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If you’ve been keeping an eye on new beauty launches, you’ve likely seen the Kiehl’s 1cc CollaShot Plumping Serum. I actually was gifted this serum about a month before it was announced. It was sent over as part of Kiehl’s bigger push to get it in front of content creators ahead of the launch.
I’ve been testing it to see how it actually wears day to day, how it feels on my skin, and how it plays with other products already in my routine.
What is the Kiehl’s CollaShot Plumpins Serum?
At its core, it’s a collagen support serum meant to plump and firm skin that’s lost density, whether that loss comes from aging or the newer, faster kind tied to GLP-1 medications. This serum brings real anti-aging ingredients to the table, but the rich texture and heavy formula mean it isn’t going to work for everyone.
Before getting into the texture, it’s worth looking at what’s actually inside this serum, because the ingredients are genuinely impressive. The plumping and firming claim comes from three ingredients working together: Pro-Xylane, Rhamnose, and peptides that tell the skin to ramp up collagen production. Niacinamide is also included to help with the skin barrier and redness. The signature pink color comes from vitamin B12. One thing worth knowing before you buy it: the formula includes a handful of essential oils for scent.
Why this serum isn’t going into my routine
When I first tested the serum, I could feel the richness right away. I tried using it in the morning a couple of times, but the weight of it sitting on my skin made it clear this needed to be a nighttime product instead.
Once I settled on putting it in my evening routine, the real question became: where will this actually fit? My nighttime routine is already active-heavy, and because my skin can be sensitive, I have to be careful about how I layer things. Niacinamide is the one ingredient here that makes me pause. It’s an ingredient I have to be careful about using, especially paired with other active ingredients.
My current routine is highly focused on anti-aging. I already rotate between an anti-aging peptide serum formulated with niacinamide and a gentle retinol. I could potentially top the peptide serum with the Kiehl’s, but I wasn’t willing to risk my skin barrier to try it.
Who this product is actually right for
None of this means that the formula is bad; it just means it wasn’t built for what my routine currently needs. If your skin and your routine look different from mine, this could be a great product for you.
The Kiehl’s CollaShot is probably worth it if:
- Your skin runs dry or dehydrated and could use an occlusive product at night
- Your routine is fairly simple, without a lot of other actives
- You don’t have a history of reacting to niacinamide or fragrance
It’s worth skipping if:
- Your skin runs combinations or oily
- You’re already layering retinol or other actives
- You have rosacea or eczema
- Your skin is sensitive to fragrance
Final Thoughts
Right now, the 1cc CollaShot won’t be a regular part of my routine. That’s not because the formula is bad. It comes down to the texture and my already existing skincare routine.
If your skin is dry and your routine is simple, this well-built serum is worth trying, especially if collagen volume loss is something you are actually dealing with.
Want to try the 1cc CollaShot? You can purchase the serum at Sephora, Ulta, and Kiehl’s.com
