Does Clinique Moisture Surge have retinol?

Which Moisture Surge do you have?

Moisture Surge is a collection name, not an ingredient list, which gives the shopper more homework than a moisturizer should. The range includes the 100H moisturizer, Intense 72H moisturizer, SPF 28 Sheer Hydrator and Active Glow Serum. Check the full name on your container before treating their formulas or directions as interchangeable.2

What is in the 100H moisturizer instead?

Aloe bioferment helps skin retain moisture, while hyaluronic acid binds moisture. The formula also includes vitamins C and E for antioxidant protection against daily dehydrators. Those are the ingredient highlights of a hydration formula, not a hidden retinol treatment. Clinique lists the 100H moisturizer as oil free and fragrance free.12

Use the ingredient list on your own package for the current formula. Clinique updates ingredient lists, so the exact container matters if avoiding retinol is your reason for checking. The answer for 100H should not be extended automatically to every serum, mask or other product carrying the Moisture Surge name.1

What should you expect from Moisture Surge?

The 100H moisturizer provides immediate hydration and a plumper, glowing appearance. Its lightweight gel cream absorbs quickly and creates a hydrated surface for makeup. Clinique's hydration testing found an improvement after one use; in a separate consumer test, participants reported more hydrated and plumper looking skin after one week. Choose it for lightweight hydration rather than as your retinol step.1

How do you use the 100H moisturizer?

Clinique tells you to apply the 100H moisturizer to clean skin morning and night. You can also apply it over makeup for a dewy finish. For its optional five minute mask use, apply generously, then tissue off. Clinique positions the formula for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and for people who want hydration without a heavy or greasy texture.1

Does Clinique Moisture Surge have SPF?

The standard 100H moisturizer is not the SPF version. Moisture Surge Broad Spectrum SPF 28 Sheer Hydrator is the separate moisturizer with sun protection. The shared name does not let the 100H jar borrow its neighbour's SPF. Broad spectrum means protection against both UVA and UVB rays.234

The SPF 28 formula combines aloe bioferment and hyaluronic acid with provitamin D. In Canada, its registered sunscreen actives are avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate and octisalate. Check the sunscreen label on the product sold in your country rather than treating the Canadian active ingredient listing as the formula for every market.345

SPF 28 is below the American Academy of Dermatology's recommended SPF 30 or higher. For a sunscreen that meets that guidance, choose broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher with water resistance. Moisture Surge 100H can remain your moisturizer, with sunscreen as a separate product.6

For the SPF 28 Sheer Hydrator, Clinique tells you to start in the centre of the face and pat or massage outward until the cream is sheer, covering the whole face. General sunscreen directions are to apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every two hours, more often when swimming or sweating. Follow your package's directions and use shade and protective clothing alongside sunscreen.34