Since 1968, Clinique has had a reputation for providing cosmetics users with gentle makeup and effective skin care, particularly through the three-step process of cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing. Although the ingredients vary from one product to another, Clinique generously provides a guide to understanding the contents of its products.
Significance
In these days of informed and educated consumers, it has become necessary for beauty companies--Clinique and others--to be upfront about the ingredients in their products in order to keep loyal customers. After all, studies now link additives in conventional makeup to birth defects and diseases like cancer (see Resources). The increased demand for healthier beauty products, such as mineral makeup and those with mostly natural and organic ingredients, is proof that more and more cosmetics users are studying the effects of makeup ingredients before making their purchases.
Benefits
The official Clinique website states that all the company's products are allergy tested. By Clinique's definition, this means that for every potential product, six hundred people are each tested on repeatedly; if even a single one of the six hundred experiences an allergic reaction, the product will not be manufactured for public consumption. Since fragrance causes allergies in some cosmetics users, all Clinique makeup is fragrance free. Those who are prone to acne may especially appreciate Clinique--all of the company's products that are meant to be used on the face are defined as "non-acnegenic." Tests are conducted on human volunteers to ensure that the makeup does not clog pores or trigger blemishes. Along the same lines, those with sensitive eyes may be pleased to know that all Clinique products for use on the eye area are labeled "ophthalmologist tested," making them suitable even for contact lens wearers.
Considerations
While Clinique does not conduct animal testing, the company does use a few animal ingredients in its products. According to the "Ask an Expert" section on the Clinique website, U.S. animal food industry by-products are used only when no other ingredients can produce the exact same effect. This is information that strict vegans would appreciate prior to buying items from any cosmetics line. One of Clinique's bestselling items is its "Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion." Its ingredients--purified water, mineral oil, sesame oil, propylene glycol, tea stearate, glyceryl stearate, lanolin alcohol, petrolatum, methylparaben and propylparaben--give consumers an idea about what the company uses in its range of products. While the ingredients in Clinique's products are common in conventional cosmetics, some raise concerns. Methylparaben and propylparaben for instance give cosmetics a longer shelf life but are synthetic preservatives that may be associated with breast cancer. Propylene glycol may cause liver abnormalities as well as damage the kidneys upon skin contact. Another of Clinique's most popular products, "Liquid Facial Soap," contains sodium laureth sulfate, which research has shown could also be a health hazard. In any case, it is up to individual consumers to discern whether using any product is in her best interests or not. (See Resources for details.)
Warning
Clinique states that the ingredients in its products are of the highest quality and that each of these is at a level of concentration that is safe for consumer use; nevertheless, if you have a skin condition--especially one that a physician or a dermatologist is treating you for--consult with your doctor or skin care specialist prior to shopping for cosmetics. Clinique's promise of the highest standards in its product testing and manufacturing processes does not guarantee skin conditions will not be aggravated with use of its makeup.
Prevention/Solution
After your skin care expert has provided you with a list of ingredients that are safe for you to use, Clinique can assist you with finding which of its products are best suited to your needs. This can be done by contacting the company online or by inquiring at a Clinique makeup counter at a department store. Clinique also continues to come up with new cosmetics that help treat particular skin issues. For instance, "Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder" is advertised in beauty magazines as a lab-certified treatment that reduces redness as soon as it touches the skin, making rosacea and broken capillaries considerably less noticeable.
Writer Bio
Lea WhiteFeather writes to share her colorful experiences with all who can benefit. She enjoys traveling as well, and has worked and resided in New York, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and the Philippines, where she received her undergraduate education in art history.