How does a beauty brand thrive for 170 years? Kiehl’s has the answer
Photography by Perkin Gotohio
A beauty brand that’s older than 100 years is already in rarefied air. But traveling through time to still be relevant after 170 years is a monumental achievement in itself, one that Kiehl’s carries proudly! The brand actually started as a pharmacy by John Kiehl in New York’s East Village in 1851. It was in 1921 when Irving Morse took over that it started selling beauty products. With his pharmacology background, he formulated Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion and Creme de Corps, two products which Kiehl’s still has on their shelves as we speak. The first Kiehl’s apothecary also still stands in the same spot in New York!
So what makes Kiehl’s a brand that’s still well-loved today? Personally, I think it’s because they’re always on the edge of innovation. They don’t follow - they lead. They were the first brand to have real flower petals in the bottle (the Calendula Toner). Even before facial oils became a staple in our skincare routine, they had the Midnight Recovery Concentrate which was introduced in 2010. Before Vitamin C became THE ingredient have, they had the Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate which came out in 2005. I think Kiehl’s is great at spotting opportunities to help their customers with specific skin issues.
Cammie Canella, Kiehl’s Global Education Director, says it best during her interview with the Philippine press, “I fell in love with Kiehl’s because of its commitment to connecting with people. People want to be heard, they want to be understood. They want to learn, and we want to share tips and education.” This genuine desire to serve their customers is what keeps Kiehl’s on top of their game.
Now, to celebrate their 170th anniversary, Kiehl’s released a limited edition Commemorative Collection in special packaging. If you’ve been a huge fan of the brand for years, I think you’ll love this look! Everything in white glass, with touches of gold and black. Here’s what you will find:
Midnight Recovery Concentrate (50ml, PHP 3,950). The Midnight Recovery Concentrate is an anti-aging night serum that hydrate skins overnight for a smoother, healthier complexion and radiant glow
Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado (14ml, PHP 1,825). Formulated with Avocado oil, Beta-Carotene, and Shea butter, this natural moisturizing cream aims to improve the overall appearance of the under-eye area.
Ultra Facial Cream (50ml, PHP 1,850). This classic face cream is a daily facial moisturizer formulated with Squalane and Glycerin to help soften skin.
There’s also a Limited Edition Heritage Collection that brings back three products from the past:
Heritage French Rosewater Toner (230ml, PHP 2,250). Inspired by a 1960s Kiehl’s collection of Rosewater Toners, this new skin-soothing solution is enriched with imported rose water and Turkish rose petals, offering a delicate and fresh aroma.
Essence Oils in Love-Luring, Fortune Seeking and Jinx-Removing (10ml, PHP 1,700). Inspired by the auspicious infusions of the 20's, these limited edition essence oils are available in three aromas: Love-Luring Essence Oil to enhance attraction, Fortune-Seeking Essence Oil to draw in good fortune, and Jinx-Removing Essence Oil, to attract new beginnings and personal freedom.
Glycerin Scented and Unscented Soaps (140g, PHP 950). These compact, square soap bars are made from the finest lab-tested ingredients and lather up into a luxurious foam that removes impurities while conditioning and refreshing the skin.
Shop these and more at the Kiehl’s Lazada Flagship store! They also have a Super Brand Day on May 27 where you can get lots of special deals. Pre-order until today to unlock limited sets. Happy birthday Kiehl’s!
