Clarins
Clarins was founded in 1954 by Jacques Courtin-Clarins in Paris, originally as a massage therapy practice before expanding into plant-based skincare. The brand remains family-owned -- a rarity among major beauty companies -- with the Courtin-Clarins family maintaining control of formulation and business decisions. Clarins has one of the largest proprietary botanical ingredient libraries in the beauty industry, with over 250 plant-derived actives. Their Double Serum, launched in 1985 and reformulated multiple times since, pioneered the dual-phase oil-and-water serum format. With 5 products across 4 categories averaging 80/100 at the premium tier, Clarins delivers sophisticated plant-based formulations backed by genuine botanical expertise.
Brand Philosophy
Clarins harnesses the power of plant science through one of the industry's largest botanical ingredient libraries. The brand combines French luxury with genuine plant expertise, creating formulations that respect the skin while delivering measurable results. Family ownership ensures long-term ingredient research investment.
Consumers who value plant science expertise and family-owned brand independence. Strong across anti-aging, hydration, and body care categories.
- Double Serum (dual-phase pioneer)
- 250+ proprietary plant actives
- Family-owned independence
- Body care expertise (tonic oils)
- Massage-based application techniques
- Turmeric Extract
- Harungana Extract
- Organic Sea Lily
- Kangaroo Flower
- Oat Sugars
Clarins at a Glance
Strongest Categories
Clarins performs best in: Anti-Aging Treatment (2 products, avg 84/100); Eye Care (1 product, avg 82/100); Serum (1 product, avg 81/100).
Best Conditions Served
Across all products, Clarins scores highest for: Dry/Dehydrated Skin (avg 87/100); Aging/Mature Skin (avg 86/100); Combination Skin (avg 84/100). If your primary concern is one of these conditions, Clarins products are particularly worth considering.
Certifications
Common certifications include Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, Dermatologist Developed.
Best Clarins by Skin Condition
The highest-scoring Clarins product for each condition we evaluate.