Brand Comparison

Kiehl's vs The History of Whoo

A head-to-head comparison of two popular K-beauty brands. Which one is right for your skin?

Our Pick

The History of Whoo

Higher editor rating (8.8 vs 8.4)

Kiehl's The History of Whoo

Rating8.4/108.8/10

Price RangeMid-Range ($$)Premium ($$$)

Founded18512003

OriginUnited StatesSouth Korea

Products65

Best ForDry, Mature, Sensitive, normalMature, Dry

PhilosophyApothecary-founded skincare — original formulas written by pharmacists, glass jars, white-coated in-store associates.Royal-court hanbang for the woman who wants her anti-aging to feel ceremonial.

Kiehl's

The last American brand that still smells like an apothecary. Midnight Recovery is a legacy classic. Corporate but consistently good.

Pros

✓ Heritage apothecary feel
✓ Solid formulas
✓ Widely available

Cons

✗ L'Oréal ownership dilutes heritage
✗ Some ranges are dated

The History of Whoo

Price tags that make you wince and packaging that belongs in a palace museum — but the Bichup Self-Generating Anti-Aging Essence is legitimately good, and the Gongjinhyang:Seol brightening line has receipts. You're paying for the ritual as much as the results, which is either the point or the problem, depending on who you are.

Pros