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Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Review: Equate Mild Liquid Facial Soap (compare to Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild)

This review is a long time coming! I meant to post it before my unplanned break from blogging last month, but better late than never, right?

The Walmart house brand, Equate, introduced some Clinique skincare dupes back in February (CLICK HERE for my original post if you'd like to see the other products in this line).  Since my original post back in February, I've received some positive feedback from you regarding these dupes, so I decided to purchase the Equate facial cleanser and give it a whirl. I've been using it off and on for a few months now, so here are my thoughts...


Before I begin this review, let me confirm that Clinique does offer their Liquid Facial Soap Mild in a pump bottle which contains 6.7 oz of product (just like the Equate version above). It looks like this:

image source: sephora.com

I am only showing you the 5.0 oz tube version because that's the one I personally own (it was the only version available at my Cosmetic Company Outlet when I bought it there a few months ago).

So to confirm:

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild 
6.7 oz pump bottle 
Retail: $16.50 at Sephora, Clinique.com and Clinique counters

Equate Beauty Mild Liquid Facial Soap 
6.7 oz pump bottle
Retail: $9.78 at Walmart stores and Walmart.com

Ingredients comparison:

Clinique

As you can see, the ingredients are very similar, but they are not 100% identical. 

Equate





The pump is nice and sturdy (not flimsy) and is easy to use. The overall construction of the bottle feels solid.


Texture and consistency: Comparing the Equate version to the real thing, the texture and viscosity are nearly identical. They are both clear, thick liquids and they feel nearly identical in my hand. The Equate version has that same cushiony, thick, gel-like consistency that you get with the Clinique cleanser. Also, the effort needed to produce a lather is identical to me. They both foam up quite easily and they both have the same slick feeling on the skin. Also, they both tend to "cling" to the face in the same way. This is something I like about the Clinique cleanser--it doesn't just roll right off your face when you add water--it clings to the skin and it's easy to work into every little crevice of your face. It feels somewhat luxurious to use, and  I get that exact same feeling with the Equate version.

Fragrance: To me, both cleansers have a very mild scent. I definitely prefer the Clinique fragrance because it's more fresh and clean-smelling to my nose. The Equate version also has a clean, mild scent, but there's a tiny bit of a chlorine-like note to it that I don't get from the Clinique version. I don't think the fragrances are dramatically different, but if you're used to the Clinique fragrance, you will definitely notice the difference.

Performance: I find that the Equate version performs quite similarly when it comes to cleansing my skin. They both do a thorough job at removing the dirt, oil and makeup from my face. Also, the rinsing experience is nearly identical. Sometimes when I use the Clinique cleanser, I'll notice some lingering lather near my ears, right on my hairline. And guess what? I get that with the Equate version, too! It's not that either cleanser is difficult to rinse, but I just notice that, with both cleansers, the lather is abundant and it tends to travel all the way to my ears. I was really surprised that this happened with the Equate, since it's something I've only ever noticed with the Clinique cleanser. As for how my skin feels after rinsing and drying, would you believe that I actually feel like my skin is tiny bit less dry/tight with the Equate version? It's not that the Clinique version leaves my skin feeling excessively dry or tight, but I do detect a tiny bit of tightness after my skin is dry. I don't get that at all with the Equate version. Obviously this is just my own experience and yours could vary depending on your skin type.

FINAL VERDICT: If you are already a fan of Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild, and you're looking for a similar cleanser that's a bit more budget-friendly, you might be pleasantly surprised by the Equate version. It's not 100% identical, but it's one of the most accurate drugstore skincare dupes that I've come across in recent years. To me, the texture, viscosity and performance of the Equate version are quite similar to the real thing. But if you're a serious Clinique devotee, you might be more sensitive to the differences between the two (most notably, the fragrance). I don't think anything can compare to visiting a Clinique counter and receiving personalized recommendations from an SA based on your skin type, but if you already know that Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild is a good fit for you, and you're looking to save a few bucks, you might want to give the Equate version a shot if you shop at Walmart. I was very pleasantly surprised by this dupe.

The Equate Beauty versions of Clinique skincare can be found exclusively at Walmart stores and the Walmart website. For more info and links, check out my previous post HERE.

Do you own any Equate Beauty dupes? If so, I'd love to hear how they've been working for you!

The products featured in this post were purchased with personal funds. For more information, click here.
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20 comments

  1. I got the equate toner that is a dupe for the clinique toner (the purple one) I love it! Very similar too!

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    1. Glad to hear that it's working for you! Thanks for sharing. :)

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  2. This is nice to hear I tried the lotion that is supposed to be like the yellow Clinique one but it is not similar at all. The equate one has a very strong fragrance while the Clinique one does not.

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    1. Aaaah, that's very good to know! Thanks for taking the time to share!

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    2. I agree! I have sensitive skin and I feel like it broke me out! I'd rather pay for the real stuff that I knw works for me!

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  3. I have been searching for these for MONTHS. Not one Walmart around me has it. :(

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  4. Thank you for a thorough review. Although you claimed it was late, it was perfectly timed for me. I completely forgot about the Clinique/Equate because I was stocked up when it debuted. I need a few replacements and will check out the line.

    I have really enjoyed the Equate beauty line. I have used Olay and Neutrogena reviews. I have also preferred them. I am sensitive to fragrance and I can often find an equate product which is fragrance free when Neutrogena doesn't market one.

    Thanks again, I hope all is well with you, your Dad and the rest of the family.

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  5. Awesome review, G.! I love that you're so thorough and that you take time to review products. To me you are the most reliable and trustworthy beauty blogger ever. Thank you for your great blog :)

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  6. "Dramatically different," HAHAHAHAHAHAHA I see what you did there.

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  7. Great review! I definitely need to look for these!

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  8. I'm curious now. I don't have a lot of Clinique but always liked the brand. Mainly I'm such a bargain whore I prefer to buy more at a lower price. I'm curious about the dark spot corrector in particular. It's a nice savings over the Clinique version.

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  9. Hey G, I am on the fence about getting the Clinique cleansing balm. Have you tried it?

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    Replies
    1. its worth the money, does a nice job i hope to soon a dupe will come out.

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  10. The equate lotion "dupe" broke me out big time! It was nothing like using the clinique lotion. :( I took mine back. I'm glad you had a good experience with the facial cleanser! I might have to give that and the toner a go, since somebody said that they liked the toner.

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  11. Although I haven't tried any of dupe products, I find myself looking at them every time I'm at Walmart. The other day, I notice another. I'm not sure if you've seen it or mentioned it yet, but it's Equate Beauty's dupe for a few of St. Tropez's self tanning products, including the mitt.

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  12. I'm loving the equate take on Clinique's skincare. I have the moisturizer and toner and as far as I can tell, after 6 weeks of use, both perform the same for me. Now I'll likely go purchase the cleanser. Thanks a lot for your reviews!! :)

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  13. I use Clinique, but I might give the equate brand a try. I'll have to see if they carry in Canada!

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  14. I too am enjoying the equate dupes.....and saving alot of money! These products half price to what you would pay at the clinique counter!!!

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  15. My Walmart carried the three piece travel size of cleanser, toner, and moisturizer in a cute, clear and green travel bag for $10. I am so impressed by how similar the product is to Clinique, and will be running back to Walmart for the full size of each one!

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