Everyday stressors like UV rays, pollution, and environmental factors take a toll on our skin, causing oxidation and inflammation. As a protective measure, our skin can produce excess pigmentation. The result? Dull, rough-textured, tired-looking skin with dark spots. That is why when I was asked if I like to review Kiehl’s new formulas, I said yes! But are they good? Scroll down to read my Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective review, or rather, my first impression because I have a lot to say about these products and I want to detail them all in separate posts.
STEP 1: Clearly Corrective Brightening & Exfoliating Daily Cleanser
WHAT: Claims to efficiently removes traces of pollution, dirt, and residue while refining skin texture for a noticeably smoother and more luminous appearance.
INGREDIENTS: Its main ingredients are Pearlstone, a gentle exfoliant that helps refine and brighten the look of skin; White Birch Extract, which helps to visibly even skin tone; and Peony Extract, which works well with Activated C to enhance skin clarity. You can see its full list of ingredients and analysis in Skin Carisma.
FIRST IMPRESSION: It has a gel-like formula and mild chemical scent. It also contains micro scrubs that aren’t abrasive for those with acne but I noticed it doesn’t dissolve even after you massage it on your damp skin. You’ll just wash it off with water. After my first use, my skin feels soft and smooth but will need a moisturizer asap. I will try to find its pH level in my separate product review post soon.
PRICE: It cost Php1450 for 150ml in BeautyMNL, or $29 at Sephora.
STEP 2: Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water
WHAT: Claims to instantly refreshes skin, hydrates, and visibly brightens with continued use to diminish the look of dullness and improve skin’s natural clarity over time. Kiehl’s chemists carefully balanced the formula to deliver the right concentration of humectant ingredients to preserve skin moisture without the dreaded feeling of heaviness or stickiness.
KEY INGREDIENTS: Licorice Root, known for its soothing and calming properties; Activated C, which helps to visibly even skin tone and improves clarity; and White Birch Extract, which restores hydration to the skin. You can read its full list of ingredients and analysis in Skin Carisma.
FIRST IMPRESSION: It has a mild scent of citrus which feels refreshing. Despite the “water” term on the label, its texture is quite thick. It resembles the Klairs Supple Preparation Toner‘s formula that is why I prefer to apply this using my palms by chok-chok or patting gently all-over my face instead of using a cotton pad. I find it really moisturizing, plumps my skin, and smoothens it instantly. It absorbs easily into my skin too without a sticky feeling. But I don’t recommend using this in 7 Skin Method because it contains Citric Acid and Salicylic Acid. Plus, it feels kinda heavy after 3-4 layers.
PRICE: Php2,265 for 200ml in BeautyMNL, or $45 in Sephora.
STEP 3: Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
WHAT: Those stubborn dark spots as a result of sun exposure or acne need a more concentrated formula for them to fade away. This is where the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution comes in. Formulated with Activated C, White Birch Extract, and Peony Extract, it diminishes the number and intensity of deep-set dark spots and skin discoloration over time.
INGREDIENTS: Read its full list of ingredients and analysis in Skin Carisma.
FIRST IMPRESSION: Since it contains Vitamin C, I already assumed this will feel tacky or heavy on my skin but it wasn’t! So far, this is the lightest Vitamin C serum I ever use that feels good to use in the daytime even if you have oily skin and lives in a warm humid country. However, this product has mixed reviews and I’m not sure if I’ll be on the positive or negative side yet because I’ve been using this for only a week (but longer than those two products above), but many reviewers also say that this Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution is effective but does not work fast so you have to be patient.
I haven’t noticed any improvement on my cheeks yet where I have a bunch of dark spots that my acne left. Although I found a really interesting result in one week, my acne healed and dried! Some would say maybe it’s just a coincidence, but I think not because I use this on my “lazy week” where I stick to basics and uses less product. This was the only spot treatment I used in that week. I used this after cleansing and then toning with Klairs Supple Preparation Toner and the acne on my right cheek slowly vanished. So far, this is promising.
PRICE: P2,995 for 30ml in BeautyMNL and P3,995 for 50ml in Kiehl’s Philippine branches, or $50 for 30ml and $79 for 50ml in Sephora.
What do you think of this Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective review? Do you agree with my first impressions or did you already tried any of these products? Share your thoughts below!
**I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All thoughts and opinions are my own and not influenced by the brand or its affiliates.