Clarins • Gentle Day Cream • Moisturizers

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*TOP REVIEWER* onitacy on 4/17/2013 9:04:00 PM more reviews by onitacy

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

I had been using this product for years because of my rosacea. Unfortunately, they've changed the formula. It just does not do what it used to for me. Now it just sits on the skins and seems to take forever to absorb. Before, it would just sink right in after a minute or two. I really hate it when companies change formulas and don't let customers know. I still buy many of Clarins products, as customer communication is not any cosmetic company's strength.

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ultrasensitive888 on 4/15/2013 8:09:00 PM more reviews by ultrasensitive888

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I have ultra sensitive, dehydrated skin and after trying several La Roche Posay / Avene moisturizers that didn't work for me (either too rich and caused breakout or too light and caused severe tightness / pain), I tried Clarins Gentle Day Cream. This cream has rich / smooth texture and a slight botanical scent. It soaks easily into my skin, is non-greasy, and is very soothing / calming with minimum redness. Love the non-removable pump top that dispenses only what you need and is sanitary.

However, over the course of 5 days, dry patches appeared and progressively got worse leading to excessive flakiness / peeling. It seemed like this cream is not being absorbed properly and my skin is severely dehydrated. I stopped using this cream on Day 5 due to concerns with severe flakiness / peeling on my face. I'm not sure if I'm allergic to mineral oil or botanical ingredients in this products. I wanted to love this product but it didn't work for me.

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Whitelily84 on 4/6/2013 6:38:00 PM more reviews by Whitelily84

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Blue    

I've been using this product for years. My red, dry skin loves it! It's less thick then the night cream.

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Marcekler on 8/15/2012 3:42:00 AM more reviews by Marcekler

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Other   Eyes: Green    

Just good basic moisturizer. Nothing extraordinary. I repurchased it several times already, will buy again just because it feels really comfortable for my sensitive skin, especially during the winter.

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hummingbird1982 on 7/18/2012 1:41:00 PM more reviews by hummingbird1982

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I have sensitive combination skin and have battled acne for years. I bought this recently and have to say that, so far, I am very impressed. It is indeed very gentle and seems to be calming my rather wayward skin. It also seems (touch wood) to work well with my make-up so that I don't look like I have been on a marathon run by the end of the day. Even the boyfriend has remarked on how much better my skin is looking (so it must be good....)

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Jelowish on 11/16/2011 10:57:00 PM more reviews by Jelowish

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I love this product!! it really help calming my red cheek. i have a very sensitive skin which react to almost everything, i don't used to have a lot of breakout after i try several new product last few month. start from that my face was so irritated, red, bumps on my cheek and several breakout of my forehead and cheek.
after reading several good review on this product i finally give it a try, this product doesn't irritate my sensitive skins, it's not sticky and greasy at all for my combination to dry skins and it reduce the redness on my cheek!
Definitely will repurchase this product, even though it's so expensive but worth it!!

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aessop on 9/12/2011 7:23:00 AM more reviews by aessop

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Tan, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I used this product during winter and all I can say is that it wasn't that moisturising. I had to apply the Clarins Gentle Night Cream as a Day Cream to get the hydration benefit. There are definitely cheaper products than this one that can do a better job. UPDATE 14/12/2012: Clarins made me eat my words. Their sensitive skin care line has so far proven to be even more effective than Estee Lauders Verite line. Verite was good, but I sometimes did have bad days. After months of irritated skin, I desperately and with some resignation, turned back to this product thinking I'd get average blah results. However, this has really improved my skin's appearance and texture and its consistency is perfect for Summer (For Winter, I'll cross that bridge when I get there). I have no irritation and my skin looks healthy and calm. Not airbrushed "wow" but nice and even and way way better than it was. Getting back to the cream, I notice that its thicker than the night cream and has a different texture - very plush. And when I apply it, it gives my skin a slight matte finish which I love. The fragrance doesn't bother me as this products beats alot of the fragrance free products I've used prior to this. As I mentioned with the review of the night cream - although I don't have much experience with the whole Clarins range in general I now have alot of respect for the company - especially their sensitive skin care line of cleansers and moisturisers. I'm moving this review from two lippies to five impressed and very happy lippies.

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MAXTHECAT on 2/5/2011 3:12:00 PM more reviews by MAXTHECAT

Age: 44-55   Skin: Very Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I have used Clarins on and off for many years. I loved their old products Crene Santal and Blue Orchid. I purchased this last year. It is not nearly rich enough for someone with truly dry skin ( I can apply Aquaphor a few times an day and not look shiney) and it DOES sit on the skin instead of absorbing. It does not have shine to it, so for anyone thinking it sits on the skin all greasy this is not the case. No scent, which is a good thing however not satisfactory as a moisterizer. Does it have silicone in it?

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Ancora on 1/7/2011 8:42:00 PM more reviews by Ancora

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

This is my go-to day cream for the colder part of the year, and my night cream for the warmer part. It soothes and comforts my sensitive skin, doesn't cause break-outs and relieves dry skin very well without turning me into a grease-ball. Will not shop around for other creams, this is a keeper. Too bad the packaging is so stupid.

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*TOP REVIEWER* LUVrascal on 1/7/2010 9:25:00 PM more reviews by LUVrascal

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I've been using this for two months and it has been such a life saver for my skin. After a long illness that left my skin extremely sensitive, I had to abandon my usual Kinerase products. Then it became an obsessive search for all new skincare products. In a five month period I tried La Mer, Korres, Chanel, Kate Sommerville, La Praire, Clinique, and a few natural brand products without success. Everything left my skin feeling slightly burned, or leave me with these persistent superficial little bumps. It was a frustrating experience. My skin reacts almost immediately if a product isn't right for me so I usually can tell within the first day of trying something if I can use it. I was at the point where I just thought my skin would never look like it used to and I would have to just deal with it.


Finally I decided to try Clarins since I can use their sunscreen on my face daily without any problems. I had previously used some of their skincare several years ago when I had oily skin and I hadn't liked it at all, so I was hesitant. But after one week of using this my skin was almost completely back to normal. I was shocked. No sensitivity, no burning, no bumps. It evens out my skin tone and keeps my skin balanced. I don't get the occasional dry patches I used to have, and it's gentle enough for me to use around my eyes. It feels very soothing. My skin looks great now and I haven't had any more problems with it.


The texture feels like a plush lotion to me, not a cream. Or maybe more accurately somewhere between a lotion and a cream. It's very emollient and light and it smoothes on very easily. Feels like it gives plenty of moisture without suffocating my skin in a thick/heavy layer of cream. It takes a few minutes to fully absorb but it never has any sort of greasy or shiny finish. I don't detect any kind of scent.


I have no complaints at all. The pump is sanitary and easy to control the amount being dispensed, and the plastic packaging is easy to travel with and safe for my clumsy self. I've used this for two months (morning and night) and am just replacing my original bottle now so it does last awhile. I highly recommend if you have sensitive, normal-combination skin.


UPDATE 10-3-10: After a few months this stopped working for me, and I developed a pretty harsh reaction to it. I started noticing a strange dry path on either side of the bridge of my nose. It was red and rough, and persistent. It never seemed to spread or get worse, but it was persistently annoying. I didn't know it was connected to this product at all, so I kept using it and even added more and more moisturizer throughout the day in an effort to soothe the dryness. I've never dealt with dry skin or flaking like that before so I was at a loss to know what would fix it. Eventually I went to my dermatologist and he told me to stop using this because many people have problems with Mineral Oil. After only 3 or 4 days my skin was fine again and I never had that problem again. Everyone's skin is different, so of course others may not have issues with the Mineral Oil as I did. I wish this had worked for me. I've noticed that every Clarins skincare product I used in my routine eventually caused my skin problems of one kind or another. It's unfortunate because I did like this line.

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janeerackley on 4/24/2009 11:49:00 AM more reviews by janeerackley

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I have quite greasy skin and this is a little on the heavy side, especially for summer. But on the many plus sides, it sinks in easily, rehydrates really well and doesn't irritate. It also causes far less clogging than anything else i've tried, including acne specific products. I find it quite calming, but unfortunately it doesn't do much to reduce the redness.

It is expensive, but i don't have to use much so it lasts for more than two months a time.

I keep o trying other "miracle" products, only to go back to this every time.

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*TOP REVIEWER* luluhalabaloo on 2/20/2009 11:16:00 PM more reviews by luluhalabaloo

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I am definitely not loving this. It feels warm and lovely when applying, but it actually started to burn my skin (it felt that way I mean) then it seemed to dry my skin out. It doesn't moisturize well at all, imo, but the worst thing is is that it does not provide a feeling of comfort. I won't even be finishing up the sample - I will use it up on my neck and body. It bothers me that it says it is specifically gentle yet it irritated by skin more than my extra-firming!

Update: Well, it's been awhile and am trying another sample, totally forgetting I reviewed this before! And guess what! I was thinking this same thing as I wrote a long time ago without realizing I actually reviewed it before! haha....and still it reacts the same way. Love the feel of it going on, dries my skin out and irritates it. Blah. I have to remember to check my reviews.

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sayakka on 12/16/2008 8:46:00 PM more reviews by sayakka

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

i really like the package. a nice pump bottle. i've tested this out for a month but don't feel my skin is more hydrated if i don't spread something else underneath it. i don't like the smell either. i think $ 60 a bottle is overpriced because i can find better ones that aren't.

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betagal on 2/16/2008 5:51:00 PM more reviews by betagal

Age: 44-55   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I was afraid to try this because I usually need oil-free products. However, this winter my 53-year-old skin has been dry causing some nasty red bumps that I thought were blemishes but were not. I asked a Clarins SA for a sample and she gave me two generous plastic tubs of this cream. I use this for daytime wear and use Olay's Age Defying Daily Renewal Cream at night. So far, no breakouts and I have been using this for a couple of weeks. It makes a nice base/primer for my foundation. I'll be buying this when my samples run out.

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*TOP REVIEWER* barbiesweetdoll on 1/18/2008 11:32:00 PM more reviews by barbiesweetdoll

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

didnt help with redness.the entire gentle line didnt work for me.

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dlkarp on 1/6/2008 11:10:00 AM more reviews by dlkarp

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

Whenever my skins is really parched I turn to this product. I find I can put my make up on straight away and I have no dry patches. (I sometimes suffer from really stubborn dry patches) Although it feels really thick at first, it does absorb into the face and gives you an overall glow. The only reason I dont use this everyday is because it is a really heavy, rich cream and my skin easily clogs up. I try to use light cleansers and moisturisers on a day to day basis like MIR cosmetics.

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*TOP REVIEWER* doree_001 on 11/11/2007 7:32:00 AM more reviews by doree_001

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

I got a sample of Gentle Night Cream and didn't expect much, because I am not so fond of Clarins face-skincare, (I think that their body products are better). Well, I have been so pleasantly surprised with Gentle Night Cream that I went to ask for a sample of Gentle Day Cream. It also works very good for my skin: moisturizing, soothing, pleasant on the skin, no strong smell, nice texture. My complexion looks healthy, luminous and clear with this cream - I am very satisfied. I am going to purchase both: Gentle Nigh & Day Cream for sure.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Hilarie86 on 4/23/2007 6:21:00 AM more reviews by Hilarie86

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I love this. I have combination skin and I break out when using certain products, so I have to be pretty careful. I use this during the day and it`s perfect. Absorbs fast, and leaves my skin oh so smooth:) The best part for me is that it`s SO easy to apply makeup afterwards. I used a day cream from Guinot before and it takes about 10 minutes for it to absorb, and allthough I use powder foundation the makeup slipped off during the day. Not with this one! I`m thrilled!! Expensive though...but worth it. Love the pump. UPDATE! After using this for a while, I have found that this doesn`t give me the moisturise I need. Will be great for people with oily skin type, but my skin is to dehydrated for this.

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*TOP REVIEWER* WindyCityGirl on 3/22/2007 10:36:00 PM more reviews by WindyCityGirl

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I got a sample of this and the Multi-Active cream-The multi-active cream seemed a little too greasy for me, but this one seemed to do fine and I was in the market for a new cream so why not-

I've been using it for about 2 weeks now-I don't know what to think about it-I actually went out and got the Sensitive Skin Foaming Cleanser and the Serum from this line-

The lotion hasn't caused any breakouts, at least I don't think so-I never get whiteheads and I am getting them around the crevice of my nose-Which is bothering me-

For some reason I feel this is sitting on top of my skin and not sinking in-My skin looks parched still-I am confused with this-Maybe I need to drink more water but I will have to see how this goes-I have saw that you are supposed to not give up on products, so I will keep using this and see-I was told that once I complete the "sensitive skin" line I would be able to move up to another line, so maybe I'll try something else that "sinks" into my skin-

And also I noticed my face feels a little oily in my t-zone which is odd b/c I have normal skin, never ever really oily in my t-zone-So I don't know if it's from this cream or the combination of the cleanser and cream together-

I'll update if I feel this just isn't working-Tonight I went and used my Bobbi Brown overnight cream to see if I could tell a difference-The BB one seemed to sink in more but just a little heavy for day wear since it's getting warmer here in Chicago-I used it daily in the winter-

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*TOP REVIEWER* swolf123 on 2/28/2007 11:47:00 AM more reviews by swolf123

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I usually use the Bright Plus Lotion, but Macys was out. I gave this cream a try since it was winter and I needed to try something more moisturizing. My only reservation was putting anything new on my face, in fear that I will breakout or cause irritation. After a month of use, I can say that I really like this cream. No irritation, no breakouts, no flakes. This might be too hydrating for summer though. I'll have to see.
Update: The cream acts like a gel, as it absorbs into the skin rather quickly. I was a little weary of repurchasing this item for the spring, but I haven't had any problems with it being too heavy. On top of that it is very calming for reactive skin. My only wish is that the Gentle Lotion would come back to the States. It's been discontinued here.
Update: Moved on. Not hydrating enough, and I want an SPF combined moisturizer.

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