Moisture Surgeβ’ Hydro-Infused Lotion
Moisture Surgeβ’ Hydro-Infused Lotion
Product Description
A lightweight, oil-free watery lotion that instantly drenches skin with stabilizing hydration. Formulated with Aloe Bioferment + HA Complex, this essence-like treatment refines texture and leaves skin with a luminous, dewy glow while prepping it for serums and moisturizers.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Dual-Action Hydration
Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture while aloe bioferment locks it in for stabilized, long-lasting hydration.
Texture Refining
Acetyl glucosamine gently smooths skin texture for a refined, luminous appearance.
Fermented Aloe Technology
10-step fermentation process breaks down aloe into smaller molecules for deeper absorption.
Barrier Prep
Preps just-cleansed skin for optimal acceptance of serums and moisturizers that follow.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains Lactobacillus Ferment and Polysorbate 20, which may feed malassezia in some individuals. Patch test recommended.
Non-acnegenic formula with low pore-clogging potential. Squalane and glycerin are well-tolerated by most skin types.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and allergy tested. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist approved.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ Aloe Bioferment Complex Key Technology
Clinique's exclusive fermented aloe complex combines lactobacillus, activated aloe water, and certified organic aloe extract. The 10-step fermentation process breaks large molecules into smaller sizes for enhanced skin penetration and moisture retention.
- Fermentation Benefits: Smaller molecular size allows deeper penetration into skin layers
- Aloe Vera: Known for soothing, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties
- Probiotic Element: Lactobacillus supports skin's natural microbiome
𧬠Sodium Hyaluronate Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, known for its exceptional ability to attract and hold up to 1000x its weight in water. Creates a "moisture reservoir" for optimal skin hydration.
- Mechanism: Acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the environment into skin
- Molecular Weight: Penetrates skin to provide both surface and deep hydration
- Clinical Evidence: Extensively studied for anti-aging and hydration benefits
π« Squalane Proven
A stable, plant-derived emollient that mimics skin's natural sebum. Provides non-greasy moisture and strengthens the skin barrier without clogging pores.
- Biocompatibility: Naturally occurs in human sebum, making it highly compatible with all skin types
- Benefits: Emolliency, surface occlusion, and TEWL (trans-epidermal water loss) prevention
- Fungal Acne: Generally considered safe for fungal acne-prone skin
π¬ Acetyl Glucosamine Active Level Promising
An amino sugar that helps smooth skin texture and supports skin's natural exfoliation process. Works synergistically with hyaluronic acid for enhanced hydration.
- Texture Refining: Promotes gentle cell turnover for smoother skin
- Brightening: May help reduce hyperpigmentation over time
- Synergy: Precursor to hyaluronic acid synthesis in skin
β Caffeine Proven
A well-researched antioxidant with good skin penetration abilities. Helps calm and soothe skin while providing protection against environmental stressors.
- Antioxidant: Reduces formation of free radicals that cause skin damage
- Anti-inflammatory: Helps calm and reduce redness
- Penetration: Small, water-loving molecule that absorbs quickly
46 ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Acetyl Glucosamine, Caffeine, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis (St. Paul's Wort) Extract, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract, Hypnea Musciformis (Algae) Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) 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 after cleansing and toning. This lotion preps skin for better absorption of following products. Can also be used as a hydrating compress.
π How to Use
Cleanse & Prep
Start with clean skin. Use your regular cleanser and optional toner first.
Dispense & Apply
Pour a small amount into palms or onto a cotton pad. Pat gently onto face and neck.
Optional: Wet Compress
For extra hydration, soak a cotton pad and apply as a wet compress for 3-5 minutes.
Follow Up
Continue with serum and moisturizer. Use AM and PM for best results.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You want lightweight, non-greasy hydration
- You prefer fragrance-free skincare
- You need a hydrating prep step before serums
- You have combination or oily-prone skin
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You want dermatologist-tested products
- You enjoy essence-style watery textures
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin needing richer hydration
- You have active fungal acne (malassezia)
- You prefer cream or gel textures
- You're looking for anti-aging actives
- You need a standalone moisturizer
- You're sensitive to fermented ingredients
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Oil-free, lightweight formula absorbs instantly without adding shine or greasiness. Perfect for oily skin types.
Balances hydration across different face zones without overwhelming T-zone or leaving dry areas parched.
Provides excellent hydration boost but will need a richer moisturizer on top for very dry skin types.
Fragrance-free, allergy tested, and dermatologist approved. Gentle formula with soothing aloe and caffeine.
Non-acnegenic with low comedogenic rating. Those with fungal acne should patch test due to ferments.
π Results Timeline
Instant Hydration Boost
Skin feels instantly plumped and refreshed with a dewy-fresh glow. Surface hydration is immediately noticeable.
100% noticed immediate hydrationImproved Skin Texture
Skin starts to feel smoother and more supple. Fine dry lines appear less visible due to consistent hydration.
85% noticed texture improvementEnhanced Radiance
Complexion appears more luminous and refined. Skin tone looks more even and healthy-looking.
78% noticed improved glowOptimized Skin Barrier
Skin feels more resilient and better able to retain moisture throughout the day. Overall skin health improved.
72% noticed lasting resultsβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Lightweight, non-greasy formula
- Absorbs instantly into skin
- Fragrance-free and gentle
- Great for layering under makeup
- Dermatologist and allergy tested
- Works well with all skin types
- Preps skin for better product absorption
- Gives skin a dewy, fresh glow
β Criticized
- Not hydrating enough alone for very dry skin
- Higher price point vs. Asian alternatives
- Contains ferments (fungal acne concern)
- Requires additional moisturizer
- Some wish for larger bottle size
- May feel too light for winter months
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Contains 5 types of hyaluronic acid for intense hydration. Similar watery texture but lacks the aloe bioferment complex. Excellent value at 1/3 the price.
Lightweight essence with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. Slightly thicker texture. Fungal acne safe option without ferments.
Milky toner-moisturizer hybrid with ceramides and amino acids. Slightly richer texture but same hydrating prep concept.
Simple serum with low, medium, and high molecular weight HA. More viscous texture, best applied to damp skin.
π Comparison with Competitors
Clinique Moisture Surge Hydro-Infused Lotion
$45.00Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion
$14.99Laneige Cream Skin Toner
$33.00COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence
$16.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Room temperature is ideal.
Plastic bottle with flip-top cap for easy dispensing
No, 200ml exceeds TSA 100ml limit. Transfer to smaller container for carry-on.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this product is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, or chemical sunscreens that are typically advised against during pregnancy. All ingredients are gentle and non-irritating.
Use caution if you have fungal acne. This product contains Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate and Polysorbate 20, which may potentially feed malassezia yeast in some individuals. While the squalane in this formula is generally FA-safe, patch testing is recommended for those prone to fungal acne.
Yes! This hydrating lotion is compatible with most active ingredients. Apply the lotion first to hydrate and prep skin, then follow with your actives. The hyaluronic acid helps buffer potential irritation from strong actives. When using with vitamin C, apply vitamin C serum first, then this lotion.
This lotion works excellently for all skin types, but is particularly well-suited for oily, combination, and normal skin types due to its lightweight, oil-free formula. Dry skin types will benefit from layering a richer moisturizer on top. Sensitive skin types will appreciate the fragrance-free, allergy-tested formula.
You'll notice instant hydration and a dewy glow immediately after application. Improvements in skin texture typically appear within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. For optimal results including enhanced radiance and improved moisture retention, use consistently for 4-6 weeks.
Apply after cleansing and toning, but before serums and moisturizers. Think of it as a hydrating prep step that primes skin for better absorption of products that follow. Use morning and night. Can also be applied throughout the day for a quick hydration boost.
This product has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5 and is labeled as non-acnegenic by Clinique. The formula is oil-free with ingredients like squalane and glycerin that are generally well-tolerated by acne-prone skin. However, individual reactions vary, so patch testing is always recommended.
The product has a 12-month period after opening (PAO). Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain efficacy. If you notice any changes in color, texture, or smell before this time, discontinue use.
Verdict: Clinique Moisture Surge Hydro-Infused Lotion is an excellent lightweight hydrating prep step, particularly suited for oily, combination, and sensitive skin types. Its fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested formula with innovative Aloe Bioferment technology delivers instant hydration and a dewy glow. While the price point is higher than K-beauty alternatives, you're paying for rigorous allergy testing and a trusted dermatologist brand. Best used as part of a layered routine rather than as a standalone moisturizer. Those with fungal acne should patch test due to fermented ingredients.
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.
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
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Pentylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|

