
Dr. Norman Orentreich, Pioneer of Allergy Science
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Clinique Story
Dr. Norman Orentreich, Pioneer of Allergy Science
Clinique founding dermatologist Dr. Norman Orentreich revolutionized the beauty industry with his scientific approach to customized skincare. 50 years later, Clinique continues his legacy through rigorous allergy testing and our dedication to using safe, effective ingredients.

The resulting feature, titled “Can Great Skin Be Created” appeared in the August 15th, 1967 issue of Vogue and sent shockwaves through the industry with its bold proposition that anyone could have great skin, regardless of your genes—how fitting in a decade rife with radical thinking. Dr. Orentreich’s skincare secret was delightfully simple (though certainly not basic!), and had been central to his practice for a decade: cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize. Perform that regimen, customized to your skin type, twice each day, and you would see incredible results—so fundamental today, yet utterly trailblazing back then.
The creation of Clinique.
The article struck a chord with Leonard Lauder, Chief Executive Officer and Estée Lauder’s son, who enlisted both to develop a revolutionary line of products based on Dr. Orentreich’s radical idea and his own dermatological formulas. One year later, in September 1968, Clinique burst onto the scene as the world’s first allergy tested, 100% fragrance free, dermatologist developed beauty brand. The original lineup consisted of 117 products, each created under the guidance of Dr. Orentreich’s clinical formulations and allergy testing protocol. 7 of his original products are still among our top sellers today.
