Clarins vs Elemis
Clarins and Elemis are esteemed European skincare houses that offer thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, serums, and toners enriched with nourishing ingredients like shea and squalane or glycerin. The French brand suits sensitive and dry skin best through gentle formulations that soothe redness and increase collagen, whereas the British brand favors mature and dry skin by restoring suppleness and significantly boosting hydration. While the former brand addresses specific concerns with targeted treatments like its Double Serum Light Texture and Extra-Firming Day Cream, the latter brand relies on standout staples such as the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream and Pro-Collagen Tri-Acid Peel.
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
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$66.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$131.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
CA$154.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
CA$34.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
-
Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$48.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning
CA$49.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$56.00
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Total Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$49.00
- Serum or Treatment BRIGHT PLUS Evening · Once a week
-
Nourishing Mask
Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask
Once a week
CA$92.00
Buy Elemis routine · CA$278.47 · 88% fit
Buy Clarins routine · CA$332.00 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Clarins vs Elemis routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$66.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$131.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
CA$154.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
CA$34.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
-
Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$48.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning · Once a week
CA$49.00
-
Moisturizer
Double Serum Light Texture
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$113.00
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Total Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$49.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Purifying Toning Lotion
Evening
CA$49.00
- Serum or Treatment BRIGHT PLUS Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
Buy Elemis routine · CA$411.49 · 74% fit
Buy Clarins routine · CA$468.45 · 71% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Clarins vs Elemis routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$66.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$131.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
CA$154.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
CA$34.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
-
Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$48.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning · Once a week
CA$49.00
-
Moisturizer
Double Serum Light Texture
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$113.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Total Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$49.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Purifying Toning Lotion
Evening
CA$49.00
- Serum or Treatment BRIGHT PLUS Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
Buy Elemis routine · CA$369.58 · 77% fit
Buy Clarins routine · CA$408.46 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Clarins or Elemis: which is better?
Both brands are great, but Elemis achieves a Superior fit level for mature skin, while Clarins achieves High, and Elemis also fits acne-prone skin and combination skin better at High levels compared to Clarins at Average. Both brands feature hydrating moisturizers and luxurious textures, though topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.
What is the difference between Clarins and Elemis?
Clarins and Elemis both offer hydrating moisturizers and luxurious textures, but they differ in their strengths and routine fits. Clarins is best for glow and radiance and anti-aging and firming, while Elemis excels in pleasant scent as well as cleansing and exfoliation. For skin types, Clarins has a Superior fit for mature skin with products like Extra-Firming Day Cream, while Elemis provides a Superior fit for mature skin with items like Pro-Collagen Marine Cream.
Clarins or Elemis for dry skin?
Both Clarins and Elemis match well for dry skin, offering high Lovi fit levels across their relevant moisturizers and cleansers. Reviewers highlight that the products on this page help deliver hydrating and smoothing benefits for dry skin types.
Clarins or Elemis: which cleanser is better?
Both Clarins and Elemis offer a range of cleansers, but Elemis achieves a higher Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin, oily acne-prone skin, and mature skin with cleansers like the Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash compared to Clarins' options. Reviewers note that Elemis performs better overall in cleansing and exfoliation.
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.
Between Clarins and Elemis, which brand offers better anti-aging and firming benefits according to reviewers?
Clarins does better for anti-aging and firming according to reviewers. The products on this page help provide hydrating and smoothing moisturizers.
How do the founding years and corporate ownerships of Clarins and Elemis compare?
Clarins was founded in France in 1954 and is owned by Famille C, while Elemis was founded in the United Kingdom in 1989 and has been owned by the L'Occitane Group since 2019.
Which brand performs better for glow and radiance, and which one has a more pleasant scent?
Clarins performs better for glow and radiance, while Elemis has a more pleasant scent according to reviewer themes on this page.
Clarins or Elemis for oily skin?
Both Clarins and Elemis offer an Average routine fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that both brands share a high price point, but their lightweight moisturizers help manage oily skin effectively.
Clarins or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Both Clarins and Elemis offer hydrating moisturizers on this page, but they suit different skin concerns. Clarins moisturizers are well-liked for boosting radiance and firmness, while Elemis options often provide a superior fit for mature skin.
Clarins or Elemis for sensitive skin?
Both Clarins and Elemis are great options, as Lovi rates both brands at a High fit level for sensitive skin. Reviewers note that both brands offer hydrating moisturizers, though they also mention that their products often contain strong fragrance.
Clarins or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
Elemis is a better fit for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its routine as High compared to Clarins's Average. Elemis also features dedicated products like the Papaya Enzyme Peel, which achieves a High fit level for acne-prone skin.
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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