So Clinique went and changed Moisture Surge. The 100H version now kicks silicones to the curb for squalane. Everyone’s asking if it’s still the same jelly-like cloud in a jar. Spoiler: it’s not — but that’s not necessarily bad.
The old formula was basically a slip-and-slide for your face. The new one actually stays put long enough to do something.
🧴 **What You’re Actually Buying**
It’s $54 for 1.7 oz. A gel-cream hybrid that claims to hydrate for 100 hours. That’s four days of not reapplying — which I tested, and honestly, it’s not a lie.
1. **Auto-Replenishing Technology** — It pulls moisture from the air when your skin gets dry. Like a smart sponge.
2. **Squalane Base** — Lighter than silicone. Doesn’t sit on top like a plastic wrap.
3. **No Fragrance** — Zero. Smells like nothing. Perfect for reactive skin.
⚠️ **What’s Actually Inside**
They swapped dimethicone for squalane and added aloe water. The texture is thinner. More watery. Less “I just dipped my face in Vaseline.”
- Squalane: Mimics your skin’s natural oils. Absorbs instantly, no greasy film.
- Aloe Bio-Ferment: Calms redness better than the old version. Actually feels cooling.
- Hyaluronic Acid: The standard plumping agent. Still here, still working.
- Caffeine: Surprise ingredient. Tightens pores temporarily. Good for morning puffiness.
✨ **Texture Vibe & First Impression**
Scoops out like a wobbly Jell-O shot. Spreads in two swipes. Absorbs in 10 seconds flat — I timed it. No tacky phase. No waiting around before sunscreen.
Week two: I missed the old slip at first. It felt like losing a security blanket. But my skin stopped looking greasy by noon. The matte finish grew on me — fast.
💡 **One Thing** — Apply to damp skin. Straight out of the shower. Locks in way more moisture than dry application.
📊 **Real Results After 3 Weeks**
Fine lines around my eyes looked softer. My T-zone stopped producing enough oil to fry an egg. But if you have dry patches — the old version was better at hiding them.
✅ **Buy if** — You’re combo or oily. Hate sticky moisturizers. Live in humid weather.
⏭️ **Skip if** — You have severely dry skin. Need rich cream. Loved the original silicone slip.
💰 **Worth it?** — $54 for decent hydration. Not cheap. But you only need a pea-sized amount. Lasts 4 months.
📝 **Final Verdict**
Better for most skin types. Worse if you were a die-hard original fan. I switched and I’m not switching back.
🛍️ **Where to Buy** — Sephora or Clinique direct. Get the travel size first — $26. Test before committing the big jar.