Clinique vs Galderma
Clinique and Galderma are established skincare brands offering targeted solutions for diverse complexions. The American brand Clinique provides gentle moisturizers, serums, makeup removers, and eye products featuring hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and caffeine, which suit sensitive and dry skin best. Conversely, the Swiss brand Galderma specializes in serums tailored for oily and oily acne-prone skin. While both companies address concerns like acne, dark spots, and aging, their contrasting formulations and core ingredients cater to distinct skin types.
Clinique is an American skincare brand founded in 1968 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.combusinesswire.comglossy.co
Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.
This page compares some of the most popular Clinique and Galderma products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Clinique vs Galderma products
People Say
Acne Clearance and Prevention Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “cleared up my skin — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
- “cystic acne gone — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- “stops new pimples — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Sensitive Skin Care and Soothing Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “never irritated my eyes — Clinique All About Eyes”
- “No strong scent — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “No stinging eyes — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “sinks in immediately — Clinique moisture surge”
- “sinks in instantly — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
- “Absorbs quickly without feeling sticky — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
Smoother Skin and 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”
- “skin feels smooth — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Makeup Compatibility and Base Often MentionedNot noted
- “Melts waterproof mascara — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “foundation glides on — Clinique moisture surge”
- “holds concealer in place — Clinique All About Eyes”
Hydration and Plumping Often MentionedNot noted
- “Keeps my dry patches at bay all day — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “skin feels soft and smooth — Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask”
- “glass skin look — Clinique moisture surge”
Insufficient Hydration and Dryness Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “skin felt tight — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
- “skin felt tight after an hour — Clinique moisture surge”
- “not moisturizing enough — Clinique All About Eyes”
- “skin flaking off — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Irritation and Stinging Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Face stung and became red — Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2”
- “burned my face — Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream”
- “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Causes Breakouts and Purging Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Woke up with whiteheads on my chin — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “gave me tiny bumps — Clinique moisture surge”
- “Caused cystic acne — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Bleaches Fabrics Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
High Price and Value Often MentionedNot noted
- “jar is too small for the cost — Clinique moisture surge”
Clinique vs Galderma routines for dry skin
-
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
d'Alba First Spray Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.09
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$27.35
-
Serum or Treatment
Benzac AC 5
Evening · Once a week
A$25.49
-
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
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$46.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
- Moisturizer moisture surge Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$56.98
-
Serum or Treatment
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$149.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
Buy Galderma routine · A$217.98 · 89% fit
Buy Clinique routine · A$365.39 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Clinique vs Galderma routines for oily skin
-
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
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.99
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$80.43
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Benzac AC 5
Evening · Once a week
A$25.49
-
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
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$46.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$83.95
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$56.98
-
Cleansing Toner
Clarifying Lotion 2
Evening
A$87.00
- Serum or Treatment Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector 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 Galderma routine · A$435.35 · 95% fit
Buy Clinique routine · A$490.43 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Clinique vs Galderma routines for combination skin
-
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
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Benzac AC 5
Evening · Once a week
A$25.49
-
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
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$46.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$83.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$56.98
-
Cleansing Toner
Clarifying Lotion 2
Evening
A$87.00
- Serum or Treatment Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector 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 Galderma routine · A$378.83 · 92% fit
Buy Clinique routine · A$469.78 · 72% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Clinique or Galderma: which is better?
Clinique is better for sensitive skin care and hydration, while Galderma does better for acne clearance and oily skin. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.
What is the difference between Clinique and Galderma?
Clinique fits best for sensitive, dry, and oily skin with hydrating and soothing products, while Galderma focuses on acne-clearing serums that fit best for oily and acne-prone skin. Reviewers note that Galderma delivers better acne clearance, whereas Clinique excels in hydration, sensitive skin care, and lightweight textures.
Clinique or Galderma for dry skin?
Both Clinique and Galderma fit dry skin at a High level on Lovi. Clinique is known for its hydrating and soothing moisturizers, while Galderma focuses on targeted acne-clearing serums that may cause dryness.
Which is more affordable, Clinique or Galderma?
Galderma is more affordable according to the page reviews, which note high prices for Clinique and better value for Galderma.
Which brand performs better for sensitive skin care and soothing, Clinique or Galderma?
Clinique performs better for sensitive skin care and soothing. Review themes indicate that Clinique does better in this area.
Do Clinique and Galderma products contain fragrance in their ingredients?
Clinique and Galderma products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients.
Which company is older and in which country was it founded, Clinique or Galderma?
Clinique is the older company, having been founded in the United States in 1968, whereas Galderma was founded in Switzerland in 1981.
Clinique or Galderma for oily skin?
For oily skin, Galderma achieves a Superior fit level with its effective acne-clearing serums on this page, whereas Clinique reaches an Average fit level. Galderma's products help target acne and oil, though reviewers note they may cause severe dryness and peeling.
Clinique or Galderma for sensitive skin?
Clinique is a better fit for sensitive skin, offering High routine fit compared to Galderma's Superior fit which reviewers note can cause severe irritation and discomfort.
Clinique or Galderma for acne-prone skin?
Galderma is a better fit for acne-prone skin, holding a superior Lovi fit level compared to Clinique's average rating on this page. Reviewers note that Galderma offers effective acne-clearing serums.
Research behind their key ingredients
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
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
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.
-

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
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.















































