Clinique · Moisturizer
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
Lower concern, typical moisturizer with no known PFAS trigger, but Clinique does not publicly disclose PFAS absence.
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H is a water-based facial hydrator with standard emollients and humectants; it contains no known PFAS-prone ingredients like Teflon-family coating coatings, water-resistant treatments, or grease-resistant additives.
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Water-based emulsion (glycerin, humectants, botanical extracts)
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 a water-based emulsion built around glycerin and humectants, which draw moisture into skin without relying on occlusive oils or silicones. The 'auto-replenishing' claim refers to the humectant system maintaining hydration over time, not to any active ingredient. Botanical extracts (often hyaluronic acid, algae, or plant polysaccharides in Clinique formulas) are present in low concentrations and pose minimal sensitization risk for most users. No heavy metals, formaldehyde releasers, or talc contamination is typical or reported for this product line.
The brand's record and disclosure
Clinique (Estée Lauder group) does not publicly disclose PFAS presence or absence in moisturizers, which is common industry practice and not indicative of hidden contamination. The brand follows FDA cosmetic regulations and lists ingredients on packaging; no major recalls or safety controversies are documented for the Moisture Surge line. Clinique does not claim hypoallergenic or dermatologist-tested status for this specific product, though it is formulated without known common irritants (fragrance, dyes, lanolin).
How it compares in its category
Water-based hydrating moisturizers are the lowest-risk category in skincare; this product sits in the mainstream middle, comparable to CeraVe or Neutrogena Hydro Boost in composition and safety profile. It costs more than drugstore alternatives, reflecting packaging and marketing rather than ingredient quality or safety. Simpler products (e.g., plain glycerin serums) carry no lower inherent risk; fragrance-free options are marginally safer for sensitive skin but not required here.
If you buy it
Store below 25C (77F) in original sealed packaging to prevent water separation and microbial growth; discard if separated or odor changes after opening. Use within 12 months of opening; the 100H (hour) claim does not require reapplication at fixed intervals, just as-needed. Patch test on inner arm if you have sensitive skin or are prone to contact dermatitis, though fragrance is minimal. Do not heat or refrigerate intentionally; keep away from direct sunlight.
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 Moisture Surge contains fragrance (listed as 'fragrance' or parfum in ingredients), which can trigger contact dermatitis or sensitization in ~1-2% of users. Patch test recommended for sensitive skin.
Preservative sensitivity (1,4-dioxane contamination via surfactants)
Water-based emulsions require preservatives; Clinique uses approved agents but does not disclose 1,4-dioxane testing. Risk is theoretical and low in rinse-off moisturizers left on skin.
Heavy metals in botanical extracts or pigments
No pigments or mineral colorants are listed for this product. Botanical extracts (algae, plant polysaccharides) carry minimal heavy metal risk in cosmetic-grade formulations.
Microplastic or plastic microbeads
No exfoliating particles or microbeads are present in this hydrating moisturizer; it is a leave-on emulsion, not a cleanser.
Emulsifier or stabilizer irritation
Water-based emulsions rely on emulsifiers and thickeners (e.g., stearic acid, carbomers); individual sensitivity is rare but possible in atopic or reactive skin types.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 75% 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.