Dermalogica vs Clinique
Dermalogica and Clinique are American skincare brands known for their targeted serums, nourishing moisturizers, gentle cleansers, purifying masks, and more, all formulated with powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and salicylic acid. Dermalogica suits oily skin and combination skin best because its active formulations balance excess oil and moisture, while Clinique suits dry sensitive skin and oily skin best because of its comforting, balancing ingredients. Both brands differ in their founding eras and parent companies, yet each offers standout solutions for acne-prone skin, skin with dark spots, and mature skin. Working beneath the surface, their shared ingredients lengthen the effect of anti-wrinkle toxin, improve hydration, restore barrier function, and reduce acne lesion counts.
Dermalogica is an American skincare brand founded in 1986 and owned by Unilever since 2015.
en.wikipedia.orgcosmeticsbusiness.com
Clinique is an American skincare brand founded in 1968 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
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This page compares some of the most popular Dermalogica and Clinique products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Dermalogica vs Clinique products
People Say
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Saved my dry skin — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “blends seamlessly — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
- “sinks in immediately — Clinique moisture surge”
- “Keeps my dry patches at bay all day — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
Makeup Compatibility and Removal Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Removes stubborn mascara — Dermalogica Precleanse”
- “eyelids look firmer and lifted — Dermalogica Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream”
- “Melts waterproof mascara — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “foundation glides on — Clinique moisture surge”
Soothing and Calming Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “doesn't strip skin — Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel”
- “helps calm and nourish my skin — Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream”
- “never irritated my eyes — Clinique All About Eyes”
- “keeps the redness at bay — Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream”
Skin Smoothing and Exfoliation Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “gentle enough for daily use — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “skin feels smooth as silk — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “skin feels silky smooth — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
- “gentle enough for everyday — Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula”
High Price Point Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “jar is too small for the cost — Clinique moisture surge”
- “quite pricey — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
- “Expensive for cleanser — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “hefty price tag — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Skin Breakouts and Reactions Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Stings eyes — Dermalogica Precleanse”
- “burns immediately — Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque”
- “Woke up with whiteheads on my chin — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “Face stung and became red — Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2”
Greasiness and Heavy Texture Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Too thick for day — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “skin felt tight — Dermalogica Active Moist”
- “felt a bit dry — Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel”
- “skin felt tight — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
Dermalogica vs Clinique routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Special Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€76.99
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Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning
€34.00
-
Moisturizer
Stabilizing Repair Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€109.00
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
€58.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
€56.00
-
Serum or Treatment
BioLumin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
€113.00
-
Nourishing Mask
Abib Rice Probiotics Overnight Mask
Once a week
€15.30
-
Cleanser
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€34.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning
€34.00
-
Moisturizer
Smart Clinical Repair Lifting Face + Neck Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€48.89
-
SPF
Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€12.98
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€22.53
-
Serum or Treatment
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Evening · Once a week
€71.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
Once a week
€24.50
Dermalogica vs Clinique routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€45.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€70.99
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
€58.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
€56.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
€16.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€99.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€16.79
-
Cleanser
Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€25.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€24.46
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
€16.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€22.53
-
Cleansing Toner
Clarifying Lotion 2
Evening
€34.39
-
Serum or Treatment
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Evening · Once a week
€71.30
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€16.79
Dermalogica vs Clinique routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€45.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€70.99
-
SPF
Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50
Morning
€84.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
€56.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€16.98
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€99.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
€28.50
-
Cleanser
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€34.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€24.46
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€22.53
-
Cleansing Toner
Clarifying Lotion 2
Evening
€34.39
-
Serum or Treatment
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Evening · Once a week
€71.30
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
€28.50
Questions and answers
Dermalogica or Clinique: which is better?
Dermalogica is generally better for shoppers seeking targeted routines, offering a Superior fit for oily and combination skin and a High fit for dry and acne-prone skin compared to Clinique. Both brands perform equally well for hydration and soothing care, but Clinique products on this page often come with a lower price point.
What is the difference between Dermalogica and Clinique?
Dermalogica is owned by Unilever and offers products on this page that fit oily, combination, and dry skin best, whereas Clinique is owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and features products on this page best suited for dry sensitive, oily, and mature skin. Both brands list no fragrance in their ingredients, but Dermalogica generally has better routine fit levels across most skin types.
Dermalogica or Clinique for dry skin?
Dermalogica is the better choice for dry skin because the products on this page achieve a high routine fit compared to Clinique's average fit. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.
Dermalogica or Clinique: which cleanser is better?
Dermalogica is better for cleansers on this page, as its products on this page fit oily, combination, acne-prone, and sensitive skin at a High level or better, whereas Clinique cleansers show mixed or lower fit levels for those skin types.
Which is more affordable, Dermalogica or Clinique?
Clinique is more affordable, as Dermalogica has a high price point that is more frequently noted by reviewers on the products on this page.
Which brand has a better routine fit for combination skin?
Dermalogica has a superior routine fit for combination skin, whereas Clinique has an average routine fit.
Dermalogica or Clinique for oily skin?
Dermalogica is a better fit for oily skin, with a Superior routine fit compared to Clinique's High level. Both brands offer fragrance-free products on this page.
Dermalogica or Clinique: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer solid moisturizer choices, but the products on this page show that Dermalogica has a routine fit of High for dry skin compared to Clinique's average fit. Dermalogica's moisturizers help deliver intense hydration and soothing care, whereas Clinique is noted for a slightly higher price point in reviewer feedback.
Dermalogica or Clinique for sensitive skin?
Both Dermalogica and Clinique are good options, as Lovi rates both brands as having a High fit for sensitive skin on the products on this page.
Dermalogica or Clinique for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Dermalogica is a better choice on this page with a High routine fit compared to Clinique's Average fit level.
Dermalogica or Clinique for mature skin?
Both Dermalogica and Clinique are a High fit for mature skin on the products on this page, with Dermalogica also featuring a Superior fit for specific products like Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream.
Dermalogica or Clinique for dry sensitive skin?
Dermalogica is the better fit for dry sensitive skin, offering a High routine fit compared to Clinique's Average level. The products on this page help provide intensive moisture and soothing care with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Research behind their key ingredients
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
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical anti-inflammatory effects of isorhamnetin glycosides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica
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
Antioxidant properties evaluation of topical astaxanthin formulations as anti-aging products
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
Efficacy of Oxybrasion in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Preliminary Report
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
Well-aging: A new strategy for skin homeostasis under multi-stressed conditions
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
Starch- and carboxymethyl cellulose-based films as active beauty masks with papain incorporation
Semi-solid functionalized nanostructured lipid carriers loading thymol for skin disorders
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
The effect of Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim extract on crow's feet: A double-blind, split-face trial
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Skin barrier repair efficacy and safety evaluation of an extract from Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
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
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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
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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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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