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If you are looking for deeply moisturized skin you have probably heard about the Clinique Moisture Surge and the Neutrogena Hydro Boost moisturizers.
These deep moisturizers are both proven to hydrate the skin, provide a healthy glow and combat wrinkles. You may be wondering which is better: Clinique Moisture Surge or Neutrogena Hydro Boost?
Here is a side by side comparison of the Clinique Moisture Surge vs. Neutrogena Hydro Boost.
| Clinique Moisture Surge vs. | Neutrogena Hydro Boost | |
| Skin Type | Dry and Oily | Dry and Oily |
| Oil-Free? | Yes | Yes |
| Absorption | Easily into the skin | Easily into the skin |
| Main Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera, Caffeine | Hyaluronic Acid, Olive Extract |
| Fragrance Free? | Yes | Yes |
| Non-Comedogenic? | Yes | Yes |
| Release of Moisture | 72 – 100 hours depending on formula | Daily |
| Under or over makeup? | Both under or over makeup | Under |
| Other products in the line | Concentrate, Face Mist, Lip Balm, Skin Tint and more | Cleansers, Eye Cream, Masks, Serums and more |
| Product Image |  |  |
| Where to buy | Clinique.com, Sephora, Nordstrom, Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay | Shoppers Drug Mart, Target, Amazon.ca or any other Drug Store |
| Price (CAD) | $17/15 mL or $49/50 mL | $24.99/47 mL |
From the Clinique Moisture Surge vs. Neutrogena Hydro Boost chart, what stands out to me are a few things:
- Hydro Boost doesn’t contain main ingredient Aloe – Clinique’s Moisture Surge contains Aloe as one of the main ingredients but the Hydro Boost does not have Aloe in its ingredients. Instead it has “Olivate” which is a derivative of Olives. Olives are amazing for anti-aging properties because of the oleic acid. Oleic acid has been proven to reduce wrinkles up to 20% and oleic acid also has a high vitamin C concentrate. The issue is that in the Clinique Moisture Surge, the Aloe is really what absorbs into the skin so it can retain its moisture. If you’re looking for a hydration to be released over time the Clinique Moisture Surge is a better choice for you.
- Clinique Moisture Surge lasts longer thought out the day – If you’re looking for a hybrid moisturizer, the Moisture Surge is the way to go because it can be worn over and under the makeup. If you crave that plump dewy look, the Moisture Surge will give you that between 72 and 100 hours. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost will only last you a day and you have to keep reapplying.
- Clinique Moisture Surge Price is competitive for a luxury skincare brand – Even though the Neutrogena Hydro Boost is cheaper than Clinique’s Moisture Surge, you are still paying for quality ingredients. In my expert opinion, the value of what you’re getting from the Clinique Moisture Surge even though you’re paying a bit more is still within the range of a mid tier skincare brand. I think you’re still getting more value for your dollar based on the better ingredients found in the Clinique Moisture Surge, namely Aloe and the fact that the product is released over time.
Clinique Moisture Surge Review
Clinique Moisture Surge 72-HR Lipid Replenishing Moisturizer auto replenishing hydrator is a gel based moisturizer that will keep your skin hydrated up to 72 hours of application. This is a gel-cream product and has been reformulated but still maintains its perfect texture. This moisturizer is best for BOTH oily and dry skin because the moisturizer is so intense and is released throughout a 72 hour period. This product contains Aloe Vera which helps soothe and moisturize dry skin as well as combat acne.
The unique thing about the Clinique Moisture Surge 72-HR Lipid Replenishing Moisturizer is that even if you wash your face, the moisture is still locked into the skin. The Clinique Moisture Surge 72-HR Lipid Replenishing Moisturizer is so hydrating, you will not need to reapply any moisturizer for 2 – 3 days!
This cream is also oil free so if you have oily skin you can also use this moisturizer. If you have acne, you may want to read the reviews before purchasing this moisturizer because on Sephora there was a review that mentioned it became greasy with someone who had cystic acne.
The main ingredients in the Clinique Moisture Surge are:
- Aloe Bio-Ferment – Helps to infuse the skin with moisture
- Hyaluronic Acid – Skin locks in moisture to allow for plumping effect
- Activated Aloe Water – Helps skin absorb moisture more easily
- Caffeine – Triggers the skin to hydrate
- Glycerin – helps with glow and shine (similar to Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream that contains a lot of glycerin).
Clinique also released the 100-hour auto replenishing moisture surge hydrator that allows moisture to be released within the skin up to 100 hours.
Essentially, you’ll remain dewy for the next three days if you use this moisturizer since it acts like a humectant and retains all of the water within the skin.
Is the Clinique Moisture Surge Worth it?
The Clinique Moisture Surge is worth the price if you are interested in having moisture released gradually over the course of 2 – 3 days. This is a very special type of technology and cannot be duplicated anywhere else. If you want the dewy look for over 72 hours then you need to try this product.
If you read the reviews on Sephora, it has received over 8,300 loves and 666 reviews. The reviews are a bit mixed saying that sometimes this product did not work for dry skin as the description claims. Most people loved it and said “Love this product! This applies to my skin better then any other moisturizing product I’ve used before!”.
I would say in reading the reviews, you will notice that those with VERY dry skin tend not to like the Clinique Moisture Surge.
What is Clinique Moisture Surge Used For?
The Clinique Moisture Surge is used for extreme hydration of the skin either dry or oily. Dry skin types will love this moisturizer because it is non-irritating and releases the moisture slowly throughout 2 – 3 days. Oily skin types will also love this moisturizer because of the soothing properties of aloe. Basically, everyone can use this moisturizer and it is great for sensitive skin types who tend to break out or become red.
the difference between Clinique Moisture Surge Moisturizer and the Moisture Surge Concentrate
The difference between the Clinique Moisture Surge and the Moisture Surge Concentrate is that the concentrate acts more like an essence and can be worn under a moisturizer. You can still use the Moisture Surge Concentrate as a moisturizer in the warmer months or you could wear it under your moisture for even more hydration.
The Moisture Surge Concentrate still provides the same timely release of moisture within 72 or 100 hours like the Surge Moisturizer but it is a bit thinner. The Concentrate is kind of like an in between of a serum and moisturizer so you can essentially use it as your main source of moisture.
How Often Should You Use Clinique Moisture Surge?
You can use the Clinique Moisture Surge everyday there is no harm in that. Those who have the 72 H moisture surge can use it every 2 – 3 days because it will continue to hydrate your skin even after it has been exposed to water. You can wash your face and the special formula will continue to release moisture into your skin.
Do I use Clinique Moisture Surge Before or After Moisturizer?
You can use the Clinique Moisture Surge before moisturizer or use it as your main moisturizer. You can use it as a 10 minute face mask if you want it to plump your skin fast. You can also apply it over makeup because it dries clear.
Does Clinique Moisture Surge Combat Wrinkles?
Yes the Clinique Moisture Surge fights wrinkles and fine lines with the Hyaluronic Acid that helps plump the skin’s outer layer and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Review
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost is a water based moisturizer that also releases hydration over time. It is also a water-based gel consistency. The reason why people love the Neutrogena Hydro Boost so much is because it is a simple, water based moisturizer that can be found at the drugstore.
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost can also be applied as a makeup and become your main moisturizer. It is oil free and easily absorbs into the skin. It delivers water into the skin and strengthens the moisture barrier.
The main ingredients in the Neutrogena Hydro Boost are Hyaluronic Acid and Olive exctract. The Hyaluronic Acid formula holds 1000x its water weight so there will also be a slow release of water into the skin all day long.
There is a full line of Neutrogena Hydro Boost products such as serums, cleansers and masks and all are very affordable.
Similar to the Clinique Moisture Surge, it works well with both dry and oily skin which is the unique part of both of these formulas.
Does Neutrogena Hydro Boost Really Work?
Yes! The Neutrogena Hydro Boost really does work to hydrate the skin. In fact, many makeup artists use this moisturizer instead of a primer because it helps you get smooth glass looking skin which helps with makeup application.
In summary, if you are wondering which product to buy either Clinique’s Moisture Surge or Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost I would pick the Clinique Moisture Surge if you have the money. It is a better product and if hydration is your main concern you will not be disappointed. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost does work well too and is a great second choice if you do not want to use Clinique.
I hope you enjoyed this comparison of the Clinique Moisture Surve vs. Neutrogena Hydro Boost.
Keep reading more makeup and skincare reviews like this one!
Xo,
Beauty Reviews Daily Blog