Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, oil-free foaming cleanser formulated for oily to normal skin types. Infused with Desert Plant Extract (Imperata Cylindrica) and Lemon Fruit Extract, this lightweight face wash effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities while leaving skin feeling clean, refreshed, and balanced without over-drying. Paraben-free and fragrance-free formula suitable for sensitive skin.
Desert Plant Extract
Imperata Cylindrica root provides immediate and lasting hydration with high potassium content, preventing over-drying during cleansing.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDesert Plant Extract
Imperata Cylindrica root provides immediate and lasting hydration with high potassium content, preventing over-drying during cleansing.
Lemon Fruit Extract
Rich in Vitamin C with natural astringent qualities that help freshen, stimulate, and brighten the skin.
Kaolin Clay
Natural white clay that gently absorbs excess oil and impurities from pores without stripping essential moisture.
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Beta hydroxy acid that penetrates pores to help unclog and prevent breakouts while gently exfoliating dead skin cells.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains salicylic acid at low concentration. While topical BHA under 2% in wash-off products is generally considered safe, consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy.
Contains fatty acids (Myristic, Palmitic, Stearic, Lauric) in the C12-C18 range that can feed Malassezia yeast, plus a ferment extract. Not suitable for fungal acne-prone skin.
Rated 1/5 for pore-clogging potential. Oil-free formula with kaolin clay helps absorb excess sebum. As a wash-off product, comedogenicity is further reduced.
Fragrance-free and paraben-free formula. Gentle enough for sensitive skin when used as directed. Dermatologist tested for safety.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycerin ~5-10%Proven
A powerful humectant that attracts water to the skin, providing hydration and preventing the cleanser from being overly stripping. Naturally occurring in skin and highly compatible.
- Function: Humectant, skin-identical ingredient
- Benefits: Hydrates, softens, maintains skin moisture
Kaolin ClayProven
A gentle, natural white clay known for its oil-absorbing properties. Helps draw out impurities from pores without over-drying or irritating the skin.
- Function: Oil absorbent, pore cleanser
- Benefits: Controls excess sebum, mattifies, detoxifies
Salicylic Acid <0.5%Proven
A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates oil-filled pores to exfoliate from within. Helps unclog pores, reduce blackheads, and prevent acne breakouts.
- Function: Chemical exfoliant, keratolytic
- Benefits: Unclogs pores, anti-inflammatory, anti-acne
- Research: Well-documented efficacy for acne treatment
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit ExtractPromising
Natural extract rich in Vitamin C and citric acid. Provides astringent properties that help freshen and stimulate the skin while supporting natural radiance.
- Function: Astringent, skin conditioning
- Benefits: Brightening, refreshing, antioxidant
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment ExtractPromising
A marine biotechnology ingredient derived from bacteria found in Antarctic waters. Known for its skin-soothing and protective properties.
- Function: Skin conditioning, protective
- Benefits: Soothing, anti-inflammatory, supports skin barrier
18 ingredients
Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Lauric Acid, Glyceryl Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Kaolin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract/Lemon Fruit Extract, PEG-14M, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step in your skincare routine, morning and/or evening. Follow with the Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner for best results.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water onto your face to dampen the skin. Avoid hot water as it can strip natural oils.
Apply Small Amount
Squeeze a pea-sized amount onto fingertips. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.
Massage Gently
Work into a lather using gentle, upward circular motions. Avoid the immediate eye area. Massage for 30-60 seconds.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel. Follow with toner and moisturizer.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin that gets shiny throughout the day
- You want a cleanser that removes excess oil without over-drying
- You prefer fragrance-free, gentle formulas
- You have enlarged pores or occasional breakouts
- You want a quick-lathering foam texture
- You appreciate premium skincare with quality ingredients
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin
- You're looking for a budget-friendly option
- You're pregnant and want to completely avoid salicylic acid
- You prefer oil-based or balm cleansers
- Your skin is extremely sensitive to any acids
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal match. Kaolin clay and oil-free formula effectively control excess sebum without over-stripping. Leaves skin matte and balanced.
Great for T-zone oiliness while glycerin prevents dry areas from becoming too tight. Well-balanced cleansing action.
Works well for maintaining clean, balanced skin. May be slightly more mattifying than needed but won't cause issues.
May feel too stripping for dry skin types. If using, follow immediately with hydrating toner and rich moisturizer.
Fragrance-free and paraben-free. Gentle enough for most sensitive skin, but patch test first due to salicylic acid content.
Salicylic acid helps unclog pores. Non-comedogenic formula. However, NOT suitable for fungal acne due to fatty acid content.
Results timeline
1-2 MONTHSClean, Fresh Feeling
Skin feels thoroughly cleansed without tightness. Visible reduction in surface oil and shine. Pores appear cleaner.
95% noticedOil Control Improvement
Noticeable reduction in midday shine. Skin feels more balanced throughout the day. Makeup applies more smoothly.
80% noticedClearer Complexion
Fewer breakouts and clogged pores. Blackheads may start to diminish. Overall skin texture appears smoother and more refined.
70% noticedBalanced, Healthy Skin
Consistent oil control and clearer skin maintained. Pores appear minimized. Skin looks healthier and more balanced overall.
65% noticedRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Effectively removes oil and impurities
- Leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed
- Little product needed - lathers well
- Fragrance-free and paraben-free
- Doesn't strip skin like harsher cleansers
- Good for controlling midday shine
- Helps reduce blackheads over time
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
Criticized
- Expensive for a drugstore-level cleanser
- Can be drying for some users
- High pH may not suit all skin types
- Not fungal acne safe
- Tube packaging wastes product
- Small bottle size for the price
- Some experience breakouts initially
- Not effective enough for severe acne
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESContains ceramides and niacinamide for barrier support. 16oz size offers much better value. Slightly less mattifying but gentler overall. Great for oily and normal skin.
Contains zinc pidolate for oil control. French pharmacy formulation with thermal spring water. Slightly more foaming action. Excellent for oily, acne-prone skin.
Ultra-gentle, minimal ingredient formula. Free of dyes, fragrance, parabens. Less oil-controlling but fungal acne safe. Great for sensitive, reactive skin.
Contains 2% salicylic acid for stronger acne-fighting power. More affordable but can be more drying. Good for those who need more active acne treatment.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed between uses.
Squeeze tube with flip-top cap. Opaque packaging protects formula from light degradation.
Yes - 5 fl oz (150ml) exceeds TSA carry-on limits. Purchase travel size or transfer to smaller container.
Frequently asked questions
FAQThis cleanser contains salicylic acid at a low concentration. While topical salicylic acid under 2% in wash-off products is generally considered safe during pregnancy by many dermatologists, Kiehl's does not specifically test products on pregnant or nursing women. We recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as they may advise avoiding any salicylic acid products out of an abundance of caution.
No, this cleanser is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains several fatty acids (Myristic Acid C14, Palmitic Acid C16, Stearic Acid C18, Lauric Acid C12) that fall within the C12-C24 carbon chain length range that Malassezia yeast feeds on. It also contains Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, and ferments are typically problematic for fungal acne. If you have fungal acne, consider alternatives like Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser or Malezia products.
Yes, this cleanser can generally be used alongside other active ingredients since it's a wash-off product with brief skin contact. However, since it contains salicylic acid (BHA), be cautious about over-exfoliation if you're also using leave-on BHA, AHA, or retinol products. Start slowly and monitor for any irritation. If using multiple actives, you might alternate which products you use AM vs PM to reduce potential irritation.
This cleanser is ideal for oily to normal skin types. The oil-free formula with kaolin clay effectively absorbs excess sebum and helps control shine. It also works well for combination skin, particularly those with oily T-zones. While it can be used on sensitive skin (it's fragrance-free and paraben-free), those with very dry or dehydrated skin may find it too stripping. Always follow with a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type.
You'll notice immediately cleaner, less oily skin after each use. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, most users report improved oil control throughout the day. After 3-4 weeks, you may notice fewer breakouts and clearer pores. For optimal results with pore refinement and overall skin texture improvement, allow 1-2 months of consistent twice-daily use.
Use this cleanser as the first step in your skincare routine, both morning and evening. If you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, you may want to double cleanse by using an oil cleanser or micellar water first, followed by this foaming cleanser. After cleansing, follow with toner (such as Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner), then serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only).
This cleanser has a low comedogenic rating of approximately 1/5. It's formulated to be non-comedogenic and contains kaolin clay which actually helps draw impurities from pores. Since it's a wash-off product that doesn't stay on the skin, the risk of pore-clogging is minimal. However, individual reactions vary, and some users have reported initial breakouts during the adjustment period.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal efficacy and safety. Store in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed. The 5 fl oz tube typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use, as only a small amount is needed for each cleanse.
Verdict: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser is a solid, premium cleanser that delivers on its promise to effectively remove oil and impurities without over-drying. The oil-free formula with kaolin clay and salicylic acid makes it particularly well-suited for oily and combination skin types seeking clearer, more balanced skin. While the price point is higher than drugstore alternatives (CeraVe offers similar results at a fraction of the cost), the fragrance-free, paraben-free formula and quality ingredients justify the investment for those who prefer prestige skincare. The main caveats: it's not suitable for fungal acne sufferers, may be too drying for some, and pregnant users should consult their doctor due to the salicylic acid content. Overall, a reliable choice for those seeking effective oil control in an elegant, gentle formula.
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 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Myristic Acid
Perfuming, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Opacifying, Sufactant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Palmitic Acid
Fragrance, Opacifying, Sufactant, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Stearic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Emulsion Stabilising, Emulsifying, Sufactant, Refatting, Cleansing
|
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