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Clarifying Lotion 3

Clarifying Lotion 3

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

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.

Dermatologist-Developed Allergy Tested 100% Fragrance-Free Oil-Free Formula Paraben-Free Phthalate-Free 100% Vegan Gluten-Free
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
0/5
Size
200ml / 400ml
Skin Type
Combo-Oily
Key Active
Salicylic Acid
pH Level
3.0-4.0
Price/ml
~$0.14
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Deep Pore Cleansing

BHA penetrates pores to dissolve oil, dead skin cells, and debris that cleansing alone may miss.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Watery Liquid
Scent
Alcohol Note
Absorption
Instant
Finish
Matte/Fresh

Deep 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.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains salicylic acid. ACOG considers topical salicylic acid at 2% or less safe, but consult your doctor. Avoid large body areas.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

No fatty acids, oils, esters, or ferments that feed malassezia. Contains salicylic acid which actively combats fungal acne.

Non-Comedogenic

Oil-free, lightweight formula with 0/5 comedogenic rating. Will not clog pores or cause breakouts.

Contains Denatured Alcohol

High alcohol content may be drying for some. Those with dry or compromised skin barriers should use with caution.

Allergy Tested

100% fragrance-free and allergy tested. Clinique's strict standards avoid common irritants and allergens.

Retinol Combination

Can be used with retinol but may increase sensitivity. Consider alternating AM/PM or different days if irritation occurs.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Salicylic 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
May cause dryness or irritation in those with compromised skin barriers. Start slowly if new to BHA.

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
These ingredients help balance the formula and prevent excessive dryness.

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)

FREE FROM: Parabens, Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Phthalates, Fragrance, Silicones, Oils, Gluten, Mineral Oil, Formaldehyde, Retinoids, Hydroquinone
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Clarifying Lotion
3
Toner/Essence
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use twice daily after cleansing. Follow with Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel or your preferred moisturizer. Always use sunscreen in the AM.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse First

Start with clean, freshly washed skin using your preferred cleanser. Pat dry gently.

2

Apply to Cotton Pad

Saturate a cotton pad with the Clarifying Lotion. You don't need excessive amounts—enough to dampen the pad.

3

Sweep Over Face & Neck

Gently sweep the cotton pad across your entire face and neck, avoiding the eye area and lips.

4

Follow with Moisturizer

Apply your moisturizer immediately after while skin is still slightly damp for better absorption.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect 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
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Perfect match. Controls excess sebum, unclogs pores, and keeps skin matte without over-drying when followed with lightweight moisturizer.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Ideal for combo skin. Balances oily T-zone while the hydrating ingredients prevent dry areas from feeling tight.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Salicylic acid is gold-standard for acne. Clears existing blemishes and prevents new breakouts. Fungal acne safe too.

Normal Skin
Good

Works well for maintaining clear skin and preventing occasional breakouts. May use once daily instead of twice.

Dry Skin
Moderate

May be too drying. Consider Clarifying Lotion 1 or 2 instead, or use this sparingly with a rich moisturizer.

Sensitive Skin
Caution

Alcohol content may cause irritation. Try Clarifying Lotion 1.0 (alcohol-free) or patch test first.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 1-3
Day 1-3

Immediate 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 skin
Week 1-2

Smoother 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 texture
Week 2-4

Reduced Breakouts

Blackheads diminish as salicylic acid works inside pores. New blemishes heal faster. Skin appears brighter and more radiant.

75% see fewer breakouts
Month 1-3

Visible Pore Refinement

With consistent use, pores appear smaller and less noticeable. Skin tone evens out. Oil production becomes more balanced.

70% report refined pores
09

Ratings by platform

5K+ REVIEWS
Sephora
4.3
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Strong alcohol smell, can be drying for some skin types
Ulta Beauty
4.4
Rating
1,200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Alcohol content too high for sensitive skin
Amazon
4.5
Rating
3,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Price point considered high for what it is
Nykaa
4.5
Rating
593
Reviews
Main complaint: Pricey but lasts long, strong alcohol scent
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • 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
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
59% Match
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
$6.50
Budget Pick

Higher salicylic acid concentration (2%) in serum form. No alcohol, no witch hazel. Better for targeted spot treatment. Watery-gel texture that may foam slightly.

54% Match
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
$35.00
Similar Price

Gold-standard BHA toner. Alcohol-free formula with green tea extract. Same 2% salicylic acid but gentler delivery. Better for sensitive skin.

65% Match
Max Strength Acne Pads
$5.99
Budget Pick

Pre-soaked pads with 2% salicylic acid. Alcohol-free but contains menthol. Very affordable drugstore option. Red box is most popular.

50% Match
BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
$25.00
K-Beauty

Uses betaine salicylate (gentler BHA derivative) at 4%. Alcohol-free, hydrating formula. Better for sensitive skin but less potent exfoliation.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
BHA 9 Treatment
Key Active 2% Salicylic Acid
Size 118ml
Alcohol No
Fragrance None
Best For All Skin Types
Salicylic Acid 2%
Key Active 2% Salicylic Acid
Size 30ml
Alcohol No
Fragrance None
Best For Budget-Conscious
BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Key Active 4% Betaine Salicylate
Size 100ml
Alcohol No
Fragrance None
Best For Sensitive Skin
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep bottle tightly closed.

Packaging

Plastic bottle with flip-top or pump dispenser. Iconic celadon green Clinique packaging.

Travel Friendly

60ml travel size available. 200ml exceeds TSA limits for carry-on liquids—check bag or decant.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Use 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.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.2 / 5 ★★★★☆

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

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

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lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
% % % %