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CeraVe vs Clinique

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

CeraVe and Clinique are American skincare brands known for their thoughtful ranges of cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and more, all formulated with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. While CeraVe suits dry skin and acne-prone skin best with gentle hydrating properties, Clinique suits dry sensitive skin and oily skin best by incorporating invigorating caffeine alongside those comforting, balancing ingredients. Both brands offer standout solutions for specific concerns, but they differ in their foundational heritage, as the older enterprise was established in 1968 before the 2005-founded brand entered the market.

CeraVe is an American skincare brand founded in 2005 and owned by L'Oréal since 2017.

en.wikipedia.orghappi.comloreal-finance.comcerave.com

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

en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.combusinesswire.comglossy.co

This page compares some of the most popular CeraVe and Clinique products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular CeraVe vs Clinique products

People Say

CeraVeClinique
  • Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Absorbs into skin without residue — CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “Sinks right into your skin — CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “sinks in immediately — Clinique moisture surge”
    • “sinks in instantly — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
  • Fragrance-Free and Gentle Formulas Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “no burning sensation — CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum”
    • “No scent, no irritation — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
    • “never irritated my eyes — Clinique All About Eyes”
    • “No strong scent — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
  • Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “Saved my dry winter skin — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
    • “woke up with plump skin — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
    • “cured my dry patches — CeraVe Eye Repair Cream”
    • “Keeps my dry patches at bay all day — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
  • Skin Texture and Clarity Improvements Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “difference in my skin's texture is noticeable — CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser”
    • “lightened dark spots — CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum”
    • “skin feels silky smooth — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
    • “leaves face porcelain smooth — Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula”
  • Makeup Removal and Application Not notedOften Mentioned
    • “Melts waterproof mascara — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
    • “foundation glides on — Clinique moisture surge”
    • “holds concealer in place — Clinique All About Eyes”
  • Value and Pricing Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “reasonably priced — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
    • “Huge tub lasts forever — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
    • “Great everyday moisturizer — CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “lasts forever — Clinique all about clean”
  • Breakouts and Acne Purging Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Gave me cystic acne — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
    • “gave me closed comedones — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
    • “Woke up with whiteheads on my chin — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
    • “gave me tiny bumps — Clinique moisture surge”
  • Price and Cost Complaints Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “expensive Vaseline — CeraVe Healing Ointment”
    • “jar is too small for the cost — Clinique moisture surge”
  • Packaging Complaints Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Unhygienic tub — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
    • “prefer a pump dispenser — Clinique All About Eyes”
    • “pump dispenses too much — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
    • “no safety seal included — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”

CeraVe vs Clinique routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 99% fit

CeraVe vs Clinique routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

CeraVe vs Clinique routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

CeraVe or Clinique: which is better?

CeraVe generally provides better overall hydration and value among the products on this page, while Clinique excels particularly in makeup removal and application. Lovi rates CeraVe high for dry skin, whereas Clinique is rated average for dry skin.

What is the difference between CeraVe and Clinique?

CeraVe offers better value and deeper hydration with products on this page that fit dry, acne-prone, and mature skin at a High level, whereas Clinique excels in makeup removal and application. Both brands provide equally gentle, fragrance-free formulas with high-level fits for sensitive, oily, and dry sensitive skin.

Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015

CeraVe or Clinique for dry skin?

CeraVe has a High routine fit for dry skin, whereas Clinique has an Average fit, making CeraVe the better choice for this skin type. The products on this page for CeraVe help deliver deep hydration and a High routine fit.

Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

CeraVe or Clinique: which cleanser is better?

CeraVe offers superior options for cleansers, as the products on this page achieve higher Lovi fit levels across multiple skin types compared to Clinique. CeraVe cleansers are frequently noted by reviewers for being gentle and effective.

Which is more affordable, CeraVe or Clinique?

CeraVe is more affordable than Clinique, as the products on this page provide better value and pricing. Reviewers often note high price points for Clinique while CeraVe wins on value.

CeraVe or Clinique: which is better for mature skin?

CeraVe shows a High routine fit for mature skin, whereas Clinique is rated High as well. Both brands feature products that help target aging concerns, though CeraVe offers better value and pricing based on the products on this page.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007

CeraVe or Clinique: which brand has better options for removing makeup?

Clinique has better options for removing makeup, as the products on this page excel at deeply dissolving makeup and are well-regarded for makeup removal and application. CeraVe also offers gentle makeup removers, but Clinique stands out for this specific need.

CeraVe or Clinique: which brand offers better hydration and moisture according to reviewers?

CeraVe offers better hydration and moisture according to reviewers, performing better in this review theme than Clinique.

CeraVe or Clinique for oily skin?

Both brands achieve a High fit level for oily skin on the products on this page. CeraVe offers superior options like the Foaming Facial Cleanser and PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, while Clinique features the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel.

CeraVe or Clinique: which moisturizer is better?

CeraVe is better for moisturizers on this page, offering superior healing and texture with a lower price point. Lovi rates CeraVe high for dry skin, while Clinique fits dry skin at an average level.

CeraVe or Clinique for sensitive skin?

Both CeraVe and Clinique are good options for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates both brands as having a High routine fit for this skin type. CeraVe offers fragrance-free moisturizers and gentle, non-stripping cleansers, while Clinique provides soothing cleansers and moisturizing creams that help nourish sensitive areas.

CeraVe or Clinique for acne-prone skin?

CeraVe fits acne-prone skin better than Clinique, as Lovi rates CeraVe's routine at a High level for this skin type compared to Clinique's Average level. CeraVe's products on this page frequently help provide effective cleansers for acne and oil.

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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