Gracie

Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum 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 Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum at 8.7/9.8. Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide wins for hydration.

Head to head

✶
Glow Recipe

Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum

exfoliantmid-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.

4
1
Glow Recipe wins 0
Tied 4
Kiehl's Since 1851 wins 1
8.7Glow Recipe
+0.6vs
9.3Kiehl's Since 1851

Scores last verified: July 2026

Attribute battle

Hydration Efficacy

Kiehl's Since 1851 WINS
6.8
9.4
Glow Recipe
Kiehl's Since 1851

Irritation Risk

TIE
9.5
9.5
Glow Recipe
Kiehl's Since 1851

Active Ingredient Strength

TIE
7.6
7.7
Glow Recipe
Kiehl's Since 1851

Ingredient Transparency

TIE
8.5
8.5
Glow Recipe
Kiehl's Since 1851

Formulation Safety

TIE
9.0
9.0
Glow Recipe
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 hydration efficacy, scoring 9.4 compared to Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum's 6.8. With Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, and Pentylene Glycol in its top ingredients, Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide delivers stronger moisture-binding capability.

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 glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum relies on Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Salicylic Acid, and Mandelic Acid. Both approaches have merit, but the positioning and supporting ingredients make the difference.

Best for your skin type

Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum is better if you have

  • Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
  • Targeting specific concerns like aging or uneven tone — Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract does the heavy lifting
  • 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, Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum 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 Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum is still a solid pick.

✶
8.7Glow Recipe
vs
9.3Kiehl's Since 1851

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum 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 Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum 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 Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum 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.