Clinique vs Elemis
Clinique and Elemis are established skincare houses that offer thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, serums, and cleansers designed to nurture various skin types. The American brand incorporates hydrating hyaluronic acid, nourishing glycerin, and caffeine to suit dry sensitive skin and oily skin best, whereas the British brand harnesses glycerin and shea to care for mature skin and dry sensitive skin. While both share a devotion to balanced moisture and targeted solutions, they differ in their heritage and specific botanical and scientific infusions.
Clinique is an American skincare brand founded in 1968 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.combusinesswire.comglossy.co
Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.
elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular Clinique and Elemis products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Clinique vs Elemis products
- moisture surge
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Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
AED 123.26
-
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
AED 123.95
-
All About Eyes
AED 164.29
-
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
AED 89.47
-
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
AED 297.75
-
Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
AED 292.69
- Clarifying Lotion 2
People Say
Hydration and Plumping Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Keeps my dry patches at bay all day — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “skin feels soft and smooth — Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask”
- “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Sensitivity and Gentle Formula Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “never irritated my eyes — Clinique All About Eyes”
- “No stinging eyes — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “keeps the redness at bay — Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream”
- “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “sinks in immediately — Clinique moisture surge”
- “sinks in instantly — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
- “Absorbs quickly without feeling sticky — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Smoother Skin Texture Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “skin feels silky smooth — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
- “leaves face porcelain smooth — Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula”
- “baby soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “skin feels baby-soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
Makeup Compatibility Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “foundation glides on — Clinique moisture surge”
- “holds concealer in place — Clinique All About Eyes”
- “perfect primer base — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
- “Sits nicely under make up... perfect base. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Spa-Like or Pleasant Scent Not notedOften Mentioned
- “smells like a spa — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “smells like a holiday — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “smells like a tropical cocktail — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
High Price Point Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “jar is too small for the cost — Clinique moisture surge”
- “quite pricey — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
- “Expensive for cleanser — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Causes Breakouts Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “caused cystic acne — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “terrible spots — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “clogged my pores — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “Woke up with whiteheads on my chin — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
Strong Fragrance Not notedOften Mentioned
- “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Clinique vs Elemis routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 173.82
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 771.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
AED 345.41
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
AED 315.65
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
AED 210.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
AED 340.00
-
Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
-
Cleanser
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 209.14
-
Moisturizer
Smart Clinical Repair Lifting Face + Neck Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 553.77
-
SPF
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+
Morning
AED 81.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
AED 123.26
- Cleansing Toner Clarifying Lotion 2 Evening
-
Serum or Treatment
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 297.75
-
Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
-
Nourishing Mask
Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
Once a week
AED 292.69
Buy Elemis routine · AED 2,268.50 · 82% fit
Buy Clinique routine · AED 1,605.23 · 66% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Clinique vs Elemis routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 342.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 89.47
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
AED 92.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
AED 123.26
- Cleansing Toner Clarifying Lotion 2 Evening
- Serum or Treatment Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 173.82
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 345.41
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
AED 315.65
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
AED 210.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
AED 230.98
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
Buy Clinique routine · AED 1,002.51 · 79% fit
Buy Elemis routine · AED 1,630.94 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Clinique vs Elemis routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 173.82
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 345.41
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
AED 315.65
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
AED 210.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
AED 230.98
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
-
Cleanser
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 209.14
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 89.47
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
AED 123.26
- Cleansing Toner Clarifying Lotion 2 Evening
- Serum or Treatment Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
Buy Elemis routine · AED 1,644.88 · 79% fit
Buy Clinique routine · AED 790.89 · 72% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Clinique or Elemis: which is better?
Clinique is better for sensitive skin due to its fragrance-free formulas, whereas Elemis offers a higher routine fit for dry skin and features a spa-like scent.
What is the difference between Clinique and Elemis?
Clinique is better for sensitivity and gentle formulas because every product on this page lists no fragrance, whereas Elemis features luxury scents with mostly fragranced options. Both brands provide good hydration, but Elemis achieves a higher routine fit for dry skin, combination skin, and skin with dark spots.
Clinique or Elemis for dry skin?
For dry skin, Elemis is a better choice because its routine fit level is High, whereas Clinique is Average. Elemis features several highly rated options for dry skin like the Pro-Collagen Night Cream and Superfood Facial Oil, and sodium hyaluronate helps improve skin hydration and aging signs.
Clinique or Elemis: which cleanser is better?
Clinique is better for sensitive skin, as the products on this page are fragrance-free and feature gentle cleansers. Elemis also offers cleansers like the Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash that fit mature skin well, but its products often include fragrance.
Which is more affordable, Clinique or Elemis?
Both Clinique and Elemis have a high price point among the products on this page, but neither brand is more affordable than the other.
Clinique or Elemis: which brand has fragrance-free products?
Clinique is the better choice for fragrance-free options because every product on the products on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients. In contrast, Elemis includes fragrance in the majority of its items.
Clinique or Elemis: which brand is better for mature skin?
Both Clinique and Elemis achieve a high Lovi fit level for mature skin, making them equally suitable options. Clinique products on this page list no fragrance, whereas most Elemis products contain fragrance.
Clinique or Elemis: which brand offers a better routine for combination skin?
Elemis offers a better routine for combination skin, achieving a high Lovi fit level compared to Clinique's average fit level. The products on this page for both brands help address hydration, though Elemis is noted for smoother skin texture.
Clinique or Elemis for oily skin?
Both Clinique and Elemis have an oily skin routine fit of High on this page. Clinique offers oil-controlling moisturizers, while Elemis provides balancing toners and cleansing washes.
Clinique or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Both Clinique and Elemis offer effective moisturizers, but Clinique is a better fit for shoppers seeking fragrance-free, lightweight formulas, while Elemis is a better fit for those wanting luxurious textures and targeted anti-aging benefits.
Clinique or Elemis for sensitive skin?
Both brands offer products with a high Lovi fit level for sensitive skin. However, Clinique is noted for having fragrance-free products on this page, whereas Elemis features a spa-like scent.
Clinique or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Elemis has a High routine fit level, whereas Clinique has an Average routine fit level on this page. Elemis provides products that help address blemishes, but the products on this page frequently contain added fragrance, which may cause sensitivity.
Research behind their key ingredients
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Formulation and evaluation of exotic fat based cosmeceuticals for skin repair
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
Behind this comparison
Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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