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Cetaphil vs Clinique

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Cetaphil and Clinique are American skincare brands known for offering thoughtful cleansers, moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, makeup removers, and eye products. The first brand is widely loved for formulations featuring glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol, which suit combination skin and sensitive skin best. Meanwhile, the second brand thoughtfully incorporates hydrating hyaluronic acid, nourishing glycerin, and invigorating caffeine to suit dry sensitive skin and oily skin best. They primarily differ in their target skin types and signature ingredient combinations, such as the former pairing niacinamide with panthenol and the latter pairing hyaluronic acid with caffeine.

Cetaphil is an American skincare brand founded in 1947 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.orgcetaphil.co.uk

Clinique is an American skincare brand founded in 1968 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..

en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.combusinesswire.comglossy.co

This page compares some of the most popular Cetaphil and Clinique products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Cetaphil vs Clinique products

People Say

CetaphilClinique
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “The only thing my reactive skin tolerates. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “No breakouts since switching to this. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “cleans without stripping — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
    • “never irritated my eyes — Clinique All About Eyes”
  • Hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “cleared up flaky skin — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “healed my dry patches — Cetaphil Moisturising Cream”
    • “Leaves my face feeling soft, not tight. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “Keeps my dry patches at bay all day — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
  • Lightweight and non-greasy absorption Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs instantly — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “Absorbs quickly into skin without residue — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
    • “sinks in immediately — Clinique moisture surge”
    • “sinks in instantly — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
  • Works well under makeup Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “foundation glides on — Clinique moisture surge”
    • “holds concealer in place — Clinique All About Eyes”
    • “perfect primer base — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
    • “Layers really well under makeup — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
  • Smoother skin and texture improvement Rarely 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”
    • “Skin looks smoother and even-toned — Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2”
    • “Skin felt softer after one use — Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser”
  • Gentle exfoliation Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
    • “gentle enough for everyday — Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula”
    • “You will see the dirt with one wipe — Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2”
    • “Micro-fine granules don't irritate — Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub”
  • Lack of lather or unusual texture Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “hard to rinse off — Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula”
    • “Left an oily film on my T-zone — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
    • “feels a bit sticky — Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask”
    • “Miss the bubbles, feels like washing with lotion. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
  • Unpleasant scent or chemical smell Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “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+”
    • “Overpowering masking fragrance — Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar”
  • High price point Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “expensive for drugstore — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “jar is too small for the cost — Clinique moisture surge”

Cetaphil vs Clinique routines for dry skin

Buy Cetaphil routine · £92.66 · 83% fitBuy Clinique routine · £210.11 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit

Cetaphil vs Clinique routines for oily skin

Buy Cetaphil routine · £191.77 · 84% fitBuy Clinique routine · £194.06 · 78% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Cetaphil vs Clinique routines for combination skin

Buy Cetaphil routine · £172.93 · 88% fitBuy Clinique routine · £151.87 · 72% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

Cetaphil or Clinique: which is better?

Cetaphil is generally better for gentle hydration and sensitive skin, as the products on this page achieve a High routine fit across all main skin types, whereas Clinique is often preferred for makeup removal and texture improvement. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

What is the difference between Cetaphil and Clinique?

Cetaphil is generally better for gentle hydration and sensitive skin, whereas Clinique is often preferred for working well under makeup and texture improvement.

Cetaphil or Clinique for dry skin?

Cetaphil is a better fit for dry skin, achieving a High routine fit level compared to Clinique's Average level. The products on this page help provide deep hydration and moisture with key ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which helps improve skin barrier function.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Cetaphil or Clinique: which cleanser is better?

Cetaphil is better for gentle, non-stripping cleansing, as reviewers frequently mention its cleansers are soothing on sensitive skin. Lovi rates several Cetaphil cleansers at a Superior fit for specific skin types, whereas Clinique cleansers on this page tend to show lower fit levels.

Which is more affordable, Cetaphil or Clinique?

Cetaphil is more affordable than Clinique, as Clinique has a high price point.

Cetaphil or Clinique: which is better for dry sensitive skin?

Cetaphil is better for dry sensitive skin because the products on this page achieve a High routine fit for this skin type, whereas Clinique reaches an Average routine fit. Review themes also show that Cetaphil does better for gentleness on sensitive skin and overall hydration.

Cetaphil or Clinique: which brand has more fragrance-free products?

Cetaphil offers 26 fragrance-free products on the products on this page, whereas Clinique features fragrance-free formulations across all of its products on this page. Topical hyaluronic acid helps maintain skin hydration for both brands.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Cetaphil or Clinique: which brand is better for skin with dark spots?

Cetaphil is better for skin with dark spots because the products on this page achieve a High fit level for this concern, whereas Clinique achieves an Average fit level. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppresses melanosome transfer.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

Cetaphil or Clinique for oily skin?

Both brands offer a High routine fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that Clinique provides lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturizers and oil-controlling formulas.

Cetaphil or Clinique: which moisturizer is better?

Cetaphil offers better fit levels for moisturizers on this page, such as its High fit for dry skin, compared to Clinique's Average fit for dry skin.

Cetaphil or Clinique for sensitive skin?

Cetaphil is a better fit for sensitive skin, achieving a High routine fit level compared to Clinique's High fit level, while also outperforming Clinique specifically in being gentle on sensitive skin. Topical ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides help support skin barrier health and reduce irritation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

Cetaphil or Clinique for acne-prone skin?

Cetaphil is a better fit for acne-prone skin, achieving a High routine fit compared to Clinique's Average fit on this page. Niacinamide helps improve skin appearance, and topical hyaluronic acid provides skin quality benefits.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Research behind their key ingredients

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

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