Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator - 1.7oz - Ulta Beauty: Cream for Dry, Sensitive Skin, Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This moisturizer contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, squalane, and sodium hyaluronate, which are known for their hydrating and skin-repairing properties. However, the presence of petrolatum raises concerns due to potential contamination risks, and the inclusion of BHT and phenoxyethanol as preservatives may pose irritation and toxicity issues. The product's formulation includes a mix of natural and synthetic components, leading to a moderate processing level.
Key ingredients 39
SqualaneVery Good
Squalane is a highly effective emollient and natural antioxidant. It mimics the skin's natural oils, making it an excellent moisturizer. It is non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Provides deep hydration and helps to improve skin elasticity.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit ExtractVery Good
Olive Fruit Extract is rich in antioxidants and has moisturizing properties. It helps to nourish and protect the skin. It is beneficial for maintaining skin health and preventing damage.
Risks
Generally safe, but may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Nourishes the skin and provides antioxidant protection.
Centella Asiatica (Hydrocotyl) ExtractVery Good
Centella Asiatica Extract is known for its soothing and healing properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and promote skin repair. It is beneficial for sensitive and damaged skin.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Soothes and repairs the skin, reducing inflammation.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf WaterVery Good
Aloe Vera is known for its soothing and hydrating properties. It helps to calm and moisturize the skin. It is beneficial for all skin types, especially sensitive and irritated skin.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Hydrates and soothes the skin, reducing redness and irritation.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is generally well-tolerated and beneficial for all skin types.
Risks
Rarely, it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Helps maintain skin hydration and improves skin barrier function.
Tocopheryl AcetateGood
Tocopheryl Acetate is a form of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage. It also has moisturizing properties. It is generally well-tolerated and beneficial for skin health.
Risks
Rarely, it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Protects skin from oxidative stress and helps maintain moisture.
Sodium HyaluronateGood
Sodium Hyaluronate is a salt form of Hyaluronic Acid, known for its ability to retain moisture. It helps to hydrate and plump the skin. It is highly effective and suitable for all skin types.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Provides intense hydration and improves skin elasticity.
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12Good
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is a peptide that helps to improve skin elasticity and firmness. It is used in anti-aging products for its skin-rejuvenating properties. It is generally well-tolerated and effective.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Improves skin firmness and reduces signs of aging.
Linoleic AcidGood
Linoleic Acid is an essential fatty acid that helps to maintain the skin barrier and improve hydration. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin. It is generally well-tolerated and effective.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Improves skin barrier function and hydration.
Water\Aqua\EauNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in the application and absorption of the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.
Benefits
Provides a base for other ingredients to be absorbed into the skin.
Isopropyl IsostearateNeutral
Isopropyl Isostearate is an emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin. It is used to improve the texture of the product. It is generally safe but can be comedogenic for some skin types.
Risks
Potential to clog pores in acne-prone skin.
Benefits
Improves skin texture and provides a smooth application.
Dipropylene GlycolNeutral
Dipropylene Glycol is a solvent and viscosity-decreasing agent. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and helps in even application.
PEG/PPG-18/18 DimethiconeNeutral
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used for its conditioning properties. It helps to improve the feel and spreadability of the product. It is generally safe but can cause build-up on the skin.
Risks
Potential to cause build-up and clog pores with prolonged use.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides a smooth application.
SilicaNeutral
Silica is used as a thickening agent and to improve the texture of the product. It helps to absorb excess oil and provides a matte finish. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Inhalation of silica particles can be harmful, but this is not a concern in topical applications.
Benefits
Provides a matte finish and improves product texture.
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Bran ExtractNeutral
Wheat Bran Extract is used for its antioxidant and moisturizing properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It is generally safe but may cause reactions in gluten-sensitive individuals.
Risks
Potential allergen for individuals with gluten sensitivity.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and moisturizes the skin.
CaffeineNeutral
Caffeine is used in skincare for its antioxidant properties and ability to reduce puffiness. It helps to improve the appearance of tired skin. It is generally safe but can cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Risks
May cause irritation or dryness in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Reduces puffiness and provides antioxidant protection.
Methyl TrimethiconeNeutral
Methyl Trimethicone is a silicone used to improve the texture and spreadability of the product. It provides a smooth application and helps to lock in moisture. It is generally considered safe but can cause build-up on the skin.
Risks
Potential to cause build-up and clog pores with prolonged use.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides a smooth application.
SorbitolNeutral
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as a humectant to retain moisture in the skin. It helps to keep the skin hydrated. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Helps retain moisture and keeps the skin hydrated.
Sodium PolyaspartateNeutral
Sodium Polyaspartate is used as a conditioning agent and to improve the texture of the product. It helps to enhance the feel and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Improves product texture and enhances skin feel.
TrehaloseNeutral
Trehalose is a sugar used for its moisturizing properties and ability to protect the skin from dehydration. It helps to maintain skin moisture levels. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Helps retain moisture and protects the skin from dehydration.
Whey Protein\Lactis Protein\Protéine Du Petit-LaitNeutral
Whey Protein is used for its conditioning properties and ability to improve skin texture. It helps to nourish and strengthen the skin. It is generally safe but may cause reactions in individuals with dairy allergies.
Risks
Potential allergen for individuals with dairy allergies.
Benefits
Nourishes the skin and improves texture.
Pyridoxine DipalmitateNeutral
Pyridoxine Dipalmitate is a derivative of Vitamin B6 used for its conditioning properties. It helps to improve skin texture and appearance. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Improves skin texture and appearance.
Butylene GlycolNeutral
Butylene Glycol is a solvent and humectant used to improve the texture and moisture content of the product. It helps to enhance product spreadability. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves product texture and helps retain moisture.
CholesterolNeutral
Cholesterol is used as an emollient and to help maintain the skin barrier. It is beneficial for improving skin hydration and texture. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Improves skin barrier function and hydration.
SucroseNeutral
Sucrose is used as a humectant and exfoliant in skincare products. It helps to retain moisture and improve skin texture. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Helps retain moisture and improves skin texture.
Polysilicone-11Neutral
Polysilicone-11 is a silicone used to improve the texture and spreadability of the product. It provides a smooth application and helps to lock in moisture. It is generally considered safe but can cause build-up on the skin.
Risks
Potential to cause build-up and clog pores with prolonged use.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides a smooth application.
Glyceryl PolymethacrylateNeutral
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate is used as a film-forming agent and to improve the texture of the product. It helps to enhance the feel and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Improves product texture and enhances skin feel.
PEG-150Neutral
PEG-150 is used as a thickening agent and to improve the texture of the product. It helps to enhance the feel and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves product texture and enhances skin feel.
Hydroxyethyl UreaNeutral
Hydroxyethyl Urea is used as a humectant to retain moisture in the skin. It helps to keep the skin hydrated. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Helps retain moisture and keeps the skin hydrated.
HydroxyacetophenoneNeutral
Hydroxyacetophenone is used as an antioxidant and to improve the stability of the product. It helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and improves product stability.
Sodium HexametaphosphateNeutral
Sodium Hexametaphosphate is used as a chelating agent and to improve the stability of the product. It helps to bind metal ions and prevent product degradation. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Improves product stability and prevents degradation.
DimethiconeBad
Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.
Risks
May cause breakouts in acne-prone skin due to occlusive nature.
Benefits
Provides a silky texture and helps retain moisture in the skin.
PEG-8Bad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves product texture and enhances skin feel.
BHTBad
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant used to preserve the product. It is controversial due to potential health concerns and environmental impact. It is not recommended for use in skincare due to these concerns.
Risks
Potential endocrine disruptor and may cause skin irritation.
Benefits
Helps to preserve the product and prevent oxidation.
Disodium EDTABad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Benefits
Improves product stability and prevents degradation.
Sodium BenzoateBad
Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.
Risks
May cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.
Potassium SorbateBad
Synthetic preservative — flagged in daily-use products.
Risks
May cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in the product. It is controversial due to potential skin irritation and toxicity concerns. It is not recommended for use in skincare due to these concerns.
Risks
Potential skin irritant and may cause allergic reactions.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.
PetrolatumVery Bad
Petrolatum is a petroleum-derived occlusive agent used to lock in moisture. It can create a barrier on the skin but is heavily criticized for potential contamination with harmful substances. It is not recommended for use in skincare due to these concerns.
Risks
Potential contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogenic.
Benefits
Provides a strong occlusive barrier to prevent moisture loss.
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