Clinique Moisture Surge™ Hydrating Lotion

Clinique Moisture Surge™ Hydrating Lotion

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium
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Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing
27 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support
What the product description says
“Moisture Surge™ Hydrating Lotion”
From product name

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glucosamine hcl, glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: squalane, jojoba esters.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl glucosamine, palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, urea

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.1–5%
Acetyl glucosamineHero· HumectantEffect: HighAn effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin~0.3–0.55%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%
Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.65%
SucroseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion~0.35–0.6%
TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.5%
Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.2–0.4%
UreaHero· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations~0.2–0.4%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~0.3–0.6%
Jojoba estersKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function~0.25–0.5%
Lactobacillus fermentKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative~0.35–0.6%
Gelidiella acerosa extractKey activeEffect: HighAn algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties~0.75–1.1%
Glucosamine hclKey active· HumectantEffect: HighMight be able to stimulate production of skin's natural moisturizing compounds such as hyaluronic acid. Could be helpful for evening the skin tone.~0.2–0.4%
Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.25–0.5%
Triticum vulgare germ extractKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumPlant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intolerance~1–1.3%
Hypnea musciformis extractKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumMight help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.65%
Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~5.5–6.7%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.25–0.45%
Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.25–0.5%
Peg-32· HumectantEffect: LowHelps dissolve other ingredients and attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.4%
Peg-6· HumectantEffect: LowHelps to dissolve other ingredients and attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%
Peg-8· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product consistency~0.2–0.4%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~2.3–2.8%
Polyquaternium-51Effect: LowAn emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin~0.15–0.3%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~3–3.6%
Glyceryl polymethacrylate· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture~0.25–0.5%
Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.3–0.6%
Anti-aging
3 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support
What the product description says
“Powered by high performance ingredients including Glycerin, Trehalose and Sodium PCA to draw moisture into the skin and plump the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, the oil-free milk prepares skin for the acceptance and efficacy of serums and creams with an advanced moisture complex.”
Source: Recreate Yourself

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains acetyl glucosamine, palmitoyl hexapeptide-12.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12Key activeEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.65%
Acetyl glucosamineKey activeEffect: HighAn effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin~0.3–0.55%
Glucosamine hclEffect: LowMight be able to stimulate production of skin's natural moisturizing compounds such as hyaluronic acid. Could be helpful for evening the skin tone.~0.2–0.4%
Evens skin tone
Not advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: acetyl glucosamine

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: glucosamine hcl.

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

Acetyl glucosamineKey activeEffect: HighAn effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin~0.3–0.55%
Glucosamine hclKey activeEffect: MediumMight be able to stimulate production of skin's natural moisturizing compounds such as hyaluronic acid. Could be helpful for evening the skin tone.~0.2–0.4%
Pisum sativum extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be helpful in protecting skin collagen and elastin from breaking down but solid research is lacking~1.5–1.8%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Gelidiella acerosa extract
Medium risk
We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Gelidiella acerosa extractAn algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.75–1.1%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~2.3–2.8%est.
Pisum sativum extractMight be helpful in protecting skin collagen and elastin from breaking down but solid research is lackingMedium~1.5–1.8%est.
Hordeum vulgare extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties. Avoid if you are sensitive to glutenMedium~1.3–1.6%est.
Triticum vulgare germ extractPlant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intoleranceMedium~1–1.3%est.
Sigesbeckia orientalis extractA plant extract that can contain an anti-inflammatory compoundMedium~0.55–0.8%est.
CaffeineMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyesMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Jojoba estersAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier functionMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Peg-8Used to create a nice product consistencyMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Hexylene glycolHelps create a more spreadable product textureMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Triticum vulgare germ extractPlant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intolerance3/5~1–1.3%est.
Hypnea musciformis extractMight help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.45–0.65%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane~5.5–6.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane
Glycerin~4.1–5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Butylene glycol~3–3.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Pentylene glycol~2.3–2.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol
Bambusa vulgaris extract~1.8–2.2%
Formula
Pisum sativum extract~1.5–1.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin tone

Might be helpful in protecting skin collagen and elastin from breaking down but solid research is lacking

More about Pisum sativum extract
Hordeum vulgare extract~1.3–1.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties. Avoid if you are sensitive to gluten

More about Hordeum vulgare extract
Triticum vulgare germ extract~1–1.3%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Plant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intolerance

More about Triticum vulgare germ extract
Gelidiella acerosa extract~0.75–1.1%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Gelidiella acerosa extract
Sigesbeckia orientalis extract~0.55–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can contain an anti-inflammatory compound

More about Sigesbeckia orientalis extract
Caffeine~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
De-puffingAnti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes

More about Caffeine
Hypnea musciformis extract~0.45–0.65%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Hypnea musciformis extract
Sucrose~0.35–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion

More about Sucrose
Lactobacillus ferment~0.35–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationReduces irritation

A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative

More about Lactobacillus ferment
Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12~0.35–0.65%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingMoisturizing

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12
Ergothioneine~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Preliminary studies show that it can be more effective than coenzyme Q10 but studies on effective concentration for topical applications are lacking

More about Ergothioneine
Acetyl glucosamine~0.3–0.55%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Evens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-agingExfoliation

An effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin

More about Acetyl glucosamine
Trehalose~0.3–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Trehalose
Squalane~0.3–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
Glyceryl polymethacrylate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture

More about Glyceryl polymethacrylate
Sodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Jojoba esters~0.25–0.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function

More about Jojoba esters
Sodium pca~0.2–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca
Urea~0.2–0.4%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingExfoliation

Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations

More about Urea
Peg-32~0.25–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps dissolve other ingredients and attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Peg-32
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer
Glucosamine hcl~0.2–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAntibacterialEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

Might be able to stimulate production of skin's natural moisturizing compounds such as hyaluronic acid. Could be helpful for evening the skin tone.

More about Glucosamine hcl
Caprylyl glycol~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Peg-6~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to dissolve other ingredients and attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Peg-6
Peg-8~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product consistency

More about Peg-8
Polysorbate 20~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
Cetyl alcohol~0.25–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
Stearic acid~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Glyceryl stearate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate
Citric acid~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Hexylene glycol~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a more spreadable product texture

More about Hexylene glycol
Polyquaternium-51~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin

More about Polyquaternium-51
Disodium edta~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Potassium sorbate~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Chlorphenesin~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ingredient list view

Water, Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Pentylene glycol, Bambusa vulgaris extract, Pisum sativum extract, Hordeum vulgare extract, Triticum vulgare germ extract, Gelidiella acerosa extract, Sigesbeckia orientalis extract, Caffeine, Hypnea musciformis extract, Sucrose, Lactobacillus ferment, Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, Ergothioneine, Acetyl glucosamine, Trehalose, Squalane, Glyceryl polymethacrylate, Sodium hyaluronate, Jojoba esters, Sodium pca, Urea, Peg-32, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Glucosamine hcl, Caprylyl glycol, Peg-6, Peg-8, Polysorbate 20, Cetyl alcohol, Stearic acid, Glyceryl stearate, Citric acid, Sodium hydroxide, Hexylene glycol, Polyquaternium-51, Disodium edta, Potassium sorbate, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol

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Product summary

"Clinique - Moisture Surge™ Hydrating Lotion" is a well-rounded moisturizing product. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Clinique - Moisture Surge™ Hydrating Lotion ticks this box. Humectants in this product (acetyl glucosamine, urea, glucosamine hcl, glycerin and lactobacillus ferment) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Emollients in this formulation (jojoba esters, squalane, cetyl alcohol, triticum vulgare germ extract and bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

Ingredient callouts

  • This moistruizer also contains peptides (palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 0.35% - 0.65%). Peptides is a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of amino-acids. Our skin produces peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural anti-biotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of peptides is, but it is very likely that peptides in skincare are helpful. They might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.

Irritation risk

There are actives in this product that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.

Price

The product retails from 30.00£ up to 34.20£ in the United Kingdom, for 76.16CA$ in Canada, from 47.60A$ up to 56.00A$ in Australia, from 15.90$ up to 25.90$ in the United States, for 290.00HK$ in Hong Kong and for 65.00NZ$ in New Zealand.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 21 studies and safety reviews.

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Clinique Moisture Surge™ Hydrating Lotion
CliniqueMoisture Surge™ Hydrating Lotion

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