Knowing what’s in your skincare products is essential if you want to build a routine that works for your skin. But equally important is knowing what isn’t in your products. Take oils, for example. For some, plant-derived emollients are a must-have for combating dryness and promoting smooth, radiant-looking skin. But for others, oil-free products are the gold standard. It all depends on your skin’s unique needs—and, of course, your personal preferences.
If you’re among those that prefer avoiding oils altogether, we’ve got you covered. Here, we’ll introduce you to some of the best oil-free skincare products you can snag at Kiehl’s, from cleansers and toners to hydrating serums and moisturizers suitable for all skin types. We’ll also provide tips on using these non-oily skincare essentials in your daily routine for balanced, healthy-looking skin. Keep reading for the Kiehl’s guide to oil-free skincare.
Kiehl’s Facial Cleansers
1. Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser
Most Kiehl’s fans are probably familiar with our cult-classic Ultra Facial Cleanser. What you may not know: We also have an oil-free version of this skincare staple, aptly named Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser. The foaming face wash, made with glycerin and lemon fruit extract, helps remove dirt and excess oil without stripping the skin. It’s suitable for normal, oily, and sensitive skin types and can be used morning and night for skin that feels clean and balanced.
2. Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser
An exfoliating cleanser can be a great addition to your skincare routine, particularly if you’re prone to clogged pores or dull-looking skin. Those seeking an oil-free option can reach for Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser. This gentle cleanser with Amazonian white clay exfoliates while helping to remove surface debris, including excess oil and dirt. With continued use, this mineral-rich formula also helps minimize the appearance of enlarged pores for fresh, healthy-looking skin.
3. Oil Eliminator Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
While men can have any skin type, guys are uniquely prone to excessive oiliness and related concerns, like enlarged pores. To help keep these issues under control, we recommend reaching for non-oily face products, like Oil Eliminator Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash. The exfoliating gel cleanser, which contains crushed apricot seeds, deeply cleanses to remove dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells. When used regularly, the non-comedogenic formula also visibly reduces shine and helps minimize the appearance of enlarged pores to reveal smoother-looking skin.
Kiehl’s Tip: When washing your face, be sure to use lukewarm or cool water. Hot water can dry out and irritate your skin.
Kiehl’s Facial Toners
1. Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner
We always recommend using a toner after washing your face. It helps remove any leftover impurities or residue left behind from cleansing. While oil-based toners can be great for those with drier skin, we recommend reaching for an oil-free version, like Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner, if you’re prone to blemishes or mid-day shine. This pH-balanced toner helps remove residue while visibly reducing excess shine for fresher-feeling skin. The alcohol-free formula is dermatologist-tested for safety and gentleness and is ideal for normal to oily skin types.
2. Rare Earth Pore-Refining Tonic
Rare Earth Pore-Refining Tonic is another must-have for oilier skin types. This gentle toner with Amazonian white clay and witch hazel water helps re-balance skin’s moisture levels and reduces excess oil to help mattify shiny-looking skin. Over time, the unique formula also helps minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, leaving the skin smooth and healthy-looking.
Kiehl’s Serums and Moisturizers
1. Hydro-Plumping Hydrating Serum
It’s not too difficult to find facial cleansers and toners made without oil, but it gets a little trickier once you start getting into hydrating products, like serums and moisturizers. But that doesn’t mean you should skip these essentials: In fact, neglecting to hydrate properly can leave your skin dehydrated and lead to excess sebum (an attempt to compensate for lack of natural moisture). In other words, skipping moisturizer can make your skin oilier than it was to begin with.
If you’re oily, we recommend reaching for an oil-free hydrator made with humectant ingredients, like Hydro-Plumping Hydrating Serum. This ultra-gentle facial serum with hydrating glycerin helps encourage your skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid, a molecule involved with maintaining your skin’s natural moisture and elasticity. It also helps plump the skin to improve the appearance of fine lines. The lightweight formula is suitable for all skin types and can be used twice daily for smoother, more visibly hydrated skin.
2. Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
There’s no question that oils, especially emollients like squalane, are useful for combating dryness. But if you have oily skin, these popular ingredients can sometimes feel a little bit heavy on your face. For a lightweight yet still hydrating option, try an oil-free moisturizer like Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream.
This Kiehl’s staple with glycerin and micronized amino acid absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling hydrated for up to 24 hours. The gel moisturizer also helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance and reduces excess oiliness for fresh-feeling, shine-free skin. The non-comedogenic formula is suitable for oily and normal skin types and can be used morning and night for long-lasting hydration, sans heavy residue.
3. Oil Eliminator 24-Hour Anti-Shine Moisturizer For Men
Guys with oily skin can try a mattifying men’s moisturizer, like Oil Eliminator 24-Hour Anti-Shine Moisturizer For Men. This ultra-light men’s must-have hydrates while helping to absorb excess oil, sweat, and pollution, leaving the skin feeling clean and shine-free for up to 24 hours. With consistent use, the oil-free, non-comedogenic formula also helps visibly minimize the appearance of enlarged pores to reveal smoother-looking skin over time.
