Clinique Acne Solutions™ Acne + Line Correcting Serum Versus Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher
Updated on June 28, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 17 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid, peptides, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
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
Clinique Acne Solutions™ Acne + Line Correcting Serum 41 ingredients
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 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
Clinique Acne Solutions™ Acne + Line Correcting Serum 41 ingredients
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Methyl Gluceth-20
Humectant
Polysilicone-11
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningSalvia Sclarea Extract
AntiseborrhoeicPlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Cholesterol
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientMicrococcus Lysate
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Lecithin
Emollient
Lactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
PEG-8
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Citrate
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Methyl Trimethicone, Polysorbate 20, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Polysilicone-11, Salicylic Acid, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Salvia Sclarea Extract, Plankton Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Glucosamine, Caffeine, Glycine Soja Protein, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Cholesterol, Caprylyl Glycol, Micrococcus Lysate, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Lecithin, Lactis Proteinum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-8, Sodium Hydroxide, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Polysilicone-11
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingMorus Nigra Root Extract
Skin ConditioningYeast Extract
Skin Conditioning
Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Extract
AntimicrobialCastanea Sativa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin Conditioning
Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder
Abrasive
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Salvia Sclarea Extract
AntiseborrhoeicSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Coriandrum Sativum Oil
Masking
Citrus Grandis
Cholesterol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Isohexadecane
EmollientPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Pantethine
EmollientMethyldihydrojasmonate
MaskingAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
PEG-8
HumectantEthyl 2,2-Dimethylhydrocinnamal
Masking
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Cleansing
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Sodium Glycinate
Skin ConditioningNordihydroguaiaretic Acid
Antioxidant
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Iron Oxides
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Acetyl Glucosamine, Sodium Lactate, Morus Nigra Root Extract, Yeast Extract, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract, Castanea Sativa Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder, Caffeine, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Salvia Sclarea Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Coriandrum Sativum Oil, Citrus Grandis, Cholesterol, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Squalane, Polyethylene, Isopentyldiol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 20, Pantethine, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polysorbate 80, PEG-8, Ethyl 2,2-Dimethylhydrocinnamal, Phospholipids, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Butylene Glycol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Sodium Glycinate, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Linalool, Iron Oxides, Mica, CI 77891
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeButylene 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 GlycolPolysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Glycerin 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 GlycerinWe don't have a description for Polysilicone-11 yet.
We don't have a description for Salvia Sclarea Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Laminaria Saccharina Extract yet.
Acetyl Glucosamine is an antioxidant and humectant. It is an amino acid sugar and is naturally found in our skin.
The cool thing about this ingredient? It helps the skin produce hyaluronic acid and boost hydration. It also has antioxidant benefits to protect skin cells.
When paired with niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine has been shown to be effective at reducing discoloration.
Learn more about Acetyl GlucosamineCaffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.
While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.
Learn more about CaffeineCholesterol 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 CholesterolSodium 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 HyaluronateTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetatePEG-8 is a synthetic polymer used as a humectant and solvent.
This ingredient is able to help dissolve active ingredients, including water. This gives it humectant properties.
It is soluble in water. The number '8' stands for the molecular weight of the ingredient.
Learn more about PEG-8Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
AAVC is able to increase the consistency and viscosity of products due to its large molecule size. It also prevents ingredients from separating.
We don't have a description for Glyceryl Polymethacrylate yet.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Clinique Acne Solutions™ Acne + Line Correcting Serum 41 ingredients
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Clinique Acne Solutions™ Acne + Line Correcting Serum 41 ingredients
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients
I've been using Idealist since it first came out in 2000, and have loved it ever since. They've discontinued just this year, and I'm now desperate for any stock left, or for EL to bring it back...
I loved this stuff so much until they changed it to a plastic bottle cuz it also felt like they changed the formulation a bit at the same time. And then now of course it’s gone. Still dream of what that first formulation did for me 🥹
