I’ve been a Kiehl’s user since the 1990s and I’m never without Lip Balm #1, Creme de Corps Body Moisturizer and Creme with Silk Groom Styling Creme for the hair. But with the exception of the Blue Astringent Herbal Toner, I have not used a single Kiehl’s product for the face until 2016.
That year, I received a press sample of the Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate. I’m normally very afraid of any product that says peel on the label but the accompanying news release said it was “formulated with Quinoa Husk Extract and Phytic Acid, and helps exfoliate skin overnight to reveal visibly refreshed skin and accelerate skin cell turnover.” I finished the entire bottle, which is rare for me, and loved the results. This is available for P3,185 for 30 ml.
I used to apply this serum after toner and before my moisturizer at night.
Serums are important in our respective skin-care routines because they deliver very high concentrations of active ingredients.
Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate is one of Kiehl’s six Power Serums that also include the Hydroplumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate along with customer favorites Midnight Recovery Concentrate (this is the international best seller), Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate and Daily Reviving Concentrate.
“Serums can work as targeted skin-care treatments…you can use two serums at the same time,” said Joan Hwang, product manager for Kiehl’s Philippines. “We provide our customers with the right serum mix to help strengthen their skin, allowing them to be more confident to take on their daily goals.”
Right now, I’m using the Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution (P2,995 for 30 ml, P3,995 for 50 ml), which is formulated with “Activated C, White Birch and Peony Extract to visibly diminish the number and intensity of dark spots and discolorations while preventing the formation of new spots.” I apply this after cleansing and toning day and night.
Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate (P3,675 for 50 ml) has “12.5-percent Vitamin C to help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, improve skin brightness and boost skin texture. It is also enhanced with Hyaluronic Acid, which acts like a sponge by drawing moisture in to skin’s surface layers, leaving you with visibly plumper skin instantly.”
I’m very excited to try the Hydroplumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate (P2,730 for 50 ml), which is formulated with 15-percent plant-based Glycerin and Shiso Leaf Extract “to intensely hydrate and plump skin to smooth the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin texture.”
The Daily Reviving Concentrate (P2,895 for 30 ml) has Ginger Root Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil and Tamanu Oil to protect your skin during the day. I usually mix this with concealer for a smoother, crease-free finish. Confession: I also use this on the back of my hands. “This formula works to reduce skin inflammation, stimulate the production of collagen, reduce the appearance of redness and moisturize skin,” Kiehl’s said. Admittedly, the star of the show is Midnight Recovery Concentrate (P2,895 for 30 ml).
The best-selling Kiehl’s serum contains botanical essential oils that have repairing and recovering properties to boost skin restoration at night. These essential oils include:
- Evening Primrose Oil, which is particularly rich in gamma-linolenic acid and sterols that have been shown to have skin repairing and soothing benefits.
- Lavender, Geranium, Rosemary and Rose essential oils, which penetrate deep into the skin
and have been shown to boost skin’s soothing and healing activities.
I have been asked many times how Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate compares with the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, and I always say they’re different from each other despite the similar-sounding names.
Midnight Recovery Concentrate is perfect for those with drier skin and are working/sleeping in an air-conditioned room. If you went out tonight and had some drinks, you definitely need this before bed so your skin will be soft and supple in the morning.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II addresses skin’s moisture, tone and fine lines and wrinkles.
So they’re two different serums that can be used separately or even together, as I have a number of times. But back to the topic: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate is the brand’s top seller for a reason. It’s versatile and a good entry point for using facial oils. If you’re scared to use oils, start with this. Plus, it really moisturizes your skin and ensures that no fine lines are visible even when you’re running on four hours of sleep.
Kiehl’s Power Serums are available in all Kiehl’s stores: Greenbelt 5, The Power Plant, SM Makati, SM Aura, Alabang Town Center, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Shangri-La Plaza, The Podium, TriNoma, SM City North Edsa, Robinson’s Magnolia, UP Town Center and Ayala Center Cebu.