Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
Product Description
A dermatologist-developed, cult-classic moisturizing lotion that delivers 8-hour hydration while strengthening your skin's moisture barrier. Clinically proven to increase moisture by 119% instantly with pure urea, glycerin, and pro-lipids.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Instant Hydration Boost
Clinically proven to increase skin moisture by 119% instantly upon application.
Barrier Strengthening
Strengthens skin's moisture barrier by 21% in just 2 hours with pro-lipid technology.
Long-Lasting Comfort
Delivers continuous hydration for up to 8 hours, keeping skin soft and supple all day.
Botanical Blend
Contains sunflower seedcake, barley extract, and cucumber fruit extract for skin soothing.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Generally considered safe. Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone. However, contains synthetic dyes and triethanolamine which some prefer to avoid. Consult your healthcare provider.
Not recommended. Contains fatty acids (stearic acid, sesame oil), esters (propylene glycol dicaprate), and petrolatum which may feed Malassezia yeast.
Allergy-tested and fragrance-free formula. Suitable for sensitive skin types. Dermatologist developed and tested.
Safe to use as soon as 1 day after non-ablative laser procedures. Clinically tested for post-procedure skin.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ Glycerin ~5-10% Proven
One of the most effective humectants available. Attracts and retains water in the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump. A 2016 study found glycerin more effective than hyaluronic acid as a humectant.
- Function: Powerful humectant that pulls moisture from the air into your skin
- Benefit: Supports skin's natural moisture barrier and improves skin texture
- Safety: Comedogenicity rating of 0, suitable for all skin types
π§ͺ Urea ~1-3% Proven
A natural component of skin's NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor). Acts as a powerful humectant with additional exfoliating and anti-fungal properties at higher concentrations.
- Function: Humectant that draws moisture and mildly exfoliates dead skin cells
- Benefit: Anti-itching, anti-inflammatory, and helps inhibit Malassezia growth
- Source: Makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in healthy skin
π Sodium Hyaluronate <1% Proven
The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid with smaller molecular size for better penetration. Can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water.
- Function: Deep hydration and plumping effect
- Benefit: Reduces appearance of fine lines and improves skin elasticity
- Safety: Naturally occurring in skin, non-irritating
π’οΈ Mineral Oil & Petrolatum Combined ~15-25% Occlusive
Highly effective occlusive agents that form a protective barrier on skin to prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Among the most studied and safest moisturizing ingredients.
- Function: Creates protective barrier to lock in moisture
- Benefit: Prevents water evaporation, extremely non-irritating
- Safety: Comedogenicity rating of 0, unlikely to clog pores
π» Botanical Extracts Supporting
A blend of sunflower seedcake, barley extract, and cucumber fruit extract that provides antioxidant, soothing, and skin-conditioning benefits.
- Sunflower Seedcake: Anti-inflammatory, supports skin barrier
- Barley Extract: Rich in antioxidants, protects against free radicals
- Cucumber Extract: Soothing, anti-inflammatory properties
22 ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Mineral Oil/Paraffinum Liquidum/Huile MinΓ©rale, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Oil, Urea, Lanolin Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract/Extrait D'Orge, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Trisodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 33 (CI 17200)
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as Step 3 in Clinique's 3-Step System after Facial Soap and Clarifying Lotion. Apply AM and PM.
π How to Use
Cleanse & Prep
Start with clean skin. Use a gentle cleanser and follow with toner if desired.
Dispense Product
Pump 1-2 pumps of lotion onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way.
Apply to Face & Neck
Gently spread all over face and throat using upward, outward motions. Allow to absorb for 3-5 minutes.
Follow with SPF (AM)
In the morning, always follow with sunscreen. At night, this can be your final step or layer with a facial oil.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have dry to dry combination skin
- Your skin feels tight, flaky, or dehydrated
- You need a reliable, no-fuss daily moisturizer
- You prefer fragrance-free products
- You have sensitive skin that reacts to many products
- You want clinically-proven hydration results
- You've recently had a laser procedure
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have oily or acne-prone skin (try the Gel version)
- You have fungal acne / Malassezia folliculitis
- You prefer lightweight, water-based formulas
- You want anti-aging actives (retinol, vitamin C)
- You avoid petroleum-based ingredients
- You're looking for a matte finish
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Perfect match. Rich emollients and occlusives provide intense, long-lasting hydration for parched skin.
Ideal for those with dry cheeks and normal T-zone. Balances moisture without overwhelming.
Works well, especially in colder months. May feel slightly rich for some in summer.
May feel too heavy. Consider the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel instead.
Fragrance-free, allergy-tested, and dermatologist-developed. Ideal for reactive skin.
Non-acnegenic but contains occlusives that some find can trigger breakouts. Patch test first.
π Results Timeline
Instant Hydration Boost
Skin feels immediately softer and more supple. Clinically proven 119% increase in skin moisture upon application.
95% noticed instant softnessBarrier Strengthening Begins
Skin's moisture barrier strengthens by 21%. Tightness and discomfort start to diminish.
85% reported reduced tightnessVisible Improvement
Dry patches begin to disappear. Skin appears healthier, more balanced, and less flaky.
80% saw reduced flakinessTransformed Skin
Skin looks noticeably smoother, more radiant, and resilient. Oil-water balance restored for healthy-looking complexion.
75% reported glowing skinβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Clinically proven hydration results
- Fragrance-free and allergy-tested
- Dermatologist-developed since 1968
- Excellent for sensitive, dry skin
- Strengthens skin barrier effectively
- Cult classic with loyal following
- Safe for post-procedure skin
- Absorbs relatively quickly for its richness
β Criticized
- Contains mineral oil (not for clean beauty seekers)
- Can feel greasy on oily skin
- Price higher than drugstore alternatives
- Not fungal acne safe
- May cause breakouts for some
- Contains synthetic dyes
- Basic formula without anti-aging actives
- Takes time to fully absorb
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Walmart's near-identical dupe with similar ingredients and texture. Best affordable alternative with comparable performance for dry skin.
Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid for barrier repair. Thicker texture, fragrance-free. Better for very dry skin but can feel heavier.
Lighter gel-cream texture with hyaluronic acid. Fragrance-free version available. Better for combination skin but less occlusive.
Free of dyes, fragrance, parabens, and formaldehyde. Excellent for sensitive skin. Thicker texture, better for eczema-prone skin.
π Comparison with Competitors
Clinique DDML+ (This Product)
$32.50Clinique DDMG (Gel Version)
$32.50CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
$16.99La Roche-Posay Toleriane
$29.99π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration needed.
Pump bottle (hygienic dispensing) or tube option available
125ml exceeds TSA carry-on limits. Travel size (50ml) available.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Generally considered safe by most dermatologists. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone. However, it does contain synthetic dyes (Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 33) and triethanolamine, which some prefer to avoid during pregnancy. The petrolatum and mineral oil are considered safe for topical use. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
No, this product is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that can feed Malassezia yeast, including stearic acid (fatty acid), sesame oil (contains oleic and linoleic acids), propylene glycol dicaprate (ester), sunflower seedcake, and petrolatum. If you have fungal acne, consider the Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly or look for products specifically formulated without these triggers.
Yes! This moisturizer works well with most active ingredients. Apply it after your retinol, vitamin C serum, or chemical exfoliants to help seal in actives and buffer potential irritation. The occlusive ingredients help protect the skin barrier while using potentially drying actives. Wait 1-2 minutes between products for best absorption.
This lotion is specifically formulated for Clinique skin types 1 and 2: Very Dry to Dry, and Dry Combination skin. It's excellent for those experiencing dehydration, flakiness, or a compromised moisture barrier. Not recommended for oily or combination-oily skin types β try the Gel version instead. Also great for mature skin and those in dry climates.
You'll feel immediate softness and hydration upon application (clinically proven 119% moisture boost). Within 2 hours, skin barrier strengthens by 21%. Most users report visible improvement in dry patches and flakiness within 1 week of consistent use. For optimal skin barrier restoration and long-term hydration, use consistently for 4+ weeks.
Apply as Step 3 in Clinique's classic 3-Step routine (after cleanser and clarifying lotion), or after your toner/essence and serums in a more complex routine. Use twice daily, morning and night. In AM, always follow with sunscreen. At night, it can be your final step, or layer with a facial oil for extra nourishment.
Clinique labels this product as "non-acnegenic." The main ingredients (mineral oil, petrolatum, glycerin) have comedogenicity ratings of 0. However, the occlusive nature means it can trap dirt and bacteria if skin isn't properly cleansed, potentially leading to breakouts for some acne-prone individuals. Sesame oil has a comedogenic rating of 1-3. Overall comedogenic rating: 2/5 (low to moderate risk).
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. After opening, use within one year for best results and to ensure the formula remains effective and safe. The pump bottle design helps maintain hygiene and extends usability. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
Verdict: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ is a time-tested, dermatologist-developed classic that delivers on its core promise: reliable, long-lasting hydration for dry and sensitive skin. Its fragrance-free, allergy-tested formula makes it a safe choice for most users, and the clinically-proven results speak for themselves. While the mineral oil-based formula may feel outdated compared to modern "clean beauty" standards, it remains one of the most effective barrier-repair moisturizers at its price point. Best suited for those with genuinely dry or compromised skin who prioritize results over trendy ingredients. Not ideal for oily skin or those with fungal acne concerns.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
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 Β«promisesΒ» 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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
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.
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.

