How This Oil-Free Skincare Range Became a Cult-Favourite

Has Kiehl’s ever put a foot wrong in the beauty industry? No, probably not. Over the years, we’ve penned countless love letters to the brand in the form of glowing reviews. The Ultra Light Daily UV Defense has become one of our go-tos when we seek weightless sun protection, their Calendula Face Wash has won over our non-committal Associate Editor, and our Editor-in-Chief even has a personal list of recommendations, so that’s really saying something.
However, Kiehl’s also has a no-frills skincare range that has quietly attained cult-status through the years, saving plenty of troublesome, oily complexions that needed a hit on the refresh button. Now, we’re about to uncover the secret behind the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free collection and what makes these products perform so darn well.
 

 
Now, “oil-free” may sound a tad drying and undernourishing, but that’s why every product in this range is infused with Imperata Cylindrica (a.k.a. desert plant extract), the line’s key ingredient. Prolific in the Australian outback, the Imperata Cylindrica plant thrives in parched conditions and excessively saline environments thanks to the high concentrations of potassium in their roots, and that’s where its source of hydration is at. This potent plant extract is what helps the skin soak up and retain moisture efficiently – perfect for those who like their beauty products sans oil but not sans hydration. Let’s have a closer look at what each step of the collection does.
 

 
The Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser ($35) combines the Imperata Cylindrica with lemon fruit extract to slough away dead skin cells and impurities to balance out oily skin and leave it feeling fresh. This formula is also one that’s sulfate-free, so your epidermis won’t be stripped of moisture and natural oils after a quick lather, massage, and rinse.
 

 
By now, you should know the importance of using a toner after you cleanse. The Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner ($43) is infused with Antarcticine, a glycoprotein to plump up the skin and protect it from free-radicals. So not only will this alcohol-free formula swipe away traces of residue, it’ll also calm down any redness, balance our your skin’s pH levels, and restore moisture.
 

 
If you’re on the hunt for a non-greasy, fragrance-free moisturiser that does the job, then the Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream ($49) is it. Combining antarcticine with moisture-rich vitamin E, and cooling cucumber fruit extract, this lightweight moisturiser works well during the day and at night to control sebum production while it packs on the hydration. In this heat, we trust you’ll love its refreshing gel texture as well, and you can even pop the jar in your fridge to keep it even cooler. It’s high time you tried out this oil-free range yourself. Who knows? You might just join the Kiehl’s cult too.

To get acquainted with these products, you can head down to the Kiehl’s Nature’s Playground at Orchard Ion B4, their first ever beauty playground. Yup, you read that right. A beauty playground! There’ll be a Calendula Swing, a Vitamin C Boosting Slide, an Ultra Hydration Cactus Garden, and a Buttersticks Lemon Refresh Zone. Pretty sure Kiehl’s has just created a haven for beauty junkies with this one. You can also get free skincare samples, travel-sized beauty items, as well as special value sets of the brand’s most iconic products. There’s much more in store for you guys, and we’ve written all about it here! Visit the Kiehl’s Nature’s Playground from 1 to 9 July.
 
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free collection, $35 – $49. Available at Kiehl’s stores.