Kiehl’s vs Estee Lauder (The Definitive Guide)

When it comes to overnight facial treatments, there aren't many out there that can claim to be as effective or as popular as those by Kiehl's and Estee Lauder.

Come with us as we compare the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery vs Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serums side-by-side to help you decide which is best for you and your skincare routine. Enjoy!

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Kiehl's Midnight Recovery vs Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

Beyond the obvious differences between the bottles, we're going to have to dive straight into their formulas to start seeing any differences of note.

First and foremost, it's worth highlighting the fact that the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate is in fact a facial oil, whereas the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair is a facial serum (and notably completely oil-free).

Without trying to turn this review into a 'facial oils vs serums' comparison, there is an important distinction between the two that must be addressed. Unlike serums - which absorb deeply into the skin - facial oils have larger molecules that can only penetrate the outermost layers of the skin. Face oils are fantastic for boosting moisture levels and supporting the moisture barrier, but do not perform as well as serums with regards to targeting specific skin concerns.

With that in mind, the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate is formulated with 10 naturally-derived botanicals, most notably: Squalane, Evening Primrose Oil, and Lavender Essential Oil. These oils help to replenish and nourish the skin as you sleep, visibly correcting the appearance of skin damage caused by '30 days of poor sleep'. It leaves skin feeling soft, supple, and hydrated, and has been clinically proven to boost radiance, improve texture, and reduce fine lines.

With a similar focus on overnight repair, the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum contains Tripeptide-32 which promotes the natural synchronization of the skin's circadian rhythm (in which skin protects itself by day and repairs itself by night). Estee Lauder sell themselves a little bit short on their official product page, though, as they make little-to-no mention of the other holy grail ingredients packed into its formula. Here are a few of them:

• Kola Seed Extract: rich in energizing caffeine, a powerful antioxidant.
• Hyaluronic Acid: binds up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it a powerful hydrator.
• Bifida Ferment Lysate: a probiotic which helps the skin maintain its supportive microbiome.
• Hydrolized Algae: known for its stimulating effect on cell renewal.
• Chamomile: known for its soothing properties.

The result is a serum that reduces the appearance of multiple signs of aging and yields firmer, more radiant, youthful-looking skin.

All in all, the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum offers far more benefits than it's Kiehl's counterpart, and caters to a wider range of skin concerns. That said, if you're specifically looking for a facial oil to lock in moisture overnight (i.e. for those with particularly dry or sensitive skin), then the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate is the one for you.

This article was originally published on May 10th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on February 5th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.