I wish I could tell you I hated this and it did nothing for me. Truth is, I cannot because it did work for me and I like it. I was so convinced it wouldn’t work that I took shots of my skin pigmentation and freckles before I started using this essence hoping to debunk it.
The Clinique Derma White Clinical Brightening Essence is an essence or serum that is meant to give you smoother, more even toned skin and to reduce the signs of past damage. I’d been using this serum all over my face (except for a part on my left cheek) for over 2 months and truth be told, I’d forgotten that I was supposed to review this.
When my Mum saw me recently, I was at my worst. I was all hot and bothered from cleaning my house and bedraggled and sweaty. Yet she said that my skin was looking radiant and brighter. Mum has a strange habit of complimenting me when I’m looking at my worst 😛
So that was when I took my “after” shot and lining up the before and after shots side by side, I must say there is a noticeable difference in the patch of pigmentation on my cheek and in the color of my skin. Photos were taken in similar lighting using the same camera.
The picture on the left shows you my skin before I started using the Clinique Derma White essence. Its not terribly uneven in skintone but my pigmentation/freckles are darker.
On the right, is the picture taken most recently which shows an overall lightening of pigmentation and generally more even skin tone. Where I have indicated with the yellow arrows are spots where I see the most improvement but on an overall basis, I do see a general brightening of the skin, which is great for me. This comparison is made after about 2 months.
Do not expect miracles! You can never get rid of pigmentation only lighten its appearance.
The directions call for you to use it twice a day – morning and night – but I only use it once at night because I don’t like using brightening or whitening essences in the day. I also always use a high SPF sunblock in the day and I will advise anyone using whitening products to do the same. This is in particular as this product contains Acetyl Glucosamine and Salicylic Acid which exfoliates the skin.
During this time, I used the Clinique Derma White essence over the Dior One Essential serum on alternate days. Perhaps the Dior One Essential serum helped speed up the process – its meant to prep your skin to absorb other skincare better.
The serum is light in texture and feels smooth on the skin with no scent. I follow up with moisturizer (any brand/type but without whitening properties) and I did not experience any problems with this essence.
So yes. I wish I could tell you this was a bummer. But it wasn’t for me 🙂 Its expensive at RM240260/30ml but it works and that’s all that matters! Once I finish this bottle (its been 2 months and still going) I will stop it for a while. I usually use whitening serums for “treatment” but if I were to recommend a skin brightening serum, this would likely be it for 2010 🙂
Pros: Helped brighten my skin tone, Reduce the appearance of pigmentation, works!
Cons: Expensive for some
This has been out a while and I believe Clinique was giving out samples or holding introductory workshops at some stage. Did you manage to snag a sample to try? Are you using it and did it work for you too?
Paris B
The Clinique Derma White Clinical Brightening Essence retails at RM260/30ml at all Clinique counters. This product is also known as Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector in the USA – same technology different name.
hello..
i’m 20 and i don’t have problem with freckles or blemishes..
i’m looking for a serum that gives whitening & brightening effect
and maybe a little treatment in discolouration.
i did a little research and i’m contemplating on buying either
Clinique Derma White Clinical Brightening Essence or
Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Ultimate Whitening Essence..
which one would you recommend??
or do you have any other recommendation?
I personally find that the Clinique one was more effective on my skin so if it is something that is within budget, you could give it a try.