What you need to know
This is a moisturizer with Sodium Hyaluronate. A humectant that holds up to 1000x its weight in water. Draws moisture from the environment into your skin. Found naturally in your skin but declines with age.
Who should use this: If your concern is dehydrated skin, dry skin, fine lines from dehydration, or all skin types, this ingredient addresses that directly. 0.1-2%. Low molecular weight penetrates deeper. High molecular weight sits on top and plumps. Most products use a mix.
Where this goes wrong
In very dry climates with low humidity, HA can pull moisture OUT of your skin instead of from the air. Always seal it with a moisturizer. Not a treatment for any skin condition. It hydrates. That is all.
Our verdict
Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel is a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer best suited for oily and combination skin types. While the texture is genuinely exceptional, the Rs2800 price tag is steep for a product without any listed active ingredients.
Key ingredients
The formula also includes a mix of botanical extracts like Laminaria Saccharina Extract and Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, known for their soothing properties. Caffeine is present, which can help with temporary depuffing. The overall formulation focuses on providing light hydration and a pleasant skin feel, aligning with Clinique's long-standing commitment to allergy-tested and fragrance-free products.
Who should use this
This moisturizer is ideal for individuals with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin who prefer a feather-light texture. It is particularly good for those who dislike any greasy or heavy feeling on their face, especially in humid climates. Its non-comedogenic nature makes it suitable for sensitive skin that reacts to richer formulations.
Who should skip this
Those with dry or very dry skin will likely find this moisturizer insufficient for their hydration needs. If you are looking for a product to address specific concerns like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or significant barrier repair, you will need to incorporate a separate active serum, as this gel offers none. Pregnant women should always consult their doctor regarding their skincare routine, but for sun protection, 100% mineral sunscreens are the only recommended option.
How to use
Apply a small amount to your face and neck twice daily, after cleansing and any serums. Gently massage until fully absorbed. This gel is designed to be the moisturizing step in your routine and layers well under sunscreen and makeup. Remember, when using any active, this moisturizer should be applied after your single active serum, not before or in conjunction with other actives.
What users say
Based on 1642 reviews, users consistently praise the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel for its incredibly light texture and instant absorption. Many highlight its suitability for oily and combination skin, noting its ability to hydrate without leaving any residue. The general consensus is that it is the lightest moisturizer Clinique offers, making it a favorite for those who dislike any heaviness.
Price context
At Rs2800, this gel moisturizer is on the pricier side, especially considering it lacks any standout active ingredients. While the formulation refinement and decades of safety data from Clinique are valuable, many Indian brands offer gel moisturizers with similar hydrating profiles, and sometimes added actives, at a fraction of the cost. For this price, one might expect more targeted benefits beyond basic hydration and a superior texture.
Pros
- + Extremely lightweight, oil-free gel texture
- + Absorbs instantly with zero residue
- + Excellent for oily and combination skin types
- + Allergy-tested and 100% fragrance-free
- + Layers well under sunscreen and makeup
Cons
- - Expensive for a basic hydrating gel
- - Lacks any specific active ingredients for targeted concerns
- - Insufficient for dry or very dry skin types
- - No significant anti-aging or corrective benefits
Final take
The Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel is an excellent choice if your primary need is a genuinely weightless, non-greasy moisturizer for oily or combination skin. Its texture is unparalleled in the category, but be prepared to pay a premium for that experience. For those seeking active ingredients or on a tighter budget, more efficacious and affordable options exist.
View all 35 ingredients
Water / Aqua / Eau , Dimethicone , Isododecane , Butylene Glycol , Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane , Glycerin , Laminaria Saccharina Extract , Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract , Saccharomyces Lysate Extract , Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract , Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract / Extrait D'Orge , Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake , Caffeine , Trehalose , Sodium Hyaluronate , Tocopheryl Acetate , Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) , Polysilicone-11 , Silica , Propylene Glycol Dicaprate , Oleth-10 , Lactobacillus Ferment , Laureth-23 , Laureth-4 , Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate / Vp Copolymer , Carbomer , Caprylyl Glycol , Hexylene Glycol , Tromethamine , Disodium Edta , Phenoxyethanol , Potassium Sorbate , Yellow 5 (Ci 19140) , Red 4 (Ci 14700) , Yellow 6 (Ci 15985)
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Data & Disclosure
Product details pulled directly from clinique.in on Apr 17, 2026. Outbound links carry UTM parameters so we can measure click-throughs. We do not currently run an affiliate program with Clinique.