Clinique is a well-established skincare brand that has been dominating the industry for decades. The brand has a huge selection of moisturizers, which can make it difficult to determine which will be best for your skin’s needs.
Here is a breakdown of the absolute best Clinique moisturizers for different skin types and concerns.
The Best Clinique Moisturizers
Best Overall
Best Clinique Moisturizer
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
This oil-free moisturizer is great for all skin types, making it one of the overall best Clinique moisturizers. The gel-cream formula penetrates deep into the skin to give it long-lasting hydration.
This highly-rated moisturizer helps the skin stay hydrated without feeling heavy. It contains two molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, a super effective skincare ingredient that attracts moisture to the skin and locks it in[1]. It also contains aloe, which soothes and helps the skin retain water.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Contains color additives
The moisturizer contains an “auto-replenishing technology,” which triggers the skin's rehydration system to keep it hydrated for 100 hours.
Best for Normal to Oily Skin
Best Clinique Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
This oil-free moisturizer is perfect for normal to oily skin, because it moisturizes and strengthens the skin without making it feel or appear oily.
This gel moisturizer is excellent for skin that gets a bit oily, because it gives the skin the essential hydration that it needs without contributing to shine. The oil-free formula contains sunflower seed cake, barley extract, and cucumber extract, which work to strengthen the skin’s barrier while retaining its moisture levels.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologist-developed
Cons
- Contains color additives
In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, this moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid, which attracts and locks in moisture for balanced skin[1].
Best for Oily Skin
Best Clinique Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator
This product is one of the best Clinique moisturizers for oily skin, because it hydrates while mattifying and refining the appearance of pores.
Oily skin types still need daily moisturization to keep the skin balanced, and this oil-free moisturizer does so without contributing to shine. This moisturizer contains light-scattering optics, which refine the appearance of pores and mattify.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Non-acnegenic
Cons
- Some reviewers note that it doesn’t layer well with makeup
Additional ingredients in this moisturizer include St. John’s wort extract and barley extract, which provide antioxidant protection to guard the skin against environmental stressors.
Best for Normal to Dry Skin
Best Clinique Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream
This cream provides the extra moisturization that drier skin types need to keep the skin hydrated and supple.
This moisturizing cream contains a variety of ingredients that help dry skin stay hydrated throughout the day. Sodium hyaluronate (the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid) draws moisture to the skin and locks it in, while glycerin (a humectant) further hydrates[1][2].
Pros
- Dermatologist-developed
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Contains color additives
In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, this moisturizer contains sunflower seed cake, barley extract, and cucumber extract, which work to strengthen the skin’s barrier while retaining its moisture levels.
Best for Uneven Skin Tone
Best Clinique Moisturizer for Uneven Skin
Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20
If you have hyperpigmentation or generally uneven skin, this daytime moisturizer will help brighten and even the skin tone while hydrating.
This moisturizer contains a variety of ingredients that are great for evening skin tone. A key ingredient is ascorbyl glucoside (vitamin C), which helps lighten hyperpigmentation and brighten[3]. Other ingredients – including apple extract, pomegranate, grapefruit extract, and turmeric extract – further help brighten the skin tone.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Contains only a low amount of SPF
While this moisturizer contains SPF 20, this is a low amount. For daily use, it’s best to layer another sunscreen on top for maximum protection. Daily sun protection is crucial for those with acne scars and melasma, because the sun can darken hyperpigmentation and decrease its likelihood to fade quickly[4]. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of at least 30[5].
Best for Redness
Best Clinique Moisturizer for Redness
Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream With Microbiome Technology
This product is one of the best Clinique moisturizers for skin prone to redness. It not only reduces blotchiness and redness, but also helps soothe the skin.
This gentle, oil-free moisturizer works to reduce redness while also calming and hydrating the skin. It contains a microbiome technology, which works to soothe and support the skin’s natural microbiome, as well as a variety of calming skincare ingredients.
Pros
- Gentle
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Contains color additives
Some of the key calming ingredients in this gentle moisturizer include green tea extract, barley extract, wheat germ extract, and yellow tea extract.
Best for Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Best Clinique Moisturizer for Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Clinique Smart Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Age Transformer Revolumize
This moisturizer is packed with ingredients that help not only hydrate, but also plump and firm the skin to reduce the signs of aging.
This moisturizer contains three different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that not only locks in moisture, but also has been shown to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles[1]. It also contains Clinique’s Morpho Technology + Custom Repair, which minimizes lines while also addressing dullness and uneven skin tone.
Pros
- Plumping
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Contains color additives
Two other key ingredients in this moisturizer include soybean protein, which minimizes lines, and yeast extract, which holds onto moisture.
FAQs
Which Clinique moisturizer is best?
The best moisturizer for you will depend on your skin type and concerns. The Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is one of the overall best Clinique moisturizers because it is suitable for all skin types, but there are plenty of other great options that target different skin issues and skin types.
Which Clinique moisturizer is best for dry skin?
If you have dry skin, one of the best moisturizers from Clinique for you is the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream. The Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is another great option for dry skin.
Is Clinique good for aging skin?
Yes, Clinique has a variety of products that are great for aging skin. As far as moisturizers go, the Smart Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Age Transformer Revolumize is an excellent option, as it firms and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The Bottom Line
If you’re on the market for a new moisturizer, Clinique has at least one option that will work for you. This well-loved skincare brand has a wide variety of excellent moisturizers that target and treat different skin types and concerns.
