Clinique Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum: what it does and how to use it

What does Active Glow Serum do?

The serum targets dehydration and dullness, with benefits for the look and feel of uneven texture. Exfoliation removes dead cells from the skin's outer layer, while hydration helps skin look plumper. Clinique also reports improvements in pore appearance and fine, dry lines. Active Glow is an exfoliating serum, not just a hydration product with an ambitious name.23

What are the main ingredients?

• Lactic acid at 5% helps remove dulling dead skin cells. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, a type of chemical exfoliant.
• Hyaluronic acid binds moisture and helps plump skin with hydration. The ingredient list names sodium hyaluronate.
• Vitamin C helps brighten the look of skin. The form listed is magnesium ascorbyl phosphate; Clinique does not state its percentage.
• The formula also contains glycerin, dimethicone, caffeine and aloe leaf water. Clinique describes the serum as fragrance free and oil free.

The texture is milky and lightweight rather than a gel moisturizer. Clinique describes it as quick to absorb and suitable for layering under moisturizer and makeup. The serum goes before moisturizer, so the Moisture Surge family name does not give every bottle the same job.16

How do you use it?

1. 1Cleanse your face. Clinique directs application on clean skin.
2. 2Start with 3 drops and spread the serum evenly over your face, avoiding the eye area. Clinique allows more if preferred.
3. 3Follow with moisturizer. In the evening, this is your nighttime moisturizer.
4. 4In the morning, finish with a broad spectrum sunscreen product. Limit sun exposure while using the serum and for the week after stopping.

Morning and night is Clinique's intended schedule, but exfoliation frequency also depends on skin tolerance and the other products in your routine. Reduce frequency if irritation occurs. Do not apply an exfoliant to sunburned skin or areas with open cuts or wounds.36

How soon should you expect results?

The earliest measured benefits were hydration, radiance and smoother feeling skin. In Clinique's clinical testing on 31 women after one use, 97% showed increased hydration, 100% showed increased radiance and 94% showed smoother feeling skin. Radiance also improved at eight hours. After 28 days, 90% of the 31 women showed visibly improved skin texture.2

Consumer feedback gives a separate picture of how the serum felt in a routine. After one week, 90% of 165 women said their skin looked more hydrated. After two weeks, 95% of 165 women said their skin felt soothed with moisture and 91% said it looked healthier. In a separate group of 105 women, 91% agreed that the serum paired well with their moisturizer after two weeks.4

Who is it suited to?

Consider Active Glow if your goal is hydration plus exfoliation for dullness or rough texture. Clinique designs it for all skin types, from very dry to oily, and reports testing on all skin tones. The serum is dermatologist tested and allergy tested. Clinique describes it as suitable for sensitive skin, but sensitive skin can still sting or burn with exfoliating products.137

Can you use it with other exfoliants or retinol?

Treat Active Glow as your exfoliating step when planning the routine. Clinique advises alternating days with additional exfoliating treatments or monitoring tolerance to avoid irritation. General exfoliation guidance calls for extra care with prescription retinoid creams, retinol and benzoyl peroxide because these products can make skin more sensitive or cause peeling. Adding exfoliation can worsen dryness or trigger breakouts. If you use these treatments and are unsure whether to add the serum, ask a dermatologist about the combination.13

What should make you reduce use or stop?

If irritation develops, reduce how often you use the serum. If irritation persists, stop using it and consult a physician. Keep the serum away from the eye area. Follow the directions and warnings on your own packaging, as formulas and safety information can change.27

The sunscreen instruction applies even if you use the serum only at night. Products containing alpha hydroxy acids may increase sensitivity to sunlight and the chance of sunburn during use and for up to a week after stopping. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure throughout that period.5

What are the US and UK sizes and prices?

The US and UK ingredient lists shown for Active Glow match, including 5% lactic acid and the same named vitamin C form; bottle sizes, prices and some label wording differ. The UK labels it noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores, while the US uses nonacnegenic wording. Choose the smaller bottle for a lower initial spend, or the larger bottle for a lower price per unit.27