The original “Kiehl Pharmacy” has been serving patrons at its flagship store at Third Avenue and Thirteenth Street since the mid-1800s.
If you’ve been to a Kiehl’s store, you’d know that they are big on their sampling philosophy. Kiehl’s “Try Before You Buy” stems from its early traditions in dispensing advice and prescriptions to customers.
When the Morse family assumed the establishment from the founder Mr. John Kiehl 165 years ago, they cared for Kiehl’s customers as neighbours and welcomed every visitor as if it were home. In his typical 19th century apothecary, Mr. John Kiehl also dedicated himself to the service of his patrons, supplying homeopathic and herbal remedies, curative oils, teas and unguents for various conditions developed from botanical recipes.
Mr. Irving A. Morse (“Doc Morse”), a learned herbologist, was Mr. John Kiehl’s apprentice. Doc Morse formulated unique preparations derived from exotic botanicals, pioneered and inspired many of the traditions in service and product formulation that characterize Kiehl’s today. His granddaughter Jami Morse Heidegger took over the Kiehl’s business by the late 1980s, relying on samples and word of mouth to help build awareness for the brand, just as her predecessors had done.
Investing money into sampling rather than advertising, Kiehl’s samples 8.5 million units a year, which costs more than the average advertising campaign. Till this day, the venerable New York-based purveyor of fine quality skin and hair care continues to “prescribe” a personal care regimen most appropriate for the individual’s skin and hair care needs.
Here we list our fave Kiehl’s hero products you want to try!
1. Calendula Herbal-Extract Alcohol-Free Toner
Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner became an instant classic in the 1960s partly for its soothing and refreshing properties.
Calendula, derived from the Marigold flower, is sprinkled into this alcohol-free formula to gently tone oily prone skin.
Did you know: The Calendula Petals in the Calendula Herbal-Extract Alcohol-Free Toner and Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque are grown without pesticides, sun-dried, hand-picked and harvested once a year to be inserted into the formulas. That’s how they preserve the finest soothing hydration properties of the Calendula flower extract.
2. Ultra Facial Cream
The original Ultra Facial Moisturizer was first offered in the early 1970s. It has since been one of the most requested products among patrons and is a must-have among Hollywood’s professional make-up artists.
The facial moisturizer remains popular due to its lightweight, silky feel, and suitability for both normal to dry and normal to oily skin types.
Did you know: Formulated with Kiehl’s signature ingredient, Squalane: a highly refined natural oil derived from olives and known for its compatibility with skin’s natural oils, this preparation provides superb moisturization, leaving skin healthy and soft.
3. Ultra-Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA++++
Hydrate and help protect skin from the early signs of aging with this lightweight facial sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 50 PA++++.
With advanced UVA/UVB technology and pollution protection, Kiehl’s formula helps defend against UV rays, pollution and free radicals.
Did you know: Kiehl’s non-comedogenic sunscreen is oil-free, color-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free. It also provides all-day hydration, absorbs quickly and leaves a matte finish.
4. Clearly CorrectiveTM Dark Spot Solution
This highly-efficacious facial serum brightens and clarifies skin for increased radiance. Over time, it diminishes the number and intensity of deep-set dark spots and skin discolorations.
Did you know: Kiehl’s Clearly CorrectiveTM Dark Spot Solution contains Activated C, a derivative of Vitamin C that makes it a highly efficient ingredient that allows for faster penetration. The faster this activity on the skin occurs, the sooner you’ll see a visible difference.
5. Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
Now formulated with even more Vitamin C, Dermatologist Solutions™ Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate contains a new and improved formula, offering extensive skin benefits: it visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, boosts skin radiance, and improves texture.
Did you know: More than 13 years ago, Kiehl’s chemists stabilized 10.5% Pure Vitamin C in a water-free formula and became pioneers in Vitamin C skincare products. Now, this formula includes 12.5% Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid.
6. Hydro-Plumping Re-texturizing Serum Concentrate
Plump and moisturize skin with Kiehl’s hydrating serum. This formula provides intense hydration to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Infused with 15% Glycerin and Shiso Leaf Extract, their hydrating serum helps revive dull skin for a smooth, healthy-looking appearance.
Did you know: Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate was the winner of Marie Claire’s Prix d’Excellence de la Beauté in 2015!
7. Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
This creamy preparation with Avocado Oil gently moisturizes the delicate eye area. Kiehl’s unique, concentrated texture does not migrate into your eyes and is ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested.
Did you know: The texture of the Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado is like a “water-balloon bursting” – creamy at first but morphs into a water-like film of protective hydration upon application. It is non-sticky and leaves the eye feeling supple.
Challenging Limits
[tabs tab1=”Mt. Everest Expedition” tab2=”Greenland Adventure”]
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A team of daring individuals made the first successful ascent of the mountain’s East Face without supplemental oxygen. Sponsored by Kiehl’s, the “Everest ’88” climbers took several Kiehl’s products to support them on their journey: Lip Balm #1, Creme de Corps, Washable Cleansing Milk, Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner, Ultra Facial Moisturizer and the “Close Shavers” Squadron Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream.[/tab1]
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Kiehl’s sponsored the “Greenland First Ascent” expedition, the inaugural climb of peaks rising from the island’s ice-covered glaciers. The expedition’s team of six summiteers returned from their May 2005 journey with first-hand accounts of the effects of global warming on Earth’s largest island. The account led to the dedication of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, adventure-tested by team members, to their heroic endeavour. Kiehl’s later then partnered with the Natural Resources Defense Council and raised $125,000 to help stem the effects of global warming.[/tab2] [/tabs]
