Clinique vs Simple
Clinique and Simple are established skincare brands from America and Britain that offer thoughtful assortments of moisturizers, makeup removers, and targeted treatments formulated with ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. The American brand suits dry sensitive skin and oily skin best with its comforting hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and caffeine, while the British brand suits oily skin and mature skin best through its gentle niacinamide and glycerin. Both brands offer standout solutions for concerns like acne, dark spots, and aging, yet they differ in their specific product lineups, founding origins, and unique active ingredients.
Clinique is an American skincare brand founded in 1968 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.combusinesswire.comglossy.co
Simple is a British skincare brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.
en.wikipedia.orgsec.govprnewswire.comsimple.co.uk
This page compares some of the most popular Clinique and Simple products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Clinique vs Simple products
- moisture surge
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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
Sensitive Skin Friendly Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Does not cause any form of irritation on the skin which I love. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
- “The only cleanser that doesn't turn my face red. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “no artificial perfume — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “never irritated my eyes — Clinique All About Eyes”
Hydration and Plumping Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Keeps my dry patches at bay all day — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “skin feels soft and smooth — Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask”
- “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
- “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “sinks in immediately — Clinique moisture surge”
- “sinks in instantly — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
- “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
- “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
Good Makeup Base Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “foundation glides on — Clinique moisture surge”
- “holds concealer in place — Clinique All About Eyes”
- “makeup lays well — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “works well under foundation — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
Value and Options Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “great value for money — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
- “super affordable — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “Can't beat the price for the quality. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “lasts forever — Clinique all about clean”
Luxurious Texture and Glow Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “skin feels silky smooth — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
- “wake up glowing — Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask”
- “absorbs quickly — Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask”
- “removes last traces of makeup — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
Causes Breakouts Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Woke up with whiteheads on my chin — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “gave me tiny bumps — Clinique moisture surge”
- “Gave me tiny bumps on my forehead. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “caused major breakouts — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
Price and Value Complaints Often MentionedNot noted
- “jar is too small for the cost — Clinique moisture surge”
Insufficient Hydration Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “skin felt tight — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
- “skin felt tight after an hour — Clinique moisture surge”
- “not moisturizing enough — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “skin felt tight after an hour — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
Clinique vs Simple routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$12.79
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$13.40
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
CA$11.99
-
Serum or Treatment
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.09
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
-
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 Simple routine · CA$156.25 · 83% fit
Buy Clinique routine · CA$469.99 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Clinique vs Simple routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$12.79
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$13.40
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
CA$11.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
CA$6.60
-
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
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
Buy Simple routine · CA$271.73 · 87% fit
Buy Clinique routine · CA$386.05 · 78% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Clinique vs Simple routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$12.79
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$13.40
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
CA$11.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
CA$6.60
-
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
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
Buy Simple routine · CA$214.83 · 86% fit
Buy Clinique routine · CA$322.06 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Clinique or Simple: which is better?
Simple stands out for value and sensitive skin friendliness, while Clinique delivers luxurious texture and glow. Both brands offer fragrance-free products on this page and perform equally well for hydration.
What is the difference between Clinique and Simple?
Clinique is owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and features key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, whereas Simple is owned by Unilever PLC and relies on ingredients such as niacinamide and glycerin. Reviewers note that Clinique excels at luxurious texture and glow, while Simple stands out for sensitive skin friendliness and value.
Clinique or Simple for dry skin?
Simple offers a High routine fit for dry skin, while Clinique has an Average routine fit for dry skin. The products on this page for Simple include options like the Replenishing Rich Moisturiser, and reviewers note that Simple provides lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers.
Clinique or Simple: which cleanser is better?
Clinique features cleansers like Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser with a High Lovi fit for sensitive and dry skin types, whereas Simple offers options like Refreshing Facial Wash with an Average Lovi fit for those skin concerns. Both brands list no fragrance in the products on this page.
Which is more affordable, Clinique or Simple?
Simple tends to be more affordable on this page, as reviewers often mention its value-friendly moisturizers, whereas Clinique is frequently noted for its high price point.
Clinique or Simple: which brand offers better luxury texture and glow?
Clinique is better for luxurious texture and glow. The products on this page help deliver a radiant finish with rich formulas.
Clinique or Simple: which has higher price point complaints?
Clinique has higher price point complaints compared to Simple, as high price points are often mentioned by reviewers for Clinique, while Simple is noted for value and options.
Clinique or Simple: which brand was founded earlier?
Simple was founded earlier in 1960 in the United Kingdom, whereas Clinique was founded in 1968 in the United States.
Clinique or Simple for oily skin?
Both Clinique and Simple fit oily skin well, as the products on this page achieve high ratings for this skin type. Reviewers often mention Clinique for oil-controlling and smoothing moisturizers, while Simple is noted for lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers.
Clinique or Simple: which moisturizer is better?
Both Clinique and Simple offer lightweight, hydrating moisturizers, with Simple providing better value and options while Clinique delivers a more luxurious texture and glow. Reviewers frequently mention that Clinique products help provide deep hydration, whereas Simple products are often praised for being value-friendly and gentle on sensitive skin.
Clinique or Simple for sensitive skin?
Both Clinique and Simple provide high fit options for sensitive skin on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Simple offers sensitive-skin-friendly makeup removers, while Clinique features gentle and effective cleansers.
Clinique or Simple for acne-prone skin?
Simple is a better fit for acne-prone skin, offering a High routine fit compared to Clinique's Average fit. Reviewers note that Simple provides gentle and effective makeup removers and lightweight moisturizers.
Research behind their key ingredients
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
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis
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
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
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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
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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