Kiehl's · Moisturizer
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
Lower-concern cosmetic; no known PFAS triggers, but brand offers no transparency.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is a conventional moisturizer with no waterproofing, nonstick, or stain-resistance claims, the primary PFAS-risk applications. Its formulation relies on conventional emollients (glycerin, squalane, plant oils) rather than synthetic fluorinated compounds.
Shop Kiehl's on Amazon →Material
Water, glycerin, squalane, plant extracts (conventional emollient cream)
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 Ultra Facial Cream is a conventional oil-in-water emulsion centered on water, humectant glycerin, and squalane (a plant-derived hydrocarbon moisturizer). This formula avoids synthetic emulsifiers and fragrance allergens that commonly trigger reactions in sensitive skin. The plant extracts (avocado, calendula) are present in small amounts as actives rather than primary ingredients, reducing risk of contamination or heavy-metal accumulation from botanical sources.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kiehl's (owned by L'Oreal) does not publicly disclose PFAS testing or intentional use in this product, nor does it offer third-party certifications (e.g., EWG Verified, Made Safe). The brand has no major recall history for this moisturizer line. However, Kiehl's transparency on ingredient sourcing and heavy-metal testing in pigments or botanical inputs remains limited compared to indie skincare brands with public lab reports.
How it compares in its category
This cream sits in the mid-to-premium segment of water-based moisturizers. It avoids fragrance (unlike many Kiehl's fragranced products) and avoids silicones, making it comparable in safety profile to CeraVe or Cetaphil. Unlike brands with explicit clean or organic certification, it offers no third-party verification but also carries no known formulation red flags that distinguish it as higher-risk than mass-market alternatives.
If you buy it
Apply to clean, damp skin to lock in hydration; no heat exposure or mixing with other products is necessary. Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to prevent oxidation of squalane. Discard if the texture separates, odor changes, or irritation develops after 12 months of opening. Patch-test if you have a history of plant-extract sensitivity, particularly to calendula.
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.”
1,4-dioxane (contaminant in ethoxylated surfactants)
This cream does not list ethoxylated emulsifiers (e.g., polysorbates) in published ingredient data, so 1,4-dioxane contamination is not a known concern for this specific formulation.
Formaldehyde releasers (preservative-based)
No formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (e.g., DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea) are listed; the product likely relies on glycerin's inherent antimicrobial properties or undisclosed preservative systems, which carry no established hazard at standard usage levels.
Heavy metals in botanical extracts
Kiehl's does not publish heavy-metal testing for plant-derived ingredients (avocado, calendula). Botanical sourcing and water quality in extraction are unverified; this is a theoretical risk common to all herbal skincare but not reported for this product specifically.
Fragrance allergens (undisclosed fragrance compounds)
This product is fragrance-free according to label claims, eliminating a major allergen class common to Kiehl's other creams. No essential oils or synthetic fragrances are listed.
Talc contamination (in powder-based texture)
This is a cream formulation with no talc or mineral powder base, so talc-related asbestos contamination risk does not apply.
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.