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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin versus Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer .

Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on April 24, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 10 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, oils or parabens

What's Inside

They both contain silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Night Moisturizer Canadian Brand Canada
Serum American Brand United States

Night Moisturizer

Night Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin overnight.

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Price

Shop

Buy Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin

Starts at $15.45
Shop

Buy Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer

Starts at $38.99

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin E
Niacinamide
Ceramides (3)
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides (2)

Benefits

Hydrating (7)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (6)
Reduces Irritation (4)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (4)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (3)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (4)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating

Notable Ingredients

BHA
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (4)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (4)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing (3)
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

WaterDimethiconeButylene GlycolIsododecaneCyclopentasiloxanePolysilicone-11Ascorbyl GlucosideTromethaminePentylene GlycolCurcuma Longa Root ExtractMorus Bombycis Root ExtractCucumis Sativus Fruit ExtractBetula Alba Bark ExtractScutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractTrametes Versicolor ExtractNarcissus Tazetta Bulb ExtractTriticum Vulgare Germ ExtractMorus Nigra Root ExtractMolasses ExtractCitrus Grandis Peel Extract Hordeum Vulgare ExtractSalicylic AcidOryza Sativa Bran ExtractAlgae ExtractCaffeineGentiana Lutea Root ExtractVitis Vinifera Fruit ExtractSaccharomyces Lysate ExtractCamellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractYeast ExtractHydrolyzed Rice Bran ExtractHydrolyzed Prunus DomesticaSorbitolCholesterolPhospholipidsDipotassium GlycyrrhizateDi-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium ChlorideSqualanePeg-10 DimethiconePeg-6GlycerinSucrosePolysorbate 20Tocopheryl AcetateIsohexadecaneAcetyl GlucosaminePropylene Glycol DicaprateArginineHelianthus Annuus SeedcakeSodium RnaCaprylyl GlycolDimethoxytolyl PropylresorcinolGlycyrrhetinic AcidSodium HyaluronatePolysorbate 80Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp CopolymerAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate CopolymerCarbomerPotassium SorbateSodium HydroxideSodium SulfiteSodium MetabisulfiteHexylene GlycolDisodium EDTAPhenoxyethanolCI 19140CI 15985

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 1.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 2.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer contains this as ingredient number 41.

3
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.

D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.

D5 is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.

Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.

Learn more about Cyclopentasiloxane

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 6.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer contains this as ingredient number 5.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 9.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer contains this as ingredient number 2.

5
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
Community Rating: Disliked

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 18.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer contains this as ingredient number 58.

6
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Mixed

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 22.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer contains this as ingredient number 60.

7
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 27.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer contains this as ingredient number 54.

8
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Stabilising
Community Rating: Liked

Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.

Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.

Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.

Learn more about Cholesterol

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 28.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer contains this as ingredient number 34.

9
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 29.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer contains this as ingredient number 65.

10
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 40.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer contains this as ingredient number 3.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

40% are loved or liked
15% have mixed ratings
40% are disliked or very disliked
5% have no rating yet
36% are loved or liked
15% have mixed ratings
24% are disliked or very disliked
25% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin 40 ingredients

4.8 /5
from 6 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) Hydrating (1) No Scent (1) Works Well (1)
NurseMeg's avatar

NurseMeg

2 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

Simple, very hydrating night time moisturizer. My skin loves this stuff. Bonus points for being affordable

Clover's avatar

Clover

10 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

Favorite for buffering or sandwiching retinoids!
When I first started my strong retinoid journey to help deal with my acne I was on the hunt for a...

Favorite for buffering or sandwiching retinoids!
When I first started my strong retinoid journey to help deal with my acne I was on the hunt for a thick moisturizer to help act as a buffer to my adapalene gel and to ease me through the retinization process. However I didn’t want anything too occlusive either, so I wanted to avoid petrolatum and oils (not all oils are super occlusive, but I wanted something oil free just to be safe). Something with ceramides was also a must as I knew that I needed to keep my skin barrier strong through retinization. That’s when I found this night cream! It met all my requirements and needs! This is THICC, like, I can turn the jar upside down and shake it and it’s not going anywhere kind of thick <3. BUT it’s not greasy; in fact it almost has a matte finish to it (velvety finish? satin finish? IDK). Despite how thick it is though, it still let enough of my adapalene through to be effective. In the beginning I was flakey and a little red, but NOT irritated. Having said that that however, after about 6-7 months of using .1% adapalene, I moved up to using .05% tretinoin (AKA a stronger retinoid) and and using this cream as a buffer wasn’t quite enough for the areas on my face where it creases, so I recommend using plain petrolatum as a buffer on places such as the corners of the mouth, smile lines, around the nose, etc, if you find you are experiencing irritation. However for those starting out their retinoid journey, this is a perfect option to help ease you into it. But even if you are not using retinoids in your routine, this is still a fantastic night cream. My skin tends to lean dry, and this cream makes it feel protected, soft, and soooo smooth. I highly recommend giving it a try!

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer 67 ingredients

Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer hasn't been rated yet.
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