Kiehl's Since 1851moisturizerMoisturize step

Kiehl's Since 1851 Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream

This gel cream is designed for those who want hydration without the heaviness of traditional creams. Its oil-free formula is a good choice for managing shine and keeping skin comfortable, especially in warmer weather or for oilier skin types.

Sephora price

$39.00 - $72.00

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

4.4 / 5

About 237 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

HydratingFragrance FreeAlcohol FreeWithout ParabensOil FreeBest for Oily, Combo, Normal SkinGlacial Glycoprotein: Intensely hydrates and maintains skin’s moisture levels.Micronized Amino Acid: Reduces the appearance of sebum and facial shine over time.Oiliness

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

Glass take

4.4 / 5 overall fit

A lightweight, oil-free gel moisturizer that provides hydration without shine, ideal for oily and combination skin types.

Kiehl's Since 1851 Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream

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.

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What Sephora says

What this product is supposed to do

A shine-fighting, cooling gel moisturizer with up to 24 hours of hydrating power for oily and normal skin types.

NormalCombinationand OilyOiliness

Apply to clean facial skin.

Can be used morning and night or as needed.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

A solid, no-fuss moisturizer for oily and combination skin. It excels at providing lightweight hydration and managing shine, making it a reliable daily option. It's not formulated with potent actives, so it fits well into any routine without causing irritation.

Daily staple for oily skin

Many users with oily or combination skin find this to be their go-to moisturizer for daily use, appreciating its ability to keep shine at bay while providing necessary hydration.

Refreshing feel

The cooling gel texture is frequently praised for its refreshing sensation upon application, making it pleasant to use.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

  • Oily skin
  • Combination skin
  • Normal skin
  • Those seeking lightweight hydration
  • Managing facial shine

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

  • You have very dry skin and need rich emollients
  • You are looking for a moisturizer with active anti-aging ingredients

Routine fit

Where this fits in your routine

Apply this gel cream as the last step in your skincare routine, after serums and treatments, both morning and night. It creates a smooth base for makeup if used in the AM.

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

  • Lightweight, non-greasy texture
  • Effective oil and shine control
  • Long-lasting hydration
  • Fragrance-free and alcohol-free formula

Where it starts to feel redundant

  • May not be rich enough for very dry skin
  • Does not contain targeted treatment actives

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Morning and Night

This moisturizer is suitable for both morning and evening application. Use it after cleansing and applying any treatment serums.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.4/ 5 overall

A lightweight, oil-free gel moisturizer that provides hydration without shine, ideal for oily and combination skin types.

Hydration

4.5 / 5

Delivers lasting hydration without feeling heavy or greasy.

Texture

4.6 / 5

The cooling gel texture absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling refreshed.

Oil Control

4.2 / 5

Effectively reduces shine and controls oil throughout the day.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Solvent

Aqua / Water

Badness

0.0 / 10

The base of the formulation.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

Humectant

Glycerin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A common and effective humectant that draws moisture to the skin.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

Humectant

Propanediol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A solvent and humectant that can improve the feel of the product.

Usually helps with

Hydration, Texture

Watch for

Emollient

Dimethicone

Badness

1.0 / 10

A silicone that provides a smooth feel and forms a protective barrier, but can be comedogenic for some.

Usually helps with

Smoothing, Barrier support

Watch for

Potential for clogged pores in acne-prone individuals

Emollient

Isononyl Isononanoate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin, contributing to the product's texture.

Usually helps with

Softening, Smoothing

Watch for

Buffering Agent

Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid

Badness

0.0 / 10

A buffering agent used to adjust pH.

Usually helps with

Formulation stability

Watch for

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol

Badness

2.0 / 10

A common preservative that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Usually helps with

Product preservation

Watch for

Potential for allergic reactions

Thickener

Carbomer

Badness

0.0 / 10

A thickening agent used to create the gel texture.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

Humectant

Butylene Glycol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A solvent and humectant that helps improve product texture and hydration.

Usually helps with

Hydration, Texture

Watch for

Preservative

Chlorphenesin

Badness

2.0 / 10

A preservative that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Usually helps with

Product preservation

Watch for

Potential for allergic reactions

Emollient

Caprylyl Glycol

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emollient and preservative booster that can also help with skin conditioning.

Usually helps with

Skin conditioning, Preservation

Watch for

Emollient

Dimethiconol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A silicone derivative that provides a smooth feel and can help with skin conditioning.

Usually helps with

Smoothing, Texture

Watch for

pH Adjuster

Sodium Hydroxide

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.

Usually helps with

Formulation stability

Watch for

Thickener

Xanthan Gum

Badness

0.0 / 10

A natural gum used as a thickening agent.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

Humectant

Pentylene Glycol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A humectant that also has antimicrobial properties.

Usually helps with

Hydration, Preservation

Watch for

Chelating Agent

Tetrasodium Edta

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the product.

Usually helps with

Formulation stability

Watch for

Antioxidant

Tocopheryl Acetate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A form of Vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant to protect the skin.

Usually helps with

Antioxidant protection

Watch for

Cooling Agent

Menthoxypropanediol

Badness

1.0 / 10

Provides a cooling sensation on the skin.

Usually helps with

Refreshing feel

Watch for

Can be irritating for sensitive skin

Skin Conditioning Agent

Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

A fermented extract that can help with hydration and skin barrier function.

Usually helps with

Hydration, Skin conditioning

Watch for

Humectant

Biosaccharide Gum-1

Badness

0.0 / 10

A polysaccharide that provides moisturizing and soothing benefits.

Usually helps with

Hydration, Soothing

Watch for

Skin Conditioning Agent

Sarcosine

Badness

1.0 / 10

An amino acid derivative that can help regulate sebum production.

Usually helps with

Oil control

Watch for

Exfoliant

Salicylic Acid

Badness

3.0 / 10

A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates inside pores, helping to reduce oiliness and breakouts. Can be drying if overused.

Usually helps with

Pore cleansing, Oil control

Watch for

Potential for dryness or irritation, especially if using other exfoliants

Compare before you buy

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FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Is this moisturizer good for oily skin?

Yes, this oil-free gel cream is specifically formulated for oily and combination skin types, helping to control shine and provide hydration without feeling heavy.

Can I use this if I have sensitive skin?

The formula is fragrance-free and alcohol-free, which is generally good for sensitive skin. However, it does contain Salicylic Acid and Menthoxypropanediol, which could be irritating for some. It's always recommended to patch test first.

How long does the hydration last?

The product claims to provide up to 24 hours of hydrating power.