My Honest Clinique Moisture Surge Review
If you’ve been eyeing one of the best-selling moisturizers from this iconic brand, my Clinique Moisture Surge Review might help you clarify a few things. I purchased this moisturizer to test out for a review (along with a bunch of other products from the line), and I have some thoughts.
The Clinique brand has been around since 1968 and offers skincare, makeup, and body care, too. You’ll often find Clinique at department stores and in the mall, but you can obviously purchase Clinique products online as well.
In this Clinique Moisture Surge Review, I’m going to dive into what I like about this formula, and what I don’t love. Read on to find out.
My Honest Clinique Moisture Surge Review
I wanted to test this formula out because I saw that a bunch of folks on Google were researching this product, trying to get an unbiased review. I have tried multiple Clinique products over the last 15 years, with Almost Lipstick in Black Honey and the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ being a few of my favorites.
Based on its name, I thought that the Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator would be super thick and heavy. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this formula was pretty light while being pretty hydrating, too.
What Is Clinique Moisture Surge?
There are a ton of products within the Clinique Moisture Surge line. I purchased a bunch of them with my own money to test and report back!
The purpose of the Moisture Surge line is to add intense hydration to your skin. It’s meant for those with dry, dehydrated, or combination skin and uses ingredients like aloe water and hyaluronic acid to add soothing properties and hydration back into the skin.
My Thoughts On the Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
First off, I thought that this would feel a lot thicker than it actually is. I guess I didn’t pick up on the fact that it’s supposed to be like a gel-cream, rather than a thick cream. I think that I thought the texture of this moisturizer would be closer to what the Moisture Surge Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator actually is. Which is a more traditional cream formula.
Key ingredients in this formula include hyaluronic acid, aloe, and vitamins C and E. I think it’s also important to note that the second ingredient in the ingredients list for this moisturizer is dimethicone. Some folks don’t like to apply silicones to their face. That doesn’t really bother me that much. But I believe that the dimethicone is what is making this feel moisturizing and helps to lock in hydration into your skin.
You can use this formula morning and night, and the brand states that you can use it in a few other ways, too. For example, you can apply a little bit over your makeup, like a highlighter, to add a bit of dewiness to the skin. Additionally, you can use this as a 5-minute face mask and then wipe it off with a tissue.
I didn’t notice any type of irritation or breakouts when I was testing this Clinique moisturizer. Which is a relief. I also really appreciate that this formula is fragrance-free because my skin hates fragrance.
I think this is a really interesting formula because it’s pretty hydrating without being really thick. For cold winter months, when my skin is dry as hell and super irritated, I prefer a formula that’s thicker than this one. However, when it’s hot outside and I need hydration on my dry skin, but not too much that it feels super heavy and cloggy, I like to reach for this pick. I think it’s ideal for hotter months or warmer climates because it’s lightweight while being pretty hydrating, too.
What Is In Clinique Moisture Surge Range?
There are a ton of products within the Clinique Moisture Surge range. I ordered a bunch to test out and report back to you about my findings. Here are my thoughts about each, ordered from most favorite to least favorite:
Moisture Surge Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief
Available at Nordstrom ($33)
Aside from the Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, this is my second favorite product from the line. It’s a perfect toner to bring hydration back into the skin before you apply your moisturizer. And I really love that it is in a spray bottle—it makes it so much easier to spritz on your face fast. I like this more than having to apply toner to a cotton round and then applying it to your skin.
I love that it is fragrance-free and contains hydrating ingredients like glycerin and aloe, as well as caffeine to help wake up your skin, too. Sometimes I bring this pick with me to the beach for a little mid-day spritz boost.
Moisture Surge Broad Spectrum SPF 28 Sheer Hydrator
Available at Nordstrom ($49)
I didn’t expect to like this SPF moisturizer as much as I do. The formula contains SPF 28, which isn’t the strongest SPF protection rating out there, but at least it’s something! It’s pretty lightweight but still hydrating, and blends really nicely into the skin.
The formula contains aloe bioferment, hyaluronic acid, and provitamin D to help boost moisture while also protecting your skin against free radical damage. It’s safe for acne-prone skin, and can be used on all skin tones, too.
One thing to note about this formula is that, although it’s fragrance-free, it does have a pretty strong sunscreen scent. Personally, I love the smell of sunscreen because it reminds me of the beach, but if you are averse to the scent of sunscreen, you might not love this one.
Moisture Surge Lip Hydro-Plump Treatment
Available at Nordstrom ($23)
This is a lovely little lip balm that hydrates my lips really well. The formula contains lipids, ceramides, and shea butter, and it’s a nice lip product to pop into your purse. I like that it’s thick enough to add hydration and long-lasting moisture, but isn’t sticky or uncomfortable on the lips, either.
Moisture Surge Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator
Available at Nordstrom ($47)
This pick is a richer version of the original Moisture Surge, and it helps provide intense hydration for very dry skin. While I would say that it’s pretty rich, it’s certainly not the richest cream I’ve ever put on my face. It’s a comfortable amount of richness for the fall and winter months, when it gets cold outside and my face is very dry.
This formula doesn’t feel as “slippery” as the Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, and soaks into the skin relatively fast. Especially for a moisturizer that’s on the thicker side. I like the formula, and love that it is fragrance-free, but I would not recommend this pick for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate
Available at Nordstrom ($51)
This pick is okay—I prefer serums that are less gel-like and more creamy. I do like that it contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid fragments and activated aloe water, but I don’t find it very hydrating. I also notice that it pills a bit after a few hours of use. Personally, I think there are other serums out there that are more moisturizing than this one, and cost less. One of my favorites is the Cocokind Ceramide Serum ($22).
Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum
Available at Nordstrom ($65)
I don’t like this pick and don’t recommend it. The formula has a very strong alcohol smell, and my sensitive skin doesn’t love it. This serum contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, 5% lactic acid, and vitamin C. It’s a gentle exfoliator that uses lactic acid to gently slough away dead skin slowly.
Maybe this formula would work for someone else, but it’s just not for me.
Is Clinique Moisture Surge Worth It?
I think that if you like a lightweight gel-cream, the Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator this is a perfect option for you. It definitely fits the “gel-cream” category. It’s a lightweight hydration that should keep your skin moisturized all day.
If you are in the dead of winter, or live somewhere in a drier climate, I would probably opt for something a little bit heavier. However, if it’s the summer and/or it’s hot where you live, I would definitely recommend checking this moisturizer out.
I find that it sits well under makeup and doesn’t pill, either. I love that it’s fragrance-free and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. If you need something a bit thicker, I would probably check out my Skinfix Reviews. And as I mentioned above, there are a bunch of other products from the Clinique Moisture Surge range that might be worth adding to your regimen as well.
You can also find some other great moisturizers to add to your skincare routine in my Tula Skincare Review on my blog.
*Please note: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through the links on my site at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting my small business by shopping through my affiliate links. It’s what keeps my blog running and I am so appreciative!
