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Cetaphil vs Clinique

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

Cetaphil and Clinique are American skincare brands known for their thoughtful lineups of cleansers, moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, makeup removers, and eye products. The first brand features nourishing glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol to suit combination skin and oily acne-prone skin best, while the second incorporates hydrating hyaluronic acid, nourishing glycerin, and invigorating caffeine to suit dry sensitive skin and oily skin best. They differ primarily in their ingredient profiles and targeted solutions, such as the former offering standout options like the Healthy Radiance Antioxidant-C Serum and the latter providing alternatives like the Clarifying Do-Over Peel.

Cetaphil is an American skincare brand founded in 1947 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.orgcetaphil.co.uk

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 Cetaphil and Clinique products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Cetaphil vs Clinique products

People Say

CetaphilClinique
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “The only thing my reactive skin tolerates. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “No breakouts since switching to this. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “cleans without stripping — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
    • “never irritated my eyes — Clinique All About Eyes”
  • Hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “cleared up flaky skin — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “healed my dry patches — Cetaphil Moisturising Cream”
    • “Leaves my face feeling soft, not tight. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “Keeps my dry patches at bay all day — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
  • Lightweight and non-greasy absorption Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs instantly — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “Absorbs quickly into skin without residue — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
    • “sinks in immediately — Clinique moisture surge”
    • “sinks in instantly — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
  • Works well under makeup Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “foundation glides on — Clinique moisture surge”
    • “holds concealer in place — Clinique All About Eyes”
    • “perfect primer base — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
    • “Layers really well under makeup — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
  • Smoother skin and texture improvement Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
    • “skin feels silky smooth — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
    • “leaves face porcelain smooth — Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula”
    • “Skin looks smoother and even-toned — Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2”
    • “Skin felt softer after one use — Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser”
  • Gentle exfoliation Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
    • “gentle enough for everyday — Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula”
    • “You will see the dirt with one wipe — Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2”
    • “Micro-fine granules don't irritate — Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub”
  • Lack of lather or unusual texture Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “hard to rinse off — Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula”
    • “Left an oily film on my T-zone — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
    • “feels a bit sticky — Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask”
    • “Miss the bubbles, feels like washing with lotion. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
  • Unpleasant scent or chemical smell Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Smells like nail polish remover — Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2”
    • “Smells like old oil — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
    • “Has a weird plastic-like smell — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
    • “Overpowering masking fragrance — Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar”
  • High price point Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “expensive for drugstore — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “jar is too small for the cost — Clinique moisture surge”

Cetaphil vs Clinique routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Cetaphil vs Clinique routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Cetaphil vs Clinique routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

Cetaphil or Clinique: which is better?

Cetaphil is generally better for gentle hydration and sensitive skin, as the products on this page achieve a High routine fit across all main skin types compared to Clinique's average fit for several categories. Reviewers report that Cetaphil is more gentle on sensitive skin and offers superior moisture, whereas Clinique is often noted for a higher price point.

What is the difference between Cetaphil and Clinique?

Cetaphil is better for gentle, hydrating care with a lower price point, while Clinique excels at smoothing skin texture, exfoliation, and working well under makeup. For dry skin, the routine fit is High for Cetaphil and Average for Clinique.

Cetaphil or Clinique for dry skin?

Cetaphil is a better fit than Clinique for dry skin, as Cetaphil achieves a High routine fit level compared to Clinique's Average routine fit level. Reviewers on the page indicate that Cetaphil provides better hydration and moisture, and is more gentle on sensitive skin.

Cetaphil or Clinique: which cleanser is better?

Cetaphil is generally better for gentle cleansing, as reviewers mostly mention its cleansers are gentle and non-stripping, whereas reviewers note that Clinique's cleansers can cause issues like a lack of lather. The products on this page for Cetaphil achieve a High routine fit for sensitive skin, while Clinique's all about clean cleanser receives a Low fit for most skin types.

Which is more affordable, Cetaphil or Clinique?

Cetaphil is more affordable than Clinique, as high price points are noted as a drawback for Clinique products on this page.

Cetaphil or Clinique: which is better for mature skin?

Cetaphil is better for mature skin on this page, achieving a High routine fit compared to Clinique's Average fit. Reviewers also mention that Cetaphil does better on hydration, moisture, and being gentle on sensitive skin.

Which brand performs better regarding hydration and moisture according to reviewers?

Cetaphil performs better regarding hydration and moisture according to reviewers.

Cetaphil or Clinique for oily skin?

Both brands are a High fit for oily skin on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Clinique offers oil-controlling and smoothing moisturizers, while Cetaphil features oil-focused cleansers.

Cetaphil or Clinique: which moisturizer is better?

Cetaphil is generally better for hydration, offering High routine fit for dry skin compared to Clinique's Average fit. The products on this page help maintain moisture with ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Cetaphil or Clinique: which is better for skin with dark spots?

Cetaphil is better for skin with dark spots, as the routine fit on this page is High compared to Clinique's Average fit. Furthermore, the products on this page include niacinamide, which helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

Cetaphil or Clinique for sensitive skin?

Both Cetaphil and Clinique are good options for sensitive skin, as both brands achieve a High routine fit level. Reviewers note that Cetaphil stands out for being especially gentle on sensitive skin.

Cetaphil or Clinique for acne-prone skin?

Cetaphil fits acne-prone skin better, achieving a High routine fit compared to Clinique's Average routine fit on the products on this page.

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

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