Clinique vs Elemis
Clinique and Elemis are established skincare houses that offer thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, serums, and cleansers designed to nurture various skin types. The American brand incorporates hydrating hyaluronic acid, nourishing glycerin, and caffeine to suit dry sensitive skin and oily skin best, whereas the British brand harnesses glycerin and shea to care for mature skin and dry sensitive skin. While both share a devotion to balanced moisture and targeted solutions, they differ in their heritage and specific botanical and scientific infusions.
Clinique is an American skincare brand founded in 1968 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.combusinesswire.comglossy.co
Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.
elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular Clinique and Elemis products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Clinique vs Elemis products
- moisture surge
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Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
SAR 149.48
-
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
SAR 106.95
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All About Eyes
SAR 287.10
-
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
SAR 99.90
-
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
SAR 316.97
-
Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
SAR 233.00
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Clarifying Lotion 2
SAR 159.61
People Say
Hydration and Plumping Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Keeps my dry patches at bay all day — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “skin feels soft and smooth — Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask”
- “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Sensitivity and Gentle Formula Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “never irritated my eyes — Clinique All About Eyes”
- “No stinging eyes — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “keeps the redness at bay — Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream”
- “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “sinks in immediately — Clinique moisture surge”
- “sinks in instantly — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
- “Absorbs quickly without feeling sticky — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Smoother Skin Texture Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “skin feels silky smooth — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
- “leaves face porcelain smooth — Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula”
- “baby soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “skin feels baby-soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
Makeup Compatibility Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “foundation glides on — Clinique moisture surge”
- “holds concealer in place — Clinique All About Eyes”
- “perfect primer base — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
- “Sits nicely under make up... perfect base. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Spa-Like or Pleasant Scent Not notedOften Mentioned
- “smells like a spa — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “smells like a holiday — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “smells like a tropical cocktail — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
High Price Point Often MentionedMostly 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”
- “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Causes Breakouts Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “caused cystic acne — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “terrible spots — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “clogged my pores — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “Woke up with whiteheads on my chin — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
Strong Fragrance Not notedOften Mentioned
- “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Clinique vs Elemis routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 188.68
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 1,247.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
SAR 563.68
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 368.47
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
SAR 432.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
SAR 477.00
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Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
-
Cleanser
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 256.00
-
Moisturizer
Smart Clinical Repair Lifting Face + Neck Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 380.09
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 149.48
-
Cleansing Toner
Clarifying Lotion 2
Evening
SAR 159.61
-
Serum or Treatment
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 316.97
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
Once a week
SAR 233.00
Buy Elemis routine · SAR 3,641.86 · 82% fit
Buy Clinique routine · SAR 1,700.45 · 66% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Clinique vs Elemis routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 204.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 99.90
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 149.48
-
Cleansing Toner
Clarifying Lotion 2
Evening
SAR 159.61
- Serum or Treatment Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector 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
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 188.68
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 563.68
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 368.47
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
SAR 432.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
SAR 291.00
-
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 Clinique routine · SAR 1,198.78 · 79% fit
Buy Elemis routine · SAR 2,382.67 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Clinique vs Elemis routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 188.68
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 563.68
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 368.47
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
SAR 432.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
SAR 291.00
-
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
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 256.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 99.90
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 149.48
-
Cleansing Toner
Clarifying Lotion 2
Evening
SAR 159.61
- Serum or Treatment Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector 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 Elemis routine · SAR 2,337.01 · 79% fit
Buy Clinique routine · SAR 1,205.12 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Clinique or Elemis: which is better?
Clinique is better for shoppers seeking fragrance-free formulas and gentle care, while Elemis offers a more luxurious texture with spa-like scents. Both brands provide high hydration and plumping effects, but Clinique is often favored for its lightweight and fast-absorbing products.
What is the difference between Clinique and Elemis?
Clinique is fragrance-free and fits sensitive skin well, while Elemis offers a spa-like scent with luxurious textures and is well-suited for mature skin. Both brands provide effective hydrating moisturizers, but Elemis focuses more on anti-aging benefits.
Clinique or Elemis for dry skin?
Elemis is a better fit for dry skin, offering a High routine fit compared to Clinique's Average fit. Topical hyaluronic acid helps maintain moisture levels in dry skin.
Clinique or Elemis: which cleanser is better?
Clinique is better for sensitive skin as its cleansers are formulated without fragrance, whereas Elemis includes fragrance in several of its cleansing products. Reviewers note that Clinique offers gentle and effective cleansers.
Which is more affordable, Clinique or Elemis?
Clinique is more affordable, as reviewers on this page frequently note a high price point for both brands while Clinique ranks better for price.
Which brand has no fragrance across all its products, Clinique or Elemis?
Clinique has no fragrance across all the products on this page, whereas most Elemis products contain fragrance.
Clinique or Elemis for oily skin?
Both Clinique and Elemis are great options for oily skin, as Lovi rates their routines as High for this skin type. Reviewers frequently mention that the products on this page provide lightweight and fast-absorbing moisturizers for Clinique and a radiant glow for Elemis.
Clinique or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer well-reviewed hydrating moisturizers, but Clinique is the better choice for shoppers seeking fragrance-free formulas, while Elemis is better for dry skin routines where its routine fit is High compared to Clinique's Average level.
Clinique or Elemis for sensitive skin?
Both Clinique and Elemis are great options for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates both brands with a High routine fit level for this skin type. Clinique products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients, whereas most Elemis products contain fragrance.
Clinique or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
Elemis is a better fit for acne-prone skin, achieving a High routine fit compared to Clinique's Average level. Elemis products on this page help provide suitable care, though reviewers sometimes note a risk of breakouts.
Clinique or Elemis for mature skin?
Both Clinique and Elemis are great options for mature skin, achieving a High fit level according to Lovi fit ratings. Clinique provides fragrance-free products with hydrating and lightweight moisturizers, while Elemis offers luxurious textures and formulas that help smooth skin texture.
Clinique or Elemis for skin with dark spots?
Elemis is a better fit than Clinique for skin with dark spots because Elemis has a High routine fit compared to Clinique's Average fit level.
Research behind their key ingredients
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
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
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Formulation and evaluation of exotic fat based cosmeceuticals for skin repair
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
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
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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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