Why We Can’t Stop Raving About the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30

Just in time for sunny days ahead, New York born-and-bred apothecary Kiehl’s recently debuted a new Ultra Facial Cream formulated with—wait for it—sunscreen! We received a complimentary sample to test-drive before the product officially hits shelves, and we didn’t hesitate to give it a-go. The verdict? You’ll have to keep reading to find out! Ahead, discover our review of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30! 

If there’s one skin care product that’s synonymous with warm weather, it’s sunscreen. Once the weather permits, we swap our scarves and turtlenecks for shorts and swimsuits and inevitably spend more time outdoors at the beach, at BBQs, at the park…you get the idea. So while sunscreen should be slathered on all year-round—yes, even in the brutally cold winter—it’s arguably more important in the warmer months when sun exposure increases and we show a little more skin.

As such, perhaps there’s no better time than now (as we transition from winter to spring and eventually summer) for one of our most beloved moisturizers—Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, to be exact—to receive an SPF upgrade! The brand sent the Skincare.com team a complimentary sample of their new Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 to try. We share our thoughts, ahead.  

The packaging of Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 looks nearly identical to its sister product—Ultra Facial Cream—save for the words “sunscreen” and “broad-spectrum SPF 30” stamped across the front in red font (you can’t miss it). Like the original, Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 is formulated with Antarctine, a glycoprotein known to withstand extreme cold. It also boasts “Fountain Plant,” a hydrating botanical that thrives in dry conditions. The result is a light-textured moisturizer that leaves skin feeling balanced—comfortable and hydrated—and helps protect against skin-damaging UVA and UVB rays with broad-spectrum SPF 30.

The Verdict: Ever since Kiehl’s sent over a complimentary sample of Ultra Facial Cream, I’ve been hooked. So just imagine my delight at discovering the fan-favorite moisturizer would now be offered with SPF, something I never leave home without applying! Knowing how important it is to protect my skin from UV rays—which, for the record, can cause premature skin aging and even some cancers—I’m not one to shy away from moisturizers formulated with broad-spectrum SPF to add an extra layer of protection. The lightweight formula smells fresh and glides on smooth, leaving behind a soft and smooth feel. After a few seconds, the moisturizer fully absorbed into my skin without any uncomfortable stickiness. Plus, knowing my skin is protected with SPF 30 helped put me at ease. I give it two big thumbs up.

Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 is available in two sizes—a travel-sized 1.75 fl. oz. ($27.50 MSRP) or a bigger 4.2 fl. oz. ($47.50 MSRP)—and can be purchased online at kiehls.com or in stores starting in April. If you’re obsessed with the original Ultra Facial Cream sans SPF, don’t fret—it’s still available. (We get it: Not everyone likes change.) But if you want to kill two birds with one stone, give this double-duty moisturizer a try. You won’t regret it.

To Use: Apply Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 to clean facial skin every morning after cleansing. If you’re using it as your source of sun protection, be sure to reapply at least every two hours as you would a traditional sunscreen. You can also use this formula at night for hydration, but since sun exposure is not a factor in the evening, you’re better off reaching for a night cream formulated with anti-aging ingredients like glycolic acid or retinol. If you’re in a pinch and Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 is all you have on-hand before shut-eye, by all means use it! In that case, consider a serum or other targeted formula to help address skin concerns you may have, be it wrinkles or fine lines.