Kiehl's

Introduction

Kiehl's began its journey in 1851 as a small pharmacy in New York City, founded by John Kiehl. Over the years, the store evolved, blending traditional remedies with the evolving demands of beauty and skincare. Kiehl's became a pioneer in the beauty industry by offering a unique mix of natural ingredients and scientific innovation. The brand was later acquired by L'Oréal in 2000, which allowed it to reach a wider audience while still retaining its charming, original appeal and commitment to quality.

The philosophy behind Kiehl's is rooted in the belief that effective skincare should be accessible and uncomplicated. They emphasize transparency in their ingredients and formulations, striving to create products that are both effective and gentle on the skin. This customer-centric approach extends to their commitment to philanthropy, sustainability, and minimizing their ecological footprint, showcasing their dedication to responsible beauty practices. Kiehl's truly values community engagement, often collaborating with local charities and initiatives, making them not just a skincare brand but a socially responsible entity.

What makes Kiehl's special is its long-standing history, rich with authentic interactions with customers. The brand is known for its personalized skincare consultations, which foster a strong connection between the customer and the product. Kiehl's does not adhere to fleeting trends but instead focuses on timeless formulations that combine the best of nature and science. Their iconic packaging and in-store experiences enhance this personal touch, ensuring that customers feel a part of the Kiehl's family from the moment they walk into a store or browse online.

Signature Products

Kiehl's offers a diverse range of products that encapsulate its ethos of quality and care for skin health. Each item is designed with attention to detail, resulting in formulations that combine efficacy with a touch of luxury.

• Ultra Facial Cream : A versatile moisturizer that provides 24-hour hydration for all skin types, effectively balancing moisture levels.
• Calendula Herbal Extract Toner : A soothing, alcohol-free toner infused with calendula petals, ideal for calming and refreshing the skin.
• Crème de Corps : A rich, non-greasy body moisturizer that nourishes and hydrates dry skin, known for its luxurious texture and effectiveness.
• Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate : A potent serum formulated with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin texture.
• Midnight Recovery Concentrate : A replenishing nighttime facial oil that promotes skin recovery, aiming to restore and enhance skin radiance while you sleep.

Materials and Ingredients Used by Kiehl's

• Squalane : Squalane is a lightweight, moisturizing ingredient derived from olives or sugarcane. Kiehl's uses squalane in its skincare products to provide hydration without a heavy feel, making it suitable for various skin types.
• Vitamin C : Vitamin C is an antioxidant known for its brightening and skin-repairing properties. Kiehl's incorporates vitamin C in their formulations to help improve skin radiance and reduce the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone.
• Glass : Glass is commonly used for packaging Kiehl's products to ensure protection from light and air, maintaining the efficacy of the formulations. It also offers a premium and sustainable feel compared to plastic alternatives.
• Down : Down is a natural insulating material that is sometimes used in the packaging of Kiehl's products to provide cushioning. The choice of down emphasizes comfort and protection for the products during shipping.
• Hyaluronic Acid : Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that retains moisture in the skin. Kiehl's uses this ingredient to hydrate and plump the skin, making it a popular component in their serums and moisturizers.
• Lavender : Lavender is known for its soothing and calming properties. Kiehl's incorporates lavender in some formulations to provide a relaxing experience and to enhance the sensory aspects of their products.
• Glycolic Acid : Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used for exfoliation and promoting skin renewal. Kiehl's includes glycolic acid in their products to help improve skin texture and radiance by removing dead skin cells.
• Lactic Acid : Lactic acid is another AHA that aids in exfoliation and hydration. Kiehl's uses lactic acid to enhance skin smoothness and moisture levels, making it an essential ingredient in their skincare range.
• Retinol : Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A known for its anti-aging benefits. Kiehl's incorporates retinol in select products to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
• Water : Water serves as a fundamental ingredient in cosmetics, acting as a solvent for other ingredients. Kiehl's utilizes water in their formulations to create a hydrating base that enhances the overall texture and application of their products.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From Kiehl's

These issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration for sustainability improvements.

Overharvesting of Natural Sources:

The demand for squalane can lead to the overharvesting of natural sources like sharks or certain plants, causing disruption in ecosystems and biodiversity loss. For example, the initial extraction of squalane from sharks has had a significant negative impact on marine life, leading to unsustainable practices. While plant-derived squalane has become more popular, its production can still lead to deforestation and habitat loss if not managed sustainably.

Energy-Intensive Processing:

Vitamin C and glass production are highly energy-intensive processes. Vitamin C often involves synthetic production, which requires significant energy input, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions. The production of glass involves melting raw materials at high temperatures, which demands substantial energy, contributing to carbon footprints and climate change.

Animal Welfare Concerns:

The use of down in products raises significant animal welfare concerns. Down is often sourced from ducks or geese and involves practices that can be harmful or distressful to animals. Ethical sourcing requires ensuring that the practices involved in collecting down are humane and do not involve the live plucking of feathers, which is an issue with some suppliers.

Chemical Processing Byproducts:

Ingredients like glycolic acid and lactic acid involve complex chemical processes that generate byproducts. These byproducts can contaminate water supplies if not managed properly. For instance, wastewater from glycolic acid production may contain harmful chemicals, which need to be treated before release to minimize environmental impact.

High Water Usage in Production:

Water is a crucial ingredient across various products, and its excessive use represents a significant sustainability issue. The beauty industry, including the production of cosmetics, typically requires large volumes of water, from agricultural irrigation (for plant-based ingredients) to formulation. Water scarcity and pollution from runoff can be exacerbated by inefficient water management.

Deforestation:

Ingredients like avocado oil, paper, and shea butter can contribute to deforestation. Avocado and shea plantations can encroach on forests if not sustainably managed. Similarly, the pulp and paper industry have historically been linked to deforestation, affecting millions of hectares of forested areas. Sustainable sourcing and production practices are essential to mitigate these impacts.

High Energy for Extraction and Processing:

Materials like aluminum and ceramics require significant energy for their extraction and firing processes. Aluminum extraction involves aluminum oxide extraction from bauxite through a process that consumes a high amount of electricity, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Ceramics require high-temperature processes (kilning), which again demands a lot of energy resources.

These examples highlight the complex issues that can arise throughout a product's lifecycle, from raw material extraction to processing and distribution, illustrating the critical areas where sustainable practices must be implemented or improved.