Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm Versus Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Updated on July 22, 2024
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 exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, retinoid and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm 22 ingredients
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum 53 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm 22 ingredients
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum 53 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Glyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate
Emollient
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSynthetic Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Squalane
Emollient
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientJojoba Esters
Emollient
C10-18 Triglycerides
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin Conditioning
Oryza Sativa Bran Wax
Skin Conditioning
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Mangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Distearate
Emollient
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventMica
Cosmetic Colorant
Glyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Synthetic Beeswax, Squalane, Diisostearyl Malate, Jojoba Esters, C10-18 Triglycerides, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Oryza Sativa Bran Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Silica, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Glyceryl Distearate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Mica
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Isododecane
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Polysilicone-11
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Squalane
Emollient
Hypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingGelidiella Acerosa Extract
Skin ProtectingSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientCaffeine
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin ConditioningLactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
Emollient
PEG-8
HumectantYeast Extract
Skin Conditioning
PEG-6
HumectantDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Phosphate
BufferingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingTin Oxide
Abrasive
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polysilicone-11, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Caffeine, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Lactis Proteinum, Isohexadecane, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Cholesterol, PEG-8, Yeast Extract, PEG-6, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Phosphate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polysorbate 80, Carbomer, Hexylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Potassium Hydroxide, Tin Oxide, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, 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.
Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualaneSodium 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 HyaluronateCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolThis ingredient is a retinoid. It usually goes by a more common name: "Granactive".
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes retinol and tretinoin.
Retinoids have been proven to:
So what is the difference between all the retinoids? Most retinoids need to go through a conversion line to become effective on skin. The ending product is retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is AKA tretinoin.
HPR is an ester of tretinoin. Emerging studies suggest HPR to have an added benefit that other retinoids don't have: Low irritation.
A study from 2021 found HPR to have the greatest stability when exposed to light and temperature out of all the commercial retinoids.
A note about naming: The name "Granactive" is the trade name and the name most commonly used on packages.
Granactive is the name of the mixture - about 90% solvent and 10% HPR. A product with 5% granactive has 0.5% HPR.
Learn more about Hydroxypinacolone RetinoateDimethyl Isosorbide is a solvent and helps deliver actives into your skin. It is created from sorbitol.
As a solvent, dimethyl isosorbide helps dissolve other ingredients. This helps ensure even distribution of an ingredient. It may also be used to decrease the thickness of a product.
Studies show dimethyl isosorbide is able to penetrate skin to deliver other ingredients into the skin, making them more effective.
Learn more about Dimethyl IsosorbideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm 22 ingredients
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum 53 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm 22 ingredients
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum 53 ingredients
I still try tretinion every now and again. I've never made it past 3 days a week before the flakes set in. So I use other serums like this one from Clinique. I really love this because I don't have to be as concserned with getting it in my hairline, in the small folds on the each side of my nostrils. I can put it on day (I always use sunscreen) and night and it does knock the edges off any Show more
