Neutrogena vs Clarins
Neutrogena and Clarins are two distinct skincare lines established in the mid-twentieth century. The American pioneer offers reliable moisturizers, sunscreens, cleansers, and toners formulated with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone, which suit mature and combination skin best. Conversely, the French house is known for luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, soothing eye products, and gentle toners enriched with shea and squalane, making them ideal for sensitive and dry sensitive skin. While both labels provide targeted solutions for concerns like acne, dark spots, and aging, they differ fundamentally through the American brand's barrier-focused approach and the European house's botanical, restorative luxury.
Neutrogena is an American skincare brand founded in 1930 and owned by Kimberly-Clark Corporation since 2026.
investor.kimberly-clark.comen.wikipedia.orginvestors.kenvue.com
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 Neutrogena and Clarins products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Neutrogena vs Clarins products
People Say
Deep Hydration and Plumping Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Skin looked plumper and radiant — Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM”
- “It also hydrates my skin. This cream has been so easy to add to my routine. — Neutrogena Retinol Regenerating Cream”
- “skin drinks it up — Clarins Double Serum”
- “keeps skin moist — Clarins Multi-Active Jour”
Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Absorbs instantly without sticky residue — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “absorbs instantly — Neutrogena COLLAGEN BANK Moisturizer”
- “Absorbs into skin without residue. — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “absorbs immediately — Clarins Double Serum Eye”
Gentle and Safe for Sensitive Skin Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
- “leaves skin soft and balanced — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “love that it has no scent — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “calms my acne prone skin — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “no irritation for contact wearers — Clarins Total Eye Lift”
Improves Skin Texture and Anti-Aging Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “neck feels smoother — Clarins Extra-Firming Neck & Décolleté Cream”
- “visibly tighter, lifted skin — Clarins Super Restorative Night Cream”
- “makes skin silky smooth — Clarins Hydrating Toning Lotion”
- “Skin is looking smoother — Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream”
Makeup Compatibility and Base Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Foundation glides right over it — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Concealer doesn't cake or get stuck in crevices — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream”
- “concealer glides on smoothly — Clarins Total Eye Lift”
- “Perfect primer for any foundation, which all glide on smoothly. — Clarins Beauty Flash Balm”
Radiant Glow and Complexion Boost Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “skin drinks it up — Clarins Double Serum”
- “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”
- “Gave me a glass-skin glow — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask”
Price versus Quantity and Value Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Jar is too small for the price — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Runs out quickly — Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM”
- “Tube is tiny for the cost — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream”
- “way too expensive — Clarins Double Serum”
Strong Fragrance and Scent Issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Smell is too overpowering and lingering — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Scent is so off-putting — Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream”
- “The original scented version is packed with this heavy floral perfume. — Neutrogena Retinol Regenerating Cream”
- “smells like perfume — Clarins Multi-Active Jour”
Packaging and Design Concerns Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “The dropper is not efficient. — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “Hate dipping fingers into a jar — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Find it unsanitary — Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream”
- “dispenses too much product — Clarins Total Eye Lift”
Lack of Immediate Results and Efficacy Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “Did not help at all with under eye circles — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream”
- “Did nothing for wrinkles — Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream”
- “The retinol concentration in this product is too small for significant changes. — Neutrogena Retinol Regenerating Cream”
- “didn't see a lift — Clarins Total Eye Lift”
Neutrogena vs Clarins routines for dry skin
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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
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$18.98
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning
CA$9.97
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$18.98
-
SPF
Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
Morning
CA$17.97
- Pre-Cleanser HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM Evening · Once a week
-
Serum or Treatment
Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Evening · Once a week
CA$29.47
-
Nourishing Mask
Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
Once a week
CA$5.79
Buy Clarins routine · CA$332.00 · 77% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · CA$95.37 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Neutrogena vs Clarins routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$18.98
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$9.97
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$23.97
-
SPF
Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
Morning
CA$17.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
CA$15.57
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Evening · Once a week
CA$29.47
-
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 Neutrogena routine · CA$269.33 · 77% fit
Buy Clarins routine · CA$468.45 · 71% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Neutrogena vs Clarins routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$18.98
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$9.97
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$18.98
-
SPF
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Morning
CA$17.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
CA$15.57
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Evening · Once a week
CA$29.47
-
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 Neutrogena routine · CA$222.43 · 81% fit
Buy Clarins routine · CA$408.46 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Neutrogena or Clarins: which is better?
Neutrogena is better for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin, while Clarins is better for sensitive and dry sensitive skin. Both brands offer equal routine fit levels for dry, mature, and dark-spot skin.
What is the difference between Neutrogena and Clarins?
Neutrogena is a US brand offering fragrance-free products on this page that help with oiliness and acne, while Clarins is a French brand where almost all products contain fragrance and help best with sensitive and dry sensitive skin. Both brands provide high routine fit for mature skin and skin with dark spots.
Neutrogena or Clarins for dry skin?
Both Neutrogena and Clarins achieve a High fit for dry skin on this page. Neutrogena features deeply hydrating moisturizers that help lock in moisture with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, while Clarins offers luxurious, smoothing options that nourish the skin barrier.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Neutrogena or Clarins: which cleanser is better?
Neutrogena is better for sensitive and acne-prone skin, with cleansers like the Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser holding a Superior fit for those skin types. Clarins products on this page are more often fragranced, whereas the majority of Neutrogena cleansers list no fragrance.
Which is more affordable, Neutrogena or Clarins?
Neutrogena is more affordable, whereas review themes note a high price point for Clarins. Reviewers also mention packaging and value concerns for the products on this page by Neutrogena.
Neutrogena or Clarins: which brand offers more fragrance-free products?
Neutrogena offers more fragrance-free products, as 35 of the 39 products on its page list no fragrance. In contrast, only 1 of the 24 Clarins products on its page is fragrance-free.
Neutrogena or Clarins: which is better for anti-aging and improving skin texture?
Clarins does better for improving skin texture and anti-aging. Ingredients like retinol help support these anti-aging effects.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
How do the founding years and current ownership differ between Neutrogena and Clarins?
Neutrogena was founded in the United States in 1930 and is owned by Kimberly-Clark Corporation since 2026, while Clarins was founded in France in 1954 and is owned by Famille C through Groupe Clarins.
Neutrogena or Clarins for oily skin?
Neutrogena is a better fit for oily skin, achieving a high routine fit compared to Clarins' average fit on the products on this page. Reviewers frequently note that Neutrogena offers better lightweight and fast-absorbing options.
Neutrogena or Clarins: which moisturizer is better?
Neutrogena and Clarins both offer effective moisturizers, with Neutrogena standing out for lightweight, fast-absorbing, and acne-safe options, while Clarins is known for luxurious, anti-aging, and radiance-boosting formulas. Both brands provide deep hydration, though Neutrogena generally offers better value and sensitivity-friendly products without fragrance in most of the products on this page.
Neutrogena or Clarins for sensitive skin?
Clarins fits sensitive skin better, as Lovi rates its overall routine as High compared to Neutrogena's Average. Furthermore, the products on this page from Neutrogena list strong fragrance and scent issues as well as skin irritation and negative reactions.
Neutrogena or Clarins for acne-prone skin?
Neutrogena is the better choice for acne-prone skin, as the products on this page offer a High routine fit compared to Clarins' Average fit. Neutrogena's selection includes specialized options like the Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, which has a Superior fit for acne-prone skin.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Final report on the safety assessment of Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, and Sodium Benzoate
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
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
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Mechanism of action and clinical benefits of colloidal oatmeal for dermatologic practice
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Anti-inflammatory activity of parthenolide-depleted Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil
Skin improvement and stability of Echinacea purpurea dermatological formulations
Solid lipid nanoparticles bearing oxybenzone: in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
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
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Natural Moisturizing Factor-Enriched Formulations Compared to a Ceramide-Based Cream
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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