Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+

A classic, barrier-repairing moisturizer formulated with Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, and Urea to deeply hydrate and seal moisture into dry skin.

Performance Rating: 4.3

This moisturizer features a powerhouse combination of occlusives (Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Lanolin Alcohol) and humectants (Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Urea). Urea is a standout ingredient that not only hydrates but also helps soften rough skin texture. The addition of barrier-supporting botanicals like Cucumber Fruit Extract and Sunflower Seedcake enhances its ability to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. It is an extremely effective formula for locking in moisture, particularly for dry to combination skin types.

Safety Rating: 3.8

While cosmetic-grade Mineral Oil and Petrolatum are safe and non-irritating, the formula contains Lanolin Alcohol, which is a known allergen for some individuals. Furthermore, the inclusion of Triethanolamine and multiple synthetic dyes (Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Red 33) introduces unnecessary potential irritants for those with sensitive or reactive skin. It relies on Phenoxyethanol as a standard preservative.

Final Rating: 4.0

This is a cult-classic formula (recognizable as Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+) that excels at its primary job: hydration and barrier repair. The synergy of Urea, Glycerin, and Petrolatum ensures high performance. However, the formulation feels slightly dated due to the presence of artificial colors and Lanolin, which limits its suitability for users looking for ‘clean’ or strictly hypoallergenic options.

Verdict

This facial moisturizer is a traditional, emollient-rich formulation designed to address the specific needs of dry and very dry skin. At the heart of the product is a powerful blend of Mineral Oil and Petrolatum. While these ingredients are often debated in modern skincare trends, they act as highly effective occlusives. They form a protective seal over the skin’s surface, preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and physically locking moisture in, which is essential for repairing a compromised barrier in harsh climates.

To balance the heaviness of the oils, the formula incorporates Glycerin and Urea. Urea is a standout ingredient here; it is a Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) that not only hydrates but also gently exfoliates to smooth rough patches. This works in synergy with Sodium Hyaluronate and botanical extracts like Cucumber Fruit Extract and Barley Extract, which provide soothing and strengthening benefits to the skin’s structure.

However, the ingredient profile includes elements that may not suit every user. The inclusion of Lanolin Alcohol—derived from sheep’s wool—adds a luxurious slip and incredible softening properties, but it renders the product unsuitable for vegans and those with lanolin allergies. Additionally, the formula contains Sesame Oil, which nourishes deep down but can feel heavy on skin that naturally produces excess sebum.

A point of contention for sensitive skin advocates might be the use of artificial dyes (Yellow 6, Yellow 5, and Red 33). These ingredients are added strictly for aesthetic purposes to give the lotion its signature color and offer no functional benefit, potentially causing irritation for hyper-reactive skin types. Ultimately, this product is a hydration powerhouse for parched skin that needs a reliable seal against the elements, but it is likely too greasy or occlusive for those prone to acne or oiliness.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water/ 水

Purpose: Solvent base for the product.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The main carrier for other ingredients.

📁 Emollients & Occlusives / 柔润剂与封闭剂

🧪 Mineral OilLiquidumMinérale / 矿油

Purpose: Occlusive moisturizer that prevents water loss.

Concerns: Can feel greasy; historically debated comedogenicity but cosmetic grade is generally safe.

Notes: A highly effective, non-sensitizing moisturizing agent.

🧪 Petrolatum / 矿脂 (凡士林)

Purpose: Strongest occlusive moisturizing agent.

Concerns: Heavy, greasy texture.

Notes: The gold standard for preventing transepidermal water loss.

🧪 Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Oil / 芝麻籽油

Purpose: Plant oil emollient.

Concerns: None generally.

Notes: Provides fatty acids for skin barrier support.

🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emollient and emulsifier.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps soften skin and stabilize the formulation.

🧪 Lanolin Alcohol / 羊毛脂醇

Purpose: Rich emollient derived from sheep’s wool.

Concerns: Potential allergen for those sensitive to wool/lanolin.

Notes: Excellent for dry skin.

🧪 Propylene Glycol Dicaprate / 二癸酸丙二醇酯

Purpose: Skin conditioning agent and emollient.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps give a smooth feel.

📁 Humectants / 保湿剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Attracts moisture to the skin.

Concerns: None.

Notes: A superstar ingredient for hydration.

🧪 Urea / 尿素

Purpose: Part of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF); binds water.

Concerns: Can cause stinging on broken skin in high concentrations.

Notes: Excellent for softening rough skin.

🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Deep hydration.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Salt form of hyaluronic acid; holds 1000x its weight in water.

🧪 Butylene Glycol / 丁二醇

Purpose: Humectant and solvent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps ingredients penetrate and hydrates.

🧪 Pentylene Glycol / 戊二醇

Purpose: Humectant and texture enhancer.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Also has antimicrobial properties.

📁 Botanical Extracts / 植物提取物

🧪 Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) ExtractD’Orge / 大麦提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant and skin conditioning.

Concerns: Gluten sensitivity (rarely an issue topically).

Notes: Helps strengthen the skin barrier.

🧪 Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract / 黄瓜果提取物

Purpose: Soothing and hydrating.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Good for calming skin.

🧪 Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake / 向日葵籽饼

Purpose: Barrier repair.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Rich in fatty acids.

📁 Functional Ingredients & Preservatives / 功能性成分与防腐剂

🧪 Stearic Acid / 硬脂酸

Purpose: Thickener and emulsifier.

Concerns: None.

Notes: A fatty acid that helps create texture.

🧪 Triethanolamine / 三乙醇胺

Purpose: pH adjuster and emulsifier.

Concerns: Can be irritating to sensitive skin; strictly regulated concentrations.

Notes: Used to neutralize fatty acids like Stearic Acid.

🧪 Trisodium Edta / EDTA 三钠

Purpose: Chelating agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Stabilizes the product by binding metal ions.

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative.

Concerns: Safe in low concentrations, but some people may be sensitive.

Notes: Prevents bacterial growth.

📁 Colorants / 着色剂

🧪 Yellow 6 (Ci 15985) / CI 15985 (日落黄)

Purpose: Adds color.

Concerns: No skincare benefit; potential irritant for very sensitive skin.

Notes: Gives the product its yellow/orange tint.

🧪 Yellow 5 (Ci 19140) / CI 19140 (柠檬黄)

Purpose: Adds color.

Concerns: No skincare benefit; potential irritant.

Notes: Common cosmetic dye.

🧪 Red 33 (Ci 17200) / CI 17200 (酸性红 33)

Purpose: Adds color.

Concerns: No skincare benefit.

Notes: Used for aesthetic purposes.