Clarins vs Elemis
Clarins and Elemis are established European skincare houses that offer luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, and gentle toners enriched with nourishing shea. The French brand suits sensitive and dry sensitive skin best with formulations featuring squalane, whereas the British brand suits dry and mature skin best through preparations combining glycerin and shea. Both lines feature standout treatments for acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature concerns, but they differ in their foundational heritage, specific key ingredients, and precise targeted benefits.
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
$57.00
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Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
$16.99
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Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$153.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
$150.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
$75.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
$84.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
$22.00
-
Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$33.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning
$28.05
-
Moisturizer
Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$53.00
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
$15.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Total Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$40.00
- Serum or Treatment BRIGHT PLUS Evening · Once a week
-
Nourishing Mask
Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask
Once a week
$80.00
Buy Elemis routine · $557.99 · 88% fit
Buy Clarins routine · $250.04 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Clarins vs Elemis routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$57.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
$15.60
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$150.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
$75.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
$44.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
$45.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
$79.00
-
Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$33.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning · Once a week
$28.05
-
Moisturizer
Double Serum Light Texture
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$142.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
$14.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Total Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Purifying Toning Lotion
Evening
$28.05
- Serum or Treatment BRIGHT PLUS Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
$79.00
Buy Elemis routine · $535.50 · 77% fit
Buy Clarins routine · $434.07 · 71% fitSee multi-brand routine · 98% fit
Clarins vs Elemis routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$57.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
$25.60
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$150.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
$75.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
$44.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
$45.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
$58.00
-
Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$33.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning · Once a week
$28.05
-
Moisturizer
Double Serum Light Texture
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$142.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
$14.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Total Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Purifying Toning Lotion
Evening
$28.05
- Serum or Treatment BRIGHT PLUS Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
$58.00
Buy Elemis routine · $524.50 · 79% fit
Buy Clarins routine · $413.07 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Clarins or Elemis: which is better?
Both Clarins and Elemis are great options, as they share equal routine fit levels for dry, sensitive, acne-prone, mature, and dark spot skin types. Clarins tends to stand out for its radiance and anti-aging benefits, whereas Elemis offers products on this page that may help with cleansing, exfoliation, and a pleasant scent. Topical hyaluronic acid, found across the products on this page, helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.
What is the difference between Clarins and Elemis?
Clarins and Elemis both offer high fit routines for dry, sensitive, mature, and acne-prone skin, but Elemis achieves a High fit for oily and combination skin where Clarins only reaches Average. Reviewers note that Clarins does better for glow and radiance and anti-aging and firming, while Elemis excels in pleasant scent and cleansing and exfoliation.
Clarins or Elemis for dry skin?
Both Clarins and Elemis are great options for dry skin, as the products on this page achieve a High fit level for this skin type. Reviewers frequently mention that moisturizers from both brands provide good hydration, though they also note a high price point for both.
Clarins or Elemis: which cleanser is better?
Both Clarins and Elemis offer cleansers on this page with High fit levels for sensitive, dry, and mature skin. Reviewers note that Elemis cleansers are part of a brand that does better 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 than the other.
Clarins or Elemis: which is better for anti-aging and firming?
Clarins is better for anti-aging and firming, as review themes show it performs better than Elemis in anti-aging and firming. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.
Clarins or Elemis: which provides a more radiant glow?
Clarins provides a more radiant glow according to the review themes on this page. Reviewers report that Clarins does better for glow and radiance.
Clarins or Elemis: which has better cleansing and exfoliation products?
Elemis does better than Clarins for cleansing and exfoliation according to reviewer feedback on this page.
Clarins or Elemis for oily skin?
Elemis is a better fit for oily skin, offering a High routine fit compared to Clarins' Average level. Reviewers mention that the products on this page provide lightweight moisturizers that help maintain balanced hydration without feeling heavy.
Clarins or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Both Clarins and Elemis offer highly rated moisturizers, with Clarins excelling in glow and anti-aging benefits while Elemis provides great options for oily and combination skin. Reviewers highlight that both brands deliver excellent hydration, smooth textures, and a luxurious feel, though they come with a high price point.
Clarins or Elemis for sensitive skin?
Both Clarins and Elemis are great options for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates both brands at a High fit level for this skin type. Reviewers frequently mention that the products on this page from both brands deliver hydrating and smoothing moisturizers, though some users note strong fragrances.
Clarins or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
Both Clarins and Elemis match acne-prone skin well, with Lovi giving them both a High fit level for this skin type. Reviewers note that both brands share similar concerns regarding a high price point.
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
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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