Clinique Clarifying Lotion 4 for Very Oily Skin
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
ExfoliationSalicylic acidStrong evidence
“Clarifying Lotion 4 is a gentle exfoliating lotion developed by Clinique's dermatologists that de-flakes to reveal clearer skin.”
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: salicylic acid.
MoisturizingGlycerin, Sodium hyaluronate + 2 moreGood evidence
“Smooths the way for moisture.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · Salicylic acidStrong evidence
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: salicylic acid. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Hamamelis virginiana extract + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Alcohol denat.~7.4–11.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Salicylic acid~1.6–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
More about Salicylic acidHamamelis virginiana extract~2.6–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
More about Hamamelis virginiana extractButylene glycol~1.8–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolGlycerin~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinTrehalose~1–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehaloseSodium hyaluronate~0.5–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateSodium hydroxide~0.35–0.85%
Disodium edta-copper~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Bht~0.15–0.55%
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolBenzophenone-4~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Sulisobenzone. A UV filter. Is typically used to improve the product stability under exposure to UV light. It is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It can be used is larger concentrations as a sun protection ingredient for the skin, but can be irritating
More about Benzophenone-4Ci 61570~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ingredient list view
Water, Alcohol denat., Salicylic acid, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Trehalose, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium hydroxide, Disodium edta-copper, Bht, Phenoxyethanol, Benzophenone-4, Unknown, Ci 61570
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| CliniqueClarifying Lotion 4 for Very Oily SkinYOUR PRODUCT | Paula's choiceResist Anti-Aging Daily Pore-Refining Treatment BHA Full size | Cetaphilgentle clear mattifying acne moisturizer | GLAMGLOWSuperwatergel Triple-Acid Oil-Free Moisturiser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 97% | 97% | 95% |
| Price | — | $50.80 | $10.95 | $52.14 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Key difference | — | Panthenol | Bisabolol | Glycolic Acid |
| Irritancy | High | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 11 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
- 3A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
- 4
- 5
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