Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
Product Description
Product overview
An intensive barrier cream that instantly relieves and repairs dry, sensitive skin. Formulated with Colloidal Oatmeal and Beta-Glucan, this clinically-tested formula mimics skin's lipid structure to support moisture barrier recovery, reduce visible redness, and provide lasting comfort.
Advanced Barrier Technology
Mimics skin's natural lipid structure to repair and fortify the moisture barrier within 1 hour of application.
Texture & feel
SENSORYAdvanced Barrier Technology
Mimics skin's natural lipid structure to repair and fortify the moisture barrier within 1 hour of application.
Colloidal Oatmeal
Rich in anti-inflammatory compounds known to relieve sensitive skin and support skin barrier recovery.
Beta-Glucan Complex
A skin-repairing molecule that transforms dry, sensitized skin into a smoother and healthier appearance.
10-Layer Deep Hydration
Penetrates up to 10 surface skin layers to provide intensive moisture relief and lasting comfort.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains Salicylic Acid (preservative-level concentration). Consult your physician before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Contains fatty acids, esters (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), and ferment extract that may feed Malassezia yeast. Not recommended for fungal acne.
Non-comedogenic formula unlikely to clog pores. Rating: 1/5. Suitable for most acne-prone skin when used as directed.
Clinically tested on 100% sensitive skin with 50% dry to extra dry skin types. NEA Seal of Acceptance for eczema-prone skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSColloidal OatmealProven
FDA-approved skin protectant with well-established anti-inflammatory and barrier-repair properties. The finely ground oat kernels contain avenanthramides that soothe irritation and reduce redness.
- Clinical Evidence: Recognized by FDA as an OTC skin protectant ingredient
- Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, skin-soothing properties
- Best For: Eczema, dry skin, irritation, redness
Beta-GlucanProven
A polysaccharide with intensive skin-repairing and wound-healing properties. Despite its large molecular size, smaller fractions penetrate into the dermis for anti-aging benefits.
- Research: Published study showed significant wrinkle depth reduction after 8 weeks at 0.1%
- Function: Skin repair, mild antioxidant, moisturizer, anti-aging
- Best For: Damaged barrier, sensitive skin, aging concerns
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)Proven
A multi-functional superstar with clinically proven benefits for barrier repair, anti-aging, and skin brightening. Helps regulate oil production and reduce inflammation.
- Concentration: Listed 7th in ingredients, estimated 2-4%
- Benefits: Barrier repair, brightening, anti-inflammatory, oil control
- Synergy: Works well with ceramides and other barrier-supporting ingredients
Ceramide NP 0.4-0.6%Proven
An essential lipid naturally found in skin that makes up the building blocks of a healthy barrier. Helps patch holes and retain moisture.
- Function: Barrier lipid replenishment, moisture retention
- Science: Ceramides make up 50% of skin barrier's lipid content
- Best For: Compromised barrier, very dry skin, aging skin
Adenosine 0.2-0.35%Proven
A naturally occurring cell-signaling compound with wound healing and anti-wrinkle properties. Clinical trials confirm reduction of dynamic wrinkles.
- Clinical Evidence: Proven to reduce dynamic wrinkles at low concentrations
- Function: Anti-aging, wound healing, anti-inflammatory
37 ingredients
Aqua/Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Behenyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Trehalose, Sucrose Polystearate, C12-16 Alcohols, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Tocopherol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ceramide NP, Allantoin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Palmitic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Carbomer, Beta-Glucan, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Caprylyl Glycol, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Cetyl Palmitate, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Colloidal Oatmeal, Sorbitan Olivate, Sorbitan Palmitate, C14-22 Alcohols, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your final moisturizer step OR layer on top of Ultra Facial Cream for extra barrier repair. Can be used day and night.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Prep
Start with clean, freshly toned skin. Apply any serums first and allow them to absorb.
Apply a Dime-Sized Amount
Squeeze out a small amount (about the size of a dime) onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way!
Massage Gently
Gently massage in circular motions, allowing the balm-to-cream formula to smooth into skin. Pay special attention to dry, compromised areas.
Target Problem Areas
Can be applied around dry lips, on windburn, around eyes, on rough patches, or any itchy, irritated skin on face and body.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry to very dry skin
- Your skin barrier is compromised or damaged
- You experience redness due to dryness
- You're using retinol or active ingredients causing irritation
- You have eczema-prone or sensitive skin
- You need intensive repair after harsh weather exposure
- You want a fragrance-free, gentle formula
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
- You have oily skin and prefer lightweight textures
- You need a matte finish for under makeup
- You're looking for a budget-friendly option
- You prefer silicone-based primers for makeup
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESPerfect match. Rich formula provides intensive moisture and barrier repair for severely dry skin. Can be used as primary moisturizer.
Clinically tested on 100% sensitive skin. Fragrance-free, NEA approved. Excellent for calming irritation and redness.
Best used on dry areas only or as a targeted treatment. May feel too rich for T-zone if used all over.
Rich texture may feel too heavy for daily use. Better as a targeted spot treatment for dry patches or post-treatment care.
Non-comedogenic formula (rating 1/5). Excellent for barrier repair when using acne treatments. NOT fungal-acne safe.
Contains adenosine for anti-aging, ceramides for barrier support. Rich texture nourishes aging, thinning skin beautifully.
Results timeline
4 WEEKSInstant Comfort & Relief
Skin feels immediately soothed, soft, and comforted. Dry patches feel moisturized and less tight.
100% felt softer skinBarrier Function Improvement
Clinically proven temporary repair to skin's moisture barrier function. Reduced trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL).
Clinically measured improvementVisible Redness Reduction
Noticeable reduction in visible redness caused by dryness. Skin appears calmer and more even-toned.
29% reduction in rednessTransformed Skin Texture
Skin feels consistently soft, smooth, and healthy-looking. Barrier strength is significantly improved with continued use.
98% felt softer skinRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Immediate relief for dry, irritated skin
- Clinically proven barrier repair in 1 hour
- Award-winning formula (Allure Best of Beauty)
- NEA Seal of Acceptance for eczema
- Fragrance-free and gentle formula
- Works well under makeup after absorbing
- Great for post-retinol and post-treatment care
- A little goes a long way
- Reduces visible redness from dryness
Criticized
- Premium price ($48 for 50ml)
- Too rich for oily skin types
- Not fungal acne safe
- Can feel slightly tacky initially
- Tube packaging difficult when product runs low
- Contains salicylic acid (pregnancy concern)
- May pill under certain sunscreens or makeup
- Only available in one size
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESContains 3 essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and MVE technology for sustained release. Larger 16oz size. Lighter texture, lacks colloidal oatmeal and beta-glucan. Fragrance-free.
Similar ceramide and squalane formula. Lighter texture, 5 key ceramides, hyaluronic acid. Dermatologist-recommended for sensitive skin. More suitable for all skin types.
Also contains colloidal oatmeal and shea butter. Rich, whipped texture. Available in larger sizes for better value. Includes FAB Antioxidant Booster blend.
Features panthenol (B5), madecassoside, and shea butter. More occlusive texture. Excellent for very damaged skin but may feel heavier. Multi-purpose for face and body.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Room temperature is ideal.
Squeezable tube with flip-top cap for hygienic dispensing
Yes, 50ml is under the 100ml TSA liquid limit for carry-on bags
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. The formula contains Salicylic Acid as a preservative in a very low concentration. While topical salicylic acid at low concentrations is generally considered low-risk, some healthcare providers recommend avoiding it during pregnancy. Kiehl's states they do not specifically test products on pregnant or nursing women. We recommend consulting your physician before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
No, this product is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that may feed Malassezia yeast, including Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (fatty acid esters), Palmitic Acid, Cetyl Palmitate, and Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract. If you have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis), consider alternatives like CeraVe PM Lotion or products specifically formulated to be FA-safe.
Yes, absolutely! This cream is excellent for use with active ingredients. Many users specifically use it to buffer the irritating effects of retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Apply your actives first, wait a few minutes for absorption, then apply this barrier cream to seal in moisture and soothe potential irritation. It's particularly popular for use over retinol at night.
This cream is BEST for dry to very dry skin, sensitive skin, and anyone with a compromised moisture barrier. It's also excellent for eczema-prone skin (NEA Seal of Acceptance). Those with combination skin can use it on dry areas only. Oily skin types may find it too rich for all-over daily use but can still use it as a targeted treatment. It's clinically tested on 100% sensitive skin with 50% dry to extra dry skin types.
Results are progressive: Immediate comfort and softness upon first application. Clinical studies show barrier function improvement within 1 hour. Visible reduction in redness (29%) after 1 week of use. After 4 weeks, 98% of users reported their skin felt softer. For best results, use consistently day and night on dry, sensitive areas.
Apply as your moisturizer step, after cleansing, toning, and serums. Use it in place of your regular moisturizer OR layer it on top of Ultra Facial Cream for extra barrier repair. For daytime, follow with sunscreen. It can be used both morning and night. Give it 1-2 minutes to absorb before applying makeup or sunscreen to prevent pilling.
The formula is non-comedogenic with a low comedogenic rating of approximately 1/5. It contains no known highly comedogenic ingredients and is suitable for most acne-prone skin when used as directed. However, individual skin reactions can vary. If you have very acne-prone skin, consider patch testing first or using it only on dry, non-breakout-prone areas.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal efficacy and safety. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The 50ml tube typically lasts 2-3 months with daily use on the face, as a little goes a long way with this rich formula.
Verdict: The Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream is an excellent, clinically-proven barrier repair cream that delivers on its promises of instant relief and lasting moisture barrier support. With its Allure Best of Beauty award and NEA Seal of Acceptance, it's a reliable choice for dry, sensitive, and compromised skin. The premium price point is justified by effective key ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, beta-glucan, and ceramides. However, it's not suitable for fungal acne sufferers, and those seeking budget-friendly options have worthy alternatives in CeraVe or Vanicream. Ideal as an SOS treatment or winter skincare essential for anyone serious about barrier health.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Binding Agent, Binding
|
|
|
| 1 |
Pentylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|







