Clinique · Moisturizer
Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator
Lower PFAS concern; typical moisturizer with no waterproofing or water-repellent coating triggers, but no brand transparency.
Clinique Moisture Surge is a standard leave-on facial moisturizer without water-repellent, stain-resistant, or nonstick treatments, the common vectors for PFAS in cosmetics. The brand does not disclose PFAS avoidance or testing. No independent lab data or third-party certification is publicly available.
Shop Clinique on Amazon →Material
Water-based emulsion, glycerin, squalane, humectants
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 stabilized with glycerin (humectant that draws moisture into skin) and squalane (lightweight plant-derived oil that mimics skin lipids). The formula contains no known sensitizing preservative systems flagged in recent safety databases, and the absence of waterproofing agents or silicone polymers eliminates several PFAS entry points common in other skincare. The lipid-replenishing claim relies on squalane and other occlusive ingredients, not problematic waxes or synthetic polymers.
The brand's record and disclosure
Clinique (Estee Lauder subsidiary) maintains FDA and standard cosmetic compliance and publishes ingredient lists; no recalls or major safety controversies on record for this product line. The brand does not publicly disclose PFAS test results or removal commitments, which is typical of large cosmetics houses but reflects limited transparency. Third-party safety certifications (e.g., EWG Verify) are absent, though this is common for prestige moisturizers and not a violation.
How it compares in its category
Intensive moisturizers in this price tier often contain silicone-heavy or synthetic polymer bases that can build up on skin; Clinique's glycerin and squalane approach is simpler and closer to 'clean' alternatives. The 72-hour claim relies on occlusion rather than active ingredients, placing it squarely in the hydration-via-barrier category alongside products like CeraVe or La Roche-Posay, though with fewer published clinical trials. No major safety advantage or disadvantage versus comparable prestige brands.
If you buy it
Apply to damp skin to maximize humectant benefit; avoid eye area unless directed. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; emulsions degrade faster when exposed to heat or light, risking separation and reduced efficacy (not toxicity, but product failure). If you experience redness or burning, discontinue; squalane is well-tolerated but individual fragrance/preservative sensitivity is possible. Replace every 12 months or if the texture separates visibly.
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
Product lists 'fragrance' as an ingredient without disclosing components; common allergens in moisturizer fragrances include geraniol and limonene. Individual sensitivity varies widely; patch testing is prudent if you have a history of fragrance reactions.
Formaldehyde releasers
No formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) are listed on the public ingredient deck. Clinique's standard preservative systems are compatible with formulation but not publicly disclosed in detail.
Heavy metals in pigments
This moisturizer is tinted or colorless with no pigment claims; heavy metal contamination of cosmetic colorants is not a documented issue for major brands like Estee Lauder subsidiaries in prestige skincare.
1,4-dioxane (formulation byproduct)
Water-based emulsions may contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct of ethoxylated stabilizers, though not as an intentional ingredient. Published FDA data shows most cosmetics are below 10 ppm; Clinique does not disclose 1,4-dioxane testing results publicly.
Emulsion instability and microorganism growth
Water-based formulas rely on preservatives to prevent bacterial or mold growth; once opened, exposure to air and water contamination can compromise efficacy. Proper closure and storage are essential; if stored in a humid bathroom or left unsealed, shelf life is shortened.
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.