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Clinique vs Galderma

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Clinique and Galderma are established skincare brands offering distinct approaches to daily wellness, with the former founded in America in 1968 and the latter established in Switzerland in 1981. Both portfolios feature targeted formulations, as the American house provides moisturizers, serums, makeup removers, and eye products enriched with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and caffeine, while the Swiss counterpart focuses entirely on specialized serums. These offerings suit different complexions, with the former favoring dry sensitive and oily skin, and the latter matching oily and combination skin best. Ultimately, they differ through their geographic origins, parent companies, and specific ingredient profiles, with the former utilizing balancing humectants and antioxidants for varied concerns, and the latter centering on high-performing treatments for acne-prone skin and dark spots.

Clinique is an American skincare brand founded in 1968 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..

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Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.org

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

CliniqueGalderma
  • 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

Buy Galderma routine · CA$341.56 · 89% fitBuy Clinique routine · CA$469.99 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit

Clinique vs Galderma routines for oily skin

Buy Galderma routine · CA$347.28 · 94% fitBuy Clinique routine · CA$386.05 · 78% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Clinique vs Galderma routines for combination skin

Buy Galderma routine · CA$314.37 · 94% fitBuy Clinique routine · CA$322.06 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

Clinique or Galderma: which is better?

Galderma is better for acne-clearing serums and oily or acne-prone skin types, while Clinique does better for sensitive skin care, hydration, and lightweight moisturizers. Reviewers note that Galderma products may cause severe dryness and peeling, whereas Clinique formulas help provide hydrating and fast-absorbing care without fragrance.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

What is the difference between Clinique and Galderma?

Clinique fits best for dry sensitive skin, oily skin, and sensitive skin, while Galderma focuses on oily skin, combination skin, and oily acne-prone skin. Reviewers note that Galderma does better for acne clearance and prevention, whereas Clinique is preferred for sensitive skin care, hydration, and lightweight textures.

Clinique or Galderma for dry skin?

Galderma has a High routine fit for dry skin, while Clinique has an Average routine fit for dry skin. However, reviewers note that Galderma can cause severe dryness and peeling.

Which is more affordable, Clinique or Galderma?

Galderma is more affordable, as reviewers often note Clinique for its high price point.

Clinique or Galderma for oily skin?

For oily skin, Galderma achieves a Superior Lovi fit level while Clinique reaches a High level. Reviewers often mention that Galderma provides effective acne-clearing serums.

Clinique or Galderma for sensitive skin?

Clinique and Galderma both offer a High fit for sensitive skin according to Lovi. Reviewers note that Clinique does better for sensitive skin care and soothing, while Galderma focuses more on effective acne-clearing serums.

Clinique or Galderma for acne-prone skin?

Galderma is a better fit for acne-prone skin, offering a superior routine fit compared to Clinique's average rating.

Clinique or Galderma for skin with dark spots?

Galderma is a better fit for skin with dark spots, achieving a High routine fit level compared to Clinique's Average level. Reviewers indicate that Galderma does better with acne clearance, which helps address related concerns.

Clinique or Galderma for mature skin?

Galderma is better for mature skin with a Superior Lovi routine fit, while Clinique has a High fit. Galderma reviewers frequently mention effective acne-clearing serums, whereas reviewers note that Clinique offers hydrating moisturizers.

Clinique or Galderma for dry sensitive skin?

Both Clinique and Galderma provide a High Lovi fit level for dry sensitive skin. Reviewers note that Clinique offers gentle cleansers and hydrating moisturizers, while Galderma focuses on effective acne-clearing serums that may cause severe dryness.

Research behind their key ingredients

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

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