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Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set vs Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide

Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide scores 9.3/9.8 vs Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set at 8.7/9.8. Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide wins for active ingredients.

Head to head

Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set
Clarins

Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set

moisturisermid-range
8.7
VS
Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide
Kiehl's Since 1851

Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide

serumpremium
9.3

Score comparison

Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide edges ahead, winning 1 of 5 attributes.

1
3
1
Clarins wins 1
Tied 3
Kiehl's Since 1851 wins 1
8.7Clarins
+0.6vs
9.3Kiehl's Since 1851

Scores last verified: July 2026

Attribute battle

Hydration Efficacy

Clarins WINS
9.8
9.4
Clarins
Kiehl's Since 1851

Irritation Risk

TIE
9.5
9.5
Clarins
Kiehl's Since 1851

Active Ingredient Strength

Kiehl's Since 1851 WINS
5.8
7.7
Clarins
Kiehl's Since 1851

Ingredient Transparency

TIE
8.5
8.5
Clarins
Kiehl's Since 1851

Formulation Safety

TIE
9.0
9.0
Clarins
Kiehl's Since 1851

Why Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide comes out ahead

Where Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide really shines is active ingredient strength, scoring 7.7 compared to Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set's 5.8. Its formula features Niacinamide, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, and Adenosine in high positions, signalling meaningful concentrations.

Hydration Efficacy is another area of separation. Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set scores 9.8 here versus 9.4 for Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide. That difference comes down to how each formula is built — the ingredient list tells the story.

Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide brings Niacinamide, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, and Adenosine as actives, while clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set relies on Niacinamide, Extract, and Tocopheryl Acetate. Both approaches have merit, but the positioning and supporting ingredients make the difference.

Best for your skin type

Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set is better if you have

  • Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
  • Dry or dehydrated skin that craves moisture, thanks to Glycerin
  • Anyone who prefers clean, well-vetted formulations

Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide is better if you have

  • Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
  • Dry or dehydrated skin that craves moisture, thanks to Glycerin
  • Targeting specific concerns like aging or uneven tone — Niacinamide does the heavy lifting

Value comparison

At mid-range pricing with a score of 8.7, Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set is a decent pick. Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide sits at the premium level with a 9.3 score — the higher investment pays off in formulation quality.

Our verdict

✶ Our verdict
+0.6 lead

Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide edges ahead with a slightly stronger formulation, but Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set is still a solid pick.

8.7Clarins
vs
9.3Kiehl's Since 1851

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set or Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide?

Based on ingredient analysis, Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide scores higher overall. See the full score breakdown above for details on each attribute.

Do Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set and Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide share ingredients?

Yes, they share common ingredients. Check the ingredient face-off section above for a detailed comparison.

What's the main difference between Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set and Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide?

The key differences are in their active ingredients and formulation approach. Check the attribute battle above for a detailed breakdown.