Clinique · Moisturizer
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream
Lower PFAS concern for a rinse-off moisturizer; Clinique has not disclosed PFAS use.
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream is a traditional oil-in-water moisturizer with no known waterproofing, grease-resistance, or nonstick applications that typically trigger PFAS use. The brand makes no PFAS claims either way.
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Water, glycerin, and emollients; oil-in-water emulsion
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
This is an oil-in-water emulsion, meaning water is the primary carrier with oils suspended throughout for hydration. The formula relies on glycerin (a humectant) and emollients like mineral oil or plant extracts to soften skin. Because it rinses off or absorbs rather than remaining on skin long-term, exposure to problematic ingredients is lower than leave-on products like sunscreen or foundation. No obvious hazard chemistries (heavy metals, formaldehyde resins, or high-dose UV absorbers) are typical of this product class.
The brand's record and disclosure
Clinique is owned by Estée Lauder and markets itself as hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested. The brand does not publicly disclose fragrance ingredients, following industry convention but limiting consumer transparency. No major product recalls or confirmed safety controversies specific to this moisturizer are on record. Parent company Estée Lauder has faced advocacy pressure on PFAS and formaldehyde releasers in other product lines but has not issued blanket reformulations.
How it compares in its category
Moisturizing creams in this price and positioning tier typically have similar ingredient profiles: water, glycerin, mineral oil, and fragrance. This product sits in the mainstream segment; it is less transparent than indie brands publishing full ingredient sourcing but more regulated than budget alternatives. Compared to organic or clean beauty moisturizers, Clinique offers longer shelf stability and more standardized safety testing, though at the cost of less detailed disclosure.
If you buy it
Apply to clean, damp skin to lock in hydration. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat to slow degradation of any fragrance components. Discontinue if you develop redness, burning, or itching; fragrance sensitivity is the most common reaction in this category. Replace if the product separates, smells rancid, or appears discolored, which signals emulsion breakdown.
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 and undisclosed components
Clinique lists 'fragrance' as a single ingredient without breaking down components. Common allergens (linalool, limonene, eugenol) are typical in moisturizer fragrances but not confirmed here. Risk is low for non-sensitive skin but unknown for fragrance-reactive individuals.
1,4-dioxane as a manufacturing trace contaminant
Oil-in-water emulsions sometimes contain ethoxylated ingredients (polysorbates, ceteareth compounds) that can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane during synthesis. Clinique does not disclose use of these or testing for this contaminant. FDA does not limit it, and levels in rinse-off products are typically below health concern thresholds if present.
Heavy metals in mineral oil or mineral pigments
No mineral oil contamination with lead or arsenic has been reported for Clinique products. Mineral oil itself is inert and heavily regulated; this hazard is documented mainly in unregulated imported products or traditional remedies.
Preservative sensitivity or irritation
Water-based creams require preservatives (likely parabens, phenoxyethanol, or methylisothiazolinone). These are permitted in cosmetics but can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Clinique lists preservatives on the label, enabling avoidance if needed.
Emulsion degradation and microbial growth if contaminated
If the jar is left open or used with wet fingers repeatedly, bacteria can colonize the emulsion despite preservatives. This is a user-error risk, not a manufacturing defect. Proper sealed storage and dry application minimize this.
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
Starter The Ritual Set Ultra Hydrating For Dry Skin
Water-based cosmetic creams and serums; glass/plastic packaging
Lower PFAS concern for a cosmetic moisturizer set, but Tatcha makes no public PFAS commitment.
⚠Risky category by default
Herbivore Botanicals
Orchid Facial Oil
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.