Moisture Surgeβ’ Hydro-Infused Lotion
Moisture Surgeβ’ Hydro-Infused Lotion
Product Description
Clinique Moisture Surgeβ’ Hydro-Infused Lotion is a featherlight, watery hydrating lotion that floods skin with a stabilizing surge of moisture. Powered by Clinique's Aloe Bioferment + Hyaluronic Acid Complex, it instantly plumps, soothes and refines the look of texture for a luminous, fresh-from-a-facial glow β and primes just-cleansed skin to better accept the serums and creams that follow.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Instant Hydration Surge
Hyaluronic acid and Aloe Bioferment flood thirsty skin with a burst of lightweight, stabilizing moisture that plumps on contact.
Soothes & Calms
Aloe, bamboo and Lactobacillus ferment help calm the look of redness, leaving skin feeling comforted and more resilient.
Refines & Glows
Refines the appearance of texture and leaves a luminous, fresh-faced glow without any greasiness or residue.
Perfect Primer Step
Preps just-cleansed skin so it better accepts the serums, treatments and creams that follow in your routine.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical UV filters. The trace of topical caffeine is widely considered low-risk, but confirm with your doctor.
Contains jojoba esters, stearic acid, glyceryl stearate and polysorbate 20 β ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast.
100% fragrance-free, oil-free and allergy tested β a comfortable fit for reactive, easily-irritated skin.
Pairs well with vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol and exfoliating acids since it's a simple hydrating base. Apply it first on damp skin.
Clinique tests this formula to be non-acnegenic, and the water-based texture is unlikely to clog pores.
Includes urea and a touch of citric acid as a pH adjuster; very sensitive skin should patch test before daily use.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) ~1β2% Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid acts as a moisture magnet, holding many times its weight in water to instantly plump skin and soften the look of fine lines.
- Source: Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in skin and is one of the most studied humectants for surface hydration and visible plumping.
𧲠Glycerin ~3β5% Proven
A gold-standard humectant that pulls water into the skin's deeper layers and supports a healthy, resilient moisture barrier.
- Source: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
π« Squalane ~1% Proven
A skin-identical emollient that helps lock in moisture and prevent water loss, all without a heavy or greasy feel.
- Source: Research shows squalane is non-irritating even at 100% concentration and suits sensitive skin.
β Caffeine <1% Promising
An antioxidant that helps calm the look of inflammation and visibly refresh tired, dull-looking skin.
- Source: Caffeine is rich in antioxidants and is being studied for soothing and photoprotective support.
π¦ Aloe Bioferment Complex (Lactobacillus Ferment + Aloe) Blend Promising
Clinique's signature blend of fermented aloe and Lactobacillus postbiotics that help soothe skin and support the barrier and microbiome.
- Source: Lactobacillus ferment shows early promise for repairing the skin barrier and calming redness, though evidence is still emerging.
πΎ Urea <2% Proven
At low levels urea is a powerful humectant that boosts hydration and softens rough, dry patches without exfoliating.
- Source: Urea is a well-established moisturizer for dry-skin conditions; it only acts as an exfoliant above roughly 10%.
46 ingredients
Water, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Acetyl Glucosamine, Caffeine, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Pisum Sativum Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Polysaccharides, Lactobacillus Ferment, Jojoba Esters, Trehalose, Sodium PCA, Caprylyl Glycol, Urea, Sucrose, Polyquaternium-51, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Triacetin, Hexylene Glycol, PEG-6, PEG-32, Sodium Hydroxide, Glucosamine Hcl, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Stearic Acid, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Sorbic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply right after cleansing (or toner) onto slightly damp skin, before heavier serums and creams β morning and night.
π How to Use
Cleanse
Start with clean, slightly damp skin, morning and night.
Dispense
Smooth 2β3 pumps (or a few drops) into your palms.
Press In
Pat and press over face and neck; let it sink in for a few seconds.
Layer
Follow with your serum, moisturizer and β in the morning β SPF.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You want fast, weightless hydration with zero grease
- Your skin feels dehydrated, dull or tight
- You're fragrance-sensitive or easily irritated
- You love an essence / watery-lotion step in your routine
- You want a large-volume product to use on face (and body)
β Consider alternatives if:
- You're prone to fungal acne (malassezia)
- You want one rich, occlusive cream as your only moisturizer
- You expect a thick lotion (this is deliberately watery)
- You have very dry skin in winter and need more on top
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Featherlight, oil-free and watery β adds hydration with zero shine or heaviness.
Balances hydration across drier and oilier zones without overwhelming either.
An easy daily moisture top-up that leaves a fresh, dewy finish.
Delivers a real hydration boost but usually needs a richer cream layered on top.
Non-comedogenic and oil-free, but the esters and fatty acids aren't fungal-acne safe.
π Results Timeline
Instant Plump & Glow
Skin feels cooler, softer and looks visibly dewy and refreshed right after application.
90% noticedSmoother, Comfier Skin
Daily use leaves skin feeling less tight, more comfortable and looking smoother.
75% noticedResilient, Bouncy Skin
With consistent layering, skin looks more supple and stays hydrated throughout the day.
68% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Instant, weightless hydration and a dewy glow
- Genuinely fragrance-free and oil-free
- Layers beautifully under serums, makeup and SPF
- Large sizes offer strong value per ml
- Soothing and comfortable for sensitive, reactive skin
β Criticized
- Very watery β not a standalone moisturizer for dry skin
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Texture surprises shoppers expecting a thick lotion
- Pricier than drugstore hydrating gels
- Contains preservatives some prefer to avoid (e.g. chlorphenesin)
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Pure HA + B5 hydration in a no-frills serum. Lacks the aloe bioferment, caffeine and soothing botanicals, and the texture is tackier on the skin.
A lightweight HA gel that delivers similar dewy hydration. Contains fragrance and silicones, so it's not as bare-bones or sensitive-friendly.
An affordable multi-weight HA hydrator. Hydration-only β missing the ferment, caffeine and botanical extras that round out the Clinique formula.
π Comparison with Competitors
Clinique Moisture Surge Hydro-Infused Lotion (Featured)
$39.00Laneige Cream Skin Refiner
$33.00Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
$22.00The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
$9.50π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed between uses.
Pump / flip-cap bottle (available in 100ml, 200ml and 400ml).
The 100ml size is carry-on friendly; the 200ml and 400ml exceed the 100ml liquid limit.
β Frequently Asked Questions
There are no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters in the formula, so it's generally considered pregnancy- and breastfeeding-friendly. It does contain a small amount of topical caffeine, which is widely viewed as low-risk, but always confirm with your own doctor or midwife.
No. It contains jojoba esters, stearic acid, glyceryl stearate and polysorbate 20 β ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast. If you're actively managing fungal acne, choose a stricter HA-only hydrator instead.
Yes. It's a simple hydrating base with no actives that clash, so it layers well with retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide and exfoliating acids. Apply it first on damp skin to cushion stronger actives and reduce the chance of irritation.
It shines on oily, combination and normal skin that want lightweight hydration without grease. Dry skin can use it too, but will likely need a richer cream layered on top for lasting comfort.
Hydration and glow are immediate. Smoother, more comfortable skin typically shows within about a week, with more resilient, supple-looking skin after roughly four weeks of consistent daily use.
After cleansing (and toner, if you use one) and before serums and moisturizer β think of it as a watery essence or first-step hydrator. Use it both morning and night.
It's formulated to be non-acnegenic and non-comedogenic, and the water-based, oil-free texture is unlikely to clog pores for most people. Keep in mind that non-comedogenic is not the same as fungal-acne safe.
The Period After Opening is around 12 months. Store it cool, dry and tightly closed, and replace it once that window passes or if the texture, color or smell changes.
Verdict: Clinique's Moisture Surge Hydro-Infused Lotion is a smart, no-drama hydrator for anyone who loves a lightweight, essence-style step. It floods skin with hyaluronic acid, aloe bioferment and glycerin for an instant dewy glow, layers seamlessly under everything, and stays genuinely fragrance- and oil-free β a rare combination for sensitive skin. The trade-offs: it's deliberately watery rather than a rich cream, it isn't fungal-acne safe, and very dry skin will want something more occlusive on top. Set expectations correctly and it's a versatile, great-value hydration booster.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
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 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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Pentylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|