Geek & Gorgeous aPAD vs Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum with 5.0% Niacinamide

Geek & Gorgeous

Kiehl's

A serum built around AHA, for hydration and barrier repair.

A serum built around Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid, for hydration and barrier repair.

Serum

11 ingredients

10 ingredients

Brand price

EUR 11.80 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

INR 3200.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

At a Glance

They come out differently on Cruelty-free; that row is shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Niacinamide1
Vitamin B3 — supports the barrier and evens tone.
Niacinamide

Hydrating3
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Propanediol
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Glycerin
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Allantoin
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Allantoin

Hydrating4
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair3
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Niacinamide
Smoothing2
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Caprylyl Glycol, Niacinamide

Show highlights for:

Aqua (in both products)
Solvent
0 / —
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol (in both products)
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Methyl Gluceth-20 (in both products)
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Reduces Irritation
- Smoothing
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Light Stabilizer
0-1 / —
Xanthan Gum
Cleansing
0-1 / —
Citric Acid
Buffering
0 / —
- AHA
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning

Aqua (in both products)
Solvent
0 / —
Niacinamide
Smoothing
0 / —
- Niacinamide
- Acne Fighting
- Barrier Repair
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
- Redness Reducing
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Propanediol (in both products)
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
Methyl Gluceth-20 (in both products)
Humectant
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
0 / 0
- Hyaluronic acid
- Hydrating
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
0-1 / —
Carbomer
Gel Forming
1 / 0
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering
0 / —

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Aqua
Solvent
Water
Learn more about Aqua →
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Propanediol is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Propanediol →
Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming, Humectant, Skin Protecting, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Glycerin may be plant, synthetic or animal depending on the supplier.
Learn more about Glycerin →
Methyl Gluceth-20
Humectant, Moisturising
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, ether with methyl .beta.-d-glucopyranoside (4:1)
Learn more about Methyl Gluceth-20 →