Clinique vs. Clarins

We're positive you've seen Clinique and Clarins on the shelves at your local drugstore before. But which one should you choose?

Previously, we took a look at Aquaphor vs CeraVe; today, we will be comparing Clinique vs Clarins to help you figure out which of the two skincare brands better suits you!

Clinique vs Clarins Serum

The first product we’re looking to compare between the two brands are their serums, between Clinique’s Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum, and Clarins’ Double Serum. Both of these products are aimed at those with aging skin types, looking to smooth texture such as wrinkles and fine lines, and are concentrated to target these concerns.

When it comes to Clinique’s product, the serum is targeted for those with dry to combination skin, as it has an oilier formula, which glides smoothly onto the skin and has a plumping formula. It utilises technology consisting of three key ingredients – hyaluronic acid, potent retinoid and a unique CL1870 Peptide Complex – which are all known to smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

In terms of effectiveness, Clinique claim that, from their own study, 84% of people said their deeper wrinkles were reduced.

On the other hand, Clarins’ Double Serum is a close competitor, boasting similar claims and being targeted towards the same demographic. Once again, this serum is an anti-aging concentrate, which can be used both morning and evening, before your moisturiser. In contrast to Clinique’s product, this serum is aimed to treat every skin type, making it suitable for oily skin as well as dry, combination and normal skin, so it’s suitable for more people.

As well as firming the skin, the serum strives to smooth wrinkles and diminish pores, as well as brighten the skin, all at once using 21 active ingredients. Turmeric is just one of these ingredients, which is renowned for its anti-aging benefits.

In the end, these two products are very close competitors, boasting very similar benefits and purposes, and both come in at a similar price. The Clarins product is ~$80 (~£60) for 30ml, while Clinique will set you back ~$75 (~£55) for the same amount. The Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum has been reviewed to perform slightly better than it’s Clarins counterpart, but the Clarins serum is more effective for those with oily skin.

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Clinique vs Clarins Moisturizer

Next in your routine is your moisturiser, which will be applied after your serum, so it makes sense to compare the Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator and Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream.

2024 update: Clarins' Hydra-Essentiel range has had an overhaul recently, with it now being known as Hydra-Essentiel [HA2]. It's not entirely clear how much - if at all - the formulation has changed, but the marketing seems to suggest that there is now a "Hyaluronic Acid duo", which we've inferred to mean a crosspolymer with different molecular weights for more layered hydration. Just something extra to bear in mind while reading the comparison.

When it comes to the Clinique moisturiser, it’s easy to see why this product is a cult favourite, boasting up to 100 hours of hydration, of which 92% of 110 women said it deeply hydrated their skin. It utilises hyaluronic acid, an ingredient famous for its impressive hydrating capabilities, being able to hold up to 1000x its weight in water, to deeply hydrate the skin. Along with this powerful ingredient, the moisturiser also features activated aloe water, engineered to help skin absorb moisture.

On the other hand, one of the most impressive features of the Clarins moisturiser is its sun protection capabilities, as this moisturiser is equipped with SPF 15 protection*, to offer a light layer of protection for your skin from the sun. This makes it a great way to simplify your routine and gives you some more protection alongside any separate sunscreen you may use.

*It might be worth mentioning that since Clarins' re-branding of their Hydra-Essentiel range, you'll find that packaging will vary from store to store. On that note, the SPF15 version is currently only available in the "old" packaging, and we can't guarantee if or when it'll become available in the new [HA2] form.

In addition, the product contains a unique Hyaluronic Power Complex exclusive to Clarins, which is a duo of low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acids for a triple hydrating and plumping action. Just like its competitor from Clinique, it is intended for dry to normal skin, and strives to improve the skin’s water capacity function.

Altogether, these are once again two very similar products, however the Clarins moisturiser stands out particularly thanks to its practical formula and sun protection, which makes it the perfect product for everyday use. Nevertheless, Clinique’s Moisture Surge is an industry favourite, so it’s the best choice for intense hydration when used alongside a sunscreen.

As of 2024, these products are more similar than ever, so it really just comes down to your personal preference with regards to the two brands. We feel that Clarins delivers a more luxurious experience overall, but it ought to given its price tag relative to Clinique's.

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Clinique vs Clarins Foundation

Finally, the last product to compare between the two brands are their foundations: The Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15, and the Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid. Both foundations are formulated with skincare in mind, which makes them even closer competitors.

If we take a closer look at the Clinique product, the first thing we notice is the SPF 15 protection, a helpful addition to a foundation, especially for everyday use, when an SPF 15 product is plenty of protection. Formulated to last for 24 hours on all skin types, it has a natural finish which 90% of users said felt comfortable all day.

The product is specifically formulated for those with combination skin in mind, as it’s designed to be flexible and work with your skin, rather than settling in lines and caking in certain areas. And there are 56 shades to choose from, so you can find the perfect tone to match your skin.

With Clarins’ Everlasting Youth Fluid, you’ll also receive the same SPF 15 protection from the Sun, keeping your skin protected during the day. The foundation is also developed with their signature anti-pollution complex to treat your skin whilst you’re wearing the product.

One downside to this product, however, is its limited shade collection, with just 26 shades, and lacking in hues for those with darker skin tones.

While the Clarins foundation is the most highly performing of the two products, according to ratings, Clinique is definitely best if you want to find the perfect shade to match your skin tone flawlessly.

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