Clinique
Clinique was founded in 1968 by Evelyn Lauder (daughter-in-law of Estée Lauder) and dermatologist Norman Orentreich, with the revolutionary premise that great skin could be created through a simple dermatologist-developed routine. Owned by The Estée Lauder Companies, Clinique was the first prestige cosmetics brand to be allergy-tested and 100% fragrance-free, a positioning it maintains today. The brand's lip products include Almost Lipstick, Chubby Stick, and various lip colors and glosses. While Clinique's fragrance-free commitment is notable, many products still contain synthetic dyes, petroleum derivatives, BHT, and conventional preservatives. The brand's dermatologist association creates strong consumer trust that may lead to less ingredient scrutiny.
Products Analyzed
Flagged Ingredients Found
Who Owns Clinique?
Big Corp SubsidiaryParent Company
The Estee Lauder Companies(EL)
Parent Industry
Prestige Beauty
Parent Revenue
Approximately $15.9 billion (2024)
Also Makes
Clinique was created in 1968 by Evelyn Lauder within The Estee Lauder Companies. It has always been part of the Estee Lauder portfolio and is one of the company's core brands.
Corporate ownership does not automatically mean a product is unsafe. It means ingredient and sourcing decisions are influenced by a parent company whose primary business is prestige beauty. Consumers deserve to know who profits from their purchases.
Products by Clinique
Clinique Almost Lipstick Black Honey
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Organic Lip Balm
Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer
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Organic Lip Balm
Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm
Clinique
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Organic Lip Balm
Clinique Dramatically Different Lipstick
Clinique
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Organic Lip Balm
Clinique Even Better Pop Lip Colour
Clinique
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Organic Lip Balm
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Flagged Ingredients in Clinique Products
We found 7 different ingredients of concern across Clinique's product line. Each one links to a full safety analysis with details on health risks, regulatory status, and which other brands use the same ingredient.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG Compounds)
A family of petroleum-derived compounds used as emulsifiers, thickeners, solvents, and penetration enhancers. PEGs themselves are relatively low-toxicity, but they are frequently contaminated with ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen) and 1,4-dioxane.
Artificial Colors
Synthetic dyes derived from petroleum or coal tar, used to give cosmetics vivid colors. Many are contaminated with heavy metals and have been linked to behavioral issues, allergies, and potential carcinogenicity.
Bismuth Oxychloride
A synthetic inorganic pigment used in mineral makeup, eyeshadows, and face powders to create a pearlescent, luminous finish. While generally considered low-toxicity, bismuth oxychloride is a common cause of skin irritation and itching, particularly in mineral makeup users.
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
A synthetic antioxidant closely related to BHA, used to prevent oxidation in cosmetics and food. Less studied than BHA but shares some endocrine disruption concerns.
Paraffin Wax
A white or colorless soft solid wax derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale. Commonly used in lip balms, lipsticks, and candles to add structure and a smooth texture.
Dimethicone
A silicone-based polymer widely used in cosmetics and skincare for its smoothing, water-repellent properties. Not toxic in itself, but creates a synthetic barrier that can trap impurities, clog pores, and is not biodegradable.
Polybutene
A synthetic polymer derived from petroleum, used as a thickener, binder, and viscosity-increasing agent in lip glosses, lipsticks, and other cosmetics. Polybutene has low direct toxicity but is a petroleum-derived synthetic with environmental persistence concerns.
