Skip to content
Published Standard. Edition 2026.About GlowEditorial StandardsSubscribe
The Glow
IndependentNo paid placements, ever 73Products in database 0Paid placements accepted Apr 2026Last audited

Kiehl's: the honest verdict.

The 1851 New York apothecary that entered the Australian skincare shelf in the 2000s. Tested across three flagships over 10 weeks.

8.8/10
Glow score
Position
Premium · Heritage
Founded
1851 · New York, USA
Available at
Adore Beauty, Sephora AU, David Jones
Reviewed by
The Glow Editorial Team · Editorial Team
Independent editorial team · glow.com.au/authors/
Updated
April 2026
The verdict

Heritage that earned its place — with limits.

Kiehl's has the rare combination of genuine heritage and consistent product quality. Midnight Recovery remains the best lavender-scented facial oil on the AU shelf. Ultra Facial Cream is reliable. The brand's research-backed formulations feel credible without being cold. Priced premium but fair. Rarely drops an all-time bad product.

What they do right

  • 170 years of heritage earned, not claimed
  • Midnight Recovery is still exceptional
  • Research-backed formulations
  • Gentle on sensitive skin

What to know

  • Premium pricing for what are often simple formulas
  • Some products feel dated

"The retinol ranking is the only skincare thing I've bookmarked. Every time I see a new product launch I check here first."

— Jess M. · Sydney · Reader since 2023