Clinique vs Shiseido
Clinique and Shiseido are esteemed skincare brands from America and Japan that offer thoughtful ranges of moisturizers, serums, cleansers, and sunscreens. The American brand incorporates hydrating hyaluronic acid, nourishing glycerin, and invigorating caffeine to best suit dry, sensitive skin and oily skin, while the Japanese brand relies on glycerin to provide gentle daily care tailored best for sensitive skin and mature skin. Both feature standout solutions for acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature skin, yet they differ in their heritage and precise active ingredient combinations.
Clinique is an American skincare brand founded in 1968 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.combusinesswire.comglossy.co
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 Clinique and Shiseido products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Clinique vs Shiseido products
- moisture surge
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Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
SAR 149.48
-
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
SAR 106.95
-
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
-
Clarifying Lotion 2
SAR 159.61
-
Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream
SAR 593.00
-
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
Hydration and Moisture Often 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”
- “Skin feels more hydrated — Shiseido Activating Essence”
- “Keeps my dry patches at bay all day — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “sinks in immediately — Clinique moisture surge”
- “sinks in instantly — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
- “Lightweight, silky, non-sticky, sinks in instantly. — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
- “Airy-soft texture — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
Texture and Softness Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “silky smooth, rich but non-greasy, absorbs quickly, melts into skin — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
- “foams into a rich cloud — Shiseido Clarifying Cleansing Foam”
- “Velvety, rich cream texture — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “skin feels silky smooth — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
Gentle and Non-Irritating Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
- “never irritated my eyes — Clinique All About Eyes”
- “No strong scent — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “No stinging eyes — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “No irritation — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
Makeup Compatibility and Base Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Melts waterproof mascara — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “foundation glides on — Clinique moisture surge”
- “holds concealer in place — Clinique All About Eyes”
- “Great base for makeup — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
Brightening and Radiance Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Skin looks brighter, more radiant, and "glowy." — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
- “faded pimple marks — Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream”
- “Eyes look more awake — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “wake up glowing — Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask”
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”
- “Very expensive for the size — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
Unpleasant or Strong Scent Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Smells like nail polish remover — Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2”
- “Smells like old oil — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “Has a weird plastic-like smell — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “old lady smell — Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence”
Insufficient Hydration or Dryness Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Not enough for winter — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
- “left my skin squeaky dry — Shiseido Clarifying Cleansing Foam”
- “skin felt tight — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
Skin Irritation and Sensitivity Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Blurry vision after use — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “Face stung and became red — Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2”
- “increase your skin's sun sensitivity — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
- “Caused some irritation — Shiseido Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream”
Clinique 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
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 Shiseido routine · SAR 2,211.82 · 81% fit
Buy Clinique routine · SAR 1,700.45 · 66% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Clinique 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
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
Buy Shiseido routine · SAR 2,494.74 · 84% fit
Buy Clinique routine · SAR 1,198.78 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Clinique 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
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 Shiseido routine · SAR 2,213.02 · 84% fit
Buy Clinique routine · SAR 1,205.12 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Clinique or Shiseido: which is better?
Shiseido is often better for deep hydration and radiance, while Clinique is typically better for gentle, fragrance-free care. Both brands offer high routine fits for oily, combination, sensitive, mature, dry sensitive, and oily acne-prone skin on the products on this page.
What is the difference between Clinique and Shiseido?
Clinique is better for gentle and non-irritating care with fragrance-free products on this page, while Shiseido excels in deep hydration and luxurious textures. For dry skin specifically, Shiseido achieves a High routine fit while Clinique reaches an Average fit.
Clinique or Shiseido for dry skin?
Shiseido is a better choice for dry skin, offering a High routine fit compared to Clinique's Average fit on this page. Shiseido's products on this page provide deep hydration, whereas Clinique is more frequently noted by reviewers for having insufficient hydration.
Clinique or Shiseido: which cleanser is better?
Both brands offer effective cleansers, but Clinique is often preferred for gentleness, while Shiseido is noted for deep-cleansing power.
Which is more affordable, Clinique or Shiseido?
Clinique is more affordable than Shiseido, as reviewers on this page frequently mention Shiseido having a high price point. Both brands feature high price points in their reviews, but shoppers specifically note Clinique's pricing as a drawback.
Between Clinique and Shiseido, which brand has better options for addressing dark spots?
Shiseido provides better options for addressing dark spots, as the products on this page achieve a High Lovi fit level for skin with dark spots. In contrast, Clinique products on this page generally reach an Average fit level for the same concern.
How do the fragrance options differ between Clinique and Shiseido skincare products?
Every product on the Clinique page lists no fragrance in its ingredients. In contrast, most Shiseido products on the page include fragrance, with only 5 of the 20 products listing no fragrance.
Which brand performs better for mature skin and firming routines, Clinique or Shiseido?
Shiseido is often highlighted for its firming and line-reducing moisturizers, whereas Lovi rates Shiseido's routine for mature skin as High. Reviewers note that Shiseido offers luxurious textures and improves radiance, while Clinique features high price points.
Clinique or Shiseido for oily skin?
Both Clinique and Shiseido offer products on this page that achieve a High Lovi fit level for oily skin. Reviewers often mention that Shiseido provides deep hydration and luxurious textures, while Clinique is noted for gentle and non-irritating formulas.
Clinique or Shiseido: which moisturizer is better?
Shiseido is better for hydration and moisture, whereas Clinique is better known for its lightweight and fast-absorbing moisturizers. The products on this page show that both brands offer high fit levels for various skin types, but Shiseido tends to excel in deep hydration and luxury textures.
Clinique or Shiseido for sensitive skin?
Both Clinique and Shiseido offer a High routine fit for sensitive skin. However, Clinique is often noted by reviewers as being more gentle and non-irritating, and the products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients.
Clinique or Shiseido for acne-prone skin?
Shiseido is a better fit for acne-prone skin, offering a High routine fit compared to Clinique's Average fit level.
Research behind their key ingredients
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
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
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
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
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
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
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
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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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