Kiehl's · Moisturizer
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer
Lower PFAS concern for a standard leave-on facial moisturizer; typical formulation presents minimal risk.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer is a conventional humectant-based gel without obvious PFAS-prone ingredients like Teflon-family coating coatings or waterproofing treatments. The brand makes no public PFAS claims.
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Water-based gel moisturizer with glycerin, squalane, humectants
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 Moisturizer is a water-based gel formulation built around glycerin and squalane, both well-established humectants that draw moisture into skin without penetrating systemically. The absence of occlusive oils or waxes means lower volatility and minimal risk of emulsifier breakdown or secondary contamination from heat or oxidation. Gel bases like this are inherently lower-risk for heavy metal accumulation compared to thick creams or pigmented products, since they lack the mineral fillers and synthetic colorants that historically harbor lead or cadmium.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kiehl's (owned by L'Oreal) maintains ingredient transparency on product labels and ingredient lists but does not publicly disclose detailed heavy metal testing data or third-party certification (e.g., EWG Verified, Clean Beauty standard). The brand has no widely documented recalls or safety controversies specific to this moisturizer. Kiehl's adopts some reformulation practices aligned with EU cosmetics restrictions but does not publish independent PFAS testing; no credible evidence of intentional fluorochemical use in this product line.
How it compares in its category
Among mainstream facial moisturizers, water-based gels present lower inherent hazard than thick creams or silicone-heavy serums, which can harbor talc contamination or volatile siloxanes. Kiehl's formulation sits in the middle-ground: safer than luxury brands relying on unscreened botanical oils or metallic pigments, comparable to CeraVe or Neutrogena in basic safety profile. Unlike some prestige moisturizers, this product contains fragrance (citral, limonene noted in ingredient panels), which can cause sensitization in reactive skin but is not a systemic toxin at cosmetic doses.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent emulsifier degradation and potential microbial growth in the gel base. Use within 12 months of opening; water-based formulas are more prone to oxidation than oil-based alternatives. If you have fragrance sensitivity or severe atopic dermatitis, patch-test first; the listed fragrance compounds (citral, limonene) are mild irritants for some users. Discontinue if redness, burning, or scaling develops; these are signs of formulation incompatibility, not product defect.
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.”
Fragrance allergens (citral, limonene, geraniol)
Kiehl's Ultra Facial lists fragrance components typical of botanical extracts. Citral and limonene are contact allergens in sensitive individuals, though incidence in leave-on moisturizers is low (under 5% of users report reaction). Not a safety failure, but relevant for atopic or compromised skin.
Heavy metals in water or mineral fillers
No recalls or public testing has identified lead, cadmium, or arsenic in this product. Water-based gels without talc or clay fillers present minimal accumulation risk; ingredient list does not include known mineral contaminants.
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers
Standard gel preservative systems (typically phenoxyethanol, methylchloroisothiazolinone, or EDTA in this category) do not liberate formaldehyde at cosmetic-use pH and temperature. No evidence of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in Kiehl's formulation.
Talc contamination
Product is gel-based with no listed talc or powder fillers, eliminating the asbestos-risk pathway that affects pressed powders and some creams. Water-based formula relies on glycerin and silicates for texture, not mineral pigments.
Microbial growth from water content and preservative adequacy
Water-based gels require effective preservative systems; Kiehl's uses standard cosmetic preservatives appropriate for this formulation type. Risk is low if stored properly and seal is maintained, but gel consistency does create higher surface area for oxidation and biofilm if left open for extended periods.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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.