Below is every ingredient in Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto Replenishing Hydrator explained, its standout actives, and the side effects reported in research for those actives — analysed for Indian skin.
Flags derived from the ingredient list using dermatology reference data (fungal-acne substrate, comedogenicity, EU allergens). General guidance, not a diagnosis.
Answers are derived from the printed ingredient list and dermatology reference data — general guidance, not a diagnosis or a therapeutic claim.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (green tea extract) is derived from the leaves of the tea plant and is rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins like EGCG. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties.
Silybum Marianum (milk thistle) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in silymarin flavonolignans, used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps neutralize free radicals and may support protection against UV-induced oxidative stress.
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract is a yeast-derived ferment filtrate rich in amino acids, peptides, vitamins, and minerals, used in skincare for its purported antioxidant, soothing, and skin-conditioning properties. It is often included to support skin barrier function and hydration.
Thermus Thermophillus Ferment is a fermentation-derived ingredient obtained from a thermophilic (heat-loving) bacterium, used in skincare primarily for its antioxidant properties and purported ability to enhance skin's resistance to environmental and thermal stress. It is often included for its protective and conditioning effects rather than as a primary corrective active.
Caffeine is a topical active used in skincare for its antioxidant properties and ability to constrict blood vessels, which may temporarily reduce puffiness and the appearance of under-eye darkness. It is also studied for reducing localized fluid retention and protecting against UV-induced oxidative stress.
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is a lipid-conjugated synthetic peptide used in cosmetic formulations to support collagen and elastin production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The palmitoyl group enhances skin penetration of the hexapeptide.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin dryness or barrier disruption with excessive contact | Uncommon | Frequent or prolonged exposure to water, especially hot or hard water, can disrupt the skin barrier and contribute to transepidermal water loss. |
| Irritation from impurities or hard water minerals | Rare | Reactions are attributed to contaminants, chlorine, or mineral content rather than water itself. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Rare | Generally considered non-irritating; occasional mild reactions reported. |
| Clogged pores / comedogenic-related breakouts | Uncommon | Often anecdotal; dimethicone is largely regarded as non-comedogenic but may trap debris if skin is not cleansed well. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | True silicone allergy is exceptionally uncommon. |
| Eye irritation on accidental contact | Rare | Transient stinging or discomfort if product enters the eyes. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on broken or compromised skin or at high concentrations. |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Typically resolves after discontinuation. |
| Tacky or sticky skin feel | Common | A cosmetic sensation rather than an adverse reaction, more noticeable at higher concentrations. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | True allergy to glycerin is uncommon; patch-test positivity is infrequent. |
| Skin dehydration in very low humidity | Rare | In very dry environments humectants may draw water from deeper skin layers if not paired with an occlusive. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional reports, typically in sensitive individuals or with occlusive formulations. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic sensitization | Very rare | Silicones are generally considered low-allergen; documented allergy is uncommon. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible stinging or irritation on direct ocular contact. |
| Acne or pore congestion | Rare | Generally non-comedogenic, but anecdotal breakouts reported in acne-prone users. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Water Solvent/vehicle | Water is the most common base ingredient in cosmetic formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves other ingredients and forms the bulk of emulsions and aqueous solutions. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating. |
| Dimethicone Emollient/occlusive (silicone) | Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare to soften skin, smooth texture, and form a breathable protective barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Butylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Butylene glycol is a small diol commonly used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity-reducing agent that helps dissolve other ingredients and improve skin feel. It is widely regarded as safe and non-sensitizing for the majority of users at cosmetic concentrations. |
| Glycerin Humectant | Glycerin is a widely used humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin, helping to hydrate the stratum corneum and support barrier function. It is considered safe and well-tolerated across most skin types and concentrations. |
| Trisiloxane Emollient / silicone slip agent | Trisiloxane is a low-molecular-weight silicone used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, silky feel, enhance spreadability, and provide a non-greasy emollient finish. It functions primarily as a texture-enhancing base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Trehalose Humectant / moisturizer | Trehalose is a naturally occurring disaccharide used in skincare as a humectant and protective agent, helping retain moisture and stabilize cell membranes and proteins against dehydration and oxidative stress. It is well tolerated and commonly used to support skin barrier hydration. |
| Sucrose Humectant / emollient | Sucrose is a sugar used in skincare primarily as a humectant that attracts and retains moisture, and as a mild physical exfoliant in scrub formulations. It also functions as a texture-enhancing and slip agent in cosmetic bases. |
| Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer Thickener/stabilizer | Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a synthetic acrylic copolymer used in skincare to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions, providing viscosity control and a smooth texture. It functions as a rheology modifier and film former rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| Hydroxyethyl Urea Humectant / moisturizer | Hydroxyethyl Urea is a water-soluble humectant derived from urea that attracts and binds moisture to the skin, helping improve hydration and softness. It is commonly used in moisturizers and leave-on formulations as a gentle alternative to urea. |
| Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (green tea extract) is derived from the leaves of the tea plant and is rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins like EGCG. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. |
| Silybum Marianum Extract Key active Antioxidant | Silybum Marianum (milk thistle) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in silymarin flavonolignans, used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps neutralize free radicals and may support protection against UV-induced oxidative stress. |
| Betula Alba Bark Extract Soothing/antioxidant botanical extract | Betula Alba (white birch) Bark Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, soothing, and astringent properties, often attributed to compounds like betulin and betulinic acid. It is typically included to help calm skin and protect against environmental stressors. |
| Saccharomyces Lysate Extract Key active Skin conditioning / bioactive yeast ferment | Saccharomyces Lysate Extract is a yeast-derived ferment filtrate rich in amino acids, peptides, vitamins, and minerals, used in skincare for its purported antioxidant, soothing, and skin-conditioning properties. It is often included to support skin barrier function and hydration. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water Soothing/humectant base | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water is the water-based extract from aloe vera leaves used in skincare for its hydrating and soothing properties. It primarily functions as a calming, moisturizing base ingredient rather than a clinical treatment active. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Soothing/moisturizing agent | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is derived from the aloe vera plant and is used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and mild anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly included as a supportive base ingredient rather than a primary treatment active. |
| Thermus Thermophillus Ferment Key active Antioxidant / protective ferment extract | Thermus Thermophillus Ferment is a fermentation-derived ingredient obtained from a thermophilic (heat-loving) bacterium, used in skincare primarily for its antioxidant properties and purported ability to enhance skin's resistance to environmental and thermal stress. It is often included for its protective and conditioning effects rather than as a primary corrective active. |
| Caffeine Key active Antioxidant / vasoconstrictor | Caffeine is a topical active used in skincare for its antioxidant properties and ability to constrict blood vessels, which may temporarily reduce puffiness and the appearance of under-eye darkness. It is also studied for reducing localized fluid retention and protecting against UV-induced oxidative stress. |
| Sorbitol Humectant | Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) used in skincare as a humectant and texture enhancer, drawing moisture into the skin and improving product spreadability. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 Key active Anti-aging peptide | Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is a lipid-conjugated synthetic peptide used in cosmetic formulations to support collagen and elastin production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The palmitoyl group enhances skin penetration of the hexapeptide. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant / hydrator | Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin to improve hydration and surface plumpness. Its lower molecular weight allows better penetration than native hyaluronic acid. |
| Caprylyl Glycol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster | Caprylyl glycol is a multifunctional emollient and humectant derived from caprylic acid that helps hydrate skin and enhance the efficacy of preservatives in formulations. It is widely used as a stabilizing and conditioning base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Oleth-10 Surfactant/emulsifier | Oleth-10 is a polyethylene glycol ether of oleyl alcohol used in skincare and cosmetic formulations as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer. It helps blend oil and water phases and disperse poorly soluble ingredients rather than providing a direct therapeutic effect. |
| Sodium Polyaspartate Humectant / hydrating film-former | Sodium polyaspartate is a biodegradable polyamino acid salt used in skincare as a moisturizing agent and chelator that forms a light film to bind water and improve skin surface hydration. It is valued for its eco-friendly profile and ability to enhance the texture and substantivity of formulations. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Polysaccharides Soothing/humectant | Aloe barbadensis leaf polysaccharides are sugar-based compounds extracted from aloe vera gel, valued in skincare for their hydrating, film-forming, and skin-soothing properties. They are commonly used to support barrier function and reduce irritation in cosmetic formulations. |
| Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate Key active Probiotic-derived skin conditioning agent | Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate is a postbiotic ingredient made from the broken-down (lysed) cells of fermented Lactobacillus bacteria. It is used in skincare to support the skin barrier, modulate the skin microbiome, and provide soothing and antioxidant benefits. |
| Saccharide Isomerate Humectant / moisturizer | Saccharide Isomerate is a plant-derived carbohydrate complex that binds to the skin's keratin to provide long-lasting hydration and improve moisture retention. It is structurally similar to carbohydrates naturally found in the skin's upper layers. |
| Hydrogenated Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Hydrogenated lecithin is a phospholipid derived from lecithin through hydrogenation, used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent. It also helps stabilize formulations and form liposomes that can aid delivery of other ingredients. |
| Tocopheryl Acetate Key active Antioxidant | Tocopheryl acetate is a stable, esterified form of vitamin E used in skincare as an antioxidant and conditioning agent. It is converted to active tocopherol in the skin, helping protect against oxidative stress and supporting the skin barrier. |
| Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Rheology modifier / emulsion stabilizer | Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic crosslinked acrylic polymer used to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It helps suspend ingredients and provides a smooth, consistent texture without acting as a treatment active. |
| Glyceryl Polymethacrylate Film former / humectant | Glyceryl Polymethacrylate is a synthetic polymer derived from glycerin and methacrylic acid, used in cosmetics as a film-forming agent, humectant, and texture enhancer. It helps create a smooth, hydrating film on the skin and improves the spreadability and feel of formulations. |
| Tromethamine pH adjuster / buffering agent | Tromethamine (trometamol, TRIS) is an organic amine base used in cosmetic and topical formulations to neutralize acidic components and stabilize pH. It functions primarily as a buffering and neutralizing agent rather than as a therapeutic active. |
| PEG-8 Humectant / solvent | PEG-8 (polyethylene glycol 8) is a water-soluble polyether used in cosmetics as a humectant, solvent, and emollient that helps retain moisture and stabilize formulations. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Hexylene Glycol Solvent / humectant | Hexylene glycol is a small glycol used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solvent, viscosity-reducer, and mild humectant. It helps dissolve other ingredients and improve product texture rather than providing a direct therapeutic skin benefit. |
| Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate Key active Antioxidant / Vitamin C derivative | Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a stable, water-soluble derivative of vitamin C used as an antioxidant and skin-brightening active. It is converted to ascorbic acid in the skin, supporting collagen synthesis and reducing hyperpigmentation. |
| Citric Acid pH adjuster / AHA exfoliant | Citric acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from citrus fruits, used primarily to adjust and buffer formulation pH and as a chelating agent, and at higher concentrations as a mild chemical exfoliant. It can promote surface cell turnover and is sometimes included in antioxidant or brightening products. |
| BHT Antioxidant/preservative | BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant used in small amounts to prevent oxidation and rancidity of oils, fragrances, and other unstable components, helping maintain product stability and shelf life. |
| Disodium EDTA Chelating agent | Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in cosmetics to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preventing rancidity, and enhancing the efficacy of preservatives. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Sodium Citrate pH adjuster / chelating agent | Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid used in skincare primarily as a buffering agent to stabilize formulation pH and as a chelator that binds metal ions to improve product stability. It is a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Potassium Sorbate Preservative | Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a mild preservative to inhibit mold, yeast, and some bacterial growth in cosmetic formulations. It is most effective at acidic pH and is often combined with other preservatives for broad-spectrum protection. |
| Sodium Benzoate Preservative | Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative in cosmetic and skincare formulations to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi, particularly in acidic products. It is most effective at a pH below 5. |
| Phenoxyethanol Preservative | Phenoxyethanol is a widely used broad-spectrum preservative that protects cosmetic and skincare formulations from bacterial and fungal contamination. It is typically used at concentrations up to 1% and serves as a formulation/base ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
Key active = does the main work. Ingredient explanations are drawn from public databases & literature.
Peer-reviewed papers on the active ingredients in this product, via PubMed.