Kiehl’s continues 'adventure testing' with Skin Moisture Barrier Summit

Back in 1988, Kiehl’s sponsored the first ascent of Mount Everest‘s East Face without supplemental oxygen.

The climbers were supplied with Kiehl’s skincare formulas to protect their skin from the harsh elements during their climb.

This was Kiehl’s first foray into “adventure testing,” a process in which the company tested its products in extreme conditions to ensure their effectiveness.

This sponsorship of the Everest climb helped to establish Kiehl’s as a brand committed to using high-quality, natural ingredients in its products and to promoting an active, adventurous lifestyle.

French cosmetics giant L’Oréal acquired Kiehl’s in 2000 but has allowed the brand to maintain its unique identity and continue to operate independently.

Today, Keihl’s continues to sponsor and support various outdoor expeditions and activities.

This was highlighted recently at the Kiehl’s Skin Moisture Barrier Summit event, held in Tasmania.

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Brand ambassadors including former Australia’s Next Top Model star Brooke Hogan, Tayleb Willis, an Australian track and field athlete who specialises in the 110 metres hurdles event and Jade Hameister OAM, an Australian polar explorer and adventurer, all spoke about Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream and how they used it to boost their skin moisture barrier.

At age 16, Jade became the youngest person in history to pull off the “polar hat-trick”, ski to the North and South Poles, and cross the second largest polar icecap on the planet: Greenland.

The trip also included education sessions hosted by beauty expert and writer Gemma Watts, who was joined by Kiehl’s Scientific Director Dr Nancy Ilaya and leading dermatologist Dr Cara McDonald.

Dr Nancy, who likened the three layers of skin – the epidermis, dermis, and the hypodermis – to layers of “lasagne” explained how the harsh Australian climate impacted the skin barrier saying, “these temperamental weather conditions can impact the rate of trans epidermal water loss of the skin barrier which can lead to sensitisation, flakiness and rough texture. Knowing the Australian climate and environment can fluctuate in a day, it’s important to strengthen and equip your barrier to face the day.”

She said Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream “works to address the hydration and moisture challenges affecting the skin barrier through its unique formulation of 4.5 per cent squalene, supporting skin barrier function thanks to its lipid-like properties. The inclusion of glacial glycoprotein helps to retain water and maintain skin hydration.”

With over 40 million jars sold worldwide, Ultra Facial Cream is one of the most iconic products from Kiehl’s which was founded in 1851 as an old-world pharmacy in New York’s East Village.

Images from the Skin Moisture Barrier Summit below.