# Clinique all about clean for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/clinique/all-about-clean/for/combination-skin

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

Brand: [Clinique](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/clinique)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/best/cleansers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for combination skin; the cleansers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Suboptimal for your combination skin as the sodium laureth sulfate may exacerbate oily shine, while glycerin and hyaluronic acid offer hydration without worsening oiliness.
- Caffeine provides a moderate cleansing action to remove impurities, but the overall formula is not optimized for your primary concern of oily shine.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine

## What the research says

- Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) treatment decreases lipid membrane chain conformational order and stiffness leading to increased water sorption and diffusivity, whereas sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) treatment increases lipid membrane conformational order and stiffness with increased water sorption capacity driven by its hygroscopic nature. ([Langmuir, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24359219/))
- The cytotoxic effect of sodium lauryl sulphate on normal human keratinocytes was significantly decreased when combined with cocamidopropyl betaine, Tween 20, and Tween 80 at concentrations well below the critical micelle concentration. ([Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12677096/))

## Why other cleansers fit combination skin better

- A botanical face cleanser with hops and willow bark extract continuously reduced skin sebum levels without reactive seborrhea after treatment in 21 healthy volunteers compared to a sodium laureth sulfate cleanser, with neither cleanser causing skin irritation. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this dermatologist-developed cleanser line is a long-time staple for users with varying skin types, praised for effectively removing dirt and oil while maintaining the skin's moisture balance. While the majority of users with sensitive or combination skin find it gentle and non-irritating, a subset of reviewers experience dryness or a tight feeling after use.

- Liked: Effective cleansing (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle and non-stripping (often mentioned)
- Liked: Fragrance-free (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Great value (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Skin type options (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Can be drying (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Residue left (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Struggles with makeup (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this cleanser AM and PM as part of your daily routine. Start 3×/week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply this cleanser as the very first step in your morning routine and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening.
- Gently massage a small amount of cleanser onto your skin using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- For the best results , apply the cleanser directly onto slightly damp skin to help lift away excess oil.
- Avoid the immediate eye area and do a patch test before your first use to check for any sensitivity.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is CLINIQUE All About Clean a weak match for combination skin?

CLINIQUE All About Clean is a weak match because its sodium laureth sulfate may make oily shine worse, and the overall formula is not optimized for your primary skin concern. A cleanser for combination skin needs to be exceptionally safe with no risk of irritation, effectively balance oil production and maintain hydration, and perform its cleansing function extremely well with high-quality ingredients.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a poor fit for combination skin?

Sodium laureth sulfate is a weak match for your combination skin because it may make oily shine worse. A cleanser for this skin needs ingredients that safely balance oil production and maintain hydration for oily and dry areas without causing irritation.

### What does Water do for combination skin?

Water helps keep combination skin hydrated, though a product of this type needs additional barrier-protecting ingredients like ceramides or petrolatum to lock in that moisture and support overall skin health.

### What does Sodium Laureth Sulfate do for combination skin?

Sodium laureth sulfate is a cleansing ingredient that may leave combination skin feeling dry and can disrupt skin moisture if not balanced properly. A product of this type needs milder cleansing agents, moisturizing ingredients, and a balanced pH to keep the skin barrier calm and hydrated.
Sources: [International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/), [Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11278060/)

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This cleanser is a weak match for your combination skin because the sodium laureth sulfate may worsen oily shine. A cleanser for this skin needs gentle cleansing ingredients that clear impurities while keeping oil balanced.

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

You can use this cleanser with retinol by applying the cleanser first on damp skin, rinsing thoroughly, and following with your retinol once your face is completely dry. This helps remove impurities without stripping moisture, though a cleanser containing barrier-restoring ingredients like ceramides may better support skin undergoing retinol use.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

This cleanser is a weak match for your combination skin because the sodium laureth sulfate may make oily shine worse, so a cleanser for your skin needs to balance oil control without stripping moisture using gentle ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide.

### Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for combination skin, though reviewers note it can sometimes feel drying. A cleanser for this skin type needs gentle, sulfate-free cleansers and balancing ingredients that clear impurities without stripping moisture or triggering extra oil.

### Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?

This cleanser may be used around the eyes and on the body because its formula cleanses impurities, while ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid help keep skin hydrated. For the thin skin around the eyes and on the body, a cleanser of this type needs gentle cleansing agents and hydrating ingredients that remove dirt without stripping moisture.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-low-ph-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $13.40 at Amazon
- [Eminence Organic Skin Care Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/eminence-organic-skin-care/clear-skin-probiotic-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $34.00 at Amazon

## Routine for combination skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $28.08 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $25.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon
- SPF: [CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/am-facial-moisturizing-lotion-spf-30/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $14.97 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $50.00 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $28.08 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/medicube/zero-pore-pad-2-0/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $18.90 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $39.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $50.00 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $28.08 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $69.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/herbivore-botanicals/blue-tansy-bha-and-enzyme-pore-refining-mask/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $58.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $25.60 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $39.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com: $43.00 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RBTB8C?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Sucrose, Hyaluronic Acid, Caffeine, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol
## 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/all-about-clean/for/combination-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/clinique/all-about-clean/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/clinique/all-about-clean/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/clinique/all-about-clean/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/clinique/all-about-clean/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/clinique/all-about-clean/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/clinique/all-about-clean/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/clinique/all-about-clean/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clinique/all-about-clean/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/clinique/all-about-clean/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/clinique/all-about-clean/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/clinique/all-about-clean/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/clinique/all-about-clean/for/combination-skin