Neutrogena vs Clarins
Neutrogena and Clarins are two distinct skincare lines known for differing approaches to daily care. The American brand features nourishing moisturizers, protective sunscreens, gentle cleansers, and refreshing toners crafted with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone, while the French brand offers luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, soothing eye products, and gentle toners enriched with shea and squalane. Both suit sensitive skin best, though the former addresses acne-prone and mature needs with targeted formulations, and the latter supports dry and aging complexions through botanical luxury. They differ primarily in their heritage, ingredient focus, and sensory textures.
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
$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
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$26.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning
$6.34
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$18.49
-
SPF
Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
Morning
$12.48
-
Pre-Cleanser
HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM
Evening · Once a week
$34.83
-
Serum or Treatment
Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Evening · Once a week
$19.35
-
Nourishing Mask
Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
Once a week
$2.97
Buy Clarins routine · $250.04 · 77% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · $121.45 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Neutrogena vs Clarins routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$26.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
$6.34
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$14.99
-
SPF
Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
Morning
$12.48
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
$9.97
-
Cleansing Toner
Blackhead Eliminating Cleansing Toner
Evening
$25.36
-
Serum or Treatment
Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Evening · Once a week
$19.35
-
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 Neutrogena routine · $263.48 · 74% fit
Buy Clarins routine · $434.07 · 71% fitSee multi-brand routine · 98% fit
Neutrogena vs Clarins routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$26.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
$6.34
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$18.49
-
SPF
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Morning
$9.88
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
$9.97
-
Cleansing Toner
Blackhead Eliminating Cleansing Toner
Evening
$25.36
-
Serum or Treatment
Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Evening · Once a week
$19.35
-
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 Neutrogena routine · $243.38 · 77% fit
Buy Clarins routine · $413.07 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Neutrogena or Clarins: which is better?
Neutrogena and Clarins both offer great options depending on your specific skin needs and preferences. Neutrogena is often praised for being gentle on sensitive skin and offering lightweight, fast-absorbing products, while Clarins is well-known for its luxurious textures and anti-aging benefits.
What is the difference between Neutrogena and Clarins?
Neutrogena is an American brand founded in 1930 that offers a wide range of fragrance-free options and does better for lightweight textures and sensitive skin, while Clarins is a French brand founded in 1954 featuring luxurious textures with mostly fragranced products that performs better for anti-aging and radiance.
Neutrogena or Clarins for dry skin?
Both Neutrogena and Clarins achieve a High routine fit level for dry skin. The products on this page for both brands feature hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help improve moisture retention and skin barrier function.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Neutrogena or Clarins: which cleanser is better?
Neutrogena has a better fit for cleansers on this page, as its Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser is rated Superior for sensitive and acne-prone skin while Clarins cleansers reach only Average or High fits for those types.
Which is more affordable, Neutrogena or Clarins?
Neutrogena is more affordable than Clarins. Reviewers frequently note high price points for Clarins, while Neutrogena faces concerns regarding pricing and value.
Neutrogena or Clarins: which brand offers more fragrance-free products?
Neutrogena offers far more fragrance-free products on this page than Clarins. Specifically, 35 of the 39 Neutrogena products list no fragrance, whereas only 1 of the 24 Clarins products is fragrance-free.
Neutrogena or Clarins: which is better suited for dry sensitive skin?
Clarins is better suited for dry sensitive skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit as High compared to Neutrogena's Average.
Neutrogena or Clarins: how do their country of origin and founding years compare?
Neutrogena was founded in the United States in 1930, whereas Clarins was founded in France in 1954.
Neutrogena or Clarins for oily skin?
For oily skin, both Neutrogena and Clarins achieve an Average routine fit. Reviewers note that Neutrogena products on this page provide lighter, faster-absorbing textures.
Neutrogena or Clarins: which moisturizer is better?
Neutrogena and Clarins both offer effective moisturizers, with Neutrogena standing out for lightweight, fragrance-free hydration and Clarins for luxurious anti-aging textures. For instance, Neutrogena products on this page often feature hyaluronic acid and retinol, which help improve skin aging and moisture.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015
Neutrogena or Clarins for sensitive skin?
Both Neutrogena and Clarins fit sensitive skin at a High level on this page. Neutrogena tends to do better for sensitive skin according to reviewers.
Neutrogena or Clarins for acne-prone skin?
Both Neutrogena and Clarins fit acne-prone skin well, with Lovi rating both brands at a High routine fit level for this skin type. Reviewers note that Neutrogena products on this page are particularly gentle and safe for sensitive and 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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