ISDIN Melaclear Advanced Versus Clinique Even Better Clinical Brightening Moisturizer
Updated on June 28, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, 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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
ISDIN Melaclear Advanced 33 ingredients
Clinique Even Better Clinical Brightening Moisturizer 57 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
ISDIN Melaclear Advanced 33 ingredients
Clinique Even Better Clinical Brightening Moisturizer 57 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Phytic Acid
Cocoglycerides
Emollient
Silicon
Abrasive
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingC9-12 Alkane
SolventMandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Parfum
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning4-Butylresorcinol
Antioxidant
Polysilicone-11
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sclareolide
Masking
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
Masking
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
T-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingWater, Propanediol, Gluconolactone, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Alcohol Denat., Phytic Acid, Cocoglycerides, Silicon, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, C9-12 Alkane, Mandelic Acid, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Parfum, Tocopherol, Salicylic Acid, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, 4-Butylresorcinol, Polysilicone-11, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sclareolide, Sodium Metabisulfite, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, T-Butyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Octyldodecyl Myristate
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Di-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate
EmollientIsopropyl Isostearate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
PEG-8
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Tribehenin
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Sucrose
Humectant
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract
Humectant
Algae Extract
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientYeast Extract
Skin Conditioning
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Cholesterol
Emollient
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Phosphate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol
Antioxidant
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Polysilicone-11
Di-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingIsohexadecane
EmollientDisodium EDTA
BHT
Antioxidant
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Butylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Dimethicone, Di-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate, Isopropyl Isostearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Diisostearyl Malate, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-8, Glycerin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Tribehenin, Cetyl Alcohol, Acetyl Glucosamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sucrose, Caffeine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Algae Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Yeast Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Salicylic Acid, Cholesterol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol, Sorbitan Oleate, Polysilicone-11, Di-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride, Hexylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterDimethicone 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 DimethiconeSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideDipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidWe don't have a description for Polysilicone-11 yet.
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 AcetateXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTACitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
ISDIN Melaclear Advanced 33 ingredients
Clinique Even Better Clinical Brightening Moisturizer 57 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
ISDIN Melaclear Advanced 33 ingredients
Clinique Even Better Clinical Brightening Moisturizer 57 ingredients
Piling
I've tried it multiple times with different combinations of my skin care products, i've even tried it with nothing else on and there's always piling i'm not sure why. It also doesnt feel very moisturizing.
