Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Soft Cream
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
MoisturizingPalmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Niacinamide + 16 moreStrong evidence
“What it is: A refreshing, lightweight moisturizer that targets seven key signs of aging.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
betaine, glycerin.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, dimethiconol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1
Evens skin toneNiacinamideStrong evidence
“What Else You Need to Know: Kiehl's seven-in-one, multi-corrective moisturizer visibly firms and lifts skin while reducing the appearance of wrinkles, boosting radiance, and improving skin’s elasticity to create a smoother texture and more even tone.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Anti-agingAdenosine, Niacinamide + 2 moreStrong evidence
“What it is: A refreshing, lightweight moisturizer that targets seven key signs of aging.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine, niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · NiacinamideStrong evidence
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., MenthoxypropanediolMedium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Glycerin~4–6%
- 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 GlycerinHydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol~3.5–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A sugar-derived compound that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might be able to stimulate synthesis of skin's own moisturizing factors, but solid research is lacking. It could be irritating
More about Hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriolNiacinamide~2.6–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideAlcohol denat.~2–3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Dimethicone~1.7–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeButylene glycol~1.4–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolPropylene glycol~1.2–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolBetaine~0.95–1.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineCoco-caprylate/caprate~0.55–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
More about Coco-caprylate/caprateSqualane~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneCaprylyl methicone~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin
More about Caprylyl methiconeAmmonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerHydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to regulate product's pH, but can be also used as an exfoliator when included in higher concentrations. There is a controversy about whether it can generate free radicals and induce skin cell damage when used in topical products
More about Hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acidInonotus obliquus extract~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Adenosine~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
More about AdenosineCapryloyl glycine~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together, preserve cosmetic products, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Capryloyl glycineMenthoxypropanediol~0.1–0.45%
Methyldihydrojasmonate~0.1–0.45%
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Palmitoyl tripeptide-1~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-1Sodium hydroxide~0.05–0.3%
Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps stabilize the product formulation
More about Tetrasodium glutamate diacetateTocopheryl acetate~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetateHydrogenated lecithin~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerAluminum starch octenylsuccinate~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product's consistency
More about Aluminum starch octenylsuccinateCarbomer~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerCetearyl alcohol~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholCetearyl glucoside~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture
More about Cetearyl glucosidePolysorbate 20~0.1–0.35%
Sodium lactate~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
More about Sodium lactateT-butyl alcohol~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to dissolve other ingredients and to improve smell of products. It could be irritating
More about T-butyl alcoholDimethiconol~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time
More about DimethiconolStearyl dimethicone~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Stearyl dimethiconeChlorphenesin~0.01–0.1%
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol, Niacinamide, Alcohol denat., Dimethicone, Butylene glycol, Propylene glycol, Betaine, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Squalane, Caprylyl methicone, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid, Inonotus obliquus extract, Adenosine, Capryloyl glycine, Menthoxypropanediol, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Sodium hydroxide, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Tocopheryl acetate, Hydrogenated lecithin, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Carbomer, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl glucoside, Polysorbate 20, Sodium lactate, T-butyl alcohol, Dimethiconol, Stearyl dimethicone, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol
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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'sSuper Multi-Corrective Soft CreamYOUR PRODUCT | Institut EsthedermEXCELLAGE CREAM | NEOGEN X SUR.MEDICProbiotics Youth Repair Cream | EyenlipSalmon & Peptide Nutrition Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 87% | 86% | 86% |
| Price | $75.32 | $82.35+$7.03 | $24.30−$51.02 | $17.01−$58.31 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 8 of 13 | 9 of 13 | 7 of 13 |
| Key difference | — | Madecassic Acid | Hexapeptide-11 | Copper Tripeptide-1 |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "Kiehl's - Super Multi-Corrective Soft Cream" works well for improving skin hydration As we expect from a proper moisturizer, the formula includes a combo of effective humectants and emollients. These are the two different types of ingredients that are essential for improving the skin hydration and supporting a healthy skin barrier. Betaine, glycerin, butylene glycol and propylene glycol in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, stearyl dimethicone, dimethicone and dimethiconol in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.
Ingredient callouts
- We love that this moisturizer contains a good concentration of niacinamide 2.60% - 3.90%. Niacinamide is a perfect active in a moistruizer because it helps calm down inflamation in skin and support the skin barrier. More than that, it is helpful for most common skin concerns: it helps regulat oil production, help reduce acne and clogged pores, improve skin tone and prevent pigmentation marks. It also helps fight photodamage.
- This moisturizer also contains Peptides (palmitoyl tripeptide-1 0.10% - 0.40% and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 0.10% - 0.45%). Peptides are a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of aminoacids. Our skin produces Peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of Peptides is, but it is very likely that they are helpful. Peptides might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.
- Adenosine 0.10% - 0.40%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).
Irritation risk
We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 56.50£ in the United Kingdom, for 103.00CA$ in Canada and for 76.00$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.
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