Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence Versus Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion
Updated on June 28, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe essences. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin C
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence 27 ingredients
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion 32 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence 27 ingredients
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion 32 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientSqualane
Emollient
Boron Nitride
AbsorbentDimethicone
Emollient
Acrylates Copolymer
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicParfum
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAlchemilla Vulgaris Extract
AstringentXylitol
Humectant
Malpighia Emarginata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingRhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract
HumectantWater, Sorbitan Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ceteareth-20, Isononyl Isononanoate, Squalane, Boron Nitride, Dimethicone, Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Biotin, Parfum, Citric Acid, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Xylitol, Malpighia Emarginata Seed Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycereth-26
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Yeast Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol
Antioxidant
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPhytic Acid
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Sucrose
Humectant
Algae Extract
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Prunus Domestica
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingSorbitol
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingPPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropanediol
Solvent
Sodium Citrate
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Glycereth-26, Butylene Glycol, Yeast Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Leaf Extract, Phytic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Acetyl Glucosamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caffeine, Sucrose, Algae Extract, Hydrolyzed Prunus Domestica, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Sorbitol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30, Caprylyl Glycol, Propanediol, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.
When applied to skin, Ascorbyl Glucoside turns into Ascorbic Acid.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage skin cells.
It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl GlucosideButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
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 GlycerinSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateSodium 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 HydroxideWater. 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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence 27 ingredients
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion 32 ingredients
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Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence 27 ingredients
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