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Summary
Highlights
Clarifying Face Lotion 2 for dry-combination skin is Clinique’s bestselling exfoliating lotion. Dermatologist-developed formula sweeps away dulling flakes.
Benefits
- Skin Types: Dry Combination
- Sweeps away pollution, grime, dulling flakes to reveal smoother, clearer-looking skin.
- For drier skin types, exfoliation whisks away surface flakes, clearing the way for moisturizer.
- Dermatologist developed and tested
- Allergy tested
- Fragrance free
- Clinique Clarifying Lotion is available in 5 skin-typed formulas. Which formula is just right for your skin?
- Clarifying Lotion 1.0: Extra-gentle, alcohol-free formula is safe for sensitive skin.
- Clarifying Lotion 2: Gentle for dry combination skin.
- Clarifying Lotion 3: Great for combination oily skin.
- Clarifying Lotion 4: Formulated for oily skin.
- Did you know Clinique’s exfoliating lotion is different from a toner?
- Toners are primarily used to help rebalance skin after cleansing. Clinique Clarifying Lotion is formulated with exfoliating ingredients to help remove dead cells on skin’s surface. Clearing away that debris with Clarifying Lotion makes skin more receptive to moisturizer and treatment products.
Key Ingredients
- Acetyl glucosamine: Helps balance and smooth skin.
- BHA (salicylic acid): Helps clear and unclog pores.
Research Results
- Clinique’s Clarifying Lotion face exfoliator instantly delivers clinically proven benefits* for skin that:
- Looks more radiant.
- Looks smoother.
- With less-noticeable pores.
- *Clinical testing on 20 women.
Item 2153918
Use twice a day, morning and night. Apply with a cotton ball, sweeping gently over face and neck. For external use only. Avoid eye area and lips.
Water\Aqua\Eau, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Bicarbonate, Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 33 (CI 17200), Ext. Violet 2 (CI 60730).
Please be aware that ingredient lists may change or vary from time to time. Please refer to the ingredient list on the product package you receive for the most up to date list of ingredients.
Shipping Restrictions : This item cannot be shipped via air.
This brand is excluded from most Ulta Beauty coupons.
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Questions
Ask a QuestionQ&A
Showing 20 out of 50 Questions
- Q
Do i need to remove my make up before using this?
- Asked by Chits
- Official Answer By Clinique USYes, Use twice a day, morning and night on Clean, Makeup-Free skin. Apply with a cotton ball, sweeping gently over face and neck. Avoid eye area and lips. Follow with Step 3, moisturizer: Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+, oil-free Gel, lightweight Jelly, or rich Cream.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can you use retinol after this?
- Asked by Izzy
- Official Answer By Clinique USThank you for your question! We recommend applying your serum and moisturizers following the Clarifying Lotion. The Clarifying Lotion is safe to use with Retinol as the Clarifying Lotion provides the quick and instant benefit of exfoliation, so helps with absorption of products following.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
If I have oily skin very oily recommend
- Asked by Brandy
- Official Answer By Clinique USWe're so glad you asked! Clinique Clarifying Face Lotion Toner 4 is a dermatologist-developed exfoliating lotion for oily skin types. It sweeps away excess oil and helps control oil build-up. We invite you to experience this formula in person by stopping in-store where a Beauty Associate would be happy to provide application tips and tricks tailored to your skincare goals.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Hello, will this be good to be used by a 13 year old who has blemishes on her forehead and chin? Of not would you be able to recomend the right treatment? Thank!
- Asked by Meli
- Official Answer By Clinique USPlease be aware that Clinique products were not designed or tested to be used on children and it is best to consult with a physician/pediatrician. We are happy to provide full ingredient listings on each product page so that you may share with your child's physician/pediatrician.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Should i be buying 1,2 and 3 of the exfoliating line and using all 3 twice daily? im slightly confused.
- Asked by Slightly confused
- Official Answer By Clinique USWe are so glad you asked. Each Clinique Clarifying Lotion is for a different skin type. The Clinique Clarifying Lotion is step 2 in the iconic Clinique 3-Step Skin Care System. The system includes Clinique All About Clean Facial Soap, Clinique Clarifying Lotion and Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer. Visit your local Ulta Store where our Beauty Advisors are waiting to custom fit your Clinique 3-Step Skin Care System.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Is the clarifying Face toner in a glass bottle? Or is it plastic?
- Asked by MJ
- Official Answer By Clinique USThanks for reaching out! Clinique Clarifying Face Lotions are packaged in plastic bottles. We invite you to learn more about our commitment to sustainability by clicking here: https://clnq.co/CLSustainabilityWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
I am extremely oily and have sensitive skin. But I am allergic to salicylic acid. Do you think this is a good option for me to try?
- Asked by Kat
- Official Answer By Clinique USAll Clinique products have undergone an extensive safety review. However, individual conditions present unique circumstances that may warrant product review with a physician, so we recommend that you consult with your doctor prior to using cosmetic or skin care products if you have any questions or concerns.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
How long can a bottle of Clinique clarifying lotion stay ok to use?
- Asked by Laney
- Official Answer By Clinique USThanks for your question! Please reference the Period after Opening labeling information on the product to determine the date in which the product expires "after opening." The Period After Opening Symbol on the package, which resembles a tuna fish can, and has a number and a "m" representing "months after opening." For example, a (24m) symbol can be read as the product remains fresh for 24 months after opening.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Does this expire?
- Asked by Tes
- Official Answer By Clinique USPlease reference the Period after Opening symbol on the Clinique package, which resembles a tuna fish can, and has a number and an "m" representing "months after opening." For example, (24M) means that you should replace this product within (24 months) after first opening provided the product has been stored under normal conditions.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Hi! I bought this and was wondering if this would work on my mostly oily skin. My skin does get dry around my nose and eyebrows but its mostly has problems with acne marks. Would this work for me or should I buy the number 3 or 4 next time?
- Asked by Shanon
- Official Answer By Clinique USThank you for your question! Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 is best suited for Dry Combination Skin Type 2, which typically experiences dryness in some areas and comfortable to slightly oily skin in other areas. When you finish this bottle, we recommend trying Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 for Combination Oily Skin Type 3, which typically experiences excess oil in areas and comfortable to slightly dry skin in other areas. Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Do I use my facial soap, exfoliate, apply acne treatment, and then moisturize? Does this need to be rinsed off?
- Asked by mo
- Official Answer By Clinique USWe're happy to help! Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 does not need to be rinsed. Apply after cleansing, morning and night, with a cotton ball, sweeping gently over face and neck. Follow with additional treatment products. Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Why do the majority of your clarifying lotions contain Denatured Alcohol as the second ingredient?? I know that you have a clarifying lotion that is alcohol free- but is there any benefit to having den. alcohol as one of the main ingredients, when the product is targeting dryer skin types?
- Asked by Laila
- Official Answer By Clinique USConsumer safety is a top priority at Clinique, and our ingredients undergo a rigorous protocol of safety evaluation. Find all ingredients listed within each product page online at Ulta.com (which may change from time to time), as well as on the product package (for the most up-to-date). Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Are I supposed to wash my face after using clarifying lotion 2 following through mild face or just leave it and directly apply the dramatically different moisturizer ??my skin is getting darker !!! Is it because I am using it daily or in a wrong way? Please can you help.
- Asked by Cheyona
- Official Answer By Clinique USGreat question. For best results, gently sweep Clarifying Lotion over the surface of the skin on a cotton ball. No need to rinse, simply follow with your custom-fit Dramatically Different Moisturizer formula. Keep in touch and let us know your results. Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Do the ingredients in this product stain clothes?
- Asked by Courtney
- Official Answer By Clinique USPlease be assured that only the finest ingredients are used in all of our products. However, some cosmetic ingredients may stain or spot certain fabrics. Most makeup, fragrances and skin care products contain ingredients (including color pigments and oils) which may stain/damage fabrics or surfaces for which they were not intended. These stains may wash out or be cleansed from some fabrics, while others (particularly synthetics) are more difficult in terms of stain removal. Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Is this the toner I should use if I have just normal skin? It's not oily or dry any where.
- Asked by plain skin
- Official Answer By Clinique USGreat question! For more normal skin types we think you will love Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 to balance skin, remove excess debris and prep skin for treatments and hydration to follow. Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
I have been using Clinique Clarifying lotion 3 , I have combination skin my nose is oily /shiny and rest of my face is very dull and feels dry, I feel when I use 3 I dry out more, and I use Clinique id gel white, need help , with the clarifying lotion, and I can't use lotion when I do I get pimples
- Asked by Maxxmara
- Official Answer By Clinique USThank you for your question. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 is for guests with dry combination skin, whereas Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 is for more normal to combination oily skin types. We think you will love the gentle exfoliation and balancing of Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 without feeling dry. Follow with your favourite Clinique iD Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +, paired with Clinique iD Active Cartridge Concentrate for Uneven Tone. For additional hydration we recommend applying Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator for an oil-free, refreshing gel-creme instant hydration boost. We can't wait to hear what you think.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can I use this with the step 2 liquid exfoliate?
- Asked by Angie
- Official Answer By Clinique USHello. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 is a liquid exfoliator to sweep away dead skin cells, dirt and surface oil to prep skin for moisturizer. Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can you use a toner with this? If so, should I use the toner before or after the clarifying lotion?
- Asked by Lindsay
- Official Answer By Clinique USWe are happy to help. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 - For Dry Combination Skin is the 2nd Step in Clinique 3-Step Skincare System. This gentle liquid exfoliator sweeps away the top layer of dead skin cells along with any leftover oil and debris. By restoring balance to skin, improving texture, leaving skin refreshed and prepped to better absorb treatment serums and moisturizers, Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 - For Dry Combination Skin replaces the need for a toner and does so much more to reveal healthy skin. We encourage you to stop by your nearest Ulta to chat with a Beauty Associate to discover your perfect Clinique 3-Step Skincare System and snag a sample to try at home at ulta.com/Stores. Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Will it help brown spots???
- Asked by Deb
- Official Answer By Clinique USHello! Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 gently sweeps away dead skin cells, dirt and surface shine to smooth the way for hydration. To help fade dark spots, try Clinique Even Better Moisturizer SPF 20 to fade dark spots and discolouration for all skin types and to give hydration. We hope you'll grab a free sample in store at your favourite Ulta. Keep in touch and let us know what you think!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Is it normal for this to make my skin feel almost a bit greasy? I don't know if I'm just so used to other products potentially drying out my skin and so that's why it feels different or is not supposed to feel that way?
- Asked by Kelly C
- Official Answer By Clinique USWe are glad you asked. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 gently sweeps away dead skin, dirt and surface oil for a clean feeling before moisturizer application. Let us figure this out together in store at your nearest Ulta. Our Beauty Associates look forward to assisting you. Was this answer helpful to you
Reviews
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Most Helpful Positive Review
Great Exfoliation
I LOVE the fact that Clinique finally brought back the Exfolation ingredient " Salicylic Acid" in the #2. Clairfying - Taking the product back to what it is meant to do "Exfolation" - So many people forget or don't use the Clairfying thinking it is just a Toner - Get Ready to Turn Back the Clock - A...
Most Helpful Critical Review
The Clarifying lotions need a complete rehaul....
I used this for a long time before I realized that using alcohol and witch hazel on the skin is not exactly the best way to go about cleaning or prepping skin. Even though people behind the Clinique counter will always say that this is "cosmetic grade" alcohol, it is still alcohol (and not the fatty...
631 results
A really great product
I have been using this product for 40 years. After I wash my face it's the first thing I put on before my moisturizer actually it's step two in the Clinic three step process. There were other restrictions yes but only once or twice I was forced to use them, and I promptly ran back to Clinique. The fact that it's been around for so long speaks for itself it's a great product that always delivers.
Buy again
Love how this product makes you feel . I use all three steps of this product . Make sure you get right levels for your face .
Damaged My Skin Barrier Over Time Too Harsh for Daily
Redness, sensitivity, or new dark spots? I used this toner daily for years, not realizing the alcohol and astringents were damaging my skin barrier. Overuse can cause irritation and pigmentation. Switch to gentle, hydrating formulas instead.

I would most definitely buy this product again.
Having been a Clinique user for about 40 years, I can attest to the quality of the products. I am 72 years old, and when people compliment me on my skin, I simply say there are two reasons why my skin looks so good ... genes and Clinique.
i would buy this product again.
I have been using Clinique for about 45 years