Watch for

None

Chelating Agent

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant/Soothing Agent

Panthenol

Badness

0.0 / 10

Also known as Pro-Vitamin B5, it attracts and holds moisture in the skin, and has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Usually helps with

Dry skin, sensitive skin, irritated skin

Watch for

None

Compare before you buy

The next pages that make this product more useful

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FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Is this cleanser suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, this cleanser is formulated with gentle ingredients like glycerin and squalane, and is fragrance-free, making it a good option for many with sensitive skin. However, always patch test if you have specific sensitivities.

Can this cleanser remove makeup and sunscreen?

Yes, it is designed to effectively remove makeup and sunscreen while providing hydration, making it a good first step in a double cleansing routine.

What skin types is this cleanser best for?

This cleanser is best suited for normal, dry, and combination skin types due to its hydrating and barrier-supporting properties.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Barrier-Hydrating Cleanser Review and Routine Fit | Glass