Skincare brand Kiehl's, founded in 1851 as a small apothecary in New York, will launch Kiehl's Repair Lip Serum (sales name: Kiehl's R Lip), which the company says is the brand's first lip serum, nationwide on Friday, October 2, 2026. "Repair" in the name refers to care that moisturizes and prevents dryness.
The company introduces it as a new release alongside Ultra Facial Cream "Instant Barrier Cream UFC" (moisture-based) from the same Damage Care (meaning dryness care) series. This cream won first place for Best New Face Cream of the First Half at the @cosme Best Cosmetics Awards 2026.
Designed to support the barrier function, since lips are thinner than facial skin
The company explains that lips are constantly exposed to damage such as dryness, due to autumn temperature swings, dryness from summer UV rays and air conditioning, friction from lip makeup, and the effects of talking, eating and saliva. It adds that lips are 66% thinner than facial skin and have no natural sebum film, so they are three times more likely to lose moisture than the face.
Based on this thinking, it was developed to go beyond temporary moisturizing, aiming to support the lips' barrier function (stratum corneum) and keep them healthy.
Contains 3 types of human-identical ceramides and panthenol; the gel adheres in 5 seconds
It contains 3 types of human-identical ceramides, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP and Ceramide EOP (all moisturizing ingredients), and panthenol (a protective ingredient). According to the company, Ceramide NP fills lips with moisture, Ceramide AP smooths the texture by refining skin texture, and Ceramide EOP protects lips from dryness and friction. The company calls these plus phytosphingosine (a moisturizing ingredient) the "Ceramide Complex."
The texture is a non-sticky, highly adhesive gel. The company says it takes 5 seconds to apply and delivers rich moisture that lasts 12 hours (12 hours per Kiehl's research; results vary by individual).
To use, take an appropriate amount directly from the tube or onto a fingertip and blend it over the whole lips. Besides preventing dryness during the day and prepping with moisture before lip makeup, it can also be applied generously before bed as a night mask.
A 150mL refill for "Instant Barrier Cream UFC" also arrives on October 2
On the same day, Friday, October 2, a large-capacity refill for "Instant Barrier Cream UFC" (sales name: Kiehl's R Cream UFC) will also be released. It is available in advance from Friday, September 25 at the Kiehl's official online store.
The company explains that the refill costs about the same as two 50mL jars and holds about three 50mL jars' worth. It also says that choosing the 150mL refill cuts plastic use by 84% (compared with three 50mL jars).
"Kiehl's Repair Lip Serum": price, release date and where to buy
- Product name: Kiehl's Repair Lip Serum (sales name: Kiehl's R Lip)
- Volume: 15mL
- Price: ¥2,530 (tax included)
- Release date: Friday, October 2, 2026 nationwide
Advance release on Friday, September 25, 2026 at the Kiehl's official online store - Where to buy (online): Kiehl's official online store (advance release)
The volumes and prices of "Instant Barrier Cream UFC" are: 28mL, ¥3,190 (tax included); 50mL, ¥5,280 (tax included); 150mL, ¥10,780 (tax included).
Kiehl's was founded as a small apothecary (a European and American pharmacy) in a corner of New York's East Village. It offers skincare products built on three beliefs: "Nature," "Science" and "Service."
Image: courtesy of L'Oréal Japan K.K.
