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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 versus La Roche-Posay Effaclar Face Toner Clarifying Solution with Medicated Formula .

Published on October 04, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe toners. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols and common allergens

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

Toner American Brand United States
Toner French Brand France

Toner

Toners are used as a “last-step” cleanser, a pH balancer, add moisture to the skin, or may help in reducing impurities on the skin. They have a liquid consistency and are usually used after cleansers but before treatments.

Toner

Toners are used as a “last-step” cleanser, a pH balancer, add moisture to the skin, or may help in reducing impurities on the skin. They have a liquid consistency and are usually used after cleansers but before treatments.

Price

Shop

Buy Clarifying Lotion 2

Starts at $22.00
Shop

Buy Effaclar Face Toner Clarifying Solution with Medicated Formula

Starts at $16.99

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

Exfoliators
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating
Brightening

Concerns

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

Notable Ingredients

AHA
BHA

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin (2)
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying (3)
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Irritating (5)
Rosacea (5)
Eczema (3)
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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

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 contains this as ingredient number 1.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Face Toner Clarifying Solution with Medicated Formula contains this as ingredient number 2.

2
What it does: Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol and other additives. It has a low molecular weight and will evaporate quickly. This helps other ingredients become better absorbed and dry once applied.

Alcohol Denat. is volatile and may cause irritation. It helps draw out natural oils in skin and dry out your skin.

One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased irritation.

Alcohol is antibacterial by nature. This can help preserve products and increase their shelf life.

Other types of astringent alcohols include:

Learn more about Alcohol Denat.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 contains this as ingredient number 2.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Face Toner Clarifying Solution with Medicated Formula contains this as ingredient number 3.

3
What it does: Masking, Refreshing
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Menthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.

Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.

Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Menthol

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 contains this as ingredient number 5.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Face Toner Clarifying Solution with Medicated Formula contains this as ingredient number 12.

4
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.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 contains this as ingredient number 9.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Face Toner Clarifying Solution with Medicated Formula contains this as ingredient number 15.

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

38% are loved or liked
8% have mixed ratings
38% are disliked or very disliked
15% have no rating yet
41% are loved or liked
18% have mixed ratings
35% are disliked or very disliked
6% 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

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 13 ingredients

2.0 /5
from 1 rating
Lapaki's avatar

Lapaki

1 year ago · Dry Skin
Review

Way too drying
This toner was quite drying and stripping for my skin. It also resulted in a number of breakouts. But what doesn't work for me, may...

Way too drying
This toner was quite drying and stripping for my skin. It also resulted in a number of breakouts. But what doesn't work for me, may work for others 🤷🏼‍♀️

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Face Toner Clarifying Solution with Medicated Formula 17 ingredients

Effaclar Face Toner Clarifying Solution with Medicated Formula hasn't been rated yet.
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Our Dupe Finder has found 31 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2.

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