Clinique Clarifying Lotion 4 | Gentle Exfoliator for Oily Skin Types| Face Toner with Witch Hazel + Salicylic Acid | Step 2 in 3-Step Skin Care Routine Review
Our verdict
Clinique Clarifying Lotion 4 is the stronger, oil-focused counterpart to Lotion 1, pairing witch hazel and salicylic acid to help clear away the excess oil that can contribute to breakouts. At $27.75 for 13.5 fluid ounces and a 4.7 star rating from 469 reviewers, it's a proven step 2 pick if your skin runs oily.
Check price on AmazonBest for
People with oily skin who want a stronger exfoliating toner as step 2 in a multi-step routine to help clear away oil and reduce breakouts.
Skip if
Your skin is dry or sensitive, since Lotion 4 is Clinique's more intense clarifying formula, built for oilier skin than milder versions in the line.
- Priced 45% above the category median ($19.20 across 452 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.7/5
4.7 average across 469 owner ratings
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Popularity3.0/5
469 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
Clinique Clarifying Lotion 4 is built for oily skin as part of the brand's numbered three-step Clarifying Lotion system. The liquid toner combines witch hazel, salicylic acid, and glycerin, working to exfoliate and clear away excess oil that can contribute to breakouts, while the glycerin helps soften the impact of the active ingredients.
At 400 milliliters, or 13.5 fluid ounces, the bottle is generously sized for a toner, and the $27.75 price works out to solid value per ounce. The formula is fragrance free, paraben free, and phthalate free, which is worth noting even for an oil-focused product, since some clarifying toners lean heavily on added fragrance.
With 469 reviews and a 4.7 star average, this is one of the more reviewed products in this set, and the score holds up well. That level of consistency suggests it performs as intended for the oily skin types it's designed for.
Pros
- Formulated specifically for oily skin, with witch hazel and salicylic acid targeting excess oil
- Glycerin in the formula helps balance the exfoliating effect of the actives
- Fragrance free, paraben free, and phthalate free
- Large 13.5 fluid ounce bottle at a reasonable $27.75 price
- Solid 4.7 star rating across 469 reviews
Cons
- Too strong for dry or sensitive skin types, since this is the more intense formula in Clinique's line
- Salicylic acid exfoliation may require an adjustment period for first-time users
- Best suited to a specific skin type, so it won't work as a universal, all skin types toner
Performance notes
The pairing of witch hazel and salicylic acid gives this formula real exfoliating power aimed at oil and breakout-prone skin, and the added glycerin helps keep the skin from feeling stripped afterward. Since it's the stronger version in Clinique's numbered lineup, it's built to do more active work than a hydration-focused toner.
What buyers say
A 4.7 star average from 469 reviews shows this toner performs consistently well for its target audience of oily skin types. The review volume here is a step up from some of the other prestige toners in this set, suggesting a wider base of repeat buyers.
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Frequently asked questions
How is Clarifying Lotion 4 different from Clarifying Lotion 1?
Both are part of Clinique's numbered clarifying system, but Lotion 1 is formulated for very dry skin with a gentler touch, while Lotion 4 is built for oily skin and delivers a stronger exfoliating effect using the same witch hazel and salicylic acid base. Picking the right number for your skin type matters for comfort and results.
Will this help with breakouts caused by oily skin?
The formula works to clear away the oil that can contribute to breakouts, using salicylic acid to help keep pores clearer. Results vary, but this kind of daily toning step is commonly used as part of a broader routine for oil-prone, breakout-prone skin rather than as a standalone treatment.
Can I use this if my skin is combination, not fully oily?
Clinique markets this specific version for oily skin, so if you have combination skin, you may find it more drying in areas that aren't oily. Some combination skin users apply it only to the oilier zones of the face, like the T-zone, rather than all over.