Clinique vs Clarins
Clinique and Clarins are two esteemed skincare brands offering thoughtful ranges of moisturizers, serums, and eye products. The American brand, founded in 1968, incorporates hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and caffeine to best suit dry sensitive skin and oily skin, whereas the French brand, founded in 1954, relies on shea and squalane to best suit sensitive skin and dry sensitive skin. Both houses provide standout solutions for acne-prone skin, skin with dark spots, and mature skin. Ultimately, they differ through their distinct heritage, targeted ingredients, and specialized formulations.
Clinique is an American skincare brand founded in 1968 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.combusinesswire.comglossy.co
Clarins is a French skincare brand founded in 1954 and owned by Famille C (Groupe Clarins).
groupeclarins.comen.wikipedia.orghappi.com
This page compares some of the most popular Clinique and Clarins products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Clinique vs Clarins products
- moisture surge
-
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
CA$55.00
-
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
CA$61.00
-
All About Eyes
CA$82.00
-
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
CA$61.00
-
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
CA$145.00
-
Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
CA$59.00
-
Clarifying Lotion 2
CA$30.00
People Say
Lightweight and fast-absorbing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “sinks in immediately — Clinique moisture surge”
- “sinks in instantly — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
- “absorbs immediately — Clarins Double Serum Eye”
- “sinks in immediately — Clarins Double Serum Light Texture”
Effective hydration Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “skin drinks it up — Clarins Double Serum”
- “keeps skin moist — Clarins Multi-Active Jour”
- “woke up with baby soft skin — Clarins Multi-Active Nuit”
- “Keeps my dry patches at bay all day — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
Sensitive skin friendly Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
- “never irritated my eyes — Clinique All About Eyes”
- “No stinging eyes — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “cools the heat in my cheeks — Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream”
- “no irritation for contact wearers — Clarins Total Eye Lift”
Plumping and anti-aging Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “neck feels smoother — Clarins Extra-Firming Neck & Décolleté Cream”
- “Skin feels wonderfully moist and supple — Clarins Extra-Firming Day Cream”
- “visibly tighter, lifted skin — Clarins Super Restorative Night Cream”
- “glass skin look — Clinique moisture surge”
Excellent makeup base Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “foundation glides on — Clinique moisture surge”
- “holds concealer in place — Clinique All About Eyes”
- “concealer glides on smoothly — Clarins Total Eye Lift”
- “Perfect primer for any foundation, which all glide on smoothly. — Clarins Beauty Flash Balm”
Morning glow and radiance Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “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”
- “radiant youthful glow — Clarins Multi-Active Jour”
- “wake up glowing — Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask”
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”
- “way too expensive — Clarins Double Serum”
Unpleasant or strong scent Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “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+”
- “smells like perfume — Clarins Multi-Active Jour”
Causes breakouts Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “caused cystic acne — Clarins Double Serum”
- “caused redness — Clarins Double Serum Eye”
- “made my face burn — Clarins Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask”
- “Woke up with whiteheads on my chin — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
Pump and bottle design issues Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “pump dispenses too much — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
- “dispenses too much product — Clarins Total Eye Lift”
Clinique vs Clarins routines for dry skin
-
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
-
Cleanser
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$38.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Smart Clinical Repair Lifting Face + Neck Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$107.00
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$55.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$145.00
-
Nourishing Mask
Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
Once a week
CA$59.00
Buy Clarins routine · CA$332.00 · 77% fit
Buy Clinique routine · CA$469.99 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Clinique vs Clarins routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$42.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$61.00
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$55.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Clarifying Lotion 2
Evening
CA$30.00
- Serum or Treatment Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector 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
-
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 Clinique routine · CA$386.05 · 78% fit
Buy Clarins routine · CA$468.45 · 71% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Clinique vs Clarins routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$38.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$61.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$55.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Clarifying Lotion 2
Evening
CA$30.00
- Serum or Treatment Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector 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
-
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 Clinique routine · CA$322.06 · 75% fit
Buy Clarins routine · CA$408.46 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Clinique or Clarins: which is better?
Clinique is better for sensitive skin due to having no fragrance across the products on this page, whereas Clarins is better for effective hydration and mature skin.
What is the difference between Clinique and Clarins?
Clinique is better for sensitive skin because every product on its page lists no fragrance, whereas nearly all Clarins products contain fragrance. Additionally, the products on this page show that Clarins provides better anti-aging and hydration benefits.
Clinique or Clarins for dry skin?
Clarins fits dry skin better than Clinique, as Lovi gives Clarins a High routine fit for dry skin compared to Clinique's Average fit. Clarins offers hydrating moisturizers that help improve moisture levels.
Clinique or Clarins: which cleanser is better?
Clinique is better for sensitive skin because its Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser helps with gentle cleansing, whereas the products on this page list no fragrance. Clarins offers options like the Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser, but the brand features a strong fragrance in many of its formulas.
Which is more affordable, Clinique or Clarins?
Clinique is more affordable than Clarins because shoppers often mention a high price point for Clinique, whereas high price is mostly mentioned for Clarins.
Which brand has a stronger fragrance, Clinique or Clarins?
Clarins has a stronger fragrance, as 23 of the 24 products on its page list fragrance in their ingredients, while every product on the Clinique page lists no fragrance.
Clinique or Clarins for oily skin?
Clinique is a better fit for oily skin, as Lovi gives the brand a High routine fit compared to an Average fit for Clarins. Furthermore, the products on this page for Clinique help provide oil-controlling and smoothing moisturizers.
Clinique or Clarins: which moisturizer is better?
Clarins is better for hydration and glow-boosting moisturizers, whereas Clinique is better for oil-controlling and smoothing formulas on this page. Clarins also features a High routine fit for dry skin, while Clinique achieves a High routine fit for oily and combination skin types. Topical hyaluronic acid, found across products from both brands, helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.
Clinique or Clarins for sensitive skin?
Both brands offer a High fit level for sensitive skin, but Clinique may be preferred since every product on its page lists no fragrance while almost all Clarins products contain fragrance.
Clinique or Clarins for acne-prone skin?
Both Clinique and Clarins offer an average Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Clarins sometimes causes breakouts, while Clinique lists no fragrance in every product on this page.
Clinique or Clarins for mature skin?
Both Clinique and Clarins are great choices, as Lovi rates both brands as having a high routine fit for mature skin. Clinique is fragrance-free across the products on this page, whereas Clarins is noted for providing plumping and anti-aging benefits.
Clinique or Clarins for skin with dark spots?
Clarins is better for skin with dark spots because the products on this page provide superior and high fit levels, whereas Clinique's options are generally average. Additionally, Clarins features brightening vitamin E in its key ingredients.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
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
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
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Skin improvement and stability of Echinacea purpurea dermatological formulations
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
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
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Moisturizing effect of stable cream containing Crocus sativus extracts
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
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.
-

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.























































