Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Clearing Serum with Vitamin C 2.5 oz.

Common questions

Is Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Clearing Serum with Vitamin C 2.5 oz. healthy?

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Clearing Serum with Vitamin C 2.5 oz. scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This serum contains beneficial ingredients like niacinamide, ascorbyl glucoside, and squalane, which are known for their skin-replenishing and hydrating properties.

Which ingredients drive Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Clearing Serum with Vitamin C 2.5 oz.'s score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Niacinamide, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Acetyl Glucosamine count in its favor; Dimethicone, Polysorbate 80, Bht are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Clearing Serum with Vitamin C 2.5 oz.

Clinique
65 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$65.00 · 1 fl oz · $65.00 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 17
Harmful ingredients 5
Owned by Estée Lauder Companies
Category Serum
Summary

This serum contains beneficial ingredients like niacinamide, ascorbyl glucoside, and squalane, which are known for their skin-replenishing and hydrating properties. However, the presence of dimethicone, BHT, and phenoxyethanol, which are flagged for potential health concerns and processing, affects the overall safety profile. The product's formulation includes a mix of natural and synthetic components, leading to a moderate processing level.

Key ingredients 48

Ascorbyl Glucoside
Very Good

Ascorbyl glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C used for its antioxidant properties. It helps to brighten the skin and reduce signs of aging. It is effective in improving skin radiance and tone.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Brightens skin, reduces signs of aging, and provides antioxidant benefits.

Squalane
Very Good

Squalane is a natural emollient that helps to moisturize and soften the skin. It is known for its ability to mimic the skin's natural oils. It is highly beneficial for maintaining skin hydration and softness.

Risks

Generally well-tolerated with no significant risks.

Benefits

Moisturizes and softens skin.

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Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Very Good

Camellia sinensis leaf extract, also known as green tea extract, is rich in antioxidants and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage and reduce redness. It is highly beneficial for maintaining healthy and calm skin.

Risks

Generally well-tolerated with no significant risks.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant protection and reduces redness.

See more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract →
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Very Good

Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is a stable form of Vitamin C used for its antioxidant and brightening properties. It helps to improve skin radiance and reduce signs of aging. It is highly beneficial for maintaining healthy and radiant skin.

Risks

Generally well-tolerated with no significant risks.

Benefits

Brightens skin and provides antioxidant protection.

Niacinamide
Good

Vitamin B3 — evidence-backed skin and metabolic benefits.

Risks

Generally well-tolerated, but may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves skin texture, reduces pores, and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

See more about Niacinamide →
Acetyl Glucosamine
Good

Acetyl glucosamine is an amino sugar used for its skin-replenishing properties. It helps to improve skin hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.

Risks

Generally well-tolerated, but may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves skin hydration and reduces fine lines.

See more about Acetyl Glucosamine →
Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in cosmetics for its moisturizing properties. It is highly beneficial for maintaining skin hydration.

Risks

Generally well-tolerated with no significant risks.

Benefits

Attracts moisture and keeps skin hydrated.

See more about Glycerin →
Sodium Hyaluronate
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Risks

Generally well-tolerated with no significant risks.

Benefits

Hydrates skin and improves elasticity.

See more about Sodium Hyaluronate →
Cholesterol
Good

Cholesterol is a lipid that helps to maintain the skin's barrier function. It is used in cosmetics for its moisturizing and skin-replenishing properties. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.

Risks

Generally well-tolerated with no significant risks.

Benefits

Maintains skin barrier and provides moisturizing benefits.

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Helianthus Annuus (sunflower) Seed Extract
Good

Sunflower seed extract is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, providing nourishing benefits to the skin. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.

Risks

Generally well-tolerated with no significant risks.

Benefits

Nourishes skin and protects from environmental damage.

Glycyrrhiza Glabra (licorice) Root Extract
Good

Licorice root extract is known for its skin-brightening and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and soothe irritated skin. It is beneficial for improving skin tone and reducing inflammation.

Risks

Generally well-tolerated, but may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Brightens skin and reduces inflammation.

See more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra (licorice) Root Extract →
Oryza Sativa (rice) Bran Extract
Good

Rice bran extract is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, providing nourishing benefits to the skin. It helps to improve skin texture and tone. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy and radiant skin.

Risks

Generally well-tolerated with no significant risks.

Benefits

Nourishes skin and improves texture and tone.

See more about Oryza Sativa (rice) Bran Extract →
Triticum Vulgare (wheat) Germ Extract
Good

Wheat germ extract is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, providing nourishing benefits to the skin. It helps to improve skin texture and protect from environmental damage. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.

Risks

Generally well-tolerated with no significant risks.

Benefits

Nourishes skin and protects from environmental damage.

Cucumis Sativus (cucumber) Fruit Extract
Good

Cucumber fruit extract is known for its soothing and hydrating properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and provide moisture. It is beneficial for maintaining hydrated and soothed skin.

Risks

Generally well-tolerated with no significant risks.

Benefits

Soothes and hydrates skin.

See more about Cucumis Sativus (cucumber) Fruit Extract →
Salicylic Acid
Good

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid known for its exfoliating and acne-fighting properties. It helps to unclog pores and reduce acne breakouts. It is beneficial for improving skin clarity and texture.

Risks

May cause irritation and dryness in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Unclogs pores and reduces acne breakouts.

See more about Salicylic Acid →
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Good

Glycyrrhetinic acid is derived from licorice root and is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and reduce redness. It is beneficial for maintaining calm and balanced skin.

Risks

Generally well-tolerated, but may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Calms irritated skin and reduces redness.

Tocopheryl Acetate
Good

Tocopheryl acetate is a form of Vitamin E known for its antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage and improve skin texture. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy and protected skin.

Risks

Generally well-tolerated with no significant risks.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant protection and improves skin texture.

See more about Tocopheryl Acetate →
Water Aqua Eau
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in the application and absorption of the product. It does not provide direct benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.

Benefits

Water helps in the application and absorption of the product.

See more about Water Aqua Eau →
Isododecane
Neutral

Isododecane is a hydrocarbon used as an emollient and solvent in cosmetics. It provides a lightweight feel and helps in the even application of the product. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause irritation if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

Provides a lightweight feel and helps in even application.

See more about Isododecane →
Yeast Extract Faex Extrait De Levure
Neutral

Yeast extract is used for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties. It can help improve skin texture and appearance. It is generally well-tolerated in cosmetic formulations.

Risks

Rarely, it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides moisturizing and antioxidant benefits.

Butylene Glycol
Neutral

Butylene glycol is a common solvent and conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of products. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Improves texture and spreadability of products.

See more about Butylene Glycol →
Polysilicone-11
Neutral

Polysilicone-11 is a silicone used to provide a silky, smooth feel to the skin. It helps to fill in fine lines and create a smooth surface. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause breakouts in some individuals with sensitive skin.

Benefits

Provides a silky, smooth feel and helps fill in fine lines.

Peg-10 Dimethicone
Neutral

PEG-10 Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used as an emulsifier and conditioning agent. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Improves texture and spreadability of products.

Peg-6
Neutral

PEG-6 is a polyethylene glycol used as an emulsifier and solvent in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves texture.

Trametes Versicolor Extract
Neutral

Trametes versicolor extract is derived from a type of mushroom and is used for its antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant protection to the skin.

Hordeum Vulgare Extract Extrait D'orge
Neutral

Hordeum vulgare extract, derived from barley, is used for its antioxidant and soothing properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant protection and soothes skin.

Caffeine
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

Generally well-tolerated, but may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Reduces puffiness and improves skin texture.

See more about Caffeine →
Isohexadecane
Neutral

Isohexadecane is a hydrocarbon used as an emollient and solvent in cosmetics. It provides a lightweight feel and helps in the even application of the product. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause irritation if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

Provides a lightweight feel and helps in even application.

See more about Isohexadecane →
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
Neutral

Propylene glycol dicaprate is an ester used as an emollient and skin conditioning agent. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of products. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Improves texture and spreadability of products.

Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol
Neutral

Dimethoxytolyl propylresorcinol is used for its skin-brightening properties. It helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and improve skin tone. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Reduces dark spots and improves skin tone.

Caprylyl Glycol
Neutral

Caprylyl glycol is used as a skin conditioning agent and preservative booster. It helps to improve the texture and stability of products. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Improves texture and stability of products.

See more about Caprylyl Glycol →
Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Neutral

Stearamidopropyl dimethylamine is used as a conditioning agent and emulsifier in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of products. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Improves texture and spreadability of products.

See more about Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine →
Phosphatidylcholine
Neutral

Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid used for its skin conditioning properties. It helps to improve skin texture and hydration. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Improves skin texture and hydration.

See more about Phosphatidylcholine →
Sorbitan Oleate
Neutral

Sorbitan oleate is an emulsifier used to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It helps to blend ingredients and improve product consistency. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves texture.

See more about Sorbitan Oleate →
Polysorbate 20
Neutral

Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier used to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It helps to blend ingredients and improve product consistency. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves texture.

See more about Polysorbate 20 →
Stearic Acid
Neutral

Stearic acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves texture.

See more about Stearic Acid →
Hexylene Glycol
Neutral

Hexylene glycol is used as a solvent and viscosity agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of products. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Improves texture and spreadability of products.

See more about Hexylene Glycol →
Tromethamine
Neutral

Tromethamine is used as a pH adjuster and buffering agent in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and maintain product efficacy. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and maintains product efficacy.

Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric acid is used as a pH adjuster and exfoliant in cosmetics. It helps to maintain product stability and improve skin texture. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Maintains product stability and improves skin texture.

See more about Citric Acid →
Acrylamide/sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Neutral

This copolymer is used as a thickening agent and film-former in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of products. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Improves texture and stability of products.

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp Copolymer
Neutral

This copolymer is used as a thickening agent and film-former in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of products. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Improves texture and stability of products.

Sodium Citrate
Neutral

Sodium citrate is used as a buffering agent and pH adjuster in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and maintain product efficacy. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and maintains product efficacy.

See more about Sodium Citrate →
Nylon-12
Neutral

Nylon-12 is used as a texture enhancer and film-former in cosmetics. It helps to improve the feel and application of products. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Enhances texture and application of products.

Dimethicone
Bad

Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.

Risks

May cause breakouts in some individuals with sensitive skin.

Benefits

Helps to smooth skin texture and retain moisture.

See more about Dimethicone →
Polysorbate 80
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves texture.

See more about Polysorbate 80 →
Bht
Bad

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant used to extend the shelf life of products. It has been associated with potential health concerns, including skin irritation and endocrine disruption. Its use in cosmetics is controversial due to these potential risks.

Risks

May cause skin irritation and has potential endocrine-disrupting effects.

Benefits

Extends the shelf life of products by preventing oxidation.

See more about Bht →
Disodium Edta
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Improves stability and efficacy of formulations.

See more about Disodium Edta →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →

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