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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 widely loved for their thoughtful ranges of moisturizers, serums, and more, formulated with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. The former brand suits acne-prone and combination skin best, utilizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to lengthen wrinkle reduction duration and glycerin to improve hydration and restore barrier function. Meanwhile, the latter brand suits dry sensitive and oily skin best, incorporating comforting components like caffeine to prevent excessive fat accumulation and protect against UV radiation. Ultimately, they differ in their foundational portfolios and targeted formulations, offering distinct paths to balanced skin.

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 · 98% fit

CeraVe vs Clinique routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 97% fit

CeraVe vs Clinique routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

CeraVe or Clinique: which is better?

CeraVe is generally better for hydration and value among the products on this page, while Clinique excels in makeup removal. CeraVe offers superior fit levels for combination and acne-prone skin, whereas both brands perform equally well for sensitive, oily, and mature skin types.

What is the difference between CeraVe and Clinique?

CeraVe and Clinique both offer fragrance-free skincare products, but CeraVe provides superior routine fit for combination and acne-prone skin types on this page. CeraVe relies on ceramides for barrier repair, whereas Clinique focuses on deep hydration and makeup removal with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and caffeine.

Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015

CeraVe or Clinique for dry skin?

CeraVe is a better choice for dry skin because Lovi rates its routine as High compared to Clinique's Average. CeraVe offers deep hydration and features ceramide-dominant barrier repair lipids that help restore moisture.

CeraVe or Clinique: which cleanser is better?

CeraVe provides a better range of cleansers on this page, with fit levels reaching Superior for various skin types. Reviewers note that CeraVe offers gentle, non-stripping cleansers that are effective for acne and oil, while Clinique cleansers may cause irritation or breakouts.

Which is more affordable, CeraVe or Clinique?

CeraVe is more affordable than Clinique, as the products on this page offer better value and pricing. Reviewers frequently complain about Clinique's high price point.

CeraVe or Clinique: which is better for dark spots?

CeraVe is better for dark spots among the products on this page, as Lovi rates its routine fit as High compared to Clinique's Average. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

Which brand offers better makeup removal, CeraVe or Clinique?

Clinique is rated better for makeup removal and application among the products on this page.

CeraVe or Clinique: which is better for combination skin?

CeraVe is better for combination skin, as Lovi rates the routine fit as Superior compared to Clinique's Average.

CeraVe or Clinique for oily skin?

Both brands are a High fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that the products on this page for both CeraVe and Clinique help provide oil-controlling and lightweight moisture.

CeraVe or Clinique: which moisturizer is better?

CeraVe offers better moisturizers on this page, with the products on this page rated as a Superior fit for dry skin compared to Clinique's average fit. Reviewers note that CeraVe delivers deeper hydration and superior texture in its moisturizers.

CeraVe or Clinique for sensitive skin?

Both CeraVe and Clinique are good options for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates their routines as High for this skin type. Reviewers mention that the products on this page from both brands are fragrance-free and gentle.

CeraVe or Clinique for acne-prone skin?

CeraVe is a better choice for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior compared to Clinique's Average. CeraVe offers multiple cleansers and treatments designed for breakouts, whereas Clinique's products on this page often show lower suitability for acne-prone skin.

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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