Versus

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher Versus Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter

Serum
Serum
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on June 28, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 21 ingredients in common

Cool Features

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

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores 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 needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher

Water

Skin Conditioning

Cyclopentasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Polysilicone-11

Acetyl Glucosamine

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Lactate

Buffering

Morus Nigra Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Yeast Extract

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract

Skin Conditioning

Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract

Antimicrobial

Castanea Sativa Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Hordeum Vulgare Extract

Emollient

Lavandula Angustifolia Extract

Skin Conditioning
May cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Caffeine

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Laminaria Saccharina Extract

Skin Protecting

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Salvia Sclarea Extract

Antiseborrhoeic

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Coriandrum Sativum Oil

Masking
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Citrus Grandis

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Polyethylene

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Isopentyldiol

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Phenyl Trimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Isohexadecane

Emollient

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Pantethine

Emollient

Methyldihydrojasmonate

Masking

Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

Polysorbate 80

Emulsifying
0 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

PEG-8

Humectant

Ethyl 2,2-Dimethylhydrocinnamal

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Phospholipids

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Palmitoyl Oligopeptide

Cleansing
Peptide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Glyceryl Polymethacrylate

Sodium Glycinate

Skin Conditioning

Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Chlorphenesin

Antimicrobial
Preservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Limonene

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Linalool

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Iron Oxides

Mica

Cosmetic Colorant
May worsen Eczema Icon

CI 77891

Cosmetic Colorant
Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter

Water

Skin Conditioning

Cyclopentasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Polysilicone-11

Isododecane

Emollient

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Ascorbyl Glucoside

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

PEG-10 Dimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

PEG-6

Humectant

Morus Bombycis Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

Astringent

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Saccharomyces Lysate Extract

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Hordeum Vulgare Extract

Emollient

Salicylic Acid

Masking
BHA IconPreservative IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract

Skin Conditioning

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Oryza Sativa Bran Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Acetyl Glucosamine

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Caffeine

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Isohexadecane

Emollient

Betula Alba Bark Extract

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Trametes Versicolor Extract

Sodium Rna

Skin Conditioning

Glycyrrhetinic Acid

Skin Conditioning

Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Di-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride

Skin Conditioning

Helianthus Annuus Seedcake

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Yeast Extract

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Propylene Glycol Dicaprate

Emollient

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Polysorbate 80

Emulsifying
0 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Tromethamine

Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide

Buffering

Hexylene Glycol

Emulsifying
0-2 / 0-1

Disodium EDTA

Sodium Benzoate

Masking
Preservative Icon

Sodium Metabisulfite

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconPreservative Icon

Sodium Sulfite

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

CI 15985

Cosmetic Colorant

CI 19140

Cosmetic Colorant

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.

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.

It is also 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
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.

What it does:

Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:

Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.

Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.

This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.

Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.

Learn more about Dimethicone

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

Skin Conditioning

Acetyl Glucosamine is an antioxidant and humectant. It is an amino acid sugar and is naturally found in our skin.

The cool thing about this ingredient? It helps the skin produce hyaluronic acid and boost hydration. It also has antioxidant benefits to protect skin cells.

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

Learn more about Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Yeast extract is a silky, clear liquid derived from yeast (usually Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Torula yeast).

This ingredient has plenty of skin benefits:

Bioferments of yeast and soy have been found to reduce hyperpigmentation at low levels.

Due to its fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Yeast Extract
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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.

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.

This ingredient has many skin benefits:

This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.

On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.

Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.

Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.

Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.

Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.

Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

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

Skin Conditioning

Caffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.

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
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

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
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

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
Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

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
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

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".

Is squalane an oil?

Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.

The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.

While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.

Learn more about Squalane
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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
Emulsifying

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

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

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.

Emulsifying

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
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Learn more about Butylene Glycol
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.

When to use

2 Routines
0% use in am
100% use in pm
100% use every day
70 Routines
54% use in am
46% use in pm
89% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Expensive (1) Hydrating (1)
ChristineQuimbo_318's avatar

ChristineQuimbo_318

1 year ago
Review

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...

hallegaines's avatar

Halle

7 months ago
Review

I loved this stuff so much until they changed it to a plastic bottle cuz it also felt like they changed the formulation a bit at the same time. And then now of course it’s gone. Still dream of what that first formulation did for me 🥹

#expensive
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter 49 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) No Scent (1)
haileyh's avatar

Hailey Henry

7 months ago
Review

Lightened acne scarring, and helps my acne not leave marks while healing. Soothing and doesn’t break me out.

#great value
#absorbs well
#no scent
#works well