Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 vs 4 (The Definitive Guide)

Welcome back to another FemmeNordic skincare showdown. Today, we're taking an up-close look at two powerhouse exfoliating lotions from the iconic Clinique brand: the Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 and 4.

Both are part of Clinique's customized 3-Step Skin Care System and are designed to sweep away the grime and dulling flakes that can bog down our skin. But what sets them apart? Let's dive in!

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Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 vs 4

Common Ground

Let's start with what these two skincare champions have in common. Clinique Clarifying Lotions 3 and 4 are both toners that contain salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and SPF. They're free from common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones, and sulfates, but they do contain harsh alcohols.

Both of these products are good for fighting acne, brightening skin, reducing pores, and controlling oil. They're also safe for those with fungal acne (malassezia) and are reef safe, which is a huge plus for our eco-conscious readers.

One notable ingredient in both products is benzophenone-4, which protects from UV rays, helping to shield your skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure. Salicylic acid, another common ingredient, is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that cleans within pores and provides exfoliation, making these lotions great for oily skin. But be aware that salicylic acid can be drying, so those with dry skin should proceed with caution.

Clarifying Lotion 4: The Oil Fighter

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 4 is specifically formulated for oily skin (Type 4). It's a gentle exfoliator that not only sweeps away excess oil but also helps control build-up to prevent blemishes.

Clarifying Lotion 4 has 14 ingredients in total, including witch hazel for antioxidant properties, and glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, skin-identical ingredients with moisturizing and hydrating properties.

If you have oily skin and are battling with frequent breakouts, you might find that this product works wonders for you. Many users have reported positive results, especially those with acne-prone and oily skin types.

Clarifying Lotion 3: The Balancing Act

On the other side of the ring, we have Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3. This product is tailored for combination oily skin (Type 3), and like its counterpart, it's a gentle exfoliator that sweeps away dulling flakes and excess oil, potentially preventing breakouts.

Clarifying Lotion 3 has a slightly longer ingredients list with 17 total ingredients, including citric acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.

This product strikes a balance between managing oiliness and avoiding over-drying, making it suitable for those with a mix of oily and dry zones on their face.

Mixed Reception

If you've been following along with our comparisons, you may recall that in our Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 vs 3 article we discovered that the reviews are mixed to say the least.

Some users for both lotions note a high alcohol content that can be too harsh and drying for the skin, causing breakouts or irritation in some cases. A common sentiment across reviews is the strong alcohol-like smell, which some people find off-putting. Other reviews note that they are effective in dealing with excess oil and promoting clearer skin (as intended).

Neither 3 or 4 match my personal skin type, but having personally tried Clarifying Lotion 2 (I have combination, dry skin), my skin felt nice and smooth upon first application. I'm not entirely convinced that my skin would've been happy with me if I used it twice a day like Clinique suggests you should; I could already feel my skin feeling taut after the second use. That said, I'm aware that my skin is on the more sensitive side of things. It seems to be very much one of those YMMV (your mileage may vary) types of products.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to choosing between the two, it ultimately depends on your skin type and personal needs. Both products have their merits and offer excellent exfoliation and pre-moisturization prep for your skin. If you have oilier skin, you might find better results from Clarifying Lotion 4, whereas if you have a mix of oily and dry zones then Clarifying Lotion 3 has your name on it.

Please bear in mind that they may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with sensitive skin. It's always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist before trying new skincare products, especially if you have problematic skin. Patch-testing before applying these products to your face is also never a bad idea.