Exfoliators, Scrubs

Clinique is one of the world's largest supplier of prestige makeup and fragrance products. It was launched by Estée Lauder Inc. and premiered to the public at Saks Fifth Avenue in August 1968. more...

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History

In 1968, magazine editor Carol Phillips had consulted with Park Avenue dermatologist Dr. Norman Orentreich for an article titled "Can Great Skin Be Created?". The article caught the attention of Estee Lauder and Dr. Orentreich was brought onboard to help create the first Dermatologist developed skincare line. There is an unsettled debate as to whether Charles Revson stole Lauder's idea when he created Etherea (a line with an identical premise as Clinique), or whether it was the other way around -Etherea and Clinique debuted at the same time. Clinique was at that time different from most cosmetic companies in that its goal was to meet individual skin care needs by categorizing skin types. Its lower prices can be thought of Estée Lauder's budget line when compared to other Lauder divisions like Prescriptives, Origins, or Estée Lauder's own line.

Skin care

3-Step Skin Care system

Clinique was originally based on a 3-Step Skin Care System. The steps are 1.) cleansing using a facial bar soap, 2.) exfoliating using a liquid exfoliator, called Clarifying Lotion, and 3.) moisturizing with the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. These steps are to be repeated in the morning and the evening. Since Clinique categorizes skin types, the elements in all three steps of the 3-Step System are tailored for these different types.

The soap was originally available in either mild or extra-strength formulas; by 1998 Clinique introduced an extra-mild version, for drier skins. These are tallow based bar soaps that are french milled to make them last much longer. In 2006, Clinique launched a liquid form of each cleanser; although labeled "liquid soap", the ingredients reveal that none contain any soap at all.

The clarifying lotions are available in 5 strengths; 1,2,3,4 (from mildest to strongest) and a version simply called mild. These are the most controversial of Clinique's products, and a favourite item for beauty editors like Paula Begoun to criticize. All numbered versions contain denatured alcohol, an ingredient used as a delivery system but has gained a negative consumer perception. Although not publicized, all numbered versions have been reformulated over the years, which each new formula eliminating a controversial ingredient; acetone, phenol, turpentine, thymol (Trachyspermum copticum), and methyleugenol have each disappeared from the formulas with time. Clinique launched alcohol-free clarifier in 1987; it was not popular and was replaced with a formula called mild clarifying lotion in 1997. Neither version contains any of the controversial ingredients listed above.

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