Clinique · Moisturizer
CLINIQUE Dramatically Different Moisturizing
Lower concern, typical emulsifier moisturizer with no known PFAS-prone formulation, but no explicit brand disclosure.
CLINIQUE Dramatically Different Moisturizing is a water-based emulsion cream with no flagged PFAS-indicator ingredients (no Teflon-family coating coatings, waterproofing agents, or nonstick materials typical of PFAS use). Clinique does not publicly disclose PFAS presence or absence.
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Water-based emulsion moisturizer; typical ingredients include glycerin, dimethicone, petrolatum, cyclomethicone
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing is a water-based emulsion relying on glycerin (humectant), dimethicone (silicone occlusive), petrolatum (petroleum-derived occlusive), and cyclomethicone (volatile silicone). This formulation avoids problematic thickeners or pigments; glycerin and silicones are widely used, inert actives with minimal absorption risk. The water base means no concern for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or formaldehyde releasers typical of anhydrous creams.
The brand's record and disclosure
Clinique (Estee Lauder subsidiary) is an established cosmetic house with no major safety recalls or regulatory actions on this product line in public record. The brand does not typically volunteer detailed PFAS disclosure statements in moisturizers, though Estee Lauder has responded to investor pressure on fluorinated polymers in other categories. No independent testing or third-party certifications (organic, clean beauty) apply to this product, reflecting its conventional synthetic positioning.
How it compares in its category
This moisturizer sits in the mainstream premium category: similar glycerin-silicone formulations are standard from Neutrogena, Olay, and La Roche-Posay. It lacks active botanicals or hyaluronic acid marketing seen in higher-tier brands, but also avoids the fragrance load and essential oil allergen risk of luxury alternatives. Price and efficacy are comparable; safety profile is broadly typical for its class.
If you buy it
Use on clean, slightly damp skin to optimize glycerin humectant draw. Store at room temperature away from direct heat (silicones are heat-stable but container seals are not). Patch test if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, as dimethicone can occlude pores in some individuals. Replace if you notice separation, discoloration, or odor change; shelf life is typically 12-24 months unopened.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Fragrance allergens
Clinique Dramatically Different typically contains synthetic fragrance blend; no ingredient list specifies allergen components (oakmoss, limonene, etc.). Risk is low for unscented skin but reactions possible in fragrance-sensitive individuals.
Silicone occlusion and pore-clogging
Dimethicone and cyclomethicone are not absorbed and can occlude skin; risk is individual and dose-dependent. Not a toxicity hazard but may trigger breakouts in acne-prone users.
Heavy metals in pigments or colorants
Clinique Dramatically Different is an off-white/colorless emulsion without intentional colorants; no iron oxides, titanium dioxide, or pigment-grade substances are typical. No recalls or reports of metal contamination in this product line.
1,4-dioxane contamination (manufacturing byproduct)
Water-based emulsions can carry trace 1,4-dioxane if ethoxylated surfactants are used in manufacture; Clinique does not disclose surfactant suppliers or purification. Risk is low (typically <10 ppm in mass-market moisturizers) but non-zero without third-party testing.
Contact dermatitis from petrolatum sensitivity
Petrolatum is generally hypoallergenic but rare contact sensitization is documented; dimethicone can also trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. Risk is low population-wide but higher in atopic dermatitis patients.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Moisturizer
Tatcha
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Lower PFAS concern for a cosmetic moisturizer set, but Tatcha makes no public PFAS commitment.
⚠Risky category by default
Herbivore Botanicals
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plant oils, botanical extracts, glass bottle
Lower concern; facial oil with no known PFAS triggers, but brand offers no transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Herbivore Botanicals
Herbivore Lapis Balancing Facial Oil
plant oils, mineral pigments, glass bottle
Lower concern for PFAS; facial oil in glass, typical formulation poses minimal risk.
⚠Risky category by default
More moisturizer grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.