Kiehl's · Moisturizer
Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream
Lower concern, standard cosmetic cream with no known PFAS triggers, but brand transparency is absent.
Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream is a moisturizer with no inherent PFAS red flags: it's not water-repellent, nonstick, or treated for stain resistance. The formula relies on common emollients and botanical actives rather than fluorinated compounds.
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water-based cream emulsion with mineral/plant-derived actives
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream is a water-based emulsion with mineral sunscreen actives (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) and plant-derived peptides and antioxidants. The formulation avoids known problematic preservative systems like formaldehyde releasers and relies on standard emulsifiers and humectants. Water-based creams carry lower volatilization risk than oil-heavy or solvent-forward formulas, reducing off-gassing exposure during storage and use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kiehl's (owned by L'Oreal) maintains ingredient transparency on product labels and official websites, though does not independently publish third-party testing summaries or heavy-metal screening certificates. The brand has no recorded recalls for this product line and no public controversies tied to banned substances. PFAS disclosure remains absent across the brand's public materials, a gap shared by most cosmetic manufacturers but a missed opportunity for transparency leadership.
How it compares in its category
Multi-corrective moisturizers typically cluster around water-based emulsions with mineral actives or chemical sunscreens; Kiehl's mineral-forward approach is safer than chemical UV alternatives (which carry endocrine-concern flags). Compared to prestige peers (Clinique, Estee Lauder), Kiehl's ingredient lists are similarly straightforward with no unusual red flags. Price-to-safety ratio is moderate for the category; competing drugstore alternatives (CeraVe, Cetaphil) are chemically equivalent but cost less.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent emulsion breakdown and any potential leaching from the packaging (typically glass or plastic pump dispensers). Use as directed; no special application precautions apply. If irritation develops, discontinue and consult a dermatologist, individual sensitivities to plant actives or mineral UV blockers vary widely. Replace annually once opened to minimize oxidation of plant-derived actives and microbial colonization risk.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Heavy metals in mineral UV actives (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide)
Mineral sunscreen particles in cosmetics may occasionally contain trace lead or cadmium as processing contaminants; Kiehl's does not publicly disclose elemental purity testing. Risk is low for topical application on intact skin, but not quantified by the brand.
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
Kiehl's uses fragrance in this product; brand does not itemize fragrance constituents (industry standard allows 'fragrance' as umbrella term). Potential for sensitization in individuals with fragrance reactivity, especially those with sensitive or compromised skin barriers.
Emulsion destabilization and phase separation over time
Long-term storage or temperature fluctuation can degrade water-in-oil emulsions, potentially altering ingredient bioavailability or promoting microbial growth. Risk increases if product is left open or stored improperly.
Contact sensitization from plant-derived actives (peptides, plant extracts)
Multi-corrective formulas commonly include botanical concentrates; while generally safe, individual hypersensitivity reactions to plant proteins or extracts are documented in sensitive populations. Brand does not pre-screen for these allergens at point of sale.
Talc contamination in mineral blends
This product does not list talc as an ingredient. Mineral actives (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) are typically synthetic or mined without talc overlap, so risk is not applicable.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Moisturizer
Tatcha
Starter The Ritual Set Ultra Hydrating For Dry Skin
Water-based cosmetic creams and serums; glass/plastic packaging
Lower PFAS concern for a cosmetic moisturizer set, but Tatcha makes no public PFAS commitment.
⚠Risky category by default
Herbivore Botanicals
Orchid Facial Oil
plant oils, botanical extracts, glass bottle
Lower concern; facial oil with no known PFAS triggers, but brand offers no transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Herbivore Botanicals
Herbivore Lapis Balancing Facial Oil
plant oils, mineral pigments, glass bottle
Lower concern for PFAS; facial oil in glass, typical formulation poses minimal risk.
⚠Risky category by default
More moisturizer grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.