Shine control is one of those things I’m always chasing — I love a healthy glow, but sometimes my T-zone likes to go a little too rogue. So when I spotted the Kiehl’s Stop-The-Shine Starter Set, a three-step routine designed specifically for oily and combination skin, I had to give it a go. After testing each product for a few weeks, here’s my honest review of the cleanser, the niacinamide serum, and the gel cream.
What’s Inside the Set
The Stop-The-Shine Starter Set includes three minis:
- Ultra Facial Cleanser (75ml)
- Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 5% Niacinamide (30ml)
- Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream (28ml)
It’s a nice size for trialling the range without committing to full sizes. Now… let’s get into what actually works.
Ultra Facial Cleanser – Surprisingly Good
This was the standout of the whole set for me. I wasn’t expecting much, but the cleanser is genuinely really good. It doesn’t feel stripping at all. Lathers enough without being foamy and harsh the skin feels clean but still soft afterwards.
If you’re oily but don’t want that tight, squeaky-clean feeling, this is perfect. It feels balanced, gentle, and something I’d actually repurchase full-size.
5% Niacinamide Serum – Great, But Go Easy
I’m already a fan of niacinamide, so I had high hopes — and this does perform well. Lightweight, absorbs quickly and helps with shine control. Doesn’t pill under moisturiser or makeup
BUT, my skin prefers this twice a week, max. Any more and it can start to feel a little too active for me. If you’re sensitive or using other actives (retinol, exfoliating acids, etc.), I’d definitely keep this one in moderation. Used correctly, though, it’s one of the most beneficial steps in this set.
Oil-Free Gel Cream – Not My Favourite
Okay… the gel cream. It’s fine. Not terrible, not amazing — just okay. It's lightweight and has no greasy residue, probably best for a quick morning moisturiser. But for me, it just didn’t do much. It didn’t feel particularly hydrating, and compared to other gel creams I love, this one fell a bit flat. It’s not one I’d rush to repurchase. If you’re super oily, you might like it more, but for me it’s a “meh”.
Overall Thoughts — Should You Buy the Set?
Honestly, this set is a good intro if you’re curious about Kiehl’s skincare for oily skin.
Worth it for:
✔️ The cleanser — genuinely lovely
✔️ A gentle niacinamide that works (as long as you don’t overdo it)
✔️ Anyone wanting a quick 3-step routine to test before buying full-size
Not so worth it for:
✖️ The gel cream — very average
✖️ If you want deep hydration
✖️ If your skin is sensitive to niacinamide more than twice a week
For me, it’s a solid starter set with two products I like and one I’m indifferent about. If you’re someone who battles shine through the day, the cleanser + niacinamide combo alone makes it worth trying.
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