You’re probably already familiar with Clinique, the iconic science-first skincare brand which has pioneered a dermalogical approach to skincare for over fifty years and racked up fans in beauty editors, influencers, and skincare obsessives alike. With a focus on using potent ingredients that actually make a difference, Clinique has produced some of the world’s most recognisable skincare staples, like the bestselling Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm and trusty Dramatically Different Moisturiser. But how to cut through the noise and figure out exactly which products are best for you?
Below, we’ve broken down the ins and outs of every Clinique skincare range, so you can easily find out which products will be best for your skin type and skin concerns.
Take The Day Off
What does it do?
As its name suggests, this range is all about makeup removal. Featuring the iconic balm as well as its oil counterpart, an eye makeup remover, and even miniature wipes, there’s something for everyone, no matter what your preferred method of makeup removal.
Who’s it for?
Anyone who wears makeup, sunscreen, or wants to give their skin a deep and efficient cleanse at the end of the day.
Beauty editor’s pick: Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Melting from a solid balm to a lightweight oil, this cleanser is a real pleasure to use, and makes makeup removal a joy, not a chore. It dissolves even heavy face makeup and stubborn eye makeup fast.
Moisture Surge
What does it do?
The products in this range are designed to provide skin with long-lasting moisture and to improve the skin’s own internal water source to prevent dryness and dehydration. The oil-free, fragrance-free formulas contain ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and green tea to replenish and maintain skin’s moisture levels.
Who’s it for?
Anyone whose skin is prone to dryness and dehydration. Since the products are oil-free and fragrance-free, they’re also great for those who seek light, gentle textures.
Beauty editor’s pick: Moisture Surge 72 Hour Lipid Replenishing Hydrator
Featuring hydrators like hyaluronic acid and activated aloe water, this refreshing gel-cream moisturiser feels instantly refreshing and immediately boosts moisture levels for 72 hours of non-stop hydration.
Three Step Skin System
What does it do?
Taking the hard work out of building a skincare routine, Clinique’s signature range encompasses the three essential steps that every skincare routine should include – cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration.
Who’s it for?
Each step (cleanser, toner, moisturiser) contains multiple options so that every skin type and concern is catered for. This would be a great place to start if you don’t yet have a skincare routine and you want to nail the basics.
Beauty editor’s pick: Clarifying Lotion 3
This chemical exfoliant really is easy to use. Just soak a cotton pad and sweep it over clean skin. The formula (a blend of salicylic acid and witch hazel) helps to remove pollution, grime, and excess oil to achieve clearer, smoother skin.
Clinique ID
What does it do?
An impressive take on the trend for customisable skincare, this range is designed to allow you to create custom blends of moisturisers specifically designed with your skin in mind. Start by choosing a base (based on your preferred texture) then choose an Active Cartridge Concentrate based on your biggest skin concern.
Who’s it for?
Since there are fifteen possible formula combinations, this range really is for everyone and anyone. The Active Cartridge Concentrates cover skin concerns ranging from texture and irritation to uneven skin tone and wrinkles.
Beauty editor’s pick: Active Cartridge Concentrate for Imperfections
Designed with blemish-prone skin in mind, this potent blend of salicylic acid to minimise the looks of imperfections for clearer looking skin.
Dramatically Different
What does it do?
Offering up a range of moisturising options, the Dramatically Different collection includes the iconic yellow-bottled Dramatically Different Lotion as well as newer gel and jelly versions. These basic-in-a-good-way moisturisers can be used day and/or night for round the clock hydration.
Who’s it for?
The three options are designed to suit different skin types. If your skin is dry or mature, go for the cream version. If it’s oily or combination, choose the gel, and if you’re prone to breakouts or dehydration, opt for the jelly.
Beauty editor’s pick: Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly
If you want a moisturiser that comes dermatologist-approved, try this. Sodium hyaluronate and glycerin are the star hydrators – acting like magnets to draw moisture into the skin and prevent it from escaping, while the brand’s trademarked Clean Shield Technology helps to strengthen the skin barrier.
Redness Solutions
What does it do?
Anti-redness relief delivered via three skincare products – a cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF. If your skin is prone to redness and blotchiness these products will help to calm skin’s appearance as well as strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier to keep irritants out and prevent future flare ups.
Who’s it for?
Dry skin types and anyone experiencing redness.
Beauty editor’s pick: Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream
An extra-gentle, oil-free cream that helps to instantly calm the skin, reducing the appearance of redness. This moisturiser helps to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, leaving your skin feeling calm, soothed, and less irritated.
Superdefense
What does it do?
This range is the first line of defense against early signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and fatigued skin.
Who’s it for?
Anyone who’s noticing (or wants to prevent) uneven texture, dullness, fine lines, and wrinkles or defend against damage caused by aggressors like pollution and UV rays.
Beauty editor’s pick: Superdefense Night Recovery Moisturiser
While you sleep, this refreshing cream works hard to repair damage to skin from environmental aggressors throughout the night. It contains a powerful blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and botanical extracts which help to stimulate collagen production and keep skin firm and tight.
Pep-Start
What does it do?
Designed to give an instant glow to tired skin, the Pep-Start range offers a slimmed-down routine for those always on-the-go. The exfoliating cleanser removes pore-clogging dead skin cells, the Hydroblur Moisturiser blurs imperfections for a filter-like finish, and the eye cream helps to brighten and depuff under-eye bags.
Who’s it for?
If you’re after quick-fix skincare that’s easy to use and delivers instant results, then Pep-Start is the range for you.
Beauty editor’s pick: Pep-Start Eye Cream
The cleverly designed applicator dispenses a perfect dose of cream onto skin as you swipe, so you don’t even need to pat it in. Meanwhile, the formula instantly brightens, hydrates, and creates a smooth canvas for makeup.
Even Better
What does it do?
The Even Better range seeks to target stubborn imperfections and achieve brighter, clearer skin with the help of ascorbyl glucoside (vitamin C) and power botanical extracts like turmeric, algae, and salicylic acid.
Who’s it for?
Got dark circles? Pigmentation? Uneven skin tone? There’s an Even Better product for you.
Beauty editor’s pick: Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector
This powerful serum has an impressive and potent ingredients lineup formulated to tackle dark spots, age spots, and lingering post-blemish marks.
Fresh Pressed
What does it do?
Harnessing powerful ingredients like vitamin C and retinol in their purest forms, these products are designed to make a powerful impact in a short period of use. Both ingredients easily degrade if exposed to light and oxygen, but the specially designed packaging keeps them fresh until activation.
Who’s it for?
Anyone who feels they can benefit from a powerful antioxidant boost. If your skin is looking dull and tired or you’re noticing early signs of aging, these will help to revitalise skin, and with extended use, tone and texture will improve, too.
Beauty editor’s pick: Clinique Fresh-Pressed Daily Booster
Think of this as a supplement to your skincare routine – just add a drop into your daily moisturiser for an extra boost. It’s a perfect way to get a vitamin C hit without adding an extra step into your busy morning routine.
