Kiehl's Age Defender Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleanser
Works for
CleansingCoco-glucoside, Coco-betaine + 1 moreCleanses gently
“As a daily face wash, Kiehl's Age Defender Cleanser removes dirt and oil from the skin for a deep, refreshing clean.”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (coco-betaine, coco-glucoside, sodium cocoyl glycinate) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.
Even though this formulation is mild, the following cleansing agents could trigger an irritation or allergy for some people: coco-betaine, coco-glucoside
ExfoliationSalicylic acid ~0.1–0.45%, below the ~0.5% it needsUnder-dosed
“This charcoal coloured cleanser has been formulated with Moroccan lava clay, in addition to phytic acid, a plant-based botanical sourced from Japan that works to exfoliate the skin for a smoother, more youthful appearance.”
This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Parfum + 3 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Kaolin~4.5–6.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of clay that consists mainly of aluminum silicate. Helps absorb oil and creates a thicker product consistency. Can be used to add a white color
More about KaolinCoco-glucoside~4.6–6.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritating
More about Coco-glucosideGlycerin~2.6–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinAlcohol denat.~2–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Sodium cocoyl glycinate~1.7–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium cocoyl glycinateCoco-betaine~1.7–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent. Can be allergenic
More about Coco-betaineAcrylates copolymer~1.3–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen) and create a thicker product consistency
More about Acrylates copolymerSilica~1.3–1.9%
Prunus armeniaca seed powder~0.9–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Moroccan lava clay~0.8–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps absorb oil (for the time of application) and creates a thicker product consistency
More about Moroccan lava clayPhytic acid~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmetics
More about Phytic acidPeg-14m~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium chloride~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chloridePhenoxyethanol~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolSodium hydroxide~0.1–0.45%
Parfum~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumSodium benzoate~0.1–0.5%
Salicylic acid~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
More about Salicylic acidTocopherol~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolLimonene~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneCitrus aurantium dulcis peel powder~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Charcoal powder~0.15–0.55%
Titanium dioxide~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxidePolyglycerin-10~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polyglyceryl-10 myristate~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polyglyceryl-10 stearate~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together and softens the upper layer of the skin
More about Polyglyceryl-10 stearateLinalool~0.05–0.25%
Citric acid~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidSodium dehydroacetate~0.05–0.25%
Ingredient list view
Water, Kaolin, Coco-glucoside, Glycerin, Alcohol denat., Sodium cocoyl glycinate, Coco-betaine, Acrylates copolymer, Silica, Prunus armeniaca seed powder, Moroccan lava clay, Phytic acid, Peg-14m, Sodium chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium hydroxide, Parfum, Sodium benzoate, Salicylic acid, Tocopherol, Limonene, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel powder, Charcoal powder, Titanium dioxide, Polyglycerin-10, Polyglyceryl-10 myristate, Polyglyceryl-10 stearate, Linalool, Citric acid, Sodium dehydroacetate
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
Affiliate links
Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| Kiehl'sAge Defender Dual-Action Exfoliating CleanserYOUR PRODUCT | Merci HandyFacial Cleansing Gel | VichyNormaderm Phytosolution Volcanic Mattifying Cleansing Cream | ROUND LAB1025 Dokdo Bubble Foam | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 87% | 86% | 86% |
| Price | — | — | $21.96 | $12.86 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 7 | 4 of 7 | 3 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Niacinamide | Panthenol |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Colleen Rothschild Beauty Purifying CleanserGleamin Clarifying Brightening Cleanser
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Allergen of the Year—Alkyl Glucosidepracticeupdate.com
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6Cosmetic and dermatologic use of alpha hydroxy acidsonlinelibrary.wiley.com
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.