1981 Skincare Essential Ranked Among 'Greatest Beauty Products' of All Time Became a Cult Favorite
Clarins Double Serum, a skincare hero originally launched in 1981, remains a cult favorite product 45 years later. The beloved item was ranked among the greatest beauty products of all time on a list of 100 of the best releases ever by Beauty Inc.'s Women's Wear Daily.
Published in February 2026, the lineup comprises several heavy-hitters across skincare, makeup, hair styling tools, and more, with the most iconic picks "chosen by the people who know best - beauty industry insiders," the outlet announced. "These products are all 'original, and either reimagine or simply imagine something that doesn't exist,' said Linda Wells, editor of Air Mail Look and founding editor of Allure, who acknowledged the saturation of today's market and likened the current rate of new product development to running a marathon at the pace of a sprint."
Including Clarins Double Serum is an understandable choice: the popular product is rated 4.5/5 stars with nearly 49K reviews, and it has obviously stood the test of time. Officially, it's described as "a two-in-one serum, powered by 22 plant extracts and five active molecules, that mimics skin to visibly firm, boost radiance, and target the appearance of wrinkles and pores in as few as seven days."
"Twenty-two botanicals and five years of epigenetic research went into Double Serum, which focuses on both environmental and chronological aging," WWD noted, adding that the "results-oriented" buy has become an industry must-have: "One unit is sold every three seconds."
Made for all skin types and meant to address fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness, it has become known for its anti-aging properties and "skin revitalization," with users claiming it decreases the "look of large pores" and helps "smooth skin."
One person (who was not incentivized) hailed it "THE HOLY GRAIL: I've bought this 3 times now. Yes- it's expensive but it WORKS!"
As with most products, however, there are mixed reviews. Some claim it doesn't live up to the hype, with other users saying it's not suitable for sensitive skin and is a "hard pass."
Recently, the brand expanded the OG product into a makeup line with the new launch of Clarins Double Serum Foundation, available in 37 shades.
Providing more insight into what went into choosing which favorites made the final cut on the roundup, WWD added, "True hero products all share similar attributes. 'Fundamentally, the product has to be extraordinary, and you need to know how to get the consumer to fall in love,' said Jane Hertzmark Hudis, executive vice president and chief brand officer at the Estée Lauder Cos. Pointing to formula performance, sensoriality, packaging and marketing, she continued, 'All of that has to work together in a cogent way to make you love it - not just for the week, but for life. And that's the difference.'"
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This story was originally published June 3, 2026 at 11:24 AM.