Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum with 9.8% Glycolic Acid vs SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum

Kiehl's

SkinCeuticals

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

A serum built around BHA and Salicylic acid, for smoothing and barrier repair.

Serum

7 ingredients

19 ingredients

Brand price

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

Brand price

USD 115.00 · checked 28 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

At a Glance

They come out differently on Fungal-acne-safe, Pore-clogger-free and Oil-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.
Tocopherol
AHA2
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid
BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic Acid
Glycolic acid1
The smallest AHA, and so the most penetrating.
Glycolic 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.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair3
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Diisopropyl Adipate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopherol
Anti-Aging1
Softens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Glycolic Acid
Smoothing5
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Citric Acid, Diisopropyl Adipate, Glycolic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Salicylic 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 Trigger Acne1
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris1
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Tocopherol
May Worsen Oily Skin1
May increase shine or excess oil.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Show highlights for:

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

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. →
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →