Clarins vs Shiseido
Clarins and Shiseido are esteemed heritage skincare houses offering luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, and gentle daily essentials enriched with nourishing shea, hydrating squalane, and glycerin. The French brand is loved for its soothing eye products and gentle toners, while the Japanese house is beloved for its thoughtful array of cleansers and sunscreens. Both suit sensitive and mature skin best, though they differ through distinct formulations designed to address specific concerns like dark spots and acne-prone skin.
Clarins is a French skincare brand founded in 1954 and owned by Famille C (Groupe Clarins).
groupeclarins.comen.wikipedia.orghappi.com
Shiseido is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1872 and owned by Shiseido Company, Limited.
corp.shiseido.comen.wikipedia.orgmarketscreener.com
This page compares some of the most popular Clarins and Shiseido products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Clarins vs Shiseido products
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Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream
SAR 593.00
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Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
SAR 657.78
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VITAL PERFECTION
SAR 466.72
-
Clarifying Cleansing Foam
SAR 226.20
-
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
SAR 282.50
- Activating Essence
- FUTURE SOLUTION LX
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Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream
SAR 631.45
People Say
Deep hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Immediate sensation of comfort — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “skin feels plump, soft and nourished, eliminates dryness, bouncy feel — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
- “silky smooth, rich but non-greasy, absorbs quickly, melts into skin — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
- “skin drinks it up — Clarins Double Serum”
Luxurious and lightweight texture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs immediately — Clarins Double Serum Eye”
- “sinks in immediately — Clarins Double Serum Light Texture”
- “Lightweight, silky, non-sticky, sinks in instantly. — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
- “Airy-soft texture — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
Anti-aging and firming results Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “neck feels smoother — Clarins Extra-Firming Neck & Décolleté Cream”
- “visibly tighter, lifted skin — Clarins Super Restorative Night Cream”
- “makes skin silky smooth — Clarins Hydrating Toning Lotion”
- “Smoothed out crow's feet — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
Visible awakening and radiance effect Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “skin looks brighter immediately — Clarins Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask”
- “Gives off the most stunning natural radiance I've ever come across. — Clarins Beauty Flash Balm”
- “Skin looks brighter, more radiant, and "glowy." — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
- “faded pimple marks — Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream”
Pleasant scent Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “smells luxurious — Clarins Extra-Firming Neck & Décolleté Cream”
- “smells luxurious — Clarins Double Serum Light Texture”
- “Pleasant floral fragrance, relaxing, luxurious smell. — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
- “spa-like scent, high-quality packaging, little goes a long way — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
Excellent makeup base Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “concealer glides on smoothly — Clarins Total Eye Lift”
- “Perfect primer for any foundation, which all glide on smoothly. — Clarins Beauty Flash Balm”
- “concealer sits better — Clarins Double Serum Eye”
- “Great base for makeup — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
High price point Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “way too expensive — Clarins Double Serum”
- “too expensive for results — Clarins Total Eye Lift”
- “Very expensive for the size — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “Expensive, pricey, high cost for the amount. — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
Strong fragrance and scent issues Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “smells like perfume — Clarins Multi-Active Jour”
- “Smell was very off putting — Clarins Extra-Firming Day Cream”
- “old lady smell — Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence”
- “Strong scent, alcohol smell, potential irritation for sensitive skin. — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
Pump and bottle design issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “heavy to travel — Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence”
- “Heavy bottle but plastic pump, cannot see remaining product, straw too short to get last drops. — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
- “heavy jar, waste of plastic, faulty pump (on dispenser versions) — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
- “dispenses too much product — Clarins Total Eye Lift”
Skin irritation and breakouts Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “caused cystic acne — Clarins Double Serum”
- “caused redness — Clarins Double Serum Eye”
- “Caused some irritation — Shiseido Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream”
- “Caused burning and redness — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
Clarins vs Shiseido routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Extra Rich Cleansing Milk
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 307.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning
SAR 386.76
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 282.50
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
-
Serum or Treatment
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
SAR 657.78
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
-
Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 154.14
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning
SAR 141.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 203.49
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Total Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 180.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Purifying Toning Lotion
Evening
SAR 141.00
- Serum or Treatment BRIGHT PLUS Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask
Once a week
SAR 423.62
Buy Shiseido routine · SAR 2,211.82 · 81% fit
Buy Clarins routine · SAR 1,448.55 · 73% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Clarins vs Shiseido routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 202.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning · Once a week
SAR 386.76
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 282.50
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
SAR 657.78
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
-
Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 154.14
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning · Once a week
SAR 141.00
-
Moisturizer
Double Serum Light Texture
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 399.88
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Total Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 180.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Purifying Toning Lotion
Evening
SAR 141.00
- Serum or Treatment BRIGHT PLUS Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
Buy Shiseido routine · SAR 2,494.74 · 84% fit
Buy Clarins routine · SAR 1,548.77 · 71% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Clarins vs Shiseido routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 202.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning · Once a week
SAR 386.76
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 282.50
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
SAR 657.78
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
-
Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 154.14
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning · Once a week
SAR 141.00
-
Moisturizer
Double Serum Light Texture
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 399.88
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Total Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 180.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Purifying Toning Lotion
Evening
SAR 141.00
- Serum or Treatment BRIGHT PLUS Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
Buy Shiseido routine · SAR 2,213.02 · 84% fit
Buy Clarins routine · SAR 1,389.25 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Clarins or Shiseido: which is better?
Clarins is better for anti-aging and firming results among the products on this page, while Shiseido does better for deep hydration and moisture. Both brands feature luxurious textures and equal fit levels for sensitive, mature, and dry sensitive skin.
What is the difference between Clarins and Shiseido?
Clarins and Shiseido both fit sensitive, mature, and dry sensitive skin well, but Clarins stands out for anti-aging and firming results while Shiseido does better for deep hydration. Shiseido also offers a higher routine fit for dry, oily, and combination skin on the products on this page.
Clarins or Shiseido for dry skin?
Shiseido is a better fit for dry skin, as the products on this page achieve a High routine fit compared to Clarins's Average level. Shiseido's offerings like Essential Energy Hydrating Cream provide deep hydration, which helps improve dry skin conditions.
Clarins or Shiseido: which cleanser is better?
Shiseido is better for deep-cleansing and efficient cleansers compared to Clarins based on reviewer feedback.
Which is more affordable, Clarins or Shiseido?
Both Clarins and Shiseido feature high price points as a primary concern mentioned by reviewers on the products on this page.
Between Clarins and Shiseido, which brand is better for anti-aging and firming results?
Clarins does better for anti-aging and firming results compared to Shiseido.
Which brand has fewer issues with pump and bottle packaging designs, Clarins or Shiseido?
Clarins has fewer issues with pump and bottle packaging designs, whereas packaging issues are sometimes noted for Shiseido.
How do the founding years and countries of origin compare between Clarins and Shiseido?
Clarins was founded in 1954 in France, whereas Shiseido was founded much earlier in 1872 in Japan.
Clarins or Shiseido for oily skin?
Shiseido is a better choice for oily skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit as High compared to Clarins at Average. Shiseido offers specialized cleansers and moisturizers well-suited for managing oiliness.
Clarins or Shiseido: which moisturizer is better?
Shiseido is better for deep hydration and dry or oily routines, while Clarins is better for anti-aging results. The products on this page help deliver intense moisture and smoothing benefits.
Clarins or Shiseido for sensitive skin?
Both Clarins and Shiseido offer products that fit sensitive skin well. Lovi rates the routine fit for sensitive skin as High for both brands.
Clarins or Shiseido for acne-prone skin?
Both Clarins and Shiseido offer products on this page that achieve a High Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin. Shiseido performs particularly well for this skin type with targeted routines, while Clarins also maintains a High routine fit level.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers
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
Panax ginseng induces human Type I collagen synthesis through activation of Smad signaling
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Another Reason for Using Caffeine in Dermocosmetics: Sunscreen Adjuvant
Mechanism of action and clinical benefits of colloidal oatmeal for dermatologic practice
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
Skin improvement and stability of Echinacea purpurea dermatological formulations
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Anatomical site differences of sodium lauryl sulfate-induced irritation: randomized controlled trial
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Moisturizing effect of stable cream containing Crocus sativus extracts
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Transdermal Delivery of Baicalin Based on Bio-Vesicles and Its Efficacy in Antiaging of the Skin
Liposomal formulation of a vitamin C derivative: a promising strategy to increase skin permeability
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
New Chalcone-Derived Molecule for the Topical Regulation of Hyperpigmentation and Skin Aging
Microcirculation-Promoting Effect of Escin on Cutaneous Tissue via Gsk3β Down-Regulation
Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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
-

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
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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