Clarins vs Elemis
Clarins and Elemis are established European skincare houses that offer luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, and gentle toners enriched with nourishing shea. The French brand suits sensitive and dry sensitive skin best with formulations featuring squalane, whereas the British brand suits dry and mature skin best through preparations combining glycerin and shea. Both lines feature standout treatments for acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature concerns, but they differ in their foundational heritage, specific key ingredients, and precise targeted benefits.
Clarins is a French skincare brand founded in 1954 and owned by Famille C (Groupe Clarins).
groupeclarins.comen.wikipedia.orghappi.com
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 Clarins and Elemis products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Clarins vs Elemis products
People Say
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs immediately — Clarins Double Serum Eye”
- “sinks in immediately — Clarins Double Serum Light Texture”
- “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “skin drinks it up — Clarins Double Serum”
- “keeps skin moist — Clarins Multi-Active Jour”
- “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Glow and Radiance Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “skin looks brighter immediately — Clarins Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask”
- “Gives off the most stunning natural radiance I've ever come across. — Clarins Beauty Flash Balm”
- “eyes look more open — Clarins Total Eye Lift”
- “healthy glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
Anti-Aging and Firming Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “neck feels smoother — Clarins Extra-Firming Neck & Décolleté Cream”
- “visibly tighter, lifted skin — Clarins Super Restorative Night Cream”
- “plumped my fine lines — Clarins Double Serum”
- “My neck doesn't sag... plumps my skin to look more youthful. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
Pleasant Scent Sometimes 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”
- “smells luxurious — Clarins Extra-Firming Neck & Décolleté Cream”
Cleansing and Exfoliation Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “melts waterproof mascara — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “baby soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “non-stripping formula — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
- “removes every last trace — Clarins Hydrating Toning Lotion”
High Price Point Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “way too expensive — Clarins Double Serum”
- “too expensive for results — Clarins Total Eye Lift”
- “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “very expensive — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
Strong Fragrance and Scent Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “smell is too strong — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “Only small negative is the smell is quite strong. — Elemis Superfood Facial Oil”
- “smells like perfume — Clarins Multi-Active Jour”
Packaging Issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “jar looks half empty — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “tube feels half empty — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “pump broke quickly — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
- “dispenses too much product — Clarins Total Eye Lift”
Skin Irritation and Breakouts Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “caused cystic acne — Clarins Double Serum”
- “caused redness — Clarins Double Serum Eye”
- “Developed milia and closed comedones. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “caused cystic acne — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
Clarins vs Elemis routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$223.78
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$81.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
A$128.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
-
Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$52.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning
A$54.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$72.00
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Total Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$46.75
- Serum or Treatment BRIGHT PLUS Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask
Once a week
A$110.00
Buy Elemis routine · A$549.28 · 91% fit
Buy Clarins routine · A$394.74 · 78% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Clarins vs Elemis routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$223.78
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$81.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
A$77.81
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
A$67.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$52.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning · Once a week
A$54.00
-
Moisturizer
Double Serum Light Texture
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$197.00
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Total Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$46.75
-
Cleansing Toner
Purifying Toning Lotion
Evening
A$54.00
- Serum or Treatment BRIGHT PLUS Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Elemis routine · A$653.08 · 80% fit
Buy Clarins routine · A$585.59 · 71% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Clarins vs Elemis routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$73.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$223.78
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$81.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
A$77.81
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
A$67.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$52.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning · Once a week
A$54.00
-
Moisturizer
Double Serum Light Texture
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$197.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Total Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$46.75
-
Cleansing Toner
Purifying Toning Lotion
Evening
A$54.00
- Serum or Treatment BRIGHT PLUS Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Elemis routine · A$720.04 · 82% fit
Buy Clarins routine · A$557.60 · 70% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Clarins or Elemis: which is better?
Both brands are great choices depending on your specific skin type and goals, as Clarins excels in anti-aging and radiance, while Elemis stands out for cleansing and exfoliation. For dry skin, Lovi rates Clarins as High and Elemis as Superior.
What is the difference between Clarins and Elemis?
Clarins and Elemis are both great brands, but Elemis achieves a superior routine fit for dry skin and mature skin on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Clarins does better for glow and radiance and anti-aging and firming, while Elemis stands out for a pleasant scent as well as cleansing and exfoliation.
Clarins or Elemis for dry skin?
Elemis is a superior fit for dry skin compared to Clarins, which has a high fit for this skin type. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.
Clarins or Elemis: which cleanser is better?
Elemis does better for cleansing and exfoliation on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Elemis offers effective options like the Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash and Superfood Glow Cleansing Butter.
Which is more affordable, Clarins or Elemis?
Both Clarins and Elemis feature a high price point among the products on this page, so neither brand is more affordable.
Clarins or Elemis: which brand is better for anti-aging and firming?
Clarins does better for anti-aging and firming according to the review themes on this page. The products on this page help improve skin appearance and firmness while providing rich hydration.
Clarins or Elemis: which brand has a more pleasant scent?
Elemis is noted by reviewers as having a more pleasant scent compared to Clarins. Both brands carry strong fragrance across most of the products on this page.
Clarins or Elemis: which is better for mature skin?
Both Clarins and Elemis are great options, but Elemis is better for mature skin overall because the products on this page offer a superior routine fit compared to Clarins. Additionally, Elemis features specialized anti-aging items like the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream and Pro-Collagen Night Cream, which help deliver smoother skin texture and deep hydration.
Clarins or Elemis for oily skin?
For oily skin, Elemis has a High Lovi routine fit while Clarins is Average. Elemis also features products like Balancing Lavender Toner that are well-suited for oil control.
Clarins or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Both Clarins and Elemis offer hydrating moisturizers on the products on this page, but they suit different skin types best. Clarins has formulas that fit dry skin and mature skin well, while Elemis routines fit dry skin and mature skin at a Superior level.
Clarins or Elemis for sensitive skin?
Both Clarins and Elemis achieve a High Lovi routine fit for sensitive skin. Reviewers note that the products on this page for both brands help deliver hydration.
Clarins or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
Elemis is a better fit for acne-prone skin, offering a High routine fit compared to Clarins and its Average fit level on the products on this page. Topical hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the skin and improve overall skin quality.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
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
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging 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
Mechanism of action and clinical benefits of colloidal oatmeal for dermatologic practice
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
Skin improvement and stability of Echinacea purpurea dermatological formulations
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers
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
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Moisturizing effect of stable cream containing Crocus sativus extracts
Formulation and evaluation of exotic fat based cosmeceuticals for skin repair
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
Microcirculation-Promoting Effect of Escin on Cutaneous Tissue via Gsk3β Down-Regulation
Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population
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
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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