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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer versus The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% .

Last updated on August 16, 2023. Published on July 25, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain Vitamin E

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, oils, 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 need an update? Let us know.

Serum American Brand United States
Serum Canadian Brand Canada

Serum

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

Serum

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

Price

Shop

Buy Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer

Starts at $38.99
Shop

Buy Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Starts at $11.10

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

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

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin E

Benefits

Hydrating
Redness Reducing
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

Irritating (2)
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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

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

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
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.

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

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% contains this as ingredient number 3.

3
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

We don't have a description for Polysilicone-11.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer contains this as ingredient number 6.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% contains this as ingredient number 8.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Isohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.

Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.

Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.

Learn more about Isohexadecane

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer contains this as ingredient number 45.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% contains this as ingredient number 9.

5
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.

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

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% contains this as ingredient number 16.

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

36% are loved or liked
15% have mixed ratings
24% are disliked or very disliked
25% have no rating yet
24% are loved or liked
12% have mixed ratings
53% are disliked or very disliked
12% 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 Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer 67 ingredients

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

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% 17 ingredients

3.3 /5
from 12 ratings
Pilling (5) Works Well (4) Great Value (4) Irritating (2) Absorbs Well (1) No Scent (1)
fyr's avatar

fyr

5 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

really really good, helped with my skin texture and closed comedones!! only downside is the extreme pilling so i would recommend using it as the...

really really good, helped with my skin texture and closed comedones!! only downside is the extreme pilling so i would recommend using it as the last step of ur night routine

Virago's avatar

Virago

30 days ago · Combination Skin
Review

I noticed improvements in my skin texture almost immediately. This is the first exfoliant that doesn’t dry me out yet is still effective - fewer...

I noticed improvements in my skin texture almost immediately. This is the first exfoliant that doesn’t dry me out yet is still effective - fewer breakouts, quicker healing, and less hyperpigmentation and redness. Overall, a great product to have on standby!

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 15 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 6 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%.

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