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What is Clinique?
Clinique is a well-known luxury skin care brand which has been in the industry for decades. They offer a wide selection of skin care for every concern, and many of their products have a good reputation.
They use quality organic ingredients in their formulations, and do careful allergy testing on their entire line. Despite the popularity of the brand it also has its downsides, like the high prices and some reports of poor customer service.
How Does It Rate?
Brand Highlights
- This brand and their parent company, Estee Lauder, are 100% cruelty-free.
- The company offers over 22,000 beauty consultants around the world.
- Founded in 1968, they have their headquarters in New York, New York.
- They follow rigid safety and sustainability standards.
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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.
Key Ingredients
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Glycerin
- Sesame Seed Oil
- Barley Extract
- Cucumber Fruit Extract
- Sunflower Seed Cake
- Salicylic Acid
- Mango
- Shea Butter
- Witch Hazel Extract
- Caffeine
- Vitamins A and C
Pros
- The manufacturer promises that all products are allergy tested.
- Clinique products may offer hydrating benefits to the complexion.
- Some items exfoliate and shrink the size of the pores.
- The line might offer anti-aging benefits.
- The products may repair damage to the skin barrier.
Cons
- The results will vary for individual customers.
- Some products could use additional ingredients.
- There were users who said products caused them breakouts or rash.
Which Are The Best Selling Clinique Products?
Clinique Black Honey Lipstick
Rich Dark Gloss for Thirsty Lips
Key Ingredients: Castor Seed Oil, Mica, Carnauba Wax, Tocopheryl Acetate
Price: $22
What It Does: Hydrates, Nourishes, Shines, Provides Rich Hues
Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remove
Helps Get Your Skin Squeaky Clean
Key Ingredients: Isododecane, Isohexadecane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Peg-4 Dilaurate
Price: $23
What It Does: Removes makeup and cleanses the complexion
Clinique Even Better Foundation
For Good Coverage
Key Ingredients: Nymphaea Alba Root, Camellia Sinensis Leaf, Salicylic Acid
Price: $43
What It Does: Clinique Foundation evens out skin tone and serves as a base for other makeup
Clinique All About Eyes
For Brighter, Younger Eyes
Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Mulberry Root Extract, Olive Fruit Extract, Whey Protein
Price: $37
What It Does: Decreases bags, puffiness, fine lines and dark circles
How Does It Work?
Clinique offers a large line of products, from makeup and cosmetics to skin care. The items for the complexion are very hydrating, moisturizing, eliminating dryness, and plumping the skin to smooth wrinkles and lines.
An article in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology examined skin moisturizers and their therapeutic potential for eliminating dry skin [1].
They are full of anti-inflammatory agents which decrease redness and swelling and may help treat some skin conditions, like eczema and acne. Some products exfoliate the pores of dead skin cells, dirt and oils and help prevent breakouts.
The products include antioxidants like Vitamins C and E which offer anti-aging properties and help repair damage to the skin barrier. In addition, they protect the complexion from UV rays and other environmental agents.
A review in the Journal of Dermatological Science looked at the anti-aging properties of antioxidants for the skin [2].
Clinique products may block melanin production, lightening the complexion and eliminating dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Some ingredients boost collagen and elastin production, which tightens the skin, improves elasticity, and smooths wrinkles and fine lines.
Clinique Ingredients - Are they Safe & Effective?
These are some of the primary active Clinique ingredients:
Salicylic Acid
This is an organic compound which provides exfoliating benefits, cleansing the pores of dead skin cells, dirt, and oils and helping to treat acne and breakouts. There’s evidence it may also help reduce warts.
It can decrease inflammation, redness, and swelling and the skin, and could help treat other skin conditions like psoriasis. A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that 2% salicylic acid was effective at treating acne and well-tolerated by users [3].
Caffeine
This stimulant improves blood circulation in the skin, enhancing its overall health as well as giving it a healthy glow. Its full of antioxidants which may help repair skin damage and protect from UV rays and other environmental agents.
It may also help break down fat cells under the skin to potentially get rid of cellulite. A review in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology looked at caffeine’s mechanisms of action and benefits in cosmetic products [4].
Sesame Seed Oil
This hydrating oil may help eliminate dryness, and it’s also high in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and anti-microbial benefits. It can repair skin damage, protect from harm, and eliminate harmful bacteria on the complexion.
This oil may also help reduce skin conditions and acne. An article in Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences discussed the role of sesame seed oil in the cosmetics industry [5].
How Do the Products Rate?
| Feature | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion | 4 | Very popular hydrating product, fragrance and additive-free, has artificial color |
| Clinique Black Honey Lipstick | 3.9 | Rich, award-winning product, sheer, gloss and lipstick, has artificial color |
| Clinique Moisture Surge Hydro-Infused Lotion | 3.6 | Hydrating, suitable for all skin types, could include additional ingredients |
| Clinique Happy Perfume | 3 | Expensive, nice citrus scent but some users may not like the odor |
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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who Owns Clinique?
A: Estee Lauder, the multinational cosmetics and beauty corporation, owns Clinique. Executive Evelyn Lauder formulated the brand in 1968 in New York, New York beginning with 117 skin care products.
Q: What is the Return Policy?
A: The manufacturer has an open return policy for products purchased on the official website. If you are not happy with your purchase for any reason, contact them and they should give you a full refund. If you purchase from other retailers, they should each have their own policy.
Q: Is It Cruelty-Free?
A: Both Clinique and their parent company Estee Lauder are completely cruelty free, and do not test their products on animals or work with suppliers or associates who do.
Q: Where to Buy Clinique?
A: You can buy these products on the official website, and from a number of other online and offline retailers. It’s also for sale in many different department stores. If you buy on the official site, you often get a Clinique gift with purchase.
At the moment if you use the code SUPER5 at checkout you get a free Superheroes kit with any purchase of $45 for more. If you joint Smart Rewards you get 15% off your first purchase. Here are the prices of some of the bestsellers.
- Clinique Almost Lipstick Black Honey – $22
- Clinique Wrinkle-Correcting Eye Cream – $56
- Clinique Age Defense Eye Cream – $56
- Clinique Clarifying Lotion – $32
- Clinique Cleansing Balm – $49
- Clinique Smart Repair Serum – $71.00 to $175.00
- Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream – $39.50
- Clinique High Impact Mascara – $23
- Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector – $55.00 to $152.00
- Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream – $31.00
- Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild Formula – ?$23.00
- Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream – $52.00 to $82.00
Q: What Sets It Apart From the Competition?
A: Clinique has been a big name in skin care for over 50 years, and has a good reputation. Although it’s a luxury brand, the prices aren’t quite as high as some of the other top luxury makes.
What Do the Reviews Say?
The reviews for Clinique varied quite a bit. There were, of course, many loyal customers who have used this brand for years and swear by it.
However, there were also reports of bad customer service and difficulty getting refunds. Some people said they had a reaction to some of the items. Here are some of the customer comments:
Wonderful Company, Wonderful Products
Was looking for a skin care line years ago and came across Clinique. So glad. Their products make the skin look bright, translucent, youthful, all the wonderful things you want for your face. They have samples you can try too.
Right now, they have 30% of site wide. Just an example of the type of promotions they have all the time. Try their products!
- Elizabeth W.
Not Satisfied
Had a bad allergic reaction on the skin and wouldn't use it one more time.
– Taylor L.
Great Products, Worst Customer Service
Will never shop with them again! A good vendor should not rely only on the quality of their products but also give good service!
Especially when the products are expensive! They did not want to help or show that they cared after contacting them few times regarding my return and refund.
– Joel B.
Absolute Go To!
Clinique is an amazing brand for skin care and makeup. Love the mild scent of their products. Love how good they feel on the skin and the overall the quality and value. Would highly recommend.
– Luisa
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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.
Conclusion
Clinique is a well-known and reputable skin care brand which started over 50 years ago. They offer a wide range of high quality, science-backed products for a number of skin concerns like anti-aging, cleansing, toning, hydration, and others. As a brand in the luxury category, the products are somewhat expensive.
The reviews for Clinique offered different opinions. Because this is a long-standing brand that many women use, there were a number of positive reviews. However, there were quite a few reports of poor customer service and difficulty getting refunds. In addition, some users were not as happy with the results.
While Clinique uses quality organic ingredients and test for allergens very carefully, there’s still a chance you could develop a skin reaction. If you have symptoms like redness or itchiness, stop using the brand and see a dermatologist if necessary.
As we age the composition, texture and appearance of our skin changes. Signs of skin aging include wrinkles, fine lines, loss of moisture, uneven tone, and dull, tired-looking skin. There are countless anti-wrinkle creams on the market promising to make skin look and feel younger. Many anti-wrinkle creams promise everything short of a facelift or to provide the much sought after "fountain of youth". In reality most are just moisturizers marketed as anti-aging products.
Below you'll find some of the most effective wrinkle serum/cream formulations on the market today, in our opinion.
Verdict on Claimed Benefits: Below is our summary of the available evidence for the claimed benefits of below mentioned anti-aging products and anti-wrinkle creams based on the available research:
Ask a Question
Kate
I picked it up at my regular store without realizing that the product had changed. Despite my mistake, I decided to give it a try. What a waste! I would give this product zero stars if I could, but I had to choose one star to submit my review. Unfortunately, I can't return it for a refund now.
Is there any compensation you can offer?
Cathy H