Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

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.

Key ingredients

The formula also includes a blend of plant extracts like Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract and Silybum Marianum (Lady's Thistle) Extract, which offer antioxidant benefits. Caffeine is present, potentially helping to soothe the skin. Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is included as a peptide, and Sodium Hyaluronate provides additional hydration. This product is designed for general skin health and hydration rather than targeting specific active ingredient concerns.

Who should use this

This moisturizer is ideal for all skin types, especially those seeking lightweight, non-comedogenic hydration. It works well for individuals with normal, combination, or oily skin, and even sensitive skin due to its fragrance-free and allergy-tested nature. It's also suitable for anyone looking for a moisturizer that layers seamlessly under makeup.

Who should skip this

Individuals on a strict budget might want to skip this, as its high price point can be a barrier. While excellent, similar hydrating benefits can be found in more affordable Indian market options. Those looking for a moisturizer with specific active ingredients to address concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, or significant anti-aging effects beyond basic hydration should consider a different product or add an active serum to their routine.

How to use

Apply a pea-sized amount to cleansed face and neck, morning and night, after any serums or treatments. Gently pat until absorbed. It can be used as the last step in your skincare routine before sunscreen in the morning. Remember to use only one active ingredient per routine; for example, if using a Vitamin C serum, apply this moisturizer afterward, but do not layer it with another active like retinol or AHA.

What users say

With over 14,510 reviews on Nykaa, users frequently praise the Clinique Moisture Surge for its genuinely excellent, long-lasting hydration. Many highlight its water-gel texture, noting it absorbs instantly and works perfectly under makeup without pilling. The brand's long-standing commitment to allergy testing is also a recurring positive point. However, the high price is a common point of contention, with users questioning if the sensorial experience justifies the cost compared to budget-friendly alternatives.

Price context

At Rs3200, the Clinique Moisture Surge sits firmly in the luxury skincare category. While its formulation refinement and decades of safety data are significant, it's considerably more expensive than comparable hydrating moisturizers from Indian brands, such as Minimalist's B5 moisturizer, which offers similar hydration for about one-sixth of the price. The value proposition here leans heavily on the sensorial experience and brand trust, rather than a unique ingredient profile that cannot be found elsewhere for less.

Final take

The Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is a truly good moisturizer, offering superb hydration and a pleasant user experience. If budget is not a concern and you prioritize a refined, trusted formulation with excellent texture, it's a worthwhile investment for daily hydration. For those on a tighter budget, effective alternatives exist in the Indian market that provide comparable hydrating benefits.