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Summary
Highlights
Clinique's Clarifying Face Lotion 4 is a dermatologist-developed exfoliating lotion for oily skin. It sweeps away excess oil that can lead to breakouts.
Benefits
- Skin Types: Oily
- Sweeps away pollution, grime, dulling flakes, and excess oil to reveal smoother, clearer-looking skin.
- Preps skin for moisturizer - exfoliated skin is more receptive to hydration and treatment products.
- For oilier skin types, twice-daily exfoliation helps minimize excess oil and keep pores clear.
- Dermatologist developed and tested
- Allergy tested
- How does Clarifying Lotion fit into your skincare routine? Clarifying Lotion is Step 2 in Clinique’s 3-Step skincare system. Cleanse with Facial Soap, exfoliate with Clarifying Lotion, moisturize with Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+, oil-free Gel, lightweight Jelly, or rich Cream.
- Clarifying Lotion 1.0: Extra-gentle, alcohol-free formula is safe for sensitive skin.
- Clarifying Lotion 1: Mild for very dry skin.
- Clarifying Lotion 2: Gentle for dry combination 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
- BHA (salicylic acid): Helps clear and unclog pores.
- Witch hazel: Helps refine skin.
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 31 men and women.
Item 2153922
Use exfoliator 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., Salicylic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA-Copper, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Benzophenone-4, Green 5 (CI 61570).
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.
Free gift with purchase
Free gift with purchase
Online only receive a complimentary Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting cream with $40 Clinique purchase (valid thru 8.16.25 on shipped purchases only. Full or partial pickup or same day delivery purchases do not qualify. While quantities last)
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Questions
Ask a QuestionQ&A
Showing 16 out of 11 Questions
- Q
What is the % Salicylic acid?
- Asked by Laura
- Official Answer By Clinique USYour questions are important, and we want to connect you with the right team. If you would like further assistance, please reach out to our Consumer Care team at at 1-866-707-2100 to share your questions.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Could this be used either before/after Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% Salicylic Acid BHA Liquid Exfoliate?... or would that be redundant?
- Asked by PJ
- Official Answer By Clinique USThank you so much for asking. You would not need to use both. Enjoy!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can I use this on my body for hyperpigmentation? I have been using it on my face for a week and it's is wonderful.
- Asked by ProsperJ
- Official Answer By Clinique USGreat question! Clinique Clarifying Lotion 4 is tested for use on the face only. Apply with a 100% cotton ball and sweep over your face only once avoiding your eye and lip area. Use twice daily as step 2 in your 3-Step Skin Care System. This product is a gentle liquid exfoliator that sweeps away dead skin cells and minimizes excess oil and keeps pores clear. Learn more at Ulta.com or for more application tips connect with a Beauty Associate in-store.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
What is the difference between the clarifying lotion 3 and clarifying lotion 4 ? I read the ingredients and they are pretty much the same just different colors
- Asked by jacna
- Official Answer By Clinique USGreat question. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 is designed for an oily combination skin type, comfortable in the cheeks and oily in the t-zone. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 4 is perfect for an oily skin type, oily in the cheeks and oily in the t-zone. Both help to sweep away dead skin cells, dirt and surface shine to prep for hydration with Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel to control surface shine and hydrate. Enjoy!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Is this the same as the clinique acne solutions clarifying lotion or is it different?
- Asked by N/A
- Official Answer By Clinique USThank you for your question! Clinique Clarifying Lotion 4 is a liquid exfoliator that will help clear excess debris from pores, giving skin a deeper cleanse, help balance oilier skin types, and prep skin for treatment, without the powder that is used for additional mattefying power in our Clinique Acne Solutions formula. Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Do you use this before you put on makeup?
- Asked by Beth
- Official Answer By Clinique USHello. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 4 is part of our 3 Step Skin Care System that exfoliates and gently sweeps away dead skin cells before oil-free hydration such as Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. It even controls surface oil, too! Follow with your makeup routine. For more tips and tricks, visit our Beauty Associates in store to experience Clinique Clarifying Lotion 4. It truly is the difference maker!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
What is the difference between this clarifying lotion vs the acne solutions clarifying lotion?
- Asked by Chelz
- Official Answer By Clinique USHello. Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion is a medicated exfoliating lotion that exfoliates and reduces excess oil that can lead to breakouts. Unclogs pores and controls excess shine. Clinique Clarifying Lotion formulas for very dry to very oily skin types sweeps away dead skin, dirt and oil for hydration to follow. Thanks for question!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
I'm a little confused. This looks like a toner and is the second step after cleansing and before moisturizing. Is this a toner?
- Asked by songbirdmc
- Official Answer By Clinique - BE DO NOT USEHello. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 4 is an exfoliator that helps to sweep away dead skin cells, dirt and oil on the surface of the skin that you softened and loosened with cleansing. For best results, follow with your Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
what percent is the salicylic acid in this clarifying lotion 4? is this the strongest clarifier or is acne solutions clarifying lotion stronger? is there a mens formula?
- Asked by m
- Verified Reply - Brand ExpertHi! Thank you for your question! We do have a men's formula, which is equivalent to the women's #4. If you are looking for oil control, I suggest clarifying lotion #4, as it targets oil control specifically. If you are battling acne, I suggest using the Acne Solution Clarifying Lotion and the Acne Clear Skin System. This clarifying lotion focuses primarily on fighting bacteria, while absorbing oil. I would not say that one is particularly stronger than the other, as they target unique needs, based on your skin goals. Our Research and Development teams have demonstrated that a product's effectiveness is not dependent upon any one particular ingredient, but rather the combination of ingredients in a particular formula. For proprietary reasons, we do not disclose ingredient percentages, however, you can be sure that the Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing 3 Step System, as well as the Basic Clinique 3 Step Skin Care System is scientifically balanced to enhance the look and feel of your skin. Have a wonderful week and thank you for reaching out.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
this product has alcohol in it. will it dry my skin out?
- Asked by mchandler
- Verified Reply - Brand ExpertHi! Clarifying Lotions 1-4 contain a cosmetic grade alcohol. This type of alcohol will not dry your skin. It is used as a cleansing agent, allows the product to evaporate from the skin quickly, and also keeps the formula in its liquid state. If you are a skin type #4 with more of an oily skin, this should be a great formula for you. Thank you for your question and have a great week!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Do you use this before you put on makeup?
- Asked by Beth
- Official Answer By Clinique USHello. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 4 is part of our 3 Step Skin Care System that exfoliates and gently sweeps away dead skin cells before oil-free hydration such as Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. It even controls surface oil, too! Follow with your makeup routine. For more tips and tricks, visit our Beauty Associates in store to experience Clinique Clarifying Lotion 4. It truly is the difference maker!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
What is the difference between this clarifying lotion vs the acne solutions clarifying lotion?
- Asked by Chelz
- Official Answer By Clinique USHello. Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion is a medicated exfoliating lotion that exfoliates and reduces excess oil that can lead to breakouts. Unclogs pores and controls excess shine. Clinique Clarifying Lotion formulas for very dry to very oily skin types sweeps away dead skin, dirt and oil for hydration to follow. Thanks for question!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
I'm a little confused. This looks like a toner and is the second step after cleansing and before moisturizing. Is this a toner?
- Asked by songbirdmc
- Official Answer By Clinique - BE DO NOT USEHello. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 4 is an exfoliator that helps to sweep away dead skin cells, dirt and oil on the surface of the skin that you softened and loosened with cleansing. For best results, follow with your Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
what percent is the salicylic acid in this clarifying lotion 4? is this the strongest clarifier or is acne solutions clarifying lotion stronger? is there a mens formula?
- Asked by m
- Verified Reply - Brand ExpertHi! Thank you for your question! We do have a men's formula, which is equivalent to the women's #4. If you are looking for oil control, I suggest clarifying lotion #4, as it targets oil control specifically. If you are battling acne, I suggest using the Acne Solution Clarifying Lotion and the Acne Clear Skin System. This clarifying lotion focuses primarily on fighting bacteria, while absorbing oil. I would not say that one is particularly stronger than the other, as they target unique needs, based on your skin goals. Our Research and Development teams have demonstrated that a product's effectiveness is not dependent upon any one particular ingredient, but rather the combination of ingredients in a particular formula. For proprietary reasons, we do not disclose ingredient percentages, however, you can be sure that the Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing 3 Step System, as well as the Basic Clinique 3 Step Skin Care System is scientifically balanced to enhance the look and feel of your skin. Have a wonderful week and thank you for reaching out.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
this product has alcohol in it. will it dry my skin out?
- Asked by mchandler
- Verified Reply - Brand ExpertHi! Clarifying Lotions 1-4 contain a cosmetic grade alcohol. This type of alcohol will not dry your skin. It is used as a cleansing agent, allows the product to evaporate from the skin quickly, and also keeps the formula in its liquid state. If you are a skin type #4 with more of an oily skin, this should be a great formula for you. Thank you for your question and have a great week!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
What moisturizer would I use with this product for oily skin that's relatively clear of blemishes?
- Asked by Theisi
- Verified Reply - Brand ExpertDramatically Different Moisturizing Gel is a perfect partner.Was this answer helpful to you
Reviews
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Most Helpful Positive Review
LOVE IT! Best ever toner for Oily Skin
I love this product! I have VERY oily skin and have used several toning products. All claim to minimize the appearance of oily skin, but only Clinique has lived up to it's claim. It's the only product that has kept my skin looking oil free throughout the day. I will use this toner forever. It really...
Most Helpful Critical Review
Love and Hate
Im a red head with fair, sun damaged and sensitive skin. I used this in conjunction with the facial soap and gel lotion. I bought them at ULTA from a rep. for my extremely oily skin. I ended up having my nose peel quite a bit. After talking to Katie online she suggested level 3 instead. I might go t...
302 results
My go to
I have been using this level for over 3 years. It helps cleaning my pores and reduce my acne. I have gotten my teen age daughter using Lotion 4 as well. I use this after I wash my face and I have to saturate the cotton ball and gently run on my facial skin
I like it
this had my face feeling so soft. there is a smell to it but it doesn't last long
THIS PRODUCT HAS HELPED WITH MY OILY SKIN
Verified Reviewer
Reviewed at
186 / 5.000 , FEEL SO MUCH BETTER AND MY MAKEUP DOESN'T LOOK FLAKY LIKE IT DID BEFORE I USED THE PRODUCT. IT FEELS NICE AND HAS NO FRAGRANCE WHEN YOU APPLY IT.
Amazing product, highly recommend. my favorite!
absolutely wonderful product! I have very sensitive skin and it only occasionally has a mild or minimal redness or sting with it. it does have a heavy alcohol scent but when you see how well this product works none of that will matter to you. not only does it help my EXTREMELY oily skin stay plump but oil free throughout most of the day, it also will help take off any grime or dirt you didn't wash off your face before. I'm going ro be buying this for the foreseeable future. it is my favorite and the best working skin care product I have.
So far so good.
Definitely cleans away excess oil and dirt without drying out my skin.