Kiehl's Since 1851 Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum, 1.7-oz.

Common questions

Is Kiehl's Since 1851 Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum, 1.7-oz. healthy?

Kiehl's Since 1851 Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum, 1.7-oz. scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This serum contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, tocopherol, and sodium acetylated hyaluronate, which provide hydration and antioxidant benefits.

Which ingredients drive Kiehl's Since 1851 Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum, 1.7-oz.'s score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Glycerin, Hamamelis virginiana water, Tocopherol count in its favor; Dimethicone, Alcohol denat., Phenoxyethanol are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Kiehl's Since 1851 Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum, 1.7-oz.

Kiehl's
60 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

$95.00 · 1.7 fl oz · $55.88 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 9
Harmful ingredients 12
Owned by L'Oreal
Category Serum
Summary

This serum contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, tocopherol, and sodium acetylated hyaluronate, which provide hydration and antioxidant benefits. However, the presence of denatured alcohol as a top ingredient can be drying and irritating, and several fragrance components like limonene and linalool may cause skin irritation. The combination of beneficial actives with potentially irritating ingredients results in a mixed safety profile.

Key ingredients 36

Tocopherol
Very Good

Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage. It also has moisturizing properties. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.

Risks

Generally safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Protects skin from oxidative stress and provides moisture.

See more about Tocopherol →
Sodium acetylated hyaluronate
Very Good

A form of hyaluronic acid, it is used for its superior hydrating properties. It helps retain moisture in the skin and improve elasticity. It is beneficial for all skin types, especially dry and dehydrated skin.

Risks

Generally safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Provides deep hydration and improves skin elasticity.

Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It is widely used in skincare for its hydrating properties. It helps improve skin barrier function and smoothness.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk.

Benefits

Excellent for skin hydration and improving skin barrier function.

See more about Glycerin →
Hamamelis virginiana water
Good

Also known as witch hazel water, it is used for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce skin irritation and redness. It is beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin.

Risks

May cause irritation in very sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Soothes skin and reduces inflammation and redness.

Schisandra chinensis fruit extract
Good

This extract is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps protect the skin from environmental stressors. It is beneficial for soothing and revitalizing the skin.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant protection and soothes the skin.

See more about Schisandra chinensis fruit extract →
Capryloyl salicylic acid
Good

A derivative of salicylic acid, it is used for its exfoliating properties. It helps unclog pores and improve skin texture. It is beneficial for acne-prone skin.

Risks

May cause irritation or dryness in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Exfoliates the skin and helps clear pores.

See more about Capryloyl salicylic acid →
Panax ginseng root extract
Good

Ginseng extract is known for its antioxidant and anti-aging properties. It helps improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It is beneficial for revitalizing and rejuvenating the skin.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk.

Benefits

Enhances skin vitality and reduces signs of aging.

See more about Panax ginseng root extract →
Ocimum sanctum leaf extract
Good

Also known as holy basil, this extract has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps protect the skin from environmental stressors. It is beneficial for soothing and revitalizing the skin.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant protection and soothes the skin.

Adenosine
Good

Adenosine is known for its anti-aging and skin-soothing properties. It helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is beneficial for promoting smoother and more youthful-looking skin.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk.

Benefits

Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and soothes the skin.

Water
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the serum. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.

Benefits

Acts as a solvent and carrier for other ingredients.

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Propanediol
Neutral

Propanediol is a glycol used as a solvent and skin-conditioning agent. It enhances the absorption of other ingredients. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Improves skin texture and enhances ingredient absorption.

See more about Propanediol →
Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate
Neutral

This ingredient is used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps stabilize emulsions and improve product texture. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare.

Risks

Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability.

Caprylyl glycol
Neutral

Caprylyl glycol is used as a skin-conditioning agent and preservative. It helps improve the texture and feel of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Enhances product texture and provides mild antimicrobial effects.

See more about Caprylyl glycol →
Xanthan gum
Neutral

Xanthan gum is a natural thickening agent used to stabilize emulsions. It helps improve the texture and consistency of the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Stabilizes and thickens cosmetic formulations.

See more about Xanthan gum →
Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil
Neutral

This ingredient is used as an emulsifier and surfactant. It helps blend oil and water-based ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Potential for mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves product consistency and emulsification.

Peg-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate
Neutral

This ingredient is used as an emulsifier and surfactant. It helps blend oil and water-based ingredients in formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Improves product consistency and emulsification.

Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil
Neutral

Orange peel oil is used for its fragrance and potential antioxidant properties. It can enhance the sensory experience of the product. However, it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides a pleasant fragrance and potential antioxidant benefits.

Sodium hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is used in very small amounts to ensure product stability. It is generally considered safe when used appropriately.

Risks

Can be irritating in high concentrations, but used in safe amounts in cosmetics.

Benefits

Helps maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product.

See more about Sodium hydroxide →
Methyldihydrojasmonate
Neutral

This ingredient is used as a fragrance component in cosmetics. It provides a floral scent to enhance the sensory experience. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Enhances the fragrance profile of the product.

Citric acid
Neutral

Citric acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It also has mild exfoliating properties. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Potential for mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Helps maintain product stability and provides mild exfoliation.

See more about Citric acid →
Pelargonium graveolens flower oil
Neutral

Geranium flower oil is used for its fragrance and potential skin benefits. It may have balancing and soothing properties for the skin. However, it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides a floral fragrance and potential skin-soothing benefits.

See more about Pelargonium graveolens flower oil →
Lavandula angustifolia oil
Neutral

Lavender oil is used for its fragrance and potential calming properties. It may help soothe the skin and provide a relaxing scent. However, it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides a calming fragrance and potential skin-soothing benefits.

See more about Lavandula angustifolia oil →
Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil
Neutral

Lemongrass oil is used for its fragrance and potential antimicrobial properties. It provides a fresh, citrus scent to cosmetic products. However, it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides a fresh fragrance and potential antimicrobial benefits.

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil
Neutral

Rosemary oil is used for its fragrance and potential antioxidant properties. It may help invigorate the skin and provide a fresh scent. However, it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides a fresh fragrance and potential antioxidant benefits.

Dimethicone
Bad

Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.

Risks

Potential for skin buildup and may cause breakouts in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides a smooth application and helps retain skin moisture.

See more about Dimethicone →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth. It can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. It is considered a safer alternative to parabens.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

Effective preservative that extends product shelf life.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →
Disodium edta
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Enhances product stability and shelf life.

See more about Disodium edta →
Limonene
Bad

Limonene is a fragrance component that can cause skin irritation. It is used for its citrus scent in cosmetics. It may oxidize and become more irritating over time.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

Provides a citrus fragrance to cosmetic products.

See more about Limonene →
Eugenol
Bad

Eugenol is a fragrance component that can cause skin irritation. It is used for its spicy, clove-like scent in cosmetics. It may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

Provides a spicy fragrance to cosmetic products.

See more about Eugenol →
Sodium benzoate
Bad

Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.

Risks

Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Extends product shelf life by preventing microbial growth.

See more about Sodium benzoate →
Citral
Bad

Citral is a fragrance component that can cause skin irritation. It is used for its lemon scent in cosmetics. It may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

Provides a lemon fragrance to cosmetic products.

See more about Citral →
Potassium sorbate
Bad

Synthetic preservative — flagged in daily-use products.

Risks

Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Extends product shelf life by preventing microbial growth.

See more about Potassium sorbate →
Citronellol
Bad

Citronellol is a fragrance component that can cause skin irritation. It is used for its floral scent in cosmetics. It may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

Provides a floral fragrance to cosmetic products.

See more about Citronellol →
Linalool
Bad

Linalool is a fragrance component that can cause skin irritation. It is used for its floral scent in cosmetics. It may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

Provides a floral fragrance to cosmetic products.

See more about Linalool →
Geraniol
Bad

Geraniol is a fragrance component that can cause skin irritation. It is used for its rose-like scent in cosmetics. It may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

Provides a rose-like fragrance to cosmetic products.

See more about Geraniol →
Alcohol denat.
Very Bad

Denatured alcohol is used as a solvent and astringent. It can be drying and irritating to the skin, especially in high concentrations. It may disrupt the skin's natural barrier.

Risks

Can cause dryness and irritation, especially for sensitive skin.

Benefits

Helps other ingredients penetrate the skin more effectively.

See more about Alcohol denat. →

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