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

This foaming cleanser from Kiehl's is designed to lift away dirt and excess oil. It contains glycerin, known for its hydrating properties, and a blend of nourishing oils like apricot kernel, avocado, and squalane to help maintain skin's moisture balance.

Sephora price

$16.00 - $26.00

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

4.3 / 5

About 972 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

HydratingFragrance FreeWithout ParabensWithout Mineral OilGood for: Skin BarrierApricot 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

4.3 / 5 overall fit

A solid, no-frills cleanser that effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin. It's a good option for most skin types, especially those looking for a gentle yet effective cleanse.

Kiehl's Since 1851 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.

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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 dependable daily cleanser that performs its core function well. It’s a good choice if you need a straightforward product to remove impurities without adding complexity or potential irritation to your routine.

Daily essential

Many users describe this as their go-to daily cleanser, appreciating its consistent performance and gentle nature.

Skin barrier support

The inclusion of moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and various oils is noted for helping to maintain skin's natural barrier.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

  • Normal to dry skin types
  • Those seeking a gentle daily cleanser
  • Anyone needing to remove light makeup or excess oil

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

  • You prefer a very rich, creamy cleanser
  • You have extremely sensitive skin that reacts to any form of cleansing agent

Routine fit

Your daily cleanse, simplified

This cleanser fits seamlessly into any morning or evening routine. Use it as the first step to remove impurities before applying treatments or moisturizers. Its gentle nature means it won't interfere with other active ingredients in your regimen.

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 formula
  • Effective cleansing
  • Hydrating ingredients
  • Fragrance-free

Where it starts to feel redundant

  • May not remove heavy, waterproof makeup effectively on its own
  • Foaming action might not appeal to everyone

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Morning and Night

Suitable for both morning and evening use. In the morning, it preps skin for the day; at night, it effectively removes the day's buildup.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.3/ 5 overall

A solid, no-frills cleanser that effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin. It's a good option for most skin types, especially those looking for a gentle yet effective cleanse.

Gentleness

4.5 / 5

This cleanser is remarkably gentle, making it suitable for daily use without causing irritation or dryness.

Cleansing Efficacy

4.2 / 5

Effectively removes makeup, oil, and daily grime, leaving skin feeling clean but not tight.

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 into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and soft.

Usually helps with

Dryness, hydration

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Decyl Glucoside

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mild, plant-derived surfactant used for cleansing.

Usually helps with

Gentle cleansing

Watch for

Can be drying for some if used in high concentrations

Surfactant

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

Badness

3.0 / 10

A cleansing agent that creates lather. It's effective but can be stripping for very dry or sensitive skin.

Usually helps with

Oiliness, effective cleansing

Watch for

Potential for dryness or irritation

Film Former

Acrylates Copolymer

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to create a smooth texture and can contribute to the product's consistency.

Usually helps with

Product texture

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

Gentle cleansing, foam boosting

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

Gentle cleansing

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Peg-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to blend oil and water components in the formula.

Usually helps with

Product stability

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Badness

2.0 / 10

A commonly used surfactant that provides foam and helps cleanse. It can sometimes cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Usually helps with

Foaming, cleansing

Watch for

Potential for mild irritation in sensitive skin

Emollient

Glycol Distearate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Gives the product a pearly appearance and provides emollient properties.

Usually helps with

Product appearance, skin softening

Watch for

None

Humectant

Pentylene Glycol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A moisturizing agent that also helps to preserve the product.

Usually helps with

Hydration, preservation

Watch for

None

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol

Badness

2.0 / 10

A common preservative to prevent microbial growth. Can be irritating for some.

Usually helps with

Product preservation

Watch for

Potential for irritation

Emulsifier

Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to solubilize oils and fragrances, and can have emollient properties.

Usually helps with

Product texture, emulsification

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

Product stability

Watch for

None

pH Adjuster

Citric Acid

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the product.

Usually helps with

Product stability

Watch for

None

Preservative

Sodium Benzoate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A common preservative that helps prevent bacterial growth.

Usually helps with

Product preservation

Watch for

Can be irritating for some, especially in combination with Vitamin C

Viscosity Adjuster

Sodium Chloride

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to thicken the product.

Usually helps with

Product texture

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Hydroxyacetophenone

Badness

1.0 / 10

A synthetic antioxidant that also has skin-soothing properties.

Usually helps with

Skin soothing, antioxidant protection

Watch for

None

Preservative

Benzoic Acid

Badness

1.0 / 10

A preservative that helps prevent the growth of microorganisms.

Usually helps with

Product preservation

Watch for

Can be irritating for some

Emollient

Squalane

Badness

0.0 / 10

A highly stable emollient that mimics skin's natural oils, providing moisture and softness without greasiness.

Usually helps with

Dryness, softening, barrier support

Watch for

None

Emollient

Glycine Soja Oil/Soybean Oil

Badness

1.0 / 10

A plant-derived oil that can help soften and condition the skin.

Usually helps with

Softening, conditioning

Watch for

Potential allergen for those with soy sensitivities

Emollient

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil/Sweet Almond Oil

Badness

1.0 / 10

A nourishing oil that softens and moisturizes the skin.

Usually helps with

Dryness, softening

Watch for

Nut allergen for those with tree nut allergies

Emollient

Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil/Apricot Kernel Oil

Badness

1.0 / 10

Rich in fatty acids, it moisturizes and helps skin retain suppleness.

Usually helps with

Moisturizing, softening

Watch for

Nut allergen for those with tree nut allergies

Antioxidant

Tocopherol

Badness

1.0 / 10

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

Usually helps with

Antioxidant protection

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Ascorbyl Glucoside

Badness

2.0 / 10

A stable derivative of Vitamin C that offers antioxidant benefits and can help brighten skin over time.

Usually helps with

Brightening, antioxidant protection

Watch for

Can cause mild tingling for some sensitive skin types

Emollient

Persea Gratissima Oil/Avocado Oil

Badness

1.0 / 10

Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it helps to restore and maintain skin's moisture.

Usually helps with

Dryness, barrier support

Watch for

None

Compare before you buy

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FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Is this cleanser suitable for oily skin?

Yes, while it's gentle and hydrating, it effectively removes excess oil without stripping the skin, making it suitable for oily and combination skin types as well.

Does this cleanser contain fragrance?

No, this cleanser is formulated without fragrance, making it a good option for those sensitive to scents.

Can this cleanser remove makeup?

It can remove light makeup and daily impurities. For heavier or waterproof makeup, a dedicated makeup remover or a double cleansing method might be more effective.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Gentle Face Cleanser with Glycerin Review and Routine Fit | Glass