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Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly

Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

An unbelievably lightweight, oil-free water-jelly moisturizer that delivers 24-hour hydration repair plus pollution protection. Features Clean Shield Technology with botanical extracts to strengthen skin's moisture barrier and improve resiliency.

Dermatologist Developed Allergy Tested 100% Fragrance-Free Oil-Free Non-Acnegenic Paraben-Free Phthalate-Free 24-Hour Hydration
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Type
Water-Jelly
Size
50ml / 125ml
Hydration
24 Hours
Ingredients
30
Skin Type
All Types
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Clean Shield Technology

Botanical blend of sunflower seedcake, barley extract, and cucumber to strengthen skin's barrier and filter out pollution.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Water-Jelly Gel
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
Instant
Finish
Fresh, Dewy

Clean Shield Technology

Botanical blend of sunflower seedcake, barley extract, and cucumber to strengthen skin's barrier and filter out pollution.

Hyaluronic Acid

Acts as a natural moisture magnet/humectant to attract and retain water in the skin for lasting hydration.

Caffeine Infused

Provides antioxidant protection and helps improve microcirculation for a refreshed, energized complexion.

Algae Extracts

Multiple algae varieties provide hydration, anti-aging benefits, and help protect against environmental stressors.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy Safe

No retinoids, high-dose salicylic acid, or other pregnancy-restricted ingredients. 100% fragrance-free formula is gentle for expectant mothers.

Breastfeeding Safe

Contains phenoxyethanol in low concentrations. Safe for nursing mothers when applied to face (avoid nipple area).

Fungal Acne Triggers

Contains Polysorbate 80 and Helianthus Annuus Seedcake which may feed Malassezia yeast. Not recommended for fungal acne prone skin.

Low Comedogenic Risk

Oil-free, non-acnegenic formula tested not to clog pores. Rating 1/5 - very low risk of causing breakouts.

Sensitive Skin Friendly

Allergy tested, fragrance-free, and dermatologist developed. Suitable for even reactive skin types.

Post-Procedure Safe

Clinically shown to be safe for use as soon as 1 day post non-ablative laser treatment.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Sodium HyaluronateProven

A salt form of hyaluronic acid that acts as a powerful moisture magnet. Smaller molecular weight allows deeper penetration into skin layers for lasting hydration.

  • Function: Humectant that attracts and holds up to 1000x its weight in water
  • Benefits: Plumps skin, reduces fine lines, improves skin texture
  • Research: Well-documented efficacy for skin hydration and anti-aging
Safe for all skin types including sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Sunflower Seedcake ExtractProven

Part of the Clean Shield Technology blend. Rich in lecithin and helps treat inflammation while strengthening the skin's moisture barrier.

  • Function: Barrier repair and anti-inflammatory properties
  • Benefits: Strengthens skin barrier, improves resiliency, locks in moisture
  • Note: This is the seedcake (powder form), not sunflower oil
Some sources flag this as a potential fungal acne trigger, though it differs from sunflower oil.

Cucumber Fruit ExtractProven

Soothing botanical extract that provides cooling hydration and calms irritated skin. Contains vitamin C, caffeic acid, and minerals.

  • Function: Soothing, hydrating, and antioxidant
  • Composition: 95% water plus vitamins, amino acids, and minerals
  • Benefits: Calms redness, refreshes tired skin, provides gentle hydration

Barley ExtractProven

Natural botanical that works synergistically with sunflower and cucumber in the Clean Shield Technology to balance and retain skin's moisture levels.

  • Function: Barrier support and moisture retention
  • Benefits: Improves skin resiliency, helps maintain optimal hydration balance

CaffeinePromising

Well-known stimulant that provides antioxidant benefits and improves microcirculation when applied topically to skin.

  • Function: Antioxidant and circulation booster
  • Benefits: Reduces inflammation, protects against UV damage, energizes skin
  • Research: Studies suggest potential in preventing UV-induced skin damage

GlycerinProven

One of the most effective humectants available. Naturally occurs in skin and helps maintain optimal moisture levels.

  • Function: Powerful humectant and moisture barrier support
  • Research: 2016 study found glycerin more effective than AHAs and hyaluronic acid for hydration
  • Benefits: Draws moisture deep into skin, antimicrobial properties

30 ingredients

Water, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Hypnea Musciformis (Algae) Extract, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract, Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake, Sucrose, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Sorbitol, Sodium Polyaspartate, PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Caprylyl Glycol, Trehalose, Polysorbate 80, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Hexylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol.

FREE FROM: Parabens, Phthalates, Fragrance, Alcohol, Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Mineral Oil, Talc, Oils, Harsh Alcohols, Common Allergens
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Toner/Exfoliant
3
Serum
4
This Jelly
5
Eye Cream
6
Sunscreen

Use as Step 3 in Clinique's 3-Step System after Facial Soap and Clarifying Lotion. Can be used alone or layered under a richer cream for extra dry skin.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse Your Skin

Start with a clean face using your preferred cleanser (Clinique recommends their All About Clean Facial Soap).

2

Apply Toner (Optional)

Use Clarifying Lotion to sweep away pollution, grime, and dulling flakes for better product absorption.

3

Dispense Product

Pump a small amount onto fingertips. A little goes a long way with this concentrated water-jelly formula.

4

Apply to Face and Neck

Spread evenly over face and throat, focusing on areas that need hydration. The jelly absorbs instantly without residue.

5

Use Twice Daily

Apply morning and evening for optimal 24-hour hydration and pollution protection. Layer SPF during daytime.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have oily or combination skin seeking lightweight hydration
  • You want oil-free moisturizer that won't feel heavy
  • You live in a polluted urban environment
  • You prefer fragrance-free skincare
  • You need a moisturizer that works well under makeup
  • You have sensitive or allergy-prone skin
  • You want a simple, effective daily moisturizer

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (contains potential Malassezia triggers)
  • You have very dry skin needing richer hydration
  • You prefer cream textures over gel formulas
  • You need heavy-duty anti-aging ingredients
  • You want a moisturizer with SPF included
  • You're on a tight budget (consider drugstore alternatives)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Lightweight, oil-free formula absorbs instantly without adding shine. Perfect for controlling dehydrated oily skin.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances hydration across different face zones without overloading oily areas or leaving dry patches thirsty.

Normal Skin
Excellent

Provides all-day hydration to maintain healthy, balanced skin. Works beautifully year-round.

Dry Skin
Moderate

May not be hydrating enough alone. Layer under a richer cream or choose Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ instead.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Allergy tested, fragrance-free formula suitable for most sensitive types. Patch test if extremely reactive.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Non-acnegenic and oil-free. Good for regular acne but NOT for fungal acne due to Polysorbate 80 content.

08

Results timeline

2-4 WEEKS
Immediately

Instant Hydration Boost

Skin feels refreshed and hydrated. The water-jelly texture absorbs quickly, leaving a smooth, non-sticky finish ready for makeup.

100% felt immediate moisture boost
2 Hours

Moisture Barrier Support

Clinically proven to boost skin's moisture by 115% and begin strengthening the moisture barrier.

115% moisture increase measured
1 Week

Improved Barrier Strength

Visible improvement in skin's resiliency. Skin feels stronger, more balanced, and better protected against environmental stressors.

87% less vulnerable to pollution
2-4 Weeks

Healthy, Glowing Skin

Consistent use reveals smoother, stronger skin with a pure, clean glow. Improved overall skin health and hydration balance.

Users report visible skin improvement
09

Ratings by platform

4K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.5
Rating
2,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some find it not moisturizing enough for very dry skin
Sephora
4.3
Rating
800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Slight tackiness before fully absorbed
Ulta
4.4
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Price point compared to drugstore alternatives
Clinique.com
4.4
Rating
870+
Reviews
Main complaint: Occasional reports of pilling under certain products
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Ultra-lightweight, non-greasy formula
  • Absorbs instantly without residue
  • 100% fragrance-free and allergy tested
  • Excellent under makeup, no pilling
  • Provides 24-hour lasting hydration
  • Oil-free, non-acnegenic formula
  • Refreshing, cooling water-jelly texture
  • Dermatologist developed and tested

Criticized

  • Not moisturizing enough for very dry skin
  • Contains fungal acne triggers
  • Slightly tacky feel before full absorption
  • Higher price than drugstore alternatives
  • No anti-aging active ingredients
  • Some find the pump dispenses too much
  • May feel too light in dry winter months
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
80% Match
Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint for Dry Skin
$19.99
Budget Pick

Fragrance-free version with similar hyaluronic acid base. Slightly thicker texture, equally non-greasy. Great drugstore alternative.

70% Match
Simple Skin Quench Sleeping Cream
$12.99
Budget Pick

Fragrance-free gel moisturizer at a fraction of the price. Less occlusive than the Clinique but still hydrating for oily skin.

65% Match
Moisturizing Cream
$17.99
Budget Pick

Richer formula with ceramides for barrier repair. Thicker texture but equally fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.

85% Match
Moisture Surge™ Hydro-Infused Lotion
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H
$32.00
Same Brand

Same brand, more hydrating gel-cream formula. Better for normal to dry skin. 100-hour hydration technology.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Moisture Surge™ Hydro-Infused Lotion

Clinique Moisture Surge 100H

Key Technology Auto-Replenishing
Hydration Duration 100 Hours
Texture Gel-Cream
Fragrance Free
Size 75ml
Fungal Acne Safe No
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Key Technology Hyaluronic Acid
Hydration Duration 48 Hours
Texture Water Gel
Fragrance Contains Fragrance
Size 50ml
Fungal Acne Safe No
Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum
Key Technology 30% Hyaluronic Complex
Hydration Duration 72 Hours
Texture Cloud Cream
Fragrance Has Scent
Size 50ml
Fungal Acne Safe No
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. Look for the open jar symbol on packaging.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required but feels extra refreshing when chilled.

Packaging

125ml bottle with hygienic pump dispenser. Also available in 50ml squeeze tube for travel.

Travel Friendly

Yes - 50ml tube is under 100ml TSA limit. Pump bottle (125ml) exceeds carry-on liquid restrictions.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, this product is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is 100% fragrance-free and does not contain retinoids, high-dose salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or other pregnancy-restricted ingredients. The formula is allergy-tested and dermatologist developed. Contains phenoxyethanol as a preservative at safe levels. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.

No, this product is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains at least two potential Malassezia triggers: Polysorbate 80 and Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake. If you struggle with fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis), consider alternatives like Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel which is listed as fungal acne safe by some sources.

Yes, this gentle formula works well with most active ingredients including retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Apply actives first, wait for absorption, then follow with the Hydrating Jelly to seal in moisture. The fragrance-free, soothing formula actually helps buffer potential irritation from stronger actives. It's even proven safe for use post-procedure (1 day after non-ablative laser treatments).

This product is best for oily, combination, and normal skin types. The lightweight, oil-free water-jelly formula absorbs instantly without adding shine or heaviness. It's excellent for those who find traditional moisturizers too heavy. While it's suitable for all skin types per Clinique, those with very dry skin may need to layer it under a richer cream, or consider the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ or Cream instead.

Immediate results: Instant hydration and smoother-feeling skin. Within 2 hours: 115% moisture boost and initial barrier strengthening. Within 1 week: Improved skin resiliency and 87% better protection against pollution. With consistent twice-daily use for 2-4 weeks, you should notice visibly healthier, more balanced, glowing skin with a strengthened moisture barrier.

Apply as your moisturizer step after cleansing, toning, and serums, but before sunscreen (AM) or sleeping mask (PM). In Clinique's 3-Step System, it's Step 3 after Facial Soap and Clarifying Lotion. If you use multiple moisturizers, apply this lightweight jelly first, then layer a richer cream on top if needed for dry areas.

This product has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5 and is labeled non-acnegenic by Clinique. The oil-free formula is specifically designed not to clog pores. It's dermatologist tested and allergy tested. However, everyone's skin is different - if you're extremely acne-prone, patch test first. Note: it is NOT fungal acne safe despite being generally non-comedogenic.

The product has a 12-month (12M) Period After Opening (PAO). Look for the open jar symbol on the packaging. Unopened, Clinique products typically have a 3-year shelf life from manufacture. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain efficacy. If you notice changes in color, texture, or smell, discontinue use.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly is an excellent lightweight moisturizer for oily and combination skin types seeking oil-free hydration. The dermatologist-developed, fragrance-free formula with Clean Shield Technology delivers 24-hour moisture while protecting against pollution. It absorbs instantly, works beautifully under makeup, and is gentle enough for sensitive and post-procedure skin. The main drawbacks are its unsuitability for fungal acne and potential insufficient hydration for very dry skin. At $32 for 125ml, it's priced higher than drugstore alternatives but justified by its clinical backing, elegant formulation, and proven results. A reliable, no-fuss moisturizer from a trusted brand.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Caffeine Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Sodium Hyaluronate Citric Acid
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
3
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
58% 6% 34%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 29 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
0 Unknown
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
Hydrating
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
0 Unknown
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS