Kiehl's Since 1851cleanserCleanse step

Kiehl's Since 1851 Mini Ultra Facial Gentle Face Cleanser with Glycerin

This is a straightforward cleanser that does its job well. It’s formulated to remove impurities without compromising the skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it a solid choice for daily use.

Sephora price

$16.00

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

4.7 / 5

About 26 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

HydratingFragrance FreeGood for: Skin BarrierWithout Mineral OilWithout ParabensApricot Kernel Oil: Moisturizes and softens skin while helping retain clarity and suppleness.Avocado Oil: Helps to restore the natural moisture of the skin.Squalane (Perhydrosqualene or Perhydrosqualene Vegetal): Restores skin’s natural moisture balance to keep it extra soft and supple.DullnessUneven TextureOiliness

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

Glass take

4.7 / 5 overall fit

A gentle, effective cleanser that balances hydration and oil removal without stripping the skin.

Kiehl's Since 1851 Mini Ultra Facial Gentle Face Cleanser with Glycerin

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 foaming cleanser formulated to help remove excess oil, dirt, and debris.

Normal and DryDullnessUneven TextureOiliness

Apply a small amount to clean fingertips.

Gently massage into damp facial areas in upward, circular motions, avoiding the immediate eye area.

Rinse thoroughly or remove excess with a damp washcloth.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

A reliable daily cleanser that works for a range of skin types, particularly those prone to oiliness or dullness, without causing irritation. It’s a good first step in any routine.

Skin Barrier Support

Users appreciate that this cleanser helps maintain their skin barrier, leaving it feeling soft and supple rather than stripped.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

  • Normal to oily skin types
  • Those seeking a gentle daily cleanser
  • Anyone looking to remove excess oil and debris

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

  • You prefer a very rich, creamy cleanser
  • You are looking for a deep-cleaning, stripping formula

Routine Fit

Where this cleanser fits

Use this as the first step in your morning and/or evening skincare routine. Apply to damp skin, massage gently, and rinse thoroughly. It’s ideal for removing surface impurities before applying treatments or moisturizers.

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

  • Gentle yet effective cleansing
  • Maintains skin hydration
  • Suitable for multiple skin types
  • Fragrance-free formula

Where it starts to feel redundant

  • May not remove heavy or waterproof makeup effectively
  • The 'mini' size might be too small for some users

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Morning and Night

This cleanser is gentle enough for daily use both morning and night. In the morning, it removes overnight buildup. At night, it effectively cleanses away the day's impurities.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.7/ 5 overall

A gentle, effective cleanser that balances hydration and oil removal without stripping the skin.

Gentleness

4.8 / 5

This cleanser is very mild and does not leave skin feeling tight or dry, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Cleansing Power

4.5 / 5

Effectively removes daily grime and light makeup without being harsh.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Solvent

Aqua/Water/Eau

Badness

0.0 / 10

The base of the formulation.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Glycerin

Badness

0.0 / 10

Draws moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated.

Usually helps with

Dry, normal, oily skin

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Decyl Glucoside

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that creates lather and cleanses the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can be drying for very dry skin in high concentrations, but generally well-tolerated.

Surfactant

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

Badness

2.0 / 10

A cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil. It's a good alternative to sulfates.

Usually helps with

Oily, combination skin

Watch for

Can be potentially irritating for very sensitive or dry skin.

Film Former

Acrylates Copolymer

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to create the texture of the product and can form a thin film on the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A very mild amphoteric surfactant that helps to create foam and cleanse gently.

Usually helps with

Sensitive, dry skin

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Lauryl Glucoside

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from sugar and coconut alcohol, used for gentle cleansing.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Peg-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to blend oil and water ingredients and can also act as a cleansing agent.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mild surfactant derived from coconut oil, known for its gentle cleansing and foam-boosting properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Rarely, can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Emollient

Glycol Distearate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Gives the product a pearly appearance and can also condition the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Pentylene Glycol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A multi-functional ingredient that acts as a preservative booster and a humectant.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can be a mild irritant for some sensitive skin types.

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol

Badness

2.0 / 10

A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types.

Emulsifier

Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A non-ionic emulsifier and emollient that helps to solubilize oils and condition the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

pH Adjuster

Sodium Hydroxide

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the product to be skin-friendly.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

In high concentrations, it can be caustic, but it's safe in cosmetic formulations.

pH Adjuster

Citric Acid

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the product.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Preservative

Sodium Benzoate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A common preservative that works well in acidic formulations.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, especially when combined with ascorbic acid.

Viscosity Adjuster

Sodium Chloride

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to thicken the product.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Hydroxyacetophenone

Badness

1.0 / 10

A synthetic antioxidant that also has skin-soothing properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Preservative

Benzoic Acid

Badness

1.0 / 10

A preservative that helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Emollient

Squalane

Badness

0.0 / 10

A highly stable emollient that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing moisture and suppleness.

Usually helps with

Dry, normal, combination skin

Watch for

None

Emollient

Glycine Soja Oil/Soybean Oil

Badness

1.0 / 10

A plant-based oil that can help to soften and smooth the skin.

Usually helps with

Dry, normal skin

Watch for

Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin.

Emollient

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil/Sweet Almond Oil

Badness

1.0 / 10

A rich emollient that softens and conditions the skin.

Usually helps with

Dry, normal skin

Watch for

Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin and an allergen for those with nut allergies.

Emollient

Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil/Apricot Kernel Oil

Badness

1.0 / 10

A lightweight oil that moisturizes and softens the skin.

Usually helps with

Normal, dry skin

Watch for

Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin and an allergen for those with nut allergies.

Antioxidant

Tocopherol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A form of Vitamin E that helps protect the skin from environmental damage.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Ascorbyl Glucoside

Badness

1.0 / 10

A stable derivative of Vitamin C that provides antioxidant benefits and can help brighten the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Persea Gratissima Oil/Avocado Oil

Badness

1.0 / 10

A rich oil that helps to moisturize and nourish the skin.

Usually helps with

Dry, normal skin

Watch for

Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin.

Compare before you buy

The next pages that make this product more useful

A good product page should push you into the next decision, not trap you inside one product page forever. These are the cleaner next clicks.

FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Is this cleanser suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, this cleanser is formulated to be gentle and is fragrance-free, making it a good option for many with sensitive skin. However, always patch-test if you have known sensitivities.

Can this cleanser remove makeup?

It can remove light makeup, but for heavier or waterproof makeup, a dedicated makeup remover or a double-cleansing method is recommended.

What skin types is this cleanser best for?

It is suitable for normal, dry, and oily skin types, and particularly beneficial for those concerned with dullness or uneven texture.

Kiehl's Since 1851 Ultra Facial Gentle Face Cleanser Review and Routine Fit | Glass