History

Kiehl’s dates back to 1851, when John Kiehl opened a single apothecary in New York City’s East Village neighborhood. It started as a homeopathic pharmacy before evolving into a full-scale skincare and beauty brand. Irving Morse, a former apprentice and Russian immigrant, purchased the pharmacy from John Kiehl in 1921 and began to expand the range of products available. Morse was an early adopter of products containing naturally-derived ingredients, a strategy that continues to characterize the Kiehl’s brand.

In 1961, Irving’s son Aaron Morse took over the company. Under his leadership, Kiehl’s introduced a range of innovative products, many of which remain popular to this day. Kiehl’s was acquired by the L’Oréal Group in 2000 but continues to uphold the standards and traditions set out by its founders.

Kiehl’s was founded and remains headquartered in New York City, United States. Despite its global presence today, the brand’s roots are reflected in its original apothecary in the East Village neighborhood of New York City, which still operates today.

What the Brand is Known For

Kiehl’s is known for its scientifically-formulated skincare, hair care, and body care products. Many of their formulations use naturally-derived ingredients, adhering to the brand’s apothecary heritage. Kiehl’s is renowned for its simple, straightforward packaging and its emphasis on quality and efficacy over aesthetics.

The brand’s best-selling products include the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, and the Midnight Recovery Concentrate. They cater to a broad audience, offering solutions for various skin types and concerns.

Motto of the Company

While Kiehl’s may not have a conventional corporate motto, the company has always operated under a mission to serve their customers in a generous, responsible, and knowledgeable manner. They’ve maintained a strong commitment to providing quality products, exceptional service, and expert advice to all.

Kiehl’s products are primarily designed for at-home use, covering a wide range of skincare, haircare, and body care needs. However, Kiehl’s also offers in-store consultations and treatments at many of their locations, providing professional advice tailored to individual skin concerns.

Where the Products are Sold

Kiehl’s products are sold globally. They are available in Kiehl’s standalone stores, department stores, airport duty-free shops, and select pharmacies. Kiehl’s products can also be purchased online through the official Kiehl’s website and various other e-commerce platforms.

Main Ingredients

Kiehl’s formulates its products with a combination of natural and lab-derived ingredients. Some key ingredients include:

• Squalane: Derived from olives, squalane is known for its moisturizing properties. It’s a standout ingredient in products like the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream.
• Avocado Oil: A rich, hydrating oil used in products such as the Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado.
• Lavender Essential Oil: Known for its soothing and calming properties, it’s a primary ingredient in the Midnight Recovery Concentrate.
• Calendula Extract: Derived from marigold flowers, calendula is known for its soothing effects and is a key ingredient in Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner.
• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that helps brighten skin and reduce signs of aging. It’s a star ingredient in the Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Known for its impressive ability to retain moisture, this ingredient features in a variety of Kiehl’s products, such as the Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate.

Cruelty-Free, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Natural or Organic

As of my last update, Kiehl’s, as a part of the L’Oréal Group, does not conduct animal testing on their products or ingredients except when absolutely required by law. This implies that their products may not be considered 100% cruelty-free in the eyes of some organizations or consumers. For the most current information, it would be best to reach out to the company directly or consult with a relevant certifying organization.

As for vegan products, Kiehl’s does offer a selection of vegan-friendly options. However, not all of their products are vegan as some may contain ingredients derived from animals or animal by-products. Kiehl’s provides full ingredient lists for each product on their official website, enabling consumers to make informed choices based on their specific dietary or lifestyle preferences.

Kiehl’s does not market its products as gluten-free. If gluten content is a concern due to allergies or other reasons, it’s advisable to review the ingredients list or contact the company for more information.

The brand is not entirely natural or organic; instead, Kiehl’s prides itself on a careful blend of naturally-derived and lab-derived ingredients for maximum effectiveness. They firmly believe in a ‘nature plus science’ approach to skincare, combining the best of natural ingredients and scientific research and innovation.

Kiehl’s has been a part of the skincare landscape for over 170 years, with a rich heritage dating back to its days as a single apothecary in the East Village. Its steadfast commitment to quality products, customer service, and expert advice has allowed the brand to build a loyal global following. Even as part of the L’Oréal Group, Kiehl’s continues to hold fast to its core values, combining the best of nature and science to meet the skincare needs of its diverse customer base.