The human skin takes a lot of buffeting from pollutants every day, whether you know it or not. And even though the skin is naturally fortified to handle these pollutants, it can do so for only so long. Hence, there is need for extra protection and some come in the form of moisturizers. So we are taking a look at Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator vs Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel.
The Intense Hydrator is a cream-gel while the Dramatically Different is a moisturizing gel. This means that intricately, their formulation is basically different, even though their benefits look mostly the same.
As we go further, we will elaborate on their core similarities and differences. You would be able to see which would suit you better and this will help you make a better choice when the next time you shop for a moisturizer.
Table of Contents
Comparison Overview – Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator vs Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Why are we comparing products from different lines? The main reason is what they do for the skin.
They both add moisture to the skin, which is part of what keeps our skin healthy. But which does a better job of hydrating the skin? And does your skin need that much hydration, all the time? What about specific ingredients? These are some of the points we want to explain here.
As we have mentioned earlier, one is a cream-gel while the other is a moisturizing gel. Here is what this means: the cream-gel contains more oil and is silkier than the moisturizing gel. The latter has more water than oil. It is good to note here that both products are oil-free, for the most part.
Their composition, therefore, makes them ideal for differing skin types. The Intense Hydrator is great for very dry to dry combination skin. It adds much-needed moisture and locks it in. We will explain this as we go on.
The Dramatically Different moisturizing gel, on the other hand, is for oily to combination oily skin. It creates a balance of moisture for combination skin and relieves dry patches. Its water-base helps keep the oil production and its effect on the skin reduced.
When it comes to packaging, the Intense Hydrator comes packaged in a jar while the moisturizing gel comes in a bottle that has a pump. Even if all else were the same, this feature has created a world of difference between them. More on this feature later.
Price/Value Ratio – Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator vs Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Which of the products offer more value for money?
The Intense Hydrator offers more value for money than the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. A little amount of the Hydrator goes a long way so a jar of the product will last a while. And it deeply and intensely moisturizes very dry skin.
Even though it comes in ajar, which is not the preferred packaging for skincare enthusiasts, this does not detract from its effectiveness. You can use a spatula to scoop instead of your fingers.
Both products are quite pricey. Not exorbitantly so but they are not your average over-the-counter moisturizers. So you may want to hitch up your belt a bit when going to buy either of them.
Comparison Table – Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator vs Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Intense Hydrator |
Moisturizing Gel |
|
Skincare Line | Moisture Surge | Dramatically Different |
Skin Type | Very Dry to Dry Skin | Oily to Combination Oily Skin |
Formula | Cream-gel | Moisturizing Gel |
Liquid Content | 2.5 oz. | 6.7 oz. (Jumbo Pack) |
Packaging | Jar | Bottle with Pump |
Key Benefits | Restores Skin Barrier and Locks in Moisture | Provides Moisture for the Skin and Maintains a Balance in the Moisture |
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Who Can Use Which? – Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator vs Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Intense Hydrator |
Moisturizing Gel |
The Hydrator is for people who have dry or extremely dry skin. If you usually have dry patches on your skin, this cream will help boost moisture in those areas.
Because it improves the moisture content of the skin, it is super beneficial for other skin types. Moreover, it’s a cream-gel that traps moisture within the skin and creates a barrier to keep pollutants out. |
On its own part, the moisturizing gel is ideal for oily or combination-oily skin. It boosts the hydration of the skin but works better for oily skin because of its water-base.
On dry skin, the moisture may not be very adequate. If you have dry skin, you may use it but you may find your skin does not get the right amount of lubrication it needs to alleviate dryness. Besides, it is a myth that oily skin does not need moisturizing. Beneath all that oiliness, you can still feel parched. So, here is a great moisturizer for you. |
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Common Features – Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator vs Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
The common features of both skincare products are:
- Gel-like formulas
- Absorption rate
- Lightweight
- Little or no oil content
- No fragrance
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
Let us take a look at each feature.
Gel-like Formulas
Both products have gel-like consistency. They feel like a gel when touched or applied. Both have the look of a cream except that the Hydrator is more opaque than the moisturizing gel.
Absorption Rate
Because they have a gel-like consistency, they both get quickly absorbed into the skin. This is a tremendously good thing because little gets wasted. Besides, the more of the product that gets absorbed, the more there is available in the skin to work.
Additionally, they leave no residue on the skin. Quick absorption is usually possible when the product is more water than oil.
Lightweight
The featured products are not heavy on the skin in any way. If anything, they are very light. They are so light that you can use any other skincare product over them. Their quick absorption is a major contributing factor to this attribute.
Little or No Oil Content
The cream-gel and the moisturizing gel contain little or no oil. In fact, the moisturizing gel has no oil while the cream-gel contains very little oil. And the little there is helps keep very dry skin supple and soft.
No Fragrance
Furthermore, the absence of artificial fragrance in them makes them great for people with allergies. If you are one of such people who prefer their skincare products unscented, voila!
Hypoallergenic
They don’t cause any allergic reactions; at least, they claim not to. That means for the most part, they do not cause any irritation or allergic breakouts to your skin, especially if you are sensitive.
Non-comedogenic
And they do not clog or block your pores. Plus, the low or no oil content increases its chances of being non-comedogenic.
Unique Features – Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator vs Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
The unique features of the products being compared are:
- Packaging
- Formula
- Skin type
- Size
How each feature uniquely characterizes each product is explained as we go on.
Packaging
If you happen to miss the names of the products, the packaging is one feature that distinguishes one from the other. The Intense Hydrator comes in a jar while the Moisturizing Gel comes in a bottle.
Formula
Their formulas differ but not so much. The Hydrator is a gel-based cream while the Moisturizing Gel is gel-like.
Though they both appear as opaque lotions, one more than the other, their textures differ. The gel moisturizer dissolves quicker than the cream-gel. Besides, the cream contains a little oil while the gel moisturizer does not.
Skin Type
Their ideal skin types, as written on their packs, is another distinguishing factor. The Intense Hydrator is ideal for dry to very dry skin. It intensely hydrates and keeps working for as long as 24 hours.
The Moisturizing Gel, on the other hand, is more suited to combination oily to oily skin. This does not mean it doesn’t hydrate well because it does. But it may not work as intensely as the cream-gel.
Size
While the Hydrator as featured, comes in a 75ml jar, the moisturizer as featured, comes in a 200ml bottle. That is a huge difference.
Unique Pros – Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator vs Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Which of the Products Hydrates the Skin Better: Intense Hydrator or Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel?
The Intense Hydrator hydrates the skin better than the Moisturizing gel. It penetrates deep into dry or very dry skin ,leaving it feeling and looking much better than before. This happens immediately upon application.
Which of the Products Mends Broken Skin Barrier: Intense Hydrator or Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel?
The Intense Hydrator mends the skin barrier if it is broken. This keeps moisture and necessary nutrients from escaping. It also helps protect and lock in moisture better.
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B00AN5TR9C” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AN5TR9C?tag=skincareguide-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” specs=”Intensely fortifies the skin~~~Contains hyaluronic acid for deep and lasting hydration~~~Ideal for dry to very dry combination skin type~~~Mends broken skin barrier~~~” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-reviews=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator[/amalinkspro]
Video: How the Intense Hydrator Works on Skin
Sometimes, our skin problems come from broken skin barrier that is meant to protect. When that happens, it leaves our skin vulnerable. The result is that we may find our skin becoming too dry or oily. But can the broken barrier be mended? Watch…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHETpNgFa7k&t=1s
Which of the Products Balances Moisture in Oily or Combination Skin: Intense Hydrator or Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel?
The Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel creates a balance in the moisture in oily or combination skin. This will help combination skin so that there is balance in the skin types combined. It will also keep oil production in oily skin in check.
Which of the Products Offers More Liquid Content: Intense Hydrator or Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel?
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel offers more liquid content than the Intense Hydrator. However, this is according to the particular types featured in this review.
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B00AE46MLS” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AE46MLS?tag=skincareguide-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” specs=”Moisturizer for both men and women~~~Absorbs easily and moisturizes deeply~~~Suitable for oily to combination oily skin~~~” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-reviews=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel – Combination Oily To Oily Skin[/amalinkspro]
Video: A Review of the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Get a look at how the moisturizing gel glides on and its effect on skin…
Unique Cons – Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator vs Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Cons Unique to the Intense Hydrator
i. The Hydrator comes in a jar, which is not the preferred packaging choice of many skincare enthusiasts.
ii. Its liquid content is quite small.
Con Unique to the Moisturizing Gel
i. The moisturizing gel may not work great for everyone.
Pros Common to Both – Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator vs Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Intense Hydrator |
Moisturizing Gel |
|
Staying Power | This cream has the ability to stay up to 24 hours if you let it. | The same is applicable to the gel. |
Quick Absorption | Second, the cream gets absorbed quite quickly. Within a minute or less of applying it, there would be no trace of it on your skin. | Likewise, the gel moisturizer is quickly absorbed. |
Oil Content | Furthermore, it contains little oil or no oil. | This product contains no oil. It is more gel, which is mainly water, than anything else. |
Lightweight | In addition, it is so light on the skin. | In the same vein, the gel is really light on the skin. |
Non-comedogenic | There is little or no chance of the cream clogging your pores. | The same applies to this option. |
Hypoallergenic | And there is equally little chance of the product causing allergic reactions. | Similarly, the moisturizing gel is hypoallergenic. |
No Fragrance | Moreover, it contains no fragrance. It has no smell that would be off-putting. | The same is applicable to this product. |
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Con Common to Both – Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator vs Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Intense Hydrator |
Moisturizing Gel |
|
Not Quite Affordable | This is especially true for this option. Despite its size, it is on the high side, price-wise. You may find it is quite budget-friendly. | This product is not as small as the Hydrator. But it is still pricey. |
General Feeling among Users – Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator vs Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Intense Hydrator |
Moisturizing Gel |
Users like how it fulfills its promises. It says one thing and does exactly that. Its intense moisturizing power, especially on dry skin, got all the rave.
A user said she had been using it for years. She had tried others but always came back to this one. Most of the negative reviews were on the ordered product being fake, not on the product itself. |
Users like that it is great both on young and on maturing skin. Like the Hydrator, one user said she had used it for years and wouldn’t trade it.
Additionally, those who were prone to acne or breakouts liked how it didn’t aggravate them but soothed them. Just like the Hydrator, the negative reviews had to do with getting fake products, not the quality of the product itself. |
What We Think – Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator vs Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Intense Hydrator |
Moisturizing Gel |
We think it is a good cream for people with dry skin. We like how it intensely moisturizes dry skin and leaves it feeling much better.
Additionally, we also appreciate the barrier of the skin it mends and how it helps retain the moisture it produces. But it is quite small for its price. But would we recommend it? Yes, we would. It sure is worth it because a little goes a long way. |
For the moisturizing gel, we like that it is much bigger and still gives all the benefits it does.
We think its suitability for even acne-prone skin is great. Its hypoallergenic properties are proven here. Plus, it was attested to as not causing breakouts. However, it may not be for everyone. People with drier skin may have to use the Moisturizing Lotion or switch to the Moisture Surge line and use the Intense hydrator. Overall, would we recommend it for oily skin? We definitely would. |
Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator vs Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel – Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Comparable to Clinique Moisture Surge Intense?
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream is comparable to Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator. For one, they both have the gel-cream consistency. They are creams but are gel-like so absorb easily. They contain a little oil, which helps with very dry skin. Moreover, they both are ideal for extra dry skin.
Additionally, they both contain hyaluronic acid as part of their active ingredients. This ingredient gives them the intense hydrating power that aids in boosting the moisture content of very dry skin.
Does Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel Have SPF?
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing gel does not have SPF. But it does sit well under any type of sunscreen or makeup because of its lightness. It absorbs easily so leaves no residue that can mix with any other skincare product.
The absence of sunscreen from the moisturizing gel does not detract from how effective it is. Since it does not have SPF but can sit well under sunscreen, it is best to use it with a good broad-spectrum sunscreen. Doing so will improve its efficacy.
Does Clinique Moisture Surge Clog Pores?
Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator does not clog pores. It is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, meaning it does not have the ability to cause allergic reactions or clog pores.
Even the small amount of oil it contains does not block the pores in any way. It is true that creams are usually heavier. And due to their oil-base, they tend to have higher tendencies to clog pores. But this is not so with the Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator.
Is Clinique Moisture Surge Worth It?
Clinique Moisture Surge, as a line of products, is worth it. Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator, as a stand-alone, product, is definitely worth it. Even though it is not an over-the-counter moisturizer, the price does not hurth the pocket.
The Hydrator intensley moisturizes very dry skin and a little dollop goes a long way. This means you don’t need a large amount of the product before every part of your skin is reached. Consequently, the little jar lasts for quite a while. Moreover, it definitely does a better job of hydrating the skin than the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel.
Is Clinique Moisture Surge Good for Sensitive Skin?
Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator is good for sensitive skin. Why is this so? It is hypoallergenic so does not cause skin to break out in an allergic reaction. It also does not cause irritation to the skin.
In addition to that, there is no type of skin that is specifically sensitive skin. Sensitive skin can be dry skin or oily skin but it reacts to products easily. So if you have dry skin that easily reacts negatively to skincare products, you can use this moisturizer.
How Do You Use Clinique Moisture Surge Gel?
Use Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator gel-cream as part of your skincare routine. After you cleanse and exfoliate, you use a moisturizer. And this is where the Intense Hydrator comes in.
Apply a tiny amount to your face and neck when the skin is still slightly damp. This is to boost its absorption rate and effectiveness. Give it a little time to completely absorb into the skin before applying anything else.
You can use it under your makeup comfortably. So if you are one to use makeup, light or heavy, you can use this moisturizer.