PRODUCT REVIEW
Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer
Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Evens skin tone
- Anti-aging
- Anti-oxidation
- Moisturizing
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Can it cause trouble?
Buy from Amazon US $43.99
More options from: $43.99
Price as of 2/11/2023 2:57 GMT.
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What can the product work for?
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
A clinical-strength serum that visibly improves the look of dark spots, age spots and acne scars.
acetyl glucosamine
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin
ascorbyl glucoside
1.8% -
2.2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
algae extract
0.3% -
0.55%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet
Show more
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer
acetyl glucosamine
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin
glycyrrhetinic acid
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
Active compound of licorice root. Works to calm down inflammation, as an anti-oxidant, and might be helpful in lightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation
dimethoxytolyl propylresorcinol
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
Can help reduce hyperpigmentation and lighten skin, but additional research is needed to test its effectiveness on human skin
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Moisturizing
peg-10 dimethicone
0.3% -
0.55%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss
saccharomyces lysate extract
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can have some anti-inflammatory effect
saccharum officinarum extract
0.3% -
0.55%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Sugar extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
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Anti-oxidation
glycyrrhetinic acid
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Active compound of licorice root. Works to calm down inflammation, as an anti-oxidant, and might be helpful in lightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation
ascorbyl glucoside
1.8% -
2.2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
scutellaria baicalensis root extract
0.45% -
0.65%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties
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Anti-blemish
What does the product description say?
A clinical-strength serum that visibly improves the look of dark spots, age spots and acne scars.
salicylic acid
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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)
camellia sinensis leaf extract
0.25% -
0.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Evens skin tone | |
| Anti-blemish |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
66/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 2
Potential irritants
curcuma longa root extract
0.9% -
1.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-inflammatory
A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant
morus bombycis root extract
0.65% -
1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone
A plant extract that might contain arbutin, a compound that has skin-lightening properties. Might have some anti-oxidant activity. Is unlikely to be effective though in the concentrations typically used in skincare products
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Comodogenic ingredients
triticum vulgare germ extract
0.45% -
0.65%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-oxidation
Plant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intolerance
algae extract
0.3% -
0.55%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-aging
Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet
Similar products & dupes
| Clinique - Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer |  celimax - Skin Repair Bee Tox Therapy Mask Sponsored |  Lab Series Skincare for Men - Max LS Power V Lifting Serum |  Estée Lauder - Enlighten - Dark Spot Correcting Night Serum |  GLAMGLOW - Superserum by Glamglow |  e.l.f. Cosmetics - Blemish Breakthrough Blemish Calming Water Cream |  Naturium - Encapsulated Salicylic Acid Moisturizer 0.75% |  Paula's choice - Redness Relief 1% BHA Lotion Exfoliant |  Emma S - Treatment Niacinamide Formula |  Lab Series For Men - Oil Control Daily Moisturizer |  Maybelline - Dream Pure BB Cream 8-in-1 Skin Perfector |  Philosophy - Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer | |
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| WIMJ similarity score |
64%
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82%
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77%
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76%
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70%
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Other:
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| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
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MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
camellia sinensis leaf extract
0.25% -
0.5%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Antibacterial,
Anti-aging,
Evens skin tone,
Moisturizing,
Anti-blemish
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
salicylic acid
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-blemish,
Exfoliation,
Anti-inflammatory,
Antibacterial,
Evens skin tone
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)
Show more
Potential irritants
curcuma longa root extract
0.9% -
1.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-inflammatory
A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant
morus bombycis root extract
0.65% -
1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone
A plant extract that might contain arbutin, a compound that has skin-lightening properties. Might have some anti-oxidant activity. Is unlikely to be effective though in the concentrations typically used in skincare products
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
triticum vulgare germ extract
0.45% -
0.65%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-oxidation
Plant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intolerance
algae extract
0.3% -
0.55%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-aging
Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet
All ingredients
dimethicone
5.4% -
6.6%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Mattifying
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
butylene glycol
4.3% -
5.2%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing
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
Show more
Ingredient list view
Water, Dimethicone, Butylene glycol, Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polysilicone-11, Ascorbyl glucoside, Tromethamine, Pentylene glycol, Curcuma longa root extract, Morus bombycis root extract, Cucumis sativus fruit extract, Betula alba bark extract, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Narcissus tazetta bulb extract, Triticum vulgare germ extract, Morus nigra root extract, Molasses extract, Saccharum officinarum extract, Citrus grandis peel extract, Hordeum vulgare extract, Salicylic acid, Oryza sativa bran extract, Algae extract, Caffeine, Gentiana lutea root extract, Vitis vinifera fruit extract, Saccharomyces lysate extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Yeast extract, Faex, Yeast extract, Hydrolyzed rice bran extract, Hydrolyzed prunus domestica, Sorbitol, Cholesterol, Phospholipids, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Di-c12-18 alkyl dimonium chloride, Squalane, Peg-10 dimethicone, Peg-6, Glycerin, Sucrose, Polysorbate 20, Tocopheryl acetate, Isohexadecane, Acetyl glucosamine, Propylene glycol dicaprate, Arginine, Helianthus annuus seedcake, Sodium rna, Caprylyl glycol, Dimethoxytolyl propylresorcinol, Glycyrrhetinic acid, Sodium hyaluronate, Polysorbate 80, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, Carbomer, Potassium sorbate, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium sulfite, Sodium metabisulfite, Hexylene glycol, Disodium edta, Phenoxyethanol, Ci 19140, Ci 15985
Sources
- Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medications
- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyol
- The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health
- Stability, transdermal penetration, and cutaneous effects of ascorbic acid and its derivatives
- Safety Assessment of Tromethamine as Used in Cosmetics
- Vaughn, A. R., Branum, A., & Sivamani, R. K. (2016). Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. Phytotherapy Research, 30(8), 1243–1264. doi:10.1002/ptr.5640
- Physiological and Whitening Effects of Morus alba Extracts
- Scutellaria baicalensis, the golden herb from the garden of Chinese medicinal plants
- Flavonoids in Treating Psoriasis
- Improvement of skin barrier dysfunction by Scutellaria baicalensis GEOGI extracts through lactic acid fermentation
- Safety Assessment of Scutellaria baicalensis-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
- Wheat in skin care
- Pharmacological Properties of Morus nigra L. (Black Mulberry) as A Promising Nutraceutical Resource
- Tyrosinase Inhibitory Constituents from the Roots of Morus nigra: A Structure-Activity Relationship Study
- Safety Assessment of Citrus Peel-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
- Photosensitivity in children: An approach to diagnosis and management
- Celiac Disease & Skin Care Products
- Preventive and Therapeutic Role of Functional Ingredients of Barley Grass for Chronic Diseases in Human Beings
- Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review
- Beta Hydroxy Acids
- A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparations
- Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Salicylic–Mandelic Acid Peels in Active Acne Vulgaris and Post‐Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: A Comparative Study
- The Herbal Bitter Drug Gentiana lutea Modulates Lipid Synthesis in Human Keratinocytes In Vitro and In Vivo
- Safety Assessment of Vitis Vinifera (Grape)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
- Use of Probiotics for Dermal Applications
- The natural yeast extract isolated by ethanol precipitation inhibits melanin synthesis by modulating tyrosinase activity and downregulating melanosome transfer
- Evaluation of dermatological effects of cosmetic formulations containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract and vitamins
- Pigmentation Effect of Rice Bran Extracted Minerals Comprising Soluble Silicic Acids
- Transdermal Absorption Enhancement of Rice Bran Bioactive Compounds Entrapped in Niosomes
- Ameliorating effect of dipotassium glycyrrhizinate on an IL-4- and IL-13-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin-equivalent model
- Final report on the safety assessment of Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Potassium Glycyrrhetinate, Disodium Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate, Glyceryl Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhetinyl Stearate, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium Glycyrrhizate, Trisodium Glycyrrhizate, Methyl Glycyrrhizate, and Potassium Glycyrrhizinate.
- Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- The effect of N-acetyl-glucosamine on stratum corneum desquamation and water content in human skin
- Glucosamine: an ingredient with skin and other benefits
- Genomic expression changes induced by topical N-acetyl glucosamine in skin equivalent cultures in vitro
- Incorporation of D-(^H)glucosamine into normal and psoriatic epidermal glycoconjugates
- Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
- Safety Assessment of Helianthus annuus (Sunflower)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
- Natural tyrosinase inhibitors for skin hyperpigmentation
- Glycyrrhetinic acid, the active principle of licorice, can reduce the thickness of subcutaneous thigh fat through topical application
- Effects of topical application of B‐Resorcinol and Glycyrrhetinic acid monotherapy and in combination with fractional CO2 laser treatment for benign hand hyperpigmentation treatment
- 18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid and Glabridin Prevent Oxidative DNA Fragmentation in UVB-irradiated Human Keratinocyte Cultures
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- Final report on the safety assessment of sodium sulfite, potassium sulfite, ammonium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, ammonium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite and potassium metabisulfite