Kiehls recently released an oil-free version of their popular Ultra Face Cream, which I have used before but found to be a little heavy. The new lighter gel version is definitely a lot more suited to our warm, tropical weather and especially for those with oily skin.
I was a little apprehensive about getting this gel initially as it contains Alcohol Denat as its 3rd ingredient on the list. I asked for a sample and tested it out for a week. I really liked the results as my skin felt quite smooth and hydrated throughout the day. So I decided to take the plunge and purchased a full sized jar.
* Product Description (from Kiehls) *
Kiehls Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream is said to provide no-shine moisture that lasts all day. To a certain extent, I find this claim to be quite true as my t-zone seems to be less oily. It doesn’t control oil and shine the whole day though and I do get a little oily after 6 hours or so.
I find the texture to be more gel-like than cream. It is quite watery and feels rather sticky when first applied but stickiness goes away once the product gets absorbed into my skin. I have not had any adverse effects using this gel daily for the past month and have only used it as a daytime moisturiser below my regular sunscreen. I usually apply serums and a heavier gel moisturiser at night.
Pros:
* Lightweight texture.
* Good oil-control.
* Hydrating enough for day use.
* Suitable for tropical weather.
* Free from mineral oil and parabens.
Cons:
* Contains alcohol denat (but I have not had any reactions to date).
* Has a rather weird non-scent.
* Sticky at first but goes away after a while.
Ingredient List:
Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat, Propanediol, Glycereth-26, Isononyl Isononanoate, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltautamide/Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Imperata Cylindrical root extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Panthenol, Cucumis Sativus Juice/Cucumber Fruit Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Fmla 685478/11 Code FIL D45072/1
Availability:
Kiehls Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream is available at all local Kiehls outlets and retails at RM100 for each 50ml jar.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Mmm, gel-creams! Perhaps I'm too easily amused, but I love a good gel moisturizer
I'm really liking the sound of this, though (I can get quite oily in the summer, too) – and I love the look of that ingredients! The alcohol doesn't thrill me, but the fact that it's paraben and silicone-free is awesome.
Rae: This moisturiser is quite nice albeit a little sticky upon application. I thought the alcohol content would cause havoc on my skin but I haven't suffered any reactions to date.
Hi there, I'm from Malaysia too, I enjoy reading your posts, the place where I study is near pyramid can't wait to check more on Inglot thanks for your reviews!
Hi Diana, Thanks for stopping by
If you're into colours, you'd really like Inglot. The quality of their products are quite good.
Heya Lyn, thanks for this review
Quick question – how do you find this compares to Clinique Moisture Surge? 
xox ksuan
ksuan: Clinique's more moisturing than Kiehls' and I use Moisture Surge during the night along with serums and stuff. The Kiehls gel is a good alternative if you're looking for something a little lighter for day use or if you have very oily skin. I would suggest getting a sample if possible and to test it out first.