Some By Mi vs Clinique
Some By Mi and Clinique are distinct skincare brands offering diverse solutions for varied complexions. The Korean brand features serums, cleansers, toners, and moisturizers built around niacinamide, centella asiatica, and salicylic acid, while the American brand thoughtfully incorporates hydrating hyaluronic acid, nourishing glycerin, and invigorating caffeine into its moisturizers, serums, and eye products. The first brand fits sensitive skin and dry sensitive skin best, whereas the second suits dry sensitive skin and oily skin. They differ fundamentally in their origins, formulations, and targeted approaches to specific dermatological needs.
Some By Mi is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by JKL Partners since 2021.
kedglobal.compreqin.comtracxn.com
Clinique is an American skincare brand founded in 1968 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
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This page compares some of the most popular Some By Mi and Clinique products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Some By Mi vs Clinique products
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AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
AED 42.28
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Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum
AED 46.72
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AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam
AED 111.68
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AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
AED 59.40
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Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream
AED 34.15
-
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
AED 86.49
-
Beta Panthenol Repair Cream
AED 49.97
-
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
AED 91.81
- moisture surge
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Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
AED 123.26
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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
Gentle Formula and Exfoliation Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “never irritated my eyes — Clinique All About Eyes”
- “gentle enough for everyday — Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula”
- “You will see the dirt with one wipe — Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2”
- “Zero irritation or redness — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum”
Texture and Skin Smoothing Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Skin became smoother — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “Skin feels baby soft — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum”
- “skin feels baby soft — Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum”
- “skin feels silky smooth — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Lasts 100 hours as claimed — Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Cream”
- “Absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum”
- “Keeps my dry patches at bay all day — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “skin feels soft and smooth — Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask”
Lightweight and Fast Absorption Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
- “absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum”
- “sinks in immediately — Clinique moisture surge”
- “sinks in instantly — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
Soothing and Calming Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Calmed my retinol burn overnight — Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Cream”
- “calm my redness — Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum”
- “calmed my angry red skin — Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum”
- “keeps the redness at bay — Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream”
Brightening and Glow Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Fades dark spots — Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum”
- “skin looks visibly brighter — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Anti Blemish Serum”
- “brightens dull skin — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
- “wake up glowing — Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask”
Drying and Dehydration Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “not moisturizing enough — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
- “Skin felt tight — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “skin felt tight — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
- “Made my skin super dry — Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2”
Strong Scent and Fragrance Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Smells like nail polish remover — Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2”
- “Smells like old oil — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “Has a weird plastic-like smell — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “overwhelming citrus fragrance — Some By Mi V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen”
Packaging and Price Issues Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “expensive — Some By Mi Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask”
- “Too expensive for 50ml — Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Cream”
- “Hate dipping fingers in a jar — Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Cream”
- “jar is too small for the cost — Clinique moisture surge”
Some By Mi vs Clinique routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 44.75
-
Hydrating Toner
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 91.81
-
SPF
V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen
Morning
AED 58.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 35.29
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening
AED 42.28
-
Serum or Treatment
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 49.98
-
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 Some By Mi routine · AED 485.71 · 87% fit
Buy Clinique routine · AED 1,605.23 · 66% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Some By Mi vs Clinique routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 44.75
-
Hydrating Toner
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 91.81
-
SPF
V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen
Morning
AED 58.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening
AED 42.28
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 59.40
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Once a week
AED 86.49
-
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
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
Buy Some By Mi routine · AED 714.25 · 87% fit
Buy Clinique routine · AED 1,002.51 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Some By Mi vs Clinique routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 44.75
-
Hydrating Toner
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 91.81
-
SPF
V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen
Morning
AED 58.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening
AED 42.28
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 59.40
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Once a week
AED 86.49
-
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 Some By Mi routine · AED 714.25 · 88% fit
Buy Clinique routine · AED 790.89 · 72% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Some By Mi or Clinique: which is better?
Some By Mi is better for brightening and smoothing, while both brands offer great lightweight hydration. Lovi gives Some By Mi superior fit levels for sensitive skin and dark spots, making it a stronger choice for those concerns.
What is the difference between Some By Mi and Clinique?
Some By Mi is a South Korean brand founded in 2016 that focuses heavily on brightening and smoothing with ingredients like niacinamide, while Clinique is a long-standing American brand owned by Estée Lauder that emphasizes hydration and gentle cleansers using hyaluronic acid and glycerin. On Lovi, Some By Mi achieves superior fits for sensitive skin, dry sensitive skin, and skin with dark spots, whereas Clinique fits dry sensitive skin, oily skin, and sensitive skin best.
Some By Mi or Clinique for dry skin?
Some By Mi is the better choice for dry skin because Lovi rates its brand routine as High compared to Clinique's Average fit. The products on this page help provide good hydration without heavy or greasy finishes.
Some By Mi or Clinique: which cleanser is better?
Some By Mi is better for deep pore cleansing and clearing acne, while Clinique offers gentle and effective daily options. Lovi rates Some By Mi cleansers as superior for acne-prone and combination skin.
Which is more affordable, Some By Mi or Clinique?
Reviewers mention high price points for Clinique and packaging and price issues for Some By Mi, but the provided page facts do not directly compare prices to state which brand is more affordable.
Between Some By Mi and Clinique, which brand is better suited for reducing dark spots?
Some By Mi is better suited for reducing dark spots, as Lovi rates its fit for skin with dark spots as Superior while rating Clinique as Average. Niacinamide, a key ingredient found across Some By Mi products, helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer.
How do the key ingredients of Some By Mi and Clinique compare across their product lines?
Some By Mi focuses on ingredients like niacinamide, centella asiatica, and salicylic acid to help brighten the complexion and clear acne, while Clinique relies on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, caffeine, and salicylic acid for hydration and oil control. Niacinamide may help reduce skin pigmentation, and hyaluronic acid helps improve skin moisture and reduce signs of aging.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Which brand performs better for brightening and creating a glow according to reviewers?
Some By Mi performs better for brightening and creating a glow according to reviewers. The brand helps target dark spots with key ingredients like niacinamide, which may reduce cutaneous pigmentation.
Some By Mi or Clinique for oily skin?
Both Some By Mi and Clinique are a High fit for oily skin. The products on this page help control oil while keeping skin balanced.
Some By Mi or Clinique: which moisturizer is better?
Both Some By Mi and Clinique offer effective moisturizers, but Some By Mi is a better fit for dry skin with its Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream, which achieves a Superior rating compared to Clinique's Average rating on the page. Some By Mi's moisturizers generally help with hydration and brightening, while Clinique's products are often noted for lightweight absorption.
Some By Mi or Clinique for sensitive skin?
Some By Mi is a superior fit for sensitive skin on Lovi, whereas Clinique is a high fit. Both brands offer fragrance-free formulations across the products on this page.
Some By Mi or Clinique for acne-prone skin?
Some By Mi fits acne-prone skin better, achieving a High routine fit compared to Clinique's Average fit on this page. Reviewers often mention Some By Mi for providing effective acne-clearing treatments.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Topical menthol--a human model for cold pain by activation and sensitization of C nociceptors
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
HelixComplex snail mucus as a potential technology against O3 induced skin damage
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Ethosomes of Phenylethyl Resorcinol as Vesicular Delivery System for Skin Lightening Applications
The use of green tea extract in cosmetic formulations: not only an antioxidant active ingredient
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Allergy to oxidized limonene and linalool is frequent in the U.K
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

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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