# Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 for dry skin

**Lovi Fit: Caution fit for dry skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Caution · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/dry-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Ireland.

Brand: [Clinique](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/brands/clinique)
Category: [Toners](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/best/toners)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A poor match for dry skin; the toners alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for your dry skin due to salicylic acid, but the high concentration of alcohol denat can strip natural oils and exacerbate dryness.
- While witch hazel extract offers some astringent properties, the overall formulation is better suited for oily or acne-prone skin types.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/dry-skin): Caution (this page)
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/sensitive-skin): Low
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/dark-spots): Caution
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/mature-skin): Low
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Witch Hazel, Aloe Barbadensis, Lactic Acid

## What the research says

- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients. ([CMAJ, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837684/))
- A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase. ([BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/))
- Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590107/))
- Repeated short-contact 70% glycolic acid peels provided superior results in atrophic acne scars compared to daily low-strength glycolic acid cream or placebo in 58 women over 24 weeks. ([International Journal of Dermatology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11095203/))
- Serial glycolic acid peels combined with a modified Kligman formula significantly reduced facial PIH severity in Indian patients compared to the modified Kligman formula alone. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28114204/))
- A Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract increased LOXL1 expression twofold, decreased elafin synthesis, restored functional elastic fibers, reduced nonfunctional elastin aggregates, decreased wrinkles, and improved skin firmness. ([Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30052192/))
- Hamamelis bark proanthocyanidins strongly increased the proliferation of cultured human keratinocytes and reduced transepidermal water loss and erythema formation in SLS-irritated skin, whereas the polysaccharide fraction had no effect. ([Phytochemistry, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11684194/))
- Witch hazel bark extract and hamamelitannin showed pronounced anti-inflammatory activity, supported keratinocyte migration in a wound healing assay, and inhibited Staphylococcus aureus growth, whereas their skin microbiota metabolite ellagic acid stimulated inflammatory mediator release. ([Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40819781/))
- A cream combining propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera reduced erythema scars, acne severity index, and total lesion count better than erythromycin cream in sixty patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris compared to placebo. ([Clinical Pharmacology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/))
- Topical aloe vera gel significantly accelerated split-thickness skin graft donor-site healing compared to placebo in 12 patients, but showed no significant difference in pain relief. ([Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29649056/))
- Topical application of Aloe vera cream reduced postoperative pain at rest and during defecation, accelerated wound healing at two weeks, and decreased analgesic requirements in patients after open hemorrhoidectomy compared to placebo. ([Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20569031/))
- Application of a cream containing lactic acid 12% and pramoxine HCl 1% significantly improved skin dryness, hydration, and itch compared with a nontreated control in 24 women with a history of dry itchy skin. ([Cutis, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15027519/))
- Topical 12% ammonium lactate produced a significant sparing of epidermal and dermal atrophy induced by clobetasol propionate in human volunteers, without influencing the corticosteroid's bioavailability or antiinflammatory properties. ([Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1992](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1597538/))
- A lactic acid/ceramide lotion significantly improved skin moisturization and desquamation compared to no treatment in women with dry, rough skin on the anterior shins. ([The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33178384/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users with dry combination skin generally praise this lotion for its ability to remove dull flakes and residual grime, leaving skin feeling "squeaky clean" and prepped for moisturizer. A significant portion of reviewers find the high alcohol content polarizing, with some experiencing stinging, redness, and excessive dryness, particularly those with sensitive skin conditions.

- Liked: Effective exfoliation (mostly mentioned)
- Disliked: Strong alcohol smell (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Clean and fresh (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Drying and stripping (often mentioned)
- Liked: Improves skin texture (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Preps for moisturizer (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Irritation and stinging (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your exfoliating toner as part of your PM routine once a week to start. If your skin is happy, you can slowly use it more often.
- Apply this exfoliating toner right after your cleanser and before your moisturizer. This keeps your skin care steps in the right order.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliating toner into your skin with your hands. Let it soak in for a minute before the next step.
- Put the exfoliating toner on clean and dry skin to help it work best. Avoid rubbing so your face stays calm and happy.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid the sensitive eye area.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/020cca37b222f917c1e8d86638215d98.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why does Lovi advise caution with Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 for dry skin?

Lovi advises caution because its high amount of alcohol can strip natural oils and make dry skin even drier. An exfoliating toner for dry skin needs to be safe with no risk of irritation, provide hydration and skin-refining benefits suitable for dry skin, and include effective hydrating ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and ceramide NP to keep the skin soft and smooth without exacerbating dryness.

### Which ingredients make this toner a poor fit for dry skin?

This toner is a poor fit for dry skin mainly due to the high concentration of alcohol denat, which can strip natural oils and make dryness worse. While it has salicylic acid and glycolic acid to sweep away dead skin, a product for dry skin needs gentle exfoliating ingredients combined with rich moisturizing agents like ceramides and sodium hyaluronate to keep skin soft and smooth.

### What does Salicylic Acid do for dry skin?

Salicylic acid is generally not a good fit for dry skin, as it is meant to clear out pores and remove dead skin rather than hydrate. Because dry skin needs soothing and moisture rather than exfoliation, a product for dry skin needs nourishing ingredients like urea to lock in moisture and keep the skin soft.

### What does Glycolic Acid do for dry skin?

Glycolic acid helps smooth and soften dry skin by speeding up the shedding of older surface cells. Because it can also cause the skin to lose more moisture, dry skin needs extra hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid alongside it to keep the skin comfortable.
Sources: [Acta Dermato-venereologica, 1995](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8651024/)

### Where does this toner go in a skincare routine for dry skin?

This toner is a poor match for dry skin because its high alcohol content may strip natural oils and worsen dryness, making it better suited for oily skin. A dry skin routine needs gentle exfoliants combined with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and soothing botanical extracts to keep skin soft and smooth.

### Can I use this toner with retinol, and in what order?

It is best to avoid using this exfoliating toner alongside retinol on dry skin, because the high alcohol content may strip natural oils and worsen dryness. Dry skin needs gentle hydrating and nourishing ingredients instead.

### How often should I use this toner?

This toner is a poor match for dry skin because the high amount of alcohol can strip natural oils and make dryness worse. If you still want to use it, start just once a week and only use it more often if your skin tolerates it well without irritation.

### Can this toner clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?

This toner is unlikely to clog pores since it contains salicylic acid to help clear them, but the high amount of alcohol may dry you out and cause irritation on dry skin. To avoid this, dry skin needs gentle ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to keep the skin soft and comfortable without stripping its natural oils.

### Is this toner fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no fragrance and contains drying alcohol (alcohol denat).

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/first-aid-beauty/facial-radiance-pads/for/dry-skin) — High fit — €33.00 at Amazon
- [Inkey List PHA Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-inkey-list/pha-toner/for/dry-skin) — High fit — €8.41 at Amazon
- [La Prairie Cellular Refining Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-prairie/cellular-refining-lotion/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — €115.95 at Amazon

## Routine for dry skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €14.68 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cosrx/propolis-synergy-toner/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €14.28 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €50.82 at Amazon
- SPF: [Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/thinkbaby/safe-sunscreen-spf-50/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €32.81 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €16.25 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €14.68 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €14.94 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €50.82 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €16.25 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €14.68 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/mediheal/watermide-essential-mask/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €28.40 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €14.94 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €50.82 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ie: €27.25 (https://www.amazon.ie/dp/B01FBWEORQ?tag=lovi-care-web-product02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Notino: €11.90 (https://www.notino.ie/clinique/3-steps-toner-for-dry-and-combination-skin/p-66535/)
- Lookfantastic: €34.50 (https://www.lookfantastic.ie/p/clinique-clarifying-lotion-2-for-dry-combination-skin-400ml/11144130/)
Prices checked 10 Oct – 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Alcohol Denat, Glycerin, Witch Hazel Extract, Salicylic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trehalose, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Red 33 Ci 17200, Ext, Violet 2
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/dry-skin (this page)
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/dry-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/clinique/clarifying-lotion-2/for/dry-skin