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.
Price
Ingredient Info
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum 66 ingredients
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum 66 ingredients
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum 66 ingredients
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients
Water • Isododecane • Dimethicone • Cyclopentasiloxane • Polysilicone-11 • Butylene Glycol • Ascorbyl Glucoside • Peg-10 Dimethicone • Peg-6 • Citrus Grandis Peel Extract • Morus Nigra Root Extract • Hordeum Vulgare Extract • Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract • Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract • Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract • Gentiana Lutea Root Extract • Algae Extract • Plankton Extract • Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract • Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract • Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract • Glycerin • Oryza Sativa Bran Extract • Yeast Extract • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 • Palmitoyl Oligopeptide • Ergothioneine • Whey Protein • Polysorbate 20 • Micrococcus Lysate • Cholesterol • Di-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride • Salicylic Acid • Isohexadecane • Propylene Glycol Dicaprate • Helianthus Annuus Seedcake • Caffeine • Glycine Soja Protein • Tocopheryl Acetate • Acetyl Glucosamine • Caprylyl Glycol • Glyceryl Polymethacrylate • Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol • Synthetic Fluorphlogopite • Glycyrrhetinic Acid • Tromethamine • Polysorbate 80 • Sodium Hyaluronate • Sodium Rna • Squalane • Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • Peg-8 • Lecithin • Hexylene Glycol • Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer • Sodium Hydroxide • Tin Oxide • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • CI 19140 • CI 14700 • CI 77891 • Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 • Calcium Chloride • Sea Whip Extract
Water • 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 • Disodium Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate • Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid • Chlorphenesin • Phenoxyethanol • Limonene • Linalool • CI 77491 • Mica • CI 77891
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterClinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 1.
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.
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 CyclopentasiloxaneClinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 2.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ExtractClinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 11.
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.
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 GlycerinClinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 26.
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.
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 OligopeptideClinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 42.
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 20Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 33.
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 CholesterolClinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 31.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 25.
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 IsohexadecaneClinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 34.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 32.
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 CaffeineClinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 37.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 18.
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 AcetateClinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 39.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 20.
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 GlucosamineClinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 40.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 5.
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.
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 80Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 47.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 38.
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 HyaluronateClinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 48.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 22.
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 SqualaneClinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 50.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 28.
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.
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-8Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 53.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 39.
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.
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.
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 77891Clinique 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.
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum 66 ingredients
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum 66 ingredients
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum 66 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'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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