Made with 10 or fewer ingredients, Kiehl's newest trio of facial serums boasts a clean and vegan formulation. Free of colorants and fragrances, the Ultra Pure High Potency Serums target common skin concerns such as dryness, textures, and enlarged pores. To read about each of the three serums, click......
This is a simple, hydrating serum made with sodium hyaluronate for some plumping action. The formulation contains no silicones or drying alcohols (other than a small amount as a preservative) and has a slightly viscous liquid consistency. Personally, I don't see the necessity of buying a hyaluronic acid (HA) serum since pretty much all skin care products contain some level/form of HA nowadays. Even the other two serums in this range from Kiehl's contain HA so unless all you are looking for is hydration, the Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid feels a bit redundant.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid
Formulated with glycolic acid, this is a smoothing serum that minimizes pores and skin textures. Again, as you can see in the ingredient list below, the formulation is very minimal but does contain sodium hyaluronate for hydration. I've not used AHAs for some time now due to sensitivities so I've not actually tried this. However, 9.8% is a pretty healthy dose of exfoliant so I would advise incorporating this more slowly into your skincare routine if you are new to alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethylcellulose
Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 5.0% Niacinamide (C$35 for 30 ml):
Kiehl's | Ultra Pure High-Potency Serums |
Last but not least is a pore-minimizing and oil-reducing serum formulated with niacinamide or vitamin B3. Also containing sodium hyaluronate for hydration, the Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 5.0% Niacinamide is definitely my favorite of the three as I love niacinamide. As someone with combination skin with enlarged pores, niacinamide really helps smooth and tighten pores without causing any irritations.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Propanediol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide
Availability:
Kiehl's is available in stores and online at Sephora, Kiehl's, Nordstrom, and Hudson's Bay.
Kiehl's | Ultra Pure High-Potency Serums |
It's worth noting that all three serums are packaged in clear glass bottles topped with a convenient dropper dispenser. Overall, I like the simple, clean formulation behind this collection. My only gripe is the pricing as these serums immediately bring to mind similar products from The Ordinary by DECIEM. However, Kiehl's serums cost more than double that of The Ordinary, which makes the price hard to justify. However, if you have brand loyalty to Kiehl's, then the Ultra Pure High-Potency Serums are definitely worth trying, especially considering that they are in fact a lot more affordable than any other serums previously released by Kiehl's.
Kiehl's is available in stores and online at Sephora, Kiehl's, Nordstrom, and Hudson's Bay.