Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm Review

Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm
2.9
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
5.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Glyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Synthetic Beeswax, Squalane, Diisostearyl Malate, Jojoba Esters, C10-18 Triglycerides, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Silica, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Glyceryl Distearate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Mica
Review

Does Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.9 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm:
 

🔵🔵 Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.9 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a low humectancy of 0.6 out of 10 and a moderate occlusivity of 5.2 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Squalane (est. ≈4.0%) and Jojoba Esters (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide some occlusive moisturizing that is adequate for normal skin.

 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm contains a low level of humectants.

People with normal skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal skin
Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm
, as a moisturizer, provides the right level of occlusivity to hydrate normal skin, with a balanced texture that’s neither too light nor too heavy.
 
That said, there are some things about Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm worth noting.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains only a small amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Clinique Smart Clinical Repair AM/PM Retinoid Balm is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Glyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Function:
Origin:
Synthetic Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Diisostearyl Malate
Function:
Origin:
Jojoba Esters
Function:
Origin:
C10-18 Triglycerides
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Distearate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
10.3
4.0
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.6 10
0.6
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 10.3 20
5.2
4.0
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.6 10
0.6
All humectants
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 10.3 20
5.2
All occlusives
10.3
4.0
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
All soothing 2 5 No
All soothing
2
2
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Glyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate
Est. %45
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2An emollient ester that is used as a non-animal substitute for lanolin. Similar to lanolin, it melts at body temperature, making it ideal for use in body butters, lip balms, and ointments.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneA viscous liquid that makes a great oil base due to its smooth sensorial profile. It has emollient features, including good spreadability and little tack upon application. It also has the added benefit of being able to thicken products.
Synthetic Beeswax
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Synthetic BeeswaxA synthetic blend of fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and other ingredients that are combined to mimic natural beeswax.
Squalane
Est. %4
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Diisostearyl Malate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Diisostearyl MalateAn emollient ester that softens the skin and keeps it feeling smooth. It is characterized by a cushiony feel and glossy sheen, which is why it is frequently used in lip products.
Jojoba Esters
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Jojoba EstersA mixture of various wax esters from jojoba oil. It is used in skincare products as a fantastic emollient, soothing, and occlusive moisturizing agent that won't leave a sticky, oily feeling on the skin.
C10-18 Triglycerides
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
C10-18 TriglyceridesAn occlusive ingredient that helps lock in moisture. It provides a soft, smooth feel and melts at body temperature.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed WaxA solid wax obtained during the refining of crude sunflower oil. The majority of the wax comes from the shells, or hulls, of the sunflower seeds. It is used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer, helping to prevent water loss from the skin.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran WaxA solid, strongly emollient, and occlusive moisturizing wax obtained from rice bran oil. It is also used as a formula helper.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed ButterA fat obtained from the kernel of the mango seed. It is a semi-solid, plant-based butter that is used for consumption, and as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer in skincare.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed OilA fatty oil extracted from the seeds of the castor bean plant with very unique fatty acid composition. It is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that leaves the skin feeling soft and silky after application.
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Castor OilA processed, butter-like castor oil. It is solely comprised of occlusive moisturizing and emollient saturated fatty acids and is best suited for dry skin. It can also act as a thickener and emulsifier.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypinacolone RetinoateThe newest derivative of vitamin A with improved stability, less irritation, and (allegedly) direct vitamin A action. Studies recommend it for acne treatment and collagen-boosting effects.
Glyceryl Distearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl DistearateGlyceryl distearate is an ester of glycerol and two molecules of stearic acid. This ingredient is used in skincare formulations as an emollient and thickener.
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethyl IsosorbideA solvent for active ingredients that is claimed to help them better penetrate the outer layer of skin. It also helps to reduce the thickness of a product.
Mica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MicaA mineral powder made up of silicates with several functions (the main one being as a colorant). It has a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products. Mica also helps the product to apply more smoothly.