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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum versus Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher .

Published on January 26, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 27 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, peptides, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances and 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 American Brand United States

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 Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum

Starts at $49.70
Shop

Buy Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher

Starts at $63.00

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 (2)
Vitamin E
Exfoliators (2)
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides (3)

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (3)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing (3)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators (2)
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting
Brightening (3)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Eczema
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

WaterIsododecaneDimethiconeCyclopentasiloxanePolysilicone-11Butylene GlycolAscorbyl GlucosidePeg-10 DimethiconePeg-6Citrus Grandis Peel ExtractMorus Nigra Root ExtractHordeum Vulgare ExtractScutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractCucumis Sativus Fruit ExtractHydrolyzed Rice Bran ExtractGentiana Lutea Root ExtractAlgae ExtractPlankton ExtractVitis Vinifera Fruit ExtractSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract Triticum Vulgare Germ ExtractGlycerinOryza Sativa Bran ExtractYeast ExtractAcetyl Hexapeptide-8Palmitoyl OligopeptideErgothioneineWhey ProteinPolysorbate 20Micrococcus LysateCholesterolDi-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium ChlorideSalicylic AcidIsohexadecanePropylene Glycol DicaprateHelianthus Annuus SeedcakeCaffeineGlycine Soja ProteinTocopheryl AcetateAcetyl GlucosamineCaprylyl GlycolGlyceryl PolymethacrylateDimethoxytolyl PropylresorcinolSynthetic FluorphlogopiteGlycyrrhetinic AcidTromethaminePolysorbate 80Sodium HyaluronateSodium RnaSqualaneAminopropyl Ascorbyl PhosphateAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp CopolymerPeg-8LecithinHexylene GlycolAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate CopolymerSodium HydroxideTin OxideDisodium EDTAPhenoxyethanolCI 19140CI 14700CI 77891Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12Calcium ChlorideSea Whip Extract

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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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 Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 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 Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 3.

3
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.

D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.

D5 is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.

Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.

Learn more about Cyclopentasiloxane

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 2.

4
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

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

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
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 Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 43.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning

The Morus Nigra root extract comes from the roots of the Black Mulberry tree.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 7.

7
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Hordeum Vulgare Extract.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 15.

8
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract comes from grapes.

Grape extract has many skin benefits. It also contains many potent antioxidants such as Vitamin E , Vitamin C, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Proanthocyanidin has been shown to help even out skin tone.

Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons. Grape seed extract may help reduce the signs of aging.

Grape extract also helps soothe and hydrate your skin.

Learn more about Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 11.

9
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Liked

This ingredient is extracted from the germ part of the wheat plant. The germ of a plant refers to the seed embryo, or part that sprouts into a new plant.

Some studies have found wheat germ to help with wound healing.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 10.

10
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Glycerin

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 26.

11
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Mixed

We don't have a description for Yeast Extract.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 8.

12
What it does: Cleansing, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is a form of peptide. It is created by blending peptides with palmitic acid. Peptides are building blocks for protein.

Due to the palmitic acid base, it may not be malassezia folliculitis safe.

This ingredients tells our body to create more collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Palmitoyl Oligopeptide

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 42.

13
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polysorbate 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 20

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 33.

14
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Stabilising
Community Rating: Liked

Cholesterol 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 Cholesterol

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 31.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 25.

15
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 Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 34.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 32.

16
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Caffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and anti-aging.

Caffeine is an antioxidants, which help with the signs of aging. This is because antioxidants help fight skin-damaging free radical molecules.

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 Caffeine

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 37.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 18.

17
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopheryl 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 Acetate

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 39.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 20.

18
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Acetyl Glucosamine is an antioxidant and humectant. It is a form of Vitamin C.

Acetyl Glucosamine helps the skin produce hyaluronic acid and boost hydration.

Antioxidants help fight off free-radicals, molecules that may damage skin cells.

When paired with niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine has been shown to be effective at reducing discoloration.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Learn more about Acetyl Glucosamine

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 40.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 5.

19
What it does:
Community Rating: Mixed

We don't have a description for Glyceryl Polymethacrylate.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 42.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 45.

20
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant and emulsifier. It is used to keep ingredients together, and prevent oils and waters from separating.

It is made from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid. This ingredient can be found in cosmetics, foods, and medicine. It is water-soluble.

Polysorbate 80 may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polysorbate 80

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 47.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 38.

21
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Sodium 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 Hyaluronate

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 48.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 22.

22
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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 Squalane

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 50.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 28.

23
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Ammonium 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.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 52.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 37.

24
What it does: Humectant, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

PEG-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-8

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 53.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 39.

25

We don't have a description for Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 56.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 36.

26
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 Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 60.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 49.

27
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant
Community Rating: Disliked

Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.

It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.

Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.

Learn more about CI 77891

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 63.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 54.

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

38% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
27% are disliked or very disliked
26% have no rating yet
28% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
31% are disliked or very disliked
30% 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 Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum 66 ingredients

Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 review
ChristineQuimbo_318's Avatar'
Sep 2, 2023

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'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...

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