The History of Clinique

In the 1960s, Leonard Lauder, the son of Estée Lauder, was working as the CEO for his mother’s eponymous beauty company. He read an article by Vogue editor Carol Phillips, a woman known for speaking her mind and her passionate belief that the skincare and cosmetics industry needed to evolve. In the article, she interviewed Dr. Norman Orentreich, a New York dermatologist who was pioneering a three-step skincare method for his patients. While his 3-step system of cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing is commonly used today, it was revolutionary at the time. The article was called “Can Great Skin Be Created?” After reading Phillips’ investigative, well-researched article, Leonard Lauder was inspired to reach out to Phillips in hopes of starting a bold, modern beauty line together. He introduced his mother and Phillips, who immediately hit it off. Lauder then asked Bob Nielsen, who was the general sales manager for Estée Lauder at the time, to take Phillips to lunch and discuss the idea further, as he was afraid of being turned down. While he was in Paris, Leonard received a cablegram from Nielsen that simply read, “Carol said yes.” Phillips then persuaded Dr. Orentreich to join the new project, making Clinique the world’s first dermatologist-developed prestige beauty brand. In September 1968, almost exactly twelve months after Carol Phillips had signed onto the project, Clinique was introduced at the beauty counter of New York’s Saks Fifth Avenue. The brand's name came from Leonard’s wife, Evelyn, who was inspired by signs she saw during a trip to Paris advertising “Clinique Esthétiques" (salons for French women to get facials and other treatments). She liked that the term was associated with French glamour and a fresh, clinical approach to skincare. The packaging for the fledgling brand was equally modern and chic, making use of a pale celadon green hue. The debut of Clinique set a new standard at department store beauty counters. Clinique “Consultants” wore white lab coats and used the Clinique Computer, a non-electronic box of levers that determined one’s skin type and needs, offering a more personalized and informative experience than ever before. Clinique debuted with 117 skincare and cosmetic items, including the famous 3-Step System. The line was specifically advertised as being allergy-tested and fragrance-free, and the company ran various campaigns featuring bold images by photographer Irving Penn. Today, Clinique remains one of the most well-known skincare and cosmetics brands in the world.