Clinique Moisture Surge 100H: What it does and how to use it

What does Moisture Surge 100H feel like?

The gel cream feels light and refreshing, absorbs quickly and leaves a hydrated base for makeup. Moisture Surge prepares a smooth canvas for makeup, which is a fairly ambitious job title for a moisturizer. Clinique positions the US 100H Auto Replenishing Hydrator for all skin types, including sensitive skin, with dehydration as its main concern.1

What is in the formula?

The US formula contains glycerin, dimethicone, sodium hyaluronate and aloe ingredients. Clinique uses two molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to bind moisture, and aloe bioferment to help skin retain it. Vitamins C and E provide antioxidant protection against everyday dehydrators. The formula is fragrance free and oil free, but contains the colorants Red 4 and Yellow 5. Check the ingredient list on your own package because formulas can change.1

Moisturizers work through several jobs rather than one headline ingredient. Humectants, such as glycerin, attract and retain water in the outer skin layer. Occlusives, such as dimethicone, help reduce water evaporation. Emollients soften and smooth the surface. These are general ingredient functions, useful for understanding why an oil free moisturizer can still help keep moisture in skin.3

Who should choose it?

Moisture Surge 100H suits people looking for lightweight hydration, including oily, combination and acne prone skin. Clinique describes the formula as noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores, and lists dermatologist and allergy testing. Fragrance free formulation is useful for sensitive skin, but sensitivity still matters when choosing any moisturizer.14

Dehydrated skin lacks water and can be oily at the same time. Dry skin also has problems with the fats and water holding capacity of its outer protective layer. The practical distinction is how much protection your skin needs: a light gel can suit mild dryness, while very dry, rough or scaly skin generally needs a thicker cream or ointment. Choose the texture by the severity of dryness, not just the skin type printed on the jar.356

For combination skin, moisturize the dry areas rather than automatically applying the same amount everywhere. The forehead, nose and chin can need less moisturizer than drier parts of the face. If a light gel leaves skin persistently tight or flaky, a richer moisturizer is a more useful next step than adding more exfoliation.7

How do you use Moisture Surge 100H?

1. 1Cleanse your skin. For dry or sensitive skin, choose a gentle, fragrance free cleanser.
2. 2Apply Moisture Surge 100H morning and night. General moisturizer guidance favors applying to slightly damp skin after washing to help retain water.
3. 3Gently massage the moisturizer into your skin, concentrating on areas that need hydration.
4. 4During the day, include a separate broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, alongside shade and protective clothing.

Clinique also gives two optional uses: apply Moisture Surge 100H over makeup as a dewy highlighter, or apply generously as a five minute face mask and tissue off. The generous application belongs to the mask directions; the regular morning and night directions do not specify an exact amount.2

What should you expect, and what does 100H mean?

Expect hydration and a plumper, glowing appearance rather than a heavy finish. Clinique reports an immediate hydration boost in clinical testing on 19 women and a glow boost in testing on 27 women. The 100H name refers to its claim of 100 hours of stabilizing hydration; the daily directions still say morning and night. After one week, 99% of 110 women in consumer testing said their skin felt deeply hydrated, and 95% said it looked plump. Those percentages describe participant reports, not a timetable for your own skin.5

Is 100H the same as the other Moisture Surge products?

Moisture Surge names a collection, not one interchangeable formula, because apparently a moisturizer also needs an extended family. The 100H hydrator, Intense 72H and SPF 28 version have different purposes.5

The US 100H listing prices the 1 oz size at $31. Clinique also lists a $50 All Around Hydration Skincare Set containing a 50 ml 100H hydrator plus travel sizes of its serum, lip treatment and body hydrator. Compare the moisturizer size and whether you want the extras before choosing the set.25

What if it stings or does not relieve dryness?

Stop using a moisturizer if it causes an allergic skin reaction, such as an itchy rash. Tell a dermatologist if products cause burning, stinging or irritation. Persistent dryness despite moisturizing, or skin that becomes painful, cracked, bleeding or very irritated, needs medical assessment rather than repeated product changes.347

If you use prescription skincare and develop excessive dryness, follow your treatment plan and tell your dermatologist about the problem. Retinoids can contribute to dryness, and a moisturizer alone cannot replace treatment for an underlying skin condition. For ordinary dryness, reduce avoidable irritation: use lukewarm rather than hot water, avoid harsh cleansing and do not exfoliate dry, peeling skin.467