Who Owns Clinique?

Clinique's creation was inspired by a groundbreaking 1967 Vogue magazine article titled "Can Great Skin Be Created?" written by beauty editor Carol Phillips. The article featured an interview with dermatologist Dr. Norman Orentreich, who argued that great skin was not simply a matter of genetics but could be achieved through proper skincare routines. Evelyn Lauder, daughter-in-law of Estee Lauder, recognized the commercial potential of this concept and worked with Phillips and Orentreich to develop a skincare line based on dermatological science. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for science-based skincare while establishing a distinctive beauty approach that would define the dermatologist-developed category for generations.

Clinique launched in 1968 at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City as the world's first dermatologist-developed, allergy-tested, and fragrance-free skincare line. The brand's name was chosen to evoke clinical, medical credibility. The distinctive green and white packaging reinforced the clean, scientific positioning, and Clinique's sales consultants wore white lab coats to further emphasize the brand's dermatological authority. This revolutionary launch demonstrated exceptional ability to create a distinctive brand identity while establishing a competitive advantage in the emerging science-based skincare market.

The cornerstone of Clinique's launch was the 3-Step Skin Care System: Cleanse (with Facial Soap), Exfoliate (with Clarifying Lotion), and Moisturize (with Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion). This simple, systematic approach to skincare was revolutionary at a time when most beauty brands marketed products based on luxury and glamour rather than science. The system was developed through extensive testing on 600 volunteers and became one of the most successful skincare concepts in beauty history. Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion became one of the best-selling skincare products in the world, with one bottle sold approximately every 3.5 seconds globally. This innovative product development demonstrated exceptional ability to create systems that could serve specific consumer needs while establishing new skincare categories.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Clinique expanded internationally and broadened its product range to include color cosmetics, sun care, men's grooming (Clinique for Men), and specialized treatment products. The brand maintained its strict standards of allergy testing and fragrance-free formulation across all product categories, building deep loyalty among consumers with sensitive skin. This period of expansion demonstrated Clinique's exceptional ability to scale operations while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards that would define the brand for decades.

In the 2000s and 2010s, Clinique adapted to changing consumer preferences by introducing products targeting specific skin concerns such as anti-aging (Smart Clinical line), acne (Acne Solutions), and dark spots (Even Better). The brand also embraced digital marketing and e-commerce while maintaining its strong presence in department stores and specialty beauty retailers worldwide. This strategic evolution demonstrated Clinique's exceptional ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements while maintaining its core brand values and commitment to science-based skincare. Today, Clinique is sold in over 135 countries and remains one of the top-selling prestige skincare brands globally, representing a significant milestone in the evolution of dermatologist-developed beauty products.