Clinique Moisture Surge vs Dramatically Different

When it comes to hydrating moisturizers, there aren't many out there that can claim to be as great or as popular as those by Clinique.

Come with us as we compare the Clinique Moisture Surge vs Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel side-by-side to help you decide which is best for you and your skincare routine. Enjoy!

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Clinique Moisture Surge vs Clinique Dramatically Different

Beyond the obvious differences between the containers, we're going to have to dive straight into their formulas to start seeing any real differences.

As I'm sure you're well aware, Hyaluronic Acid has an unbelievable ability to retain moisture; in fact, it can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water! This simple-yet-powerful property is the reason why you see it listed under the 'Key Ingredients' section of nearly every skincare product these days (because it keeps skin very hydrated). Surprise, surprise, both the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel and the Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrator contain Hyaluronic Acid.

The biggest difference comes down to what skin types these moisturizers are formulated for. The Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrator contains Aloe Vera Bio-Ferment, a nutrient-rich ferment that enhances the skin's ability to retain moisture, making it ideal for drier skin types. The Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel contains Sunflower Seed Cake, Barley Extract, and Cucumber Fruit Extract which helps to balance and refresh oilier skin.

One massive upshot of their differing formulas is that the Moisture Surge Hydrator delivers up to 100 hours of intense hydration, whereas the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel delivers a relatively paltry 8 hours.

While the Moisture Surge Hydrator can be used as a standalone moisturizer–making it easy to slot straight into existing skincare routines–the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel is intended to be used as part of Clinique's 3-Step Skincare System for maximum efficacy.

The Moisture Surge Hydrator has also become incredibly popular with makeup artists and makeup-wearers alike. Not only does it work fantastically as a primer (thanks to it making your skin feel smooth and glassy), but it also works great as a dewy highlighter on top of makeup, too!

Hopping off the Moisture Surge Hydrator hype-train very briefly, it has to be noted that the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel is almost 3 times as cheap per fluid ounce. So, even though it might feel like the benefits of Moisture Surge heavily outweigh that of Dramatically Different, the price point definitely helps to balance the pros and cons lists.

Ultimately, deciding between the two just comes down to skin type. We can't help but feel that the Moisture Surge Hydrator has a bit more to offer on the whole–making it an even better deal for those with normal to dry skin types–but the oil-balancing and refreshing qualities of the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel are very much welcome additions for those with oilier skin types.

Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator by Clinique

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Our rating: ★★★★★

Price: $$$$

An oil-free moisturiser containing aloe bio-ferment and hyaluronic acid.

What makes it special? This lightweight oil-free formula provides deeply moisturising hydration. An advanced hydrator with Auto-Replenishing Technology that helps skin create its own internal water source to continually rehydrate itself, then locks in moisture for a plump, healthy-looking glow.

Which skin types? All skin types.

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Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel by Clinique

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Our rating: ★★★★★

Price: $$$$

A dermatologist-developed, oil-free moisturiser which softens, smooths, and improves.

What makes it special? Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel provides intense hydration without causing oil buildup. It’ll leave you glowing, but in the way you desire. The formula contains natural properties like Sunflower Seed Cake, Barley Extract and Cucumber Fruit Extract which help to strengthen the barrier of the skin. These easy-to-understand ingredients improve the skin’s resiliency and help to keep its natural moisture levels. Clinique’s moisturizer is also dermatologist-developed and contains hyaluronic acid which helps to retain the skin’s natural moisture.

Which skin types? Oily Combination and Oily Skin.

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This article was originally published on May 13th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on February 6th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.