What it is:A gentle, oil-free exfoliating lotion for dry or combination skin.What it is formulated to do: This second step in Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care System is a true difference-maker for great skin. Developed by Clinique's dermatologists, the smoothing formula whisks away flakes and refines pores to reveal a clearer complexion. The cool, refreshing formula removes dead cells from the surface of the skin helping moisturizer and makeup to apply evenly.

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Questions & Answers for Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2

Question

scent

Hello
I tried travel size of clarifying lotion 2 and was satisfied and decided to buy a bigger version. So I bought the 16.foz. But now I am using it, the scent is too strong. It's almost like rubbing alcohol directly to my skin. I had no problem with the travel size..it didn't smell this strong. Do you think maybe I got a old one or something? Or is it suppose to smell this strong?

asked 2 years, 8 months ago

Anonymous

(Glendale, CA)

on Clarifying Lotion 2

7 answers

Answers

answer 1

Its probably cause the opening at the top it bigger than the travel size. If you still have your travel size bottle you could clean it out and pour some of the big one in there or if you threw out the travel size go buy a new bottle at a drugstore. They have empty small bottles there for carry-ons when you fly.

answered 1 year, 5 months ago

rebec

(Topeka, Ks)

answer 2

It's probably not an issue on how old your product is-- just try not to smell it straight out the bottle or when it is just saturated into the cotton pad. Don't think about it :) it's really not strong or overwhelming.

answered 2 years, 6 months ago

corinafilipina

(NYC!)

answer 3

The smell is definitely strong. Do you use the moisturizer afterward? This helps calm the smell down and keeps your skin from feeling dry!

answered 2 years, 6 months ago

Anonymous

(Swampscott, MA)

answer 4

That could be or also since it's a bigger bottle there is more of the scent because there is more of the product.

answered 2 years, 6 months ago

destinyheather

(New York)

answer 5

It smells pretty strong, maybr because it's a bigger bottle, and there is more product inside it sems like it smells stronger.

answered 2 years, 6 months ago

juliab76

(california ventura)

answer 6

I also started with a travel size and then upgraded to a bigger one. In my experience the product has a little bit of smell but it is not overwhelming. Could it be that you're applying more of the product ( since the oppening of the bottle is bigger)?

answered 2 years, 8 months ago

docinho

(Los Angeles)

answer 7

It has a scent but it isn't overwhelmingly strong to me., and any scent seems to disappear within a minute or two.

answered 2 years, 8 months ago

jaebea

(Sacramento, CA)

Question

Does it cost breakouts?

I use number 2. I have oily T zone and am normal on cheeks.
but i also have acne (pimples, blackheads,whiteheads)
Could this cost breakouts?

asked 1 year, 9 months ago

cryzzz22

(Vancouver)

on Clarifying Lotion 2

7 answers

Answers

answer 1

I used this for many many years and found it to be a good mild, chemical exfoliant. Unfortunately, in recent years it started to irritate my skin and cause breakouts, even when I tried the milder versions so I gave it up. Point being, results will vary person to person and even over time.

answered 1 year, 2 months ago

alencon

(Toronto, ON)

answer 2

I also have an oily t-zone and normal cheeks. I use this twice a day as part of the 3-step system, and so far, it hasn't caused any breakouts. I do have acne around my forehead, though, but it actually seems to be helping. I'm not sure what the effect of using this alone will be, though, because I kind of use all three products to balance out my skin.

The face wash really cleanses my skin and removes oil, this helps really get all the little impurities off of the surface, and the moisturizing gel helps with the dryness that tends to be caused by the first two.

And because breakouts can be caused by dry skin, if this is drying your skin out, it may result in breakouts. Just be sure to use a good moisturizer if it's making your skin dry. (But not too oily, as a really oily moisturizer won't help with your already oily t-zone.)

P.S. When I use the gel moisturizer, I pat my face dry afterwards so that there's a super thin coat on my face. Otherwise, I get oily and I'm right back where I started. I really hope I helped, and good luck!

answered 1 year, 5 months ago

beautynaut

(Waynesville, Missouri)

answer 3

This didnt cause me to breakout when im using it with my clinique acne solutions moisturizer (which has benzoyl peroxide) and a regular moisturizer to actually moisturize and calm my sensitive skin. But i cant use strictly salicylic acid to clear up my acne (it wont do anything which then makes me break out more). I have to use salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide in my daily routine together. Maybe thats how your skin is too. Keep in mind though benzoyl peroxide can dye fabrics like your towels and clothes if you dont put on a sunscreen or moisturizer afterward to dilute it a little. If you use both of these ingredients together make sure to use a good moisturizer and moisturizing cleanser cause the two ingredients together can be drying.

answered 1 year, 5 months ago

rebec

(Topeka, Ks)

answer 4

It made my skin breakout more than usual.

answered 1 year, 6 months ago

sam123two

answer 5

No, but this was explained to me.. If you do not properly wash face - use makeup remover and exfoliator, all that gunk stays in your face. So you are piling more junk on top of old makeup. So, this product will clean the face from the inside out. Breakouts will occur if you are inconsistent with your routine!

answered 1 year, 6 months ago

trixielamour

(King of Prussia, PA)

answer 6

In my case it has helped to improve breakouts!

answered 1 year, 8 months ago

jlbabc01

(Elizabeth, IN)

answer 7

No it does not cause acne. It actually helps regulate the oil in your skin, usually in the summer my face is greasy like a frying but this helps keep my skin matte. And it doesn't dry your skin out either so Its safe to use in the winter.

answered 1 year, 8 months ago

pinkgirl86

(Paterson, NJ)

Question

Does the 13 oz one have a pump?

i have the smaller one and the screw off top annoys me

asked 3 years, 4 months ago

lynneee

(Fresno, CA)

on Clarifying Lotion 2

7 answers

Answers

answer 1

the ones available from sephora don't seem to have pumps but when i purchased from a clinique counter i was offered a pump if i bought the largest size

answered 1 year ago

laurenvnj

(Nornern NJ)

answer 2

While it doesn't have a pump, the 13.5oz size IS the "best value". The 16.5oz size doesn't have a pump, either; it has three small holes in it, but with the way the flip-cap is designed, it will eventually break and then the product will evaporate. The 16.5oz is more expensive-per-ounce, too!

answered 2 years, 2 months ago

amethystbeauty

(Hampton Roads, VA)

answer 3

I have it and it does not.

answered 2 years, 3 months ago

bling4ruby

answer 4

I sometimes pour the contents of a smaller bottle into the larger one with a pump.

answered 2 years, 5 months ago

swampbaby

answer 5

i think they no longer make the one with the pump, but you should double check on clinique web site

answered 2 years, 6 months ago

juliab76

(california ventura)

answer 6

yes it does have a pump if you purchase a value set during holiday season. (just not at sephora)

answered 3 years, 2 months ago

amyyyl

(Vancouver,BC)

answer 7

No. it has a screw-off top as well. Yeah, I agree, it's annoying.

answered 3 years, 4 months ago

loug

(Hunlock Creek, PA)

Question

over drying

using product for 1 week now..along jawbone feels rough and neck area starting to itch and beginning to see redness

asked 3 years, 2 months ago

Chris101

(Douglasville, GA)

on Clarifying Lotion 2

6 answers

Answers

answer 1

Type 2 maybe the wrong one for you, it goes with your skin type. I would have someone in skin care at Sephora help you find the right skin type product. They have one for oily, very oily, and mild.

answered 2 years, 5 months ago

neeq79

(Milwaukee, WI)

answer 2

You may be using the wrong # for your skin. Also I noticed when I first began using this line my skin got a little worse before it got better. As if the impurities in the skin made it look worse as they were being drawn out. After a week or so my skin looked amazing and felt great too!

answered 2 years, 6 months ago

stellar514

(Bradenton, FL)

answer 3

Do you use the dramatically different moisturizer right after? Highly recommended.

answered 2 years, 6 months ago

Anonymous

(Swampscott, MA)

answer 4

Try using every other day and always follow up with a moisturizer.

answered 2 years, 6 months ago

destinyheather

(New York)

answer 5

you should not use this because it sounds like you have really sensitve skin to this. You probably got an allergic reaction, that's why it's so itchy. Use some 1% hydrocortisone cream to stop the itch. Maybe you should try the very dry clarifying lotion.

answered 3 years, 1 month ago

Pineapplebaby

(Tarzana, CA)

answer 6

skip the toner. When the same staff at the Sephora store who helped me saw my skin, they freaked! Told me to use the wash and moisturizer but no toner. Your skin is not responding well to it and you'll make it worse. You've been burned.... that's why it itchy and red.

answered 3 years, 2 months ago

dulce24696

(Boston< MA)

Question

I have oily T-zone and normal to dry everywhere else

Should I use #2?
i know this is for dry-combination
and #3 is for oily-combination
I'm just combination

asked 1 year, 9 months ago

cryzzz22

(Vancouver)

on Clarifying Lotion 2

6 answers

Answers

answer 1

if i where you i would by the #2 product to dry out your t zone. otherwise it might be to drying for the rest of your face.

answered 1 year, 5 months ago

burgi

(North Reading, ma)

answer 2

Hey there! I am the same way, I tend to be oily in my t-zone and have dry spots. I use number two because it works well with my skin, it doesn't cause dryness, but before I was using number 3 and that dried my skin out severly, I think 3 is for skin that is more on the oily side, hope this helps you,take care.

answered 1 year, 6 months ago

daria15

(san jose, ca)

answer 3

I have combination skin and find this works really well. I think the step 3 would be too over-drying! You won't be disappointed!

answered 1 year, 6 months ago

nander

(Denver, CO)

answer 4

I have same type skin and I use 2.

answered 1 year, 7 months ago

tamary

answer 5

Yes! Go with 2! I am normally a little dry around the cheeks etc, but can get a little oily in the t-zone and 2 was PERFECT!!!!

answered 1 year, 8 months ago

kittylove77

(Dallas, Texas)

answer 6

I have the same skin type and the number 2 has been working for me wonderfully.

answered 1 year, 9 months ago

kstn

Question

Will this cause skin discoloration?

I used the clinique clarifying lotion 3 about 4-5 times but my mom thought the skin around my mouth was getting darker. i do have slight discoloration (like dark patches) around my mouth area. will this make it darker/worse or will it even out my skin in terms of color?

also, any advice on how to get rid of the dark patches?

asked 1 year, 9 months ago

beyoootiful

on Clarifying Lotion 2

6 answers

Answers

answer 1

I too have some discoloration on my face, so I can tell you that this product does not help nor make it worst.
You need to use SPF (at least 30) under or with your face foundation. Try a product that is a treatment/corrector for discoloration like Clinique's Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector.

answered 2 months ago

GalaxyGirl111

(Easy Bay, CA)

answer 2

I've been using this product for a long time and have never noticed and color change. I dont think you need to worry about it. However if you are have dark patches, Clinique does have a product for that that I have used and it works. Dark Spot Corrector. It's a little pricey but if you use a little bit a day on just the area you need, it should last a while and you'd get your moneys worth.

answered 2 months ago

lux1983

(Paramount, CA)

answer 3

I have been using this product for close to 10 years and have never had any discoloration. I am very fair and would notice any changes in skin color almost instanteously. I also started using this while I was competiting in swimming to help balance all the chemicals I surrounded myself with. Give it a go with a small bottle or sample first if you are still concerned.

answered 9 months ago

iknowwhatilike

(detroit, mi)

answer 4

no this definitely doesnt cause any discoloration of the skin, as a matter of fact, makes you appear more radiant, and skin feels so smooth after!

answered 1 year, 4 months ago

tamababy

(San Francisco, CA)

answer 5

This product cleans and refreshes your skin. It shouldn't cause discoloration issues.

answered 1 year, 5 months ago

beautibme

(Richmond, VA)

answer 6

I have used this for about a month and i havent had any dark patches or irritations of any kind (i have sensitive acne prone skin). I have also used #3 and #4 and didnt have any discoloration, however i absolutely did not like #3. Maybe your allergic to one of the ingredients or have sensitive skin. Also make sure your wearing a sunscreen of at least spf 30 cause the sun can cause dark patches, especially if it reacts to an ingredient in the toner or cleanser you use depending on the ingredients. For instance benzoyl peroxide can have a reaction to the sun if your not wearing sunscreen. What i would do is go to a sephora store and tell them whats going on and they should be able to recommend a product or give you a free sample of this. As far as getting rid of dark patches i absolutely love lancome's genifique concentrate. I've been using it for a week for my acne scars and its really helped fade them. There were some reviews i read people had used it for their dark patches as well, however it is expensive but its worth the money. Hope this helped, good luck!

answered 1 year, 5 months ago

rebec

(Topeka, Ks)

Question

Pump included?

In the past when i purchased this product from a different retailer, a pump was included. Is there a pump included in this one also? I found it to be very helpful and I wasn't using too much product.

asked 3 years, 10 months ago

Mlkurtz

(Fresno, CA)

on Clarifying Lotion 2

6 answers

Answers

answer 1

The soap has a pump.

answered 1 year, 9 months ago

vanille

(New Orleans, LA)

answer 2

Yes the pump is included.

answered 1 year, 10 months ago

pherson

(Winter Haven Florida)

answer 3

THE LARGEST BOTTLE USUALLY HAS A PUMP. JUST KEEP YOUR OLD PUMP BOTTLE AND REFILL IT WITH NEW CLINIQUE...I DO.

answered 1 year, 10 months ago

gloriousdee

(chicago, il)

answer 4

NOT IT HAS NO PUMP

answered 2 years, 1 month ago

marielicious

(GARWOOD, NJ)

answer 5

no this one doesn't include a pump.

answered 3 years, 7 months ago

stealmysunshine

(My heart is in CA)

answer 6

No I didn't have a pump on this product. I remember in the past it had a pump too.

answered 3 years, 9 months ago

stephmarie

(Coquitlam, British Columbia)

Question

How is this product on dark skin?

I am black with combination skin (mostly dry except in the t-zone where I am oily) and am looking for a gentle cleanser/toner without an bleaching agents

asked 3 years, 7 months ago

Anonymous

(brooklyn, ny)

on Clarifying Lotion 2

6 answers

Answers

answer 1

Hi,
We have the same type of skin and I've been using this product for about a year now and I love it! It doesn't bleach your skin but it does exfoliate your skin. Causing dry or dark patches to go away. It may seem as if your complex is getting lighter but it's only clearing your complexion. I hope that this helps...

answered 1 year, 5 months ago

cutee1

(Texas)

answer 2

I am dark-skinned, of African ancestry, and this product works great for me.

answered 1 year, 10 months ago

pherson

(Winter Haven Florida)

answer 3

WE ARE JUST ALIKE. I USE : EXTRA MILD SOAP. AND # 2 LIQUID CLEANSER AND CLARIFYING LOTION. I USE DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT MOISTURE LOTION. A.LSO AN EXFOLIANT AT TIMES. THIS LINE IS GREAT FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN SKIN.

answered 1 year, 10 months ago

gloriousdee

(chicago, il)

answer 4

ITS VERY SOOTHING AND REFRESHING PROMESS WILL NOT DRY YOUR SKIN AND IT HAS NO BLEACHING AGENTS

answered 2 years, 1 month ago

marielicious

(GARWOOD, NJ)

answer 5

i have dark skin and it works fine but the smell in unbearable! it reaks for about 2-3 min. I would highly reccomend the brand Botanics skin toner. It works fine on dark skin and i love it!

answered 3 years ago

caitybabe

(CA)

answer 6

My cousin uses it all the time and has been forever. She's black with combination skin and she loves it.

answered 3 years, 7 months ago

briannem

(Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)

Question

Dispenser top?

I'm looking for the size of the toner that also comes with the push down dispenser top? They do not sell it in the stores near me anymore but I wonder if the larger lotion that is only available online comes with that certain dispenser? Has anybody ordered this one and could tell me?

asked 2 years, 11 months ago

AllyV

on Clarifying Lotion 2

6 answers

Answers

answer 1

I have the biggest size of Clinique's clarifying lotion and it does not have a top like that.

answered 2 years, 3 months ago

bling4ruby

answer 2

They discontinued the pumps. I bought one in October 2007 (it came with the toner) and I LOVED it. It eventually broke (it still works, just not as good) and I've looked everywhere in order to replace it with no luck including eBay. They just don't make them anymore unfortunately. Hope this helps!

answered 2 years, 5 months ago

luvinpundik

(Pittsburgh, PA)

answer 3

I think they stopped making the one with the pump.

answered 2 years, 6 months ago

juliab76

(california ventura)

answer 4

The ones with pumps only come in holiday sets. I think now is the only time that you can buy the ones with pumps. They're selling holiday sets right now because it's close to Christmas. You should be able to find a holiday set in any Clinique Store. Good luck~!

answered 2 years, 7 months ago

charls

(New York, NY)

answer 5

I got the top you are talking about at a department store (Nordstrom?). The bottle is fits is a 13.5oz, but with a bigger top than the one at Sephora. I have been buying the product and pouring the liquid into the bottle that fits the dispenser top, as I have not found the proper bottle (with bigger lid) at Sephora. I would try the dept stores and ask for the particular lid.

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

pdxpeaches

(Portland, OR)

answer 6

its not something they make anymore unfortunately, sometimes they'll come back out with it during events in a set at clinique counter, but i think they may still sell the one with the pump online on sephora but idk if they still have it in stock

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

ahiru

(sacramento)

Question

pores

does this product minimize the appearance of pores?

asked 2 years, 5 months ago

x0jessica

(NJ)

on Clarifying Lotion 2

6 answers

Answers

answer 1

yes

answered 2 years, 2 months ago

makeupbelle

(Pittsburgh, PA)

answer 2

YES!

answered 2 years, 2 months ago

jrosen

(Volo, IL)

answer 3

Yes, this product minimized the appearance of my pores.

answered 2 years, 2 months ago

amethystbeauty

(Hampton Roads, VA)

answer 4

Yes it does. After exfoliating wipe of the face with a tissue or cottonball soaked in this lotion and over the course of 2-3 weeks you will see a difference with the pores.

answered 2 years, 4 months ago

vickyvv73

(Chandler, AZ)

answer 5

YES! It really cleans out your pores and kills bacteria so it makes the pores SMALLER because they are no longer clogged! If you are debating adding this product to your routine, stop and get it now! Because it really makes a difference.

answered 2 years, 4 months ago

marmar159

(Lakeforest, IL)

answer 6

I have not noticed this while using the product. In my opinion, a product cannot really reduce the size of your pores as this is probably a genetic factor, but the product can clean the pores to make them appear smaller since this would make them the same color as the rest of your skin.

answered 2 years, 5 months ago

kersky22

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