Is this Clinique Product Really “Even Better” at Correcting Dark Spots than Competitors?

Many women struggle with skin discoloration, which is why every product designed to correct it will garner a lot of attention. Clinique is also a well-known brand in skin care, so that leads more people to purchase this product, too. How does it compete against our top skin lightening cream, Meladerm or Proactiv Dark Spot Corrector? Keep reading and you will find out =)

What does Clinique say this product will do for you?

Clinique claims that their dark spot corrector has an efficacy rate that’s comparable to that of prescription formulas with 4% hydroquinine. It doesn’t contain that ingredient itself, since it has been blacklisted by the FDA for possibly causing cancer.

Instead, Clinique developed a blend that they call CL-302 complex. It includes the extracts of exotic plants, stabilized vitamin C, salicylic acid and black yeast.

Does Clinique back up their claims with clinical trials?

Clinique has results from clinical trials that they say validates their claim that their natural blend has comparable results to prescription medications. But they didn’t publish the efficacy study results, and the public doesn’t have access to it.

So, we weren’t too sure about whether we should believe the claim, since we never even found out the study protocols. There are still a lot of questions, like how many people showed marked improvement? How many didn’t have improvement? And how many people had better effects with the prescriptions containing hydroquinone?

What other ingredients does Clinique include in this formula?

The vitamin C used in this product has some research that shows it’s effective in fading dark spots. One ingredient, dimethoxytolyl propylresorcinol, is not mentioned in marketing the product. It’s actually a compound of chemicals derived from Dianella ensifolia plants.

This ingredient inhibits the skin enzyme that causes the production of melanin, which colors the skin. This is a commonly targeted enzyme, since it’s broadly accepted that it helps decrease melanin production.

Other ingredients in Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector include arbutin, l-propylmercaptan, grape seed and mushroom extracts. There isn’t research that proves these natural ingredients work as well as prescription medications for fading stretch marks.

Salicylic acid improves the turnover of cells, which helps in fading skin discolorations more quickly. It’s an ingredient commonly found in acne preparations. The level used in this product is believed to be lower than one percent, which means it’s not that effective in its role as an exfoliant. Here’s our list of the best acne treatments for your skin.

So, does this product do what it says it can?

There is actually only a small amount of research that supports the claims of lightening power for Clinique’s product. Some users will have positive results, while people with more serious hyperpigmentation may see better results from prescription formulas, as long as they do not contain hydroquinone.

You can use Clinique’s product regardless of your skin type, and its blend of skin-dentical ingredients and antioxidants give it a good overall rating.

What do users have to say?

“First let me say – “Be Realistic People!”

Often our expectations for ‘beauty’ products is that we’ll end up looking like the models in the advertisements. It is not reasonable to expect miracles from beauty products. Not only do we usually want the results, we want them yesterday!

I’ve been using this product for several months now on dark spots and have found that while the spots are not gone, they are certainly reduced considerably. My skin tone is improved and this is the only product that has yielded results for me. That said, everyone is unique and therefore what works for me may not for you. The serum is light weight and pleasant in odor. It goes onto the skin without tugging and is easily absorbed – and – for me – works! – – By Patti Shaffner, amazon.com

OK, as the title says, I never ever write a review. But, for this product, I will.

This stuff is amazing. I’ve been only using it for about a week. I’m 36, have some sun damage and have a light olive complexion. I have also been suffering from breakouts, milia and a host of obnoxious things that NEVER plagued me as a teen.

This product has lightened my skin, stopped the breakouts (and I know it’s the product because where I didn’t apply it (upper chest and back), they’re still happening), and the milia (little encapsulated white heads that you can’t get out on your own) are coming to the surface and coming out.

I never expected all of that. I’m sure it’s a side benefit that is unintentional, but as long as it keeps working, I’ll keep using it! Will definitely buy again.”

– By M. Lanstra “HealthNut”, amazon.com

Our Conclusion

It may not be the slam dunk product it is touted to be, but Clinique’s dark spot corrector has shown a lot of promise, and it’s worth the money to try it out for yourself. Our best skin lightening cream still stands a heavy number #1. If you haven’t read our Meladerm Cream review, you should take a look before you decide.

What’s Next? Click Here to See Why Meladerm Might Be a Better Choice!