Clinique

Luxury beauty brand owned by Estée Lauder

Summary

Clinique is a pioneering skincare and cosmetics brand renowned for its dermatologist-developed, allergy-tested, and fragrance-free products. Established in 1968, the brand revolutionized the beauty industry with its science-backed approach to personalized skincare, introducing a now-iconic 3-step routine of cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing. Clinique remains committed to creating effective, high-quality products tailored to diverse skin types and concerns, earning the trust of millions worldwide. With an emphasis on inclusivity and innovation, the brand continues to blend advanced research with gentle formulations, making beauty accessible, safe, and empowering for all.

History

In 1967 Vogue published an article titled “Can Great Skin Be Created?” written by beauty editor Carol Phillips and New York- based dermatologist Dr. Norman Orentreich, discussing the significance of a three-step skincare routine. Evelyn Lauder- daughter-in-law of Estée Lauder- read the article and tired of using one-size-fits-all creams, collaborated with Carol Phillips and Norman Orentreich to develop dermatological- driven skincare and cosmetics. In 1968 Clinique premiered as the world’s first dermatologist-driven brand at Saks Fifth Avenue- New York.

As training director for Clinique.. Evelyn Lauder was instrumental in developing and marketing new products- sales training and branding. She conceived the name “Clinique” after a visit to Paris where she could’’t help noticing signs of “Clinique Esthétiques” where women went to get facials and treatments. She loved the word for suggesting a clinical approach to skincare with a hint of glamour — and immediately coined the name of the brand.

The brand’s packaging was chic—a pale celadon green color that was chosen for its soothing appeal which debuted with a hundred and seventeen products- the core being a three-step skincare: cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise. All products are fragrance-free and allergy tested. A new standard was set at beauty counters with consultants wearing clinical white lab coats and the Clinique Computer: a non-electronic box of levers determined individual skin type and skincare needs and offered an informative tailored consultation.

Compelling advertising contributed to the growth of the brand. In one advertisement a white toothbrush was perched in a glass, positioned opposite a trio of Clinique products—one each to represent cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise—with the tagline: Twice A Day. The message was graphic- bold and simple: commit to the three-step system just as you would commit to brushing your teeth twice a day. What’s more La Clinique La Prairie- acclaimed for treating the elite set with medical and wellness programs since 1931- has been on the cutting edge of better-aging treatments for nearly a century.

In 2008 Clinique collaborated with Allergan- the maker of Botox and former cosmeceutical partner of Elizabeth Arden- to develop a new line titled “Clinique Medical” — available only in physicians’ offices. The five-product set was designed for pre- and post-operation skincare including redness, tightness, burning, irritation and skin discolouration. In 2020 Clinique announced British actress Emilia Clarke as Global Ambassador. In another key movement Michelle Freyre joined Clinique as Senior Vice President and Global General Manager- responsible for innovation, product development and marketing, consumer and digital engagement.

Sustainability is a priority. “We assess the impact of our products across their entire life cycle, which is why we’re introducing big changes—and setting big goals—to make our packaging more sustainable. We’re proud to support our parent company Estée Lauder Companies in reaching this goal: By 2025 75 per cent of our packaging will be recyclable, refillable, reusable, recycled or recoverable.”

Mission Statement

Luxury beauty brand Clinique’s mission focuses on delivering the safest and most effective skincare solutions that yield impressive results. The brand is committed to formulating products that prioritize both safety and efficacy, ensuring that its products are tested and free from potentially harmful ingredients. This dedication to safety is reflected in Clinique’s dermatological and allergy-tested formulas. By focusing on creating simple yet powerful skincare routines, Clinique aims to make high-quality skincare accessible and easy to integrate into daily life, allowing individuals to achieve their desired skincare solutions with minimal effort.

In addition to its focus on safety and effectiveness, Clinique emphasizes the importance of delivering remarkable results through its innovative formulations. The luxury beauty brand’s approach is rooted in the belief that effective skincare should be both simple and transformative, providing visible improvements without requiring an elaborate regimen. Clinique’s product development is guided by scientific research and a deep understanding of dermatological needs, ensuring that each product is designed to address specific skin issues while enhancing overall skin health. This commitment to blending simplicity with effectiveness helps Clinique maintain its reputation as a trusted leader in the skincare industry, dedicated to helping individuals achieve their best skin through straightforward and reliable solutions.

Vision

Clinique’s vision is anchored in the commitment to deliver premium skincare and cosmetic products that prioritize the health and well-being of their customers. By offering dermatologist-tested formulations, the luxury brand ensures that its products are gentle on the skin and free from allergens.. reflecting a dedication to promoting skin health. The emphasis on being dermatologist-driven underscores the brand’s reliance on expert knowledge and the latest scientific advancements to create effective and safe beauty solutions.

At the core of Clinique’s vision is an unwavering dedication to continuous improvement and innovation. The company takes pride in its proactive approach to product formulation, regularly revisiting and evaluating its methods in light of the latest scientific discoveries. This commitment to staying abreast of cutting-edge research ensures that Clinique’s products not only meet but exceed industry standards.

Furthermore Clinique holds itself accountable to high benchmarks of sustainability and safety, reflecting a holistic vision that goes beyond skincare to embrace environmental responsibility. By integrating these principles into its vision Clinique strives to redefine luxury beauty by offering products that are not only indulgent but also conscientiously crafted for the well-being of both consumers and the planet.

Products and Services

Clinique offers a comprehensive range of products that include skincare, cosmetics, toiletries and fragrance, which are allergy-tested and dermatologist-driven. The luxury beauty brand’s skincare line is designed to address skin concerns with formulations that are rigorously tested to ensure they are effective. This includes everything from cleansers and moisturizers to serums, all crafted to meet high standards of safety and efficacy. The cosmetics include makeup that not only enhances beauty but also supports skin health, often incorporating skin-friendly ingredients and formulations.

In addition to skincare and cosmetics, Clinique’s product lineup extends to toiletries and fragrance, offering a holistic approach to personal care. Their toiletries, such as body wash and lotions, are designed to maintain skin health while providing a luxurious experience. Clinique’s fragrances are crafted to offer distinctive long-lasting scents that reflect the luxury beauty brand’s commitment to quality. The integration of dermatologist-driven insights into every product ensures that all offerings are not only effective but also suitable for a wide range of skin types, reaffirming Clinique’s dedication to delivering safe and reliable personal care solutions.

Awards and recognition

Clinique has received significant recognition and awards in the beauty and skincare industry, underscoring its commitment to excellence and innovation. The luxury beauty brand is celebrated for its allergy-tested and dermatologist-driven formulations. Clinique’s products are often highlighted for their effectiveness and safety, earning praise such as “Best Skincare Product” or “Top Dermatologist-Recommended” in beauty publications and consumer surveys. This reflect Clinique’s reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable skincare solutions that resonate with both industry professionals and consumers alike.

Key Team

  • Michelle Freyre (Senior Vice President, Global General Manager, Clinique)
  • Fabrizio Freda (President and CEO)

References