Kiehl's Since 1851 Midnight Recovery Eye, 0.5-oz.
Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This eye care product contains a blend of beneficial natural oils and extracts, such as jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, and squalane, which provide hydration and nourishment to the skin. However, the presence of denatured alcohol, which can be drying and irritating, and phenoxyethanol, a preservative that may cause skin irritation, slightly detracts from its overall safety profile. Despite these concerns, the product's formulation is largely composed of skin-friendly ingredients, contributing to a balanced score.
Key ingredients 32
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil / Sunflower Seed OilVery Good
Sunflower seed oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, which help in moisturizing and nourishing the skin. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to improve skin barrier function.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to sunflower seeds.
Benefits
Moisturizes and nourishes the skin, providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
Simmondsia Chinensis Oil / Jojoba Seed OilVery Good
Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin's natural sebum, making it an excellent moisturizer. It is non-comedogenic and helps balance oil production.
Risks
Generally safe, but may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Moisturizes and balances oil production without clogging pores.
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil / Apricot Kernel OilVery Good
Apricot kernel oil is rich in vitamins A and E, which help in nourishing and softening the skin. It is lightweight and easily absorbed, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions in individuals with nut allergies.
Benefits
Nourishes and softens the skin, suitable for sensitive skin.
SqualaneVery Good
Squalane is a highly effective emollient and natural antioxidant. It mimics the skin's natural oils, providing deep hydration and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Provides deep hydration and reduces fine lines.
Oenothera Biennis Oil / Evening Primrose OilVery Good
Evening primrose oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid, which helps to improve skin elasticity and moisture. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Improves skin elasticity and moisture, with anti-inflammatory benefits.
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter / Shea ButterVery Good
Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It is highly moisturizing and helps to soothe and protect the skin.
Risks
Generally safe, but may cause allergic reactions in individuals with nut allergies.
Benefits
Highly moisturizing, soothes and protects the skin.
Aloe Barbadensis / Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice PowderVery Good
Aloe vera is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and provides hydration.
Risks
Generally safe, but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Soothes and moisturizes the skin, calming irritation.
TocopherolVery Good
Tocopherol, or vitamin E, is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage. It also provides moisturizing benefits.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Protects the skin from free radical damage and provides moisture.
AdenosineVery Good
Adenosine is a skin-soothing and restoring agent that helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It promotes a smoother and more youthful complexion.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Improves the appearance of fine lines and promotes a youthful complexion.
Ruscus Aculeatus Extract / Ruscus Aculeatus Root ExtractGood
Ruscus aculeatus extract is known for its anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive properties. It helps to reduce puffiness and improve circulation.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Reduces puffiness and improves circulation, with anti-inflammatory benefits.
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil / Lavender OilGood
Lavender oil is known for its calming and soothing properties. It helps to reduce redness and irritation in the skin.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions or irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Calms and soothes the skin, reducing redness and irritation.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil / Rosemary Leaf OilGood
Rosemary leaf oil is known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It helps to protect the skin and improve circulation.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions or irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Protects the skin and improves circulation with antioxidant benefits.
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower OilGood
Geranium oil is known for its balancing and soothing properties. It helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of blemishes.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions or irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Balances and soothes the skin, improving elasticity.
Lavandula Hybrida OilGood
Lavandin oil is known for its calming and soothing properties. It helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions or irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Calms and soothes, promoting relaxation.
Cucumis Sativus Extract / Cucumber Fruit ExtractGood
Cucumber extract is known for its soothing and hydrating properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and provides a refreshing sensation.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Soothes and hydrates the skin, providing a refreshing sensation.
Curcuma Longa Extract / Turmeric Root ExtractGood
Turmeric extract is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions or staining in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Brightens the skin and reduces blemishes with anti-inflammatory benefits.
Rosa Spp / Rose Flower OilGood
Rose flower oil is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. It helps to improve skin texture and reduce redness.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions or irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Soothes and moisturizes the skin, improving texture.
Jasminum Officinale Extract / Jasmine ExtractGood
Jasmine extract is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. It helps to improve skin elasticity and provide a calming effect.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions or irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Improves skin elasticity and provides a calming effect.
WaterNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in the application and absorption of the product. It does not provide direct benefits or risks.
Benefits
Acts as a solvent and helps in the application of the product.
Cetearyl AlcoholNeutral
Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Risks
Generally safe, but may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Softens and smooths the skin, acting as an emollient.
Glyceryl StearateNeutral
Glyceryl stearate is an emulsifier that helps blend water and oil components in cosmetics. It also acts as a lubricant on the skin's surface.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Helps blend ingredients and acts as a skin lubricant.
Stearyl AlcoholNeutral
Stearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener. It helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Risks
Generally safe, but may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Softens and smooths the skin, acting as an emollient.
Cetearyl GlucosideNeutral
Cetearyl glucoside is an emulsifier derived from coconut oil and glucose. It helps to stabilize and thicken cosmetic formulations.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Stabilizes and thickens formulations, improving texture.
Lithium Magnesium Sodium SilicateNeutral
Lithium magnesium sodium silicate is a mineral-based thickening agent used in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize and thicken formulations.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Stabilizes and thickens formulations, improving texture.
ChlorphenesinNeutral
Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective in low concentrations.
Risks
May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth, extending product shelf life.
Xanthan GumNeutral
Xanthan gum is a natural thickening agent used in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize and thicken formulations.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Stabilizes and thickens formulations, improving texture.
CitronellolNeutral
Citronellol is a fragrance component naturally found in essential oils. It is used to impart a pleasant scent to cosmetics.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions or irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides a pleasant scent to cosmetic products.
GeraniolNeutral
Geraniol is a fragrance component naturally found in essential oils. It is used to impart a pleasant scent to cosmetics.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions or irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides a pleasant scent to cosmetic products.
SclareolideNeutral
Sclareolide is a fragrance component derived from clary sage. It is used to impart a pleasant scent to cosmetics.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions or irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides a pleasant scent to cosmetic products.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.
Risks
May cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth, extending product shelf life.
LinaloolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions or irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides a pleasant scent to cosmetic products.
Alcohol Denat.Very Bad
Denatured alcohol is used as a solvent and astringent in cosmetics. It can be drying and irritating to the skin, especially in high concentrations.
Risks
May cause dryness and irritation, particularly for sensitive skin.
Benefits
Acts as a solvent and helps in product formulation.
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