Clinique Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Review
BeautyBrief™
Brand
Clinique
Product
Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
Claims check
The humectant-heavy gel formula and product-specific testing support fast, lightweight hydration, while the 100-hour result comes from a 19-woman clinical panel and should be interpreted as a brand-reported instrumental result rather than a universal wear-time guarantee.
Shopper fit
- Dry
- Normal
- Combination
- Oily
- Sensitive
- Acne-Prone
Formula flags
- Silicones
- Added color
Shopper preferences
- Non-Comedogenic
- Dermatologist-Tested
Key ingredients
| Glycerin | Provides dependable humectant hydration and is one of the clearest drivers of the moisturizer's core function. |
|---|---|
| Hydroxyethyl Urea | Adds another humectant pathway within the water-binding system. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate | Adds water-binding support within the gel matrix. |
| Dimethicone | Adds smoothness, slip, and light surface protection while helping create the polished gel-cream feel. |
| Trehalose | Adds further humectant support to the hydration-focused formula. |
Price tier
$$ Mid-Range
Value check
At the Mid-Range tier, the strongest value is the refined oil-free gel texture, broad skin-type fit, and product-specific hydration testing rather than uniquely advanced barrier repair.
Where to buy
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Bottom line
This is a polished lightweight moisturizer with a strong humectant system and broad skin-type fit. The formula supports the core hydration story well, while the 100-hour claim should be read as a small-panel instrumental result rather than a universal guarantee.
Clinique Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is an oil-free gel-cream moisturizer built around dimethicone, glycerin, trehalose, sodium hyaluronate, aloe components, sorbitol, and hydroxyethyl urea.[1]
The strongest case is lightweight hydration. The humectant-heavy formula, silicone slip, and gel texture make it easy to layer across a wide range of skin types, while the headline 100-hour result comes from a small brand-run clinical panel and should not drive the purchase by itself.
What it claims
Clinique says the moisturizer delivers instant and long-lasting hydration, provides 100 hours of stabilizing hydration, boosts glow, and absorbs in about three seconds.[1] The brand reports clinical hydration testing on 19 women, glow testing on 27 women, and one-week consumer testing on 110 women.[1]
Claims vs. formula
The hydration claim is well aligned with the formula. Glycerin, trehalose, sodium hyaluronate, sorbitol, sucrose, saccharide isomerate, and hydroxyethyl urea all contribute water-binding support, while dimethicone and trisiloxane provide slip and light surface protection.[1]
Moisturizers commonly combine humectants such as glycerin with occlusive or film-forming ingredients such as dimethicone to improve and maintain skin hydration.[2] Hydroxyethyl urea is also recognized as a cosmetic humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient.[3]
The product-specific testing strengthens the hydration story, but the 100-hour figure is based on 19 women and does not establish that every shopper will experience the same duration under every routine or climate condition.
Ingredients that matter
Glycerin: Provides dependable humectant hydration and is one of the clearest drivers of the moisturizer’s core function.
Hydroxyethyl Urea: Adds another humectant pathway within the water-binding system.
Sodium Hyaluronate: Adds water-binding support within the gel matrix.
Dimethicone: Adds smoothness, slip, and light surface protection while helping create the polished gel-cream feel.
Trehalose: Adds further humectant support to the hydration-focused formula.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a well-supported humectant that helps skin hold water and improve dryness. It is common and effective, so the complete formula matters more than a high percentage.
Read the IngredientBrief
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a well-supported humectant for surface hydration. Molecular weight and the complete formula matter more than the number of HA forms advertised.
Read the IngredientBrief
Dimethicone
Dimethicone is a well-supported silicone emollient and skin-protecting ingredient that improves slip, smoothness, and surface comfort. Its real moisture benefit depends on the complete moisturizer or skin-protectant formula.
Read the IngredientBrief
Sodium Hyaluronate
Sodium hyaluronate is a well-established humectant and skin-conditioning form of hyaluronic acid used for surface hydration and temporary plumping. Molecular weight and the complete formula matter more than the sodium-hyaluronate…
Read the IngredientBriefWhat to expect in the short term
Expect a lightweight gel-cream that absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling smoother and more hydrated without a heavy or greasy finish. The current exact-product page identifies it as oil-free, non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, and suitable for sensitive skin.[1]
What to expect over time
Regular use should mainly maintain hydration and comfort. The formula also contains antioxidant and peptide ingredients, but its strongest supported role remains moisturization rather than wrinkle correction or barrier repair at the level of a dedicated treatment cream.
Who it fits
Dry, normal, combination, oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin can all reasonably use it when lightweight hydration is the goal. Clinique specifically positions the product for oily and acne-prone skin as well as sensitive skin.[1] Very dry skin that loses moisture quickly may still prefer a richer cream or an additional occlusive layer.
Compare before you buy
At the Mid-Range tier, the strongest value is the refined gel texture, broad skin-type fit, and product-specific hydration testing. Simpler humectant moisturizers can provide the same basic function for less, so the upgrade is most relevant for shoppers who specifically value the texture and finish.
Final Verdict
Clinique Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is a polished lightweight moisturizer with a strong humectant system and broad skin-type fit. The formula supports the core hydration story well, while the 100-hour claim should be interpreted as a small-panel instrumental result rather than a universal wear-time guarantee.
Where to buy
Choose a retailer to view current pricing and availability.
We may earn a commission through these links at no additional cost to you. This does not affect our BeautyBrief.
Last reviewed: September 2026
Sources
Clinique. Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator. Current official U.S. product page. Accessed September 26, 2026.
Used to verify product identity, current formula, claims, testing sample sizes, directions, non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested labeling, skin-type positioning, current status, and brand-direct Price Tier context.
Draelos ZD. Active agents in common skin care products. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2010;125(2):719-724.
This review describes moisturizers as combinations of humectant and occlusive ingredients, including glycerin and dimethicone. It does not test this Clinique finished moisturizer.
Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety. Safety Assessment of Hydroxyethyl Urea as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. 2024.
The assessment identifies hydroxyethyl urea as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient used in cosmetics. It does not establish finished-product efficacy for Moisture Surge 100H.
