Kiehl's Since 1851cleanserCleanse step

Kiehl's Since 1851 Ultra Facial Barrier-Hydrating Cleanser

This cleanser aims to remove makeup and sunscreen while keeping skin hydrated. Its cream-to-foam texture is designed to be gentle, making it suitable for daily use.

Sephora price

$19.00 - $29.00

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 1,223 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

Fragrance FreeBest for Dry, Combo, Normal SkinNon-ComedogenicGood for: Skin BarrierWithout ParabensGood for: DrynessSqualane: 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

4.7 / 5 overall fit

A gentle, hydrating cleanser that effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin. It's a solid choice for normal, dry, and combination skin types, especially those concerned with dryness or dullness.

Kiehl's Since 1851 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

This is a well-formulated cleanser that prioritizes hydration and barrier support. It's a good option for those who find traditional foaming cleansers too stripping, or for anyone looking to add a gentle, effective cleanse to their routine.

Barrier support

Many reviewers mention that this cleanser helps their skin feel more comfortable and less tight after washing, attributing it to the hydrating ingredients like squalane and glycerin.

Makeup removal

While it effectively removes daily makeup and sunscreen, some users note that it requires a second cleanse for stubborn waterproof products.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

  • Normal, dry, and combination skin types
  • Those seeking a gentle, non-stripping cleanser
  • Individuals concerned with dryness or dullness
  • People looking to support their skin barrier

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

  • You prefer a very rich, creamy cleansing balm
  • Your skin is very oily and you prefer a deep-pore cleansing action

Routine fit

Where this cleanser fits

Use this as the first step in your morning or evening routine. Lather with water, massage onto your face, and rinse thoroughly. It's gentle enough for daily use, both AM and PM.

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 and non-stripping
  • Effective at removing makeup and sunscreen
  • Hydrating formula
  • Fragrance-free
  • Supports skin barrier health

Where it starts to feel redundant

  • May not be sufficient for very heavy or waterproof makeup removal on its own
  • Foaming action might not appeal to those who dislike any foam

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Morning and Night

This cleanser is formulated to be gentle enough for use twice a day, making it a versatile option for both your morning and evening skincare routines.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.7/ 5 overall

A gentle, hydrating cleanser that effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin. It's a solid choice for normal, dry, and combination skin types, especially those concerned with dryness or dullness.

Gentle cleansing

4.7 / 5

Users consistently praise its ability to cleanse without causing irritation or dryness, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Hydration

4.6 / 5

The formula leaves skin feeling soft and moisturized, a key benefit for those with dry or compromised barriers.

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, dissolving other ingredients.

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 and soft.

Usually helps with

Dryness, dullness, normal skin

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.

Usually helps with

Normal, dry, combination skin

Watch for

Can be slightly drying for very sensitive skin if overused.

Viscosity Controlling Agent

Sodium Chloride

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to thicken the product's texture.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient/Opacifier

Glycol Distearate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Gives the product a pearly appearance and contributes to a smooth feel.

Usually helps with

Dry, normal skin

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mild surfactant that helps create foam and cleanse the skin.

Usually helps with

Normal, dry, combination skin

Watch for

Less common than SLS, generally well-tolerated.

pH Adjuster

Citric Acid

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to maintain the product's optimal pH level for skin compatibility.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emulsifier/Emollient

Glyceryl Stearate

Badness

0.0 / 10

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

Usually helps with

Dry, normal skin

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Peg-100 Stearate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Works with Glyceryl Stearate to keep the formula stable and create a smooth texture.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol

Badness

2.0 / 10

A common preservative to prevent microbial growth in the product.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can be irritating for a small percentage of people.

Antioxidant/Preservative Booster

Hydroxyacetophenone

Badness

1.0 / 10

Helps protect the formula and can boost the effectiveness of other preservatives.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Absorbent

Kaolin

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mild clay that can help absorb excess oil and impurities.

Usually helps with

Combination, oily skin

Watch for

Can be drying if left on the skin for too long.

Thickener

Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A modified starch used to control the product's viscosity.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient/Humectant

Caprylyl Glycol

Badness

1.0 / 10

Helps to condition the skin and can also act as a preservative booster.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Film Former/Thickener

Acrylates Copolymer

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to create a smooth feel and thicken the product.

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 thicken the formula.

Usually helps with

Dry, 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 skin-identical lipid that moisturizes and helps support the skin barrier.

Usually helps with

Dry, normal, combination skin

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

A form of Vitamin B5 that attracts and holds moisture, and can help soothe the skin.

Usually helps with

Dry, sensitive skin

Watch for

None

Compare before you buy

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FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Is this cleanser good for dry skin?

Yes, this cleanser is specifically formulated with hydrating ingredients like Squalane and Glycerin, making it an excellent choice for dry skin types.

Can I use this cleanser if I have sensitive skin?

This cleanser is fragrance-free and formulated with gentle surfactants, making it suitable for most sensitive skin types. However, always patch-test if you have concerns.

Does this cleanser remove makeup?

Yes, it effectively removes daily makeup and sunscreen. For waterproof or heavy makeup, a double cleanse might be recommended.