Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum with 9.8% Glycolic Acid vs Pilgrim 10% Niacinamide Face Serum With 1% Zinc PCA

Kiehl's

Pilgrim

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

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

Serum

7 ingredients

20 ingredients

Brand price

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

Brand price

INR 499.00 · checked 28 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand country not recorded

Brand from India

At a Glance

They come out differently on Alcohol-free, Fungal-acne-safe and Cruelty-free; those rows are 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

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopheryl Acetate
PHA1
Polyhydroxy acids — larger and milder than AHAs.
Gluconolactone
Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
Zinc salt (sebum/soothing)1
Zinc salts, used for sebum control and soothing.
Zinc PCA

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

Hydrating7
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Panthenol, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zinc PCA
Barrier Repair4
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Betaine, Niacinamide, Panthenol
Reduces Irritation3
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Allantoin, Panthenol, Zinc PCA
Redness Reducing2
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Allantoin, Niacinamide

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.
Polysorbate 20

Show highlights for:

Aqua (in both products)
Solvent
0 / —
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
0-1 / —
- AHA
- Glycolic acid
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Alcohol Denat.
Fragrance
0 / —
- Denatured alcohol
- May Worsen Dryness
- May Worsen Eczema
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Rosacea
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering
0 / —
Sodium Hyaluronate (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Hyaluronic acid
- Hydrating
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Light Stabilizer
0-1 / —

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
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Propanediol
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
- PHA
- Exfoliating
- Hydrating
Salicylic Acid
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Zinc PCA
Humectant
- Zinc salt (sebum/soothing)
- Acne Fighting
- Oil Control
- Reduces Irritation
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin Conditioning
Torreya Nucifera Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Hyaluronic acid
- Hydrating

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 →
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate is a hyaluronic acid.
Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate →