Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturizer

Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturizer
7.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.7 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturizer work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturizer:

  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 7.4 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Perfect moisturizer for normal to dry skin with a relatively lightweight texture

According to CreamScan analysis, Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturizer is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 7.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈9.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 4.7 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈6.0%) and Squalane (est. ≈2.5%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with normal skin. It combines a high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients to deliver effective dual-action moisturizing for normal skin.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal to dry skin for daily hydration, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturizer has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, and Caffeine. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturizer is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Tocopheryl Acetate (est. ≈1.3%), Sodium Hyaluronate (est. ≈1.0%), Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Function:
Origin:
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Bran Extract
Function:
Origin:
Caffeine
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyaspartate
Function:
Origin:
Petrolatum
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Whey Protein
Function:
Origin:
Linoleic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Pyridoxine Dipalmitate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Sucrose
Function:
Origin:
Polysilicone-11
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-150
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
12.4
9
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
9.4
6.0
2.5
0.3 x 2
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
7.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 12.4 10
10.0
9
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 9.4 20
4.7
6.0
2.5
0.3 x 2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
7.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 12.4 10
10
All humectants
12.4
9
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
2.5
0.3 x 2
0.3
All occlusives 9.4 20
4.7
All occlusives
9.4
6.0
2.5
0.3 x 2
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Caffeine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 4.1 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.1
Tocopheryl Acetate
1.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
1
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
0.3
Caffeine
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
BHT
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Dimethicone
Est. %6
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Isopropyl Isostearate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Isopropyl IsostearateA synthetic ester that offers superior spreadability.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Squalane
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG-18/18 DimethiconeA silicone-based emulsifier that has the ability to create non-sticky and non-greasy formulas.
Silica
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant extract derived from olives. It contains promising anti-aging Oleuropein and prospective anti-pigment Cornoside.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf WaterA fragrant extract derived from the leaves of aloe vera. It has a fresh, green scent and is used as a formula base.
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12

A short, synthetically made peptide similar to elastin fragments. It works as a signal peptide, stimulating the growth of skin cells and facilitating skin repair. It has been tested mostly in test-tube experiments so far.

Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Bran Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Bran ExtractAn extract from wheat bran that contains various proteins, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds. It is also a prospective anti-pigment ingredient.
Caffeine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CaffeineAn antioxidant compound that is obtained from coffee and tea leaves. It increases the microcirculation of blood in the skin and is claimed to be able to reduce the appearance of orange peel skin (although the research is lacking).
Methyl Trimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methyl TrimethiconeA lightweight and volatile silicone known for its excellent solvency. This silicone has a silky, cushiony feel with excellent lubricity and is commonly used as an emollient in silicone-based skincare products.
Sorbitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SorbitolA sweet-tasting alcohol derived from glucose. Aside from its sweet taste (for which it is used as a very common sweetener), Sorbitol is also very good at retaining water and is used in skincare as a humectant.
Sodium Polyaspartate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyaspartateAlso known as polymerized aspartic acid, this protein-like polymer is an excellent moisturizer and forms a smooth film on the skin’s surface. It can also prevent clumping and settling in a liquid product.
Petrolatum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PetrolatumAlso known as Vaseline, this is the most powerful occlusive moisturizer and at least twice as effective as other occlusives. This is why we multiply the petrolatum score by 2 when calculating the Occlusivity of the product. Petrolatum is not comedogenic.
Trehalose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TrehaloseA sweet-tasting saccharide that can be found in various yeasts and fungi and that is manufactured from starch for cosmetic purposes. It is one of the most popular sugars in skincare and is mainly used for its humectant properties.
Whey Protein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Whey ProteinAn emollient mixture of various proteins obtained from whey - cheese or cow milk production liquid leftovers.
Linoleic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Linoleic AcidA fatty acid isolated from various plant oils (notably evening primrose, safflower, grape seed, and sunflower oil). It is an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that doesn't leave an oily, sticky residue and is especially suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
Pyridoxine Dipalmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pyridoxine Dipalmitate
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Cholesterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CholesterolAn emollient and important barrier repairing lipid, effective when combined with fatty acids and ceramides. Around 25% of the skin’s lipid layer is made up of cholesterol and it is found in the membrane of every single cell in our body.
Sucrose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SucroseThis ingredient is more commonly known as table sugar or saccharose and is derived from sugar beets or sugar cane. It is used as a humectant moisturizing ingredient in skincare products, as well as a sweetener.
Polysilicone-11
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysilicone-11A synthetic rubber-like substance of the silicone family that has no color or distinct scent. These are large molecules that cannot penetrate the skin but instead create a thin silky film on the skin's surface.
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl PolymethacrylateA synthetic polymer that is typically used as a viscosity modifier. Its benefits include a light after-feel on the skin and soft film, which is why it is frequently used in serums. It can form transparent gels and suspend some oils and particulates.
PEG-150
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-150
PEG-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-8A synthetic liquid that serves as a humectant. It also works as a solvent because of its ability to dissolve a wide range of ingredients.
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl UreaHydroxyethyl urea is a synthetic derivative of regular urea (read about it here). This ingredient, similarly to urea, is humectant moisturizing and helps to retain more water to the skin’s surface, leaving it more moisturized. There aren't any studies that analyze the effects of this ingredient in great detail.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.