Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High Potency Serum – Tried and Tested
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IN our Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum review, we test the impact of regularly using the serum on our 35-year-old writer’s skin, to see the effect on fine lines and wrinkles. Our writer has had no cosmetic enhancements such as anti-wrinkle injections or fillers.
How we tested
Our writer used Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum (Moisture-Plumping) for ten days consecutively, applying the product morning and night.
They used their standard three-step skincare routine as part of this (cleanse, tone and moisturise), applying the serum after toning, and before applying moisturiser. 2-3 drops were massaged into the face and neck as directed.
Overall Rating: 4/5
- Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 1.5%, £29 at Kiehls -
Pros:
- Skin felt soft and moisturised
- Serum was kind to sensitive skin, which can be a concern using products containing Hyaluronic Acid
- Product works effectively with only a small amount, meaning it lasts longer
- Product absorbs quickly and leaves behind no residue, which is excellent for makeup application
- Visible difference to fine lines around the eyes and mouth
- Unscented
Cons:
- There wasn’t a noticeable effect on some deeper lines on the forehead
Where to buy Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High Potency Serum
First Impressions
- Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 1.5%, £29 at Kiehls -
As a person with sensitive skin (prone to eczema and rosacea), I’ve always been very wary about products including any kind of acidic formulas or high-potency ingredients such as retinols. As I get older, I’ve experimented with a few and found that they can, if not used correctly, irritate my skin and cause flare-ups. I need the right product, in the right volume, and it has to be high quality and fit in with the rest of my routine.
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Having been a fan of Kiehl’s products for some time, I was excited to see this new serum range released, with five different varieties according to skin concern. I opted for “Moisture-Plumping”, due to my dry/easily irritated skin, which can be particularly exacerbated by changes in the weather.
The branding is typically Kiehls, with clean labelling and sharp fonts. For me, it evokes a sense of reassurance as the consistency and apothecary-like feel of the bottles and dispensers really lend themselves to a high-quality product. If you’re in the market for something glam to sit atop your vanity unit this may not be the branding for you, but if you’re looking to get serious about skincare, this product ticks all the boxes.
I applied the serum morning and night under my day-to-day moisturiser, after cleansing and toning. I was pleased with the unscented and non-dyed product, knowing that these two factors were a great starting point for my sensitive skin.
Performance Review
- Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 1.5%, £29 at Kiehls -
Each of these new serums contains only seven ingredients and 1.5% Hyaluronic acid, meaning the formula is simple and contains no unnecessary additives. I began to see results from day 2 of the application, with my skin appearing brighter and less irritated.
One noticeable effect was that even after showering - typically a time when my face requires immediate moisturising due to the harsh London water - my skin felt softer and less in need of a thick layer of moisturiser to soothe what is typically a tight and dry feeling.
At 35, lines and wrinkles are definitely becoming a concern for me, and I was pleased to see that around my eyes and mouth my fine lines were beginning to soften and look less prominent. Less so was the impact on the deeper lines on my forehead, however these are definitely more “worn in” and having had no botox or filler (yet), I expect these require something a little more hardcore.
One major upside was the absorbency level, which meant that the product quickly melted into my skin and left behind no residue, which was perfect for morning application which was normally followed up by makeup. In the past this has been an issue for me, as a lot of serums and formulas designed for dry skin specifically can leave behind a greasy residue which interferes with primer and foundation application.
The Results
- Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 1.5%, £29 at Kiehls -
I was really pleased with the results and the change in my skin's natural barrier over the course of the ten-day application. My skin felt noticeably more hydrated, fine lines were reduced and overall my skin was less irritated and prone to flaring up. I plan to continue using this serum.
Before
After
What is Hyaluronic Acid and what does it do?
Whilst the name sounds a little hocus-pocus, Hyaluronic Acid is actually a fluid in the body and is found in the joints and eyes as a naturally occurring lubricant. When reproduced for skincare, it is designed to help the skin stretch and promote free movement, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles along the way.
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Is Hyaluronic Acid harmful?
Hyaluronic Acid is naturally occurring within the body, and is not considered to be harmful. If you have concerns, it’s recommended that you consult with a dermatologist before making any changes to your skincare routine.
Should you apply Hyaluronic Acid before or after moisturiser?
As with most serums, it’s recommended that you apply Hyaluronic acid before moisturiser, and after cleansing and toning. This is because the additional layer of moisturiser will seal in the serum and allow it to absorb, rather than layering the serum on top of the moisturiser which may adversely impact the rate of absorption.
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