Clarifying Lotion 3
Clarifying Lotion 3
Product Description
Product overview
A dermatologist-developed exfoliating toner that sweeps away dulling flakes and excess oil with salicylic acid and witch hazel. Step 2 in Clinique's iconic 3-Step Skin Care System, designed specifically for combination to oily skin types.
Deep Pore Cleansing
BHA penetrates pores to dissolve oil, dead skin cells, and debris that cleansing alone may miss.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDeep Pore Cleansing
BHA penetrates pores to dissolve oil, dead skin cells, and debris that cleansing alone may miss.
Exfoliating Action
Sweeps away dulling flakes and surface buildup to reveal smoother, brighter-looking skin.
Oil Control
Helps minimize excess sebum production and keeps skin feeling clean throughout the day.
Pore Refinement
Witch hazel astringent properties help tighten and refine the appearance of pores.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains salicylic acid. ACOG considers topical salicylic acid at 2% or less safe, but consult your doctor. Avoid large body areas.
No fatty acids, oils, esters, or ferments that feed malassezia. Contains salicylic acid which actively combats fungal acne.
Oil-free, lightweight formula with 0/5 comedogenic rating. Will not clog pores or cause breakouts.
High alcohol content may be drying for some. Those with dry or compromised skin barriers should use with caution.
100% fragrance-free and allergy tested. Clinique's strict standards avoid common irritants and allergens.
Can be used with retinol but may increase sensitivity. Consider alternating AM/PM or different days if irritation occurs.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSalicylic Acid ~0.5-2%Proven
A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that's oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep into pores to dissolve sebum plugs, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The gold standard for treating acne and blackheads.
- Mechanism: Exfoliates inside pores, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial
- FDA Status: Approved OTC acne treatment at 0.5-2%
- Studies: Proven to reduce acne lesions by 40-60% in clinical trials
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana)Traditional
A natural astringent with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Helps tighten pores, reduce redness, and soothe irritated skin.
- Active Components: Hamamelitannin, catechins, gallic acid
- Benefits: Astringent, anti-inflammatory, promotes healing
- Research: Studies show efficacy comparable to hydrocortisone for skin soothing
Sodium HyaluronateHydrating
The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid. A powerful humectant that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water, helping to offset any drying effects from the exfoliating ingredients.
- Molecular Weight: Smaller than HA, better skin penetration
- Function: Attracts and retains moisture in skin
- Benefit: Plumping, hydrating, skin barrier support
Trehalose & GlycerinMoisturizing
A duo of humectants that work together to attract and retain moisture, helping to keep skin hydrated despite the exfoliating and astringent ingredients in the formula.
- Glycerin: Studies show more effective than AHAs and HA as humectant
- Trehalose: Protective sugar that prevents moisture loss
17 ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Alcohol Denat., Salicylic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Benzophenone-4, Ext. Violet 2 (CI 60730), Red 6 (CI 15850), Orange 4 (CI 15510)
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse twice daily after cleansing. Follow with Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel or your preferred moisturizer. Always use sunscreen in the AM.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse First
Start with clean, freshly washed skin using your preferred cleanser. Pat dry gently.
Apply to Cotton Pad
Saturate a cotton pad with the Clarifying Lotion. You don't need excessive amounts—enough to dampen the pad.
Sweep Over Face & Neck
Gently sweep the cotton pad across your entire face and neck, avoiding the eye area and lips.
Follow with Moisturizer
Apply your moisturizer immediately after while skin is still slightly damp for better absorption.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have combination to oily skin
- You struggle with blackheads, clogged pores, or mild acne
- Your skin looks dull and needs brightening
- You want a simple, no-fuss exfoliating step
- You prefer fragrance-free skincare
- You need a fungal acne-safe exfoliant
- You want a trusted, dermatologist-developed formula
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin
- Your skin barrier is compromised or damaged
- You're sensitive to alcohol in skincare
- You prefer alcohol-free formulas
- You're pregnant (consult doctor first)
- You have rosacea or very sensitive skin
- You're already using multiple strong actives
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESPerfect match. Controls excess sebum, unclogs pores, and keeps skin matte without over-drying when followed with lightweight moisturizer.
Ideal for combo skin. Balances oily T-zone while the hydrating ingredients prevent dry areas from feeling tight.
Salicylic acid is gold-standard for acne. Clears existing blemishes and prevents new breakouts. Fungal acne safe too.
Works well for maintaining clear skin and preventing occasional breakouts. May use once daily instead of twice.
May be too drying. Consider Clarifying Lotion 1 or 2 instead, or use this sparingly with a rich moisturizer.
Alcohol content may cause irritation. Try Clarifying Lotion 1.0 (alcohol-free) or patch test first.
Results timeline
MONTH 1-3Immediate Clean Feel
Skin feels instantly cleaner and fresher. Cotton pad visibly picks up dirt and oil that cleansing missed. Some may notice slight tingling.
95% notice cleaner-feeling skinSmoother Texture
Dead skin cells are swept away, revealing smoother skin surface. Pores begin to look less congested. Some may experience mild purging.
80% report smoother textureReduced Breakouts
Blackheads diminish as salicylic acid works inside pores. New blemishes heal faster. Skin appears brighter and more radiant.
75% see fewer breakoutsVisible Pore Refinement
With consistent use, pores appear smaller and less noticeable. Skin tone evens out. Oil production becomes more balanced.
70% report refined poresRatings by platform
5K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Effectively removes dirt and oil cleansing misses
- Visible improvement in blackheads and pore congestion
- Dermatologist-developed, trusted formula since 1968
- 100% fragrance-free, allergy tested
- Long-lasting bottle—great value over time
- Preps skin perfectly for moisturizer absorption
- Fungal acne safe formula
- Loyal users report decades of consistent results
Criticized
- High alcohol content can be drying
- Strong alcohol smell that some find unpleasant
- May be too harsh for sensitive or dry skin
- Considered overpriced by some compared to alternatives
- Contains dyes (cosmetic colorants)
- Not suitable for those avoiding alcohol in skincare
- Requires consistent moisturizer use to prevent dryness
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESHigher salicylic acid concentration (2%) in serum form. No alcohol, no witch hazel. Better for targeted spot treatment. Watery-gel texture that may foam slightly.
Gold-standard BHA toner. Alcohol-free formula with green tea extract. Same 2% salicylic acid but gentler delivery. Better for sensitive skin.
Pre-soaked pads with 2% salicylic acid. Alcohol-free but contains menthol. Very affordable drugstore option. Red box is most popular.
Uses betaine salicylate (gentler BHA derivative) at 4%. Alcohol-free, hydrating formula. Better for sensitive skin but less potent exfoliation.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep bottle tightly closed.
Plastic bottle with flip-top or pump dispenser. Iconic celadon green Clinique packaging.
60ml travel size available. 200ml exceeds TSA limits for carry-on liquids—check bag or decant.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. It contains salicylic acid, which the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers safe at 2% or less in topical products. However, avoid applying to large body areas and consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If breastfeeding, avoid application on chest area where baby may come into contact.
Yes! This formula is fungal acne safe. It contains no fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, or fermented ingredients that feed malassezia. In fact, salicylic acid actively helps combat fungal acne. The formula has 0 fungal acne triggers according to ingredient analyzers.
Yes, but with caution. Since this product already contains salicylic acid (BHA), layering with additional acids may cause over-exfoliation and irritation. With retinol: consider using Clarifying Lotion in AM and retinol in PM. With Vitamin C: use Vitamin C in AM before Clarifying Lotion. With AHA: alternate days rather than layering to prevent irritation. Always monitor your skin's response.
Clarifying Lotion 3 is specifically formulated for combination to oily skin. It's excellent for those with enlarged pores, blackheads, occasional breakouts, and excess oil. The formula may be too strong for dry or sensitive skin—consider Clarifying Lotion 1.0 (alcohol-free for sensitive skin) or Clarifying Lotion 1 (for very dry skin) or 2 (for dry-combination skin) instead.
Immediate: Skin feels cleaner, cotton pad picks up visible dirt and oil. Week 1-2: Smoother skin texture, some may experience mild purging. Week 2-4: Reduced blackheads, faster blemish healing, brighter skin. Month 1-3: Visible pore refinement, balanced oil production, clearer complexion overall. Consistency is key—use twice daily for best results.
Clarifying Lotion is Step 2 in Clinique's 3-Step System, used immediately after cleansing. Apply to clean, dry skin using a cotton pad. Follow with any additional treatments (serums, essences), then moisturizer. In the morning, finish with sunscreen. Use twice daily—morning and night—for optimal results.
No, this product is non-comedogenic with a 0/5 comedogenic rating. It's oil-free and specifically designed to unclog pores, not block them. The salicylic acid actively dissolves sebum and dead skin cells inside pores. It's safe for acne-prone skin and won't cause breakouts.
The product has a 12-month PAO (Period After Opening). Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat, with the cap tightly closed. The 200ml bottle typically lasts 3-4 months with twice-daily use. The 400ml bottle offers better value for regular users and should be used within 12 months of opening.
Verdict: Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 is a time-tested, dermatologist-developed exfoliating toner that delivers on its promises for combination to oily skin. The salicylic acid and witch hazel combination effectively clears pores, controls oil, and reveals smoother, brighter skin. While the alcohol content may not suit everyone—particularly those with dry or sensitive skin—it's a reliable choice for those who can tolerate it. The fragrance-free, allergy-tested formula and fungal acne-safe ingredient list make it a standout option. For best results, always follow with moisturizer and consider alcohol-free alternatives like Paula's Choice if your skin is reactive.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.








