Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum with 9.8% Glycolic Acid vs La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum

Kiehl's

La Roche-Posay

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

A serum built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for barrier repair and brightening.

Serum

7 ingredients

14 ingredients

Brand price

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

Brand price

USD 44.99 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand country not recorded

Brand from France

At a Glance

They come out differently on Fungal-acne-safe; that row is shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

AHA1
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid1
The smallest AHA, and so the most penetrating.
Glycolic Acid
Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate

Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
AHA1
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid1
The smallest AHA, and so the most penetrating.
Glycolic Acid
Tranexamic acid1
Used topically for stubborn pigmentation and melasma.
Tranexamic Acid

Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair1
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Glycerin
Anti-Aging1
Softens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Glycolic Acid
Smoothing1
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Glycolic Acid

Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Panthenol, Propylene Glycol
Barrier Repair3
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
C12-13 Alkyl Lactate, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Panthenol
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Tranexamic Acid

May Worsen Irritation1
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Alcohol Denat.
May Worsen Eczema1
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
Alcohol Denat.
May Worsen Rosacea1
Can trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone skin.
Alcohol Denat.
May Worsen Dryness1
Can strip moisture and worsen dryness.
Alcohol Denat.

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
C12-13 Alkyl Lactate
May Worsen Irritation1
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Alcohol Denat.
May Worsen Eczema1
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
Alcohol Denat.
May Worsen Rosacea1
Can trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone skin.
Alcohol Denat.

Show highlights for:

Aqua (in both products)
Solvent
0 / —
Alcohol Denat. (in both products)
Fragrance
0 / —
- Denatured alcohol
- May Worsen Dryness
- May Worsen Eczema
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Rosacea
Glycolic Acid (in both products)
Buffering
0-1 / —
- AHA
- Glycolic acid
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
0 / 0
Potassium Hydroxide
Buffering
0-1 / —
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion Stabilising
Tranexamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
- Tranexamic acid
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Redness Reducing
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
- Kojic acid
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
C12-13 Alkyl Lactate
Emollient
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Hydroxyethylcellulose (in both products)
Light Stabilizer
0-1 / —

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 →
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid is an AHA.
Learn more about Glycolic Acid →
Alcohol Denat.
Antifoaming, Antimicrobial, Astringent, Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Alcohol Denat. is a drying alcohol.
Learn more about Alcohol Denat. →
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Binding, Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming, Light Stabilizer, Viscosity Controlling
Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl ether
Learn more about Hydroxyethylcellulose →