I’ve never jumped on the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion bandwagon – and NOT just because my skin isn’t SO dry to need something so heavy duty. I just think it’s boring. Take a look at the ingredient list: it looks like something that came out of a 60s lab. Revolutionary at the time. Nothing special now. So when I heard that Clinique was giving it a makeover, I thought “About time!”. And then I saw what they did with it…
Turns out, the new Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus ain’t that different from the original… For the series “the more things change, the more they stay the same”… Clinique just added a bunch of humectants (moisture magnets that steal water from the air) and changed the preservative system. Out are parabens and in are Trisodium EDTA and Phenoxyethanol. Did Clinique make the right call here? Let’s investigate:
- What’s In Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus?
- The Rest Of The Formula & Ingredients
- Texture
- Fragrance
- How To Use It
- Packaging
- Performance & Personal Opinion
- How Does Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus Differ From The Other Clinique Moisturisers?
- What I Like About Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus
- What I DON’T Like About Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus
- Who Should Use This?
- Does Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus Live Up To Its Claims?
- Price & Availability
- The Verdict: Should You Buy It?
- Dupes & Alternatives
What’s In Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus?
GLYCERIN TO HYDRATE SKIN
There’s a reason you see glycerin in 99% of skincare products out there. It’s a wonderful humectant that attracts water from the environment into the skin. Now that skin has way more moisture than before, it becomes softer to the touch, gets plumpser so fine lines and wrinkles look smaller and takes on a dewy glow.
Related: Why Is Glycerin In All My Skincare Products (the full story)?!
UREA TO HYDRATE AND SOOTHE
Yep, urea as that thing that’s in your pee. Ewww! Don’t panic. There’s no pee in Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus. You can make urea in a lab these days (who said that was a BAD thing?!). So what does pee – ermmm, I meant urea – does for your skin? Urea is a moisture magnet on steroids (like glycerin but way better). Here are all its superpowers:
- Humectant: Urea has a high water content itself plus it absorb lots more from the air, making it super hydrating.
- Exfoliant: It weakens the glue between dead cells so they slough off sooner.
- Soothing: It has anti-itching and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritations and redness.
- Anti-fungal: It inhibits the growth of malassezia, the fungus that’s involved in fungal acne, psoriasis, eczema etc…
In other words, urea is super hydrating, soothing and helps you treat all kinds of skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis.
Related: Why Urea Is The Most Underrated Ingredient In Skincare
SODIUM HYALURONATE TO PLUMP SKIN
Yep, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus has one more moisture magnet: sodium hyaluronate. Sodium hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water! Can you image how much moisture your skin is getting?! Mind blown. All this extra moisture is going to make your skin softer, plumper and dewier than ever before.
Related: Why You Should Add Hyaluronic Acid To Your Skincare Routine
MINERAL OIL TO MOISTURISE AND PROTECT SKIN
All this extra moisture is good BUT it can’t fight dry skin alone. Here’s the deal: skin is dry because moisture evaporates through its DAMAGED protective barrier. You can add all the water you want to your skin but if you don’t fix the cracks in that barrier, it’s gonna do NOTHING for you. That’s where mineral oil comes in. It forms a barrier on the skin that keeps water in.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus could have used ceramides or any other natural components of your skin’s protective barrier instead than something with such a bad rep. But hey, I guess mineral oil was cheaper. While we’re on the subject, let’s debunk a couple of myths:
- Mineral oil isn’t comedogenic: If you use products with comedogenic ingredients before putting it on, it’ll trap them into the skin and lead to breakouts. But alone, it won’t give you any pimples.
- Mineral oil isn’t carcinogenic: Yes, it may be derived from oil but it undergoes a strict purifying process before it’s added to your lotions and potions.
Related: Is Mineral Oil Bad For Skin?
PRESERVATIVES TO PREVENT BACTERIA CONTAMINATION
You know what else won’t kill you? Parabens. I could write a long blog post about why they’ve been unfairly maligned and to show you the science that PROVES they’re safe. Oh, wait. I have written a blog post like that. Go read it here.
Are you back? Good. So now you know that parabens are the safest and gentlest preservatives around. They protect your lotions and potions both from bacteria, yeast and fungi and don’t irritate skin. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion got rid of them and switched to Phenoxyethanol and Trisodium EDTA. Too bad they AREN’T as effective.
Phenoxyethanol kills gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria but struggles to get rid of fungi. Trisodium EDTA prevents the product from going bad by binding itself to metals that are harmful to it. Oh well, at least the bottle makes it difficult for bacteria and other nasties to find their way inside anyway…
Related: The Truth About Parabens Alternatives
The Rest Of The Formula & Ingredients
NOTE: The colours indicate the effectiveness of an ingredient. It is ILLEGAL to put toxic and harmful ingredients in skincare products.
- Green: It’s effective, proven to work, and helps the product do the best possible job for your skin.
- Yellow: There’s not much proof it works (at least, yet).
- Red: What is this doing here?!
- Water\Aqua\Eau: The main solvent in the product, it helps other ingredients dissolve as well.
- Petrolatum: Similar to mineral oil, petrolatum (a.k.a. petroleum jelly) is derived from oil – and highly purified to remove all toxins. One of the most moisturising substances available, it creates a barrier on the skin that traps water in, keeping skin softer and suppler for longer. It’s also a skin protectant, helping it better tolerate environmental aggressors. You may not like its origin, but science says it’s safe so it gets a green rating.
- Stearic Acid: A fatty acid Stearic acid is a versatile fatty acid that strengthens the skin’s protective barrier and prevents water loss.
- Glyceryl Stearate: An emollient that makes skin softer and smoother. It also has emulsifying properties that make it suitable for oil-in-water or water-in-oil formulas, where it helps support the benefits of fatty acids.
- Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Oil: A non-fragrant plant oil with highly moisturising properties. It also has antioxidant properties that help reduce wrinkles.
- Lanolin Alcohol: A fatty alcohol (the good type of alcohol) that increases moisture level in the skin, helping to be soft and moisturised for hours.
- Triethanolamine: It thickens the formula and helps to adjust the pH.
- Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract\Extrait D’Orge: Known as barley extract, it has hydrating properties. It’s said to have antioxidant properties as well, but there’s no research confirming this yet.
- Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract: Derived from cucumber, it has hydrating, soothing, antioxidant properties. It makes skin supple, reduces irritations, and fights premature wrinkles.
- Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake: The residue from the expression of oil from the seedcake of the sunflower, it has emollient properties that make skin softer and smoother.
- Propylene Glycol Dicaprate: A mix of propylene glycol and capric acid, a fatty acid derived from plants, it attracts moisture from the air into your skin, helping to keep it hydrated for longer.
- Butylene Glycol: It enhances the texture of a skincare products. It helps active ingredients better penetrate skin. And it can hydrate skin. Yep, it’s a multi-tasker.
- Pentylene Glycol: A humectant that draws moisture from the air into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated for longer.
- Yellow 6 (Ci 15985): A synthetic dye that gives the moisturiser a yellowish tint.
- Yellow 5 (Ci 19140): Another synthetic dye that gives the moisturiser a yellowish tint.
- Red 33 (Ci 17200): A synthetic dye that gives the moisturiser a reddish tint.
Texture
This moisturiser is not as thick as you’d think, but it’s not runny either. Somewhere in between, it sinks in quickly into the skin and doesn’t leave a greasy residue behind.
Fragrance
It’s fragrance-free. I like that. This basic moisturiser is designed to protect and moisturise even the driest and most sensitives of skin types – and those can’t tolerate fragrance (one of the most irritating ingredients in skincare!). Good choice, Clinique. And in case you’re wondering, it doesn’t smell bad. It just doesn’t have much of a smell.
How To Use It
Like all moisturisers, you can use it morning and/or night. In the AM, use it just before sunscreen. At night, it’s the last step of your skincare routine.
Packaging
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus comes in a yellow bottle with a pump dispenser. It’s hygienic and practical. It may look boring, but it gets the job done, you know what I mean?
Performance & Personal Opinion
Clinique promises you that Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus strengthens your skin’s protective barrier so moisture stays in. On this, it delivers 100%. If you’re just looking for a basic moisturiser that well… deeply moisturises skin and keeps it soft and smooth even in the coldest of weather, this is it.
If you’re new to retinol and your skin’s flaking like crazy, again this moisturiser can help. It counteracts the dryness from retinol so your skin can tolerate it better. So what’s my problem with this? It’s the 21st century, ladies. ANY moisturiser nowadays does that. These days, I expect a few antioxidants to fight wrinkles too. Where the heck are those?! Not here, I tell you.
How Does Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus Differ From The Other Clinique Moisturisers?
Clinique has a gazillion different moisturisers. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus is perfect for very dry, very sensitive skin – but not for anti-aging. What about the other formulas? How do they compare?
- Clinique Dramatically Differentâ„¢ Hydrating Jelly ($17.00): A simple basic formula. It’s lighter than Dramatically Differentâ„¢ Moisturising Lotion Plus, but there’s nothing special about it to choose it over any other moisturiser. Available at Clinique, Sephora and UIta.
- Clinique Dramatically Differentâ„¢ Moisturizing Cream ($32.50): A basic cream moisturiser just slightly less rich and hydrating than Dramatically Differentâ„¢ Moisturising Lotion Plus. If you prefer this texture, go for it. Available at Clinique, Look Fantastic, and Ulta.
- Clinique Dramatically Differentâ„¢ Moisturizing Gel ($32.50): Similar to the moisturiser reviewed here, it’s a basic moisturising concoction in a refreshing gel formula more suitable for oily skin types. Available at Clinique and Look Fantastic.
- Clinique Even Betterâ„¢ Brightening Moisturizer SPF 20 ($59.00): A hydrating, oil-free moisturiser for oily skin. It moisturises and prevents wrinkles, but it can’t fade away dark spots. And SPF 20 is too low to provide adequate sun protection. Available at Beauty Bay, Clinique, Look Fantastic, Sephora, and Ulta.
- Clinique Even Better Clinicalâ„¢ Brightening Moisturizer ($59.00): It’s a fairly hydrating moisturiser with a fair share of antioxidants and soothing ingredients. But it can’t fade away discolourations. Available at Clinique, Look Fantastic, and Ulta.
- Clinique For Menâ„¢ Anti-Age Moisturizer ($46.00): A basic moisturiser that makes skin softer and smoother, but it doesn’t have enough antioxidants to fight wrinkles. Available at Clinique, Sephora, and Ulta.
- Clinique For Menâ„¢ Moisturizing Lotion ($36.00): A basic moisturising lotion for dry skin. Available at Clinique, Look Fantastic, and Ulta.
- Clinique Moisture Surgeâ„¢ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator ($29.00): An oil-free gel moisturiser enriched with antioxidant and soothing ingredients. Suitable for oily and combination skin. Available at Beauty Bay, Clinique, Look Fantastic, and Sephora.
- Clinique Moisture Surgeâ„¢ Broad Spectrum SPF 28 Sheer Hydrator ($48.00): A similar formula to the moisturiser above, but it has added SPF to protect skin from UV rays. SPF 28 is really low and only suitable for winter, so I wouldn’t rely on this for sun protection. Available at Clinique, Nordstrom, Sephora and Ulta.
- Clinique Moisture Surgeâ„¢ Hydro-Infused Lotion ($40.00): A basic, oil-free moisturiser for oily skin that sinks in quickly, yet provides lasting hydration. But it has no anti-aging properties. Available at Beauty Bay, Clinique, and Look Fantastic.
- Clinique Moisture Surgeâ„¢ Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator ($29.00): A rich cream with a sprinkle of soothing ingredients to moisturise and soothe sensitive skin. It has more soothing ingredients than Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus, but it’s less hydrating. Available at Clinique, Nordstrom, and Ulta.
- Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream With Microbiome Technology ($59.00): A moisturising formula that strengthens your skin’s protective barrier, makes skin softer and smoother, and has a sprinkle of antioxidants and soothing ingredients. It helps reduce redness, but not significantly. Available at Clinique, Look Fantastic, Sephora, and Ulta.
- Clinique Repairwearâ„¢ Uplifting Firming Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($74.00): An average moisturiser. It will make skin softer and smoother, but it can’t firm and tighten skin. Available at Clinique and Look Fantastic.
- Clinique Smartâ„¢ Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Custom-Repair Moisturizer ($70.00): One of my least fave moisturisers. It provides some hydration, but not much. It has a sprinkle of antioxidants, but not many. Even SPF 15 is too low to provide adequate sun protection. Available at Clinique and Look Fantastic.
- Clinique Smart Clinical Repairâ„¢ Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Wrinkle Correcting Cream ($76.00): I’m not a fan of peptides. Brands love to tell you how well they fight wrinkles, but I’m still waiting for independent studies to confirm those claims. But it does moisturise skin well. Available at Clinique and Sephora.
- Clinique Smart Clinical Repairâ„¢ Lifting Face + Neck Cream ($75.00): It’s a nice moisturising formula, but NOTHING you apply on your skin can lift it. Once it’s sagged, it’s sagged. Available at Clinique, Look Fantastic, and Ulta.
- Clinique Smart Clinical Repairâ„¢ Wrinkle Correcting Cream ($73.00): The only thing that can reduce wrinkles is retinol and it’s not here. Peptides haven’t been proven to do that yet. Still, it’ll moisturise your skin. Available at Clinique, Sephora, and Ulta.
- Clinique Smart Clinical Repairâ„¢ Wrinkle Correcting Rich Cream ($73.00): Everything I said for the moisturiser just above stands. This is just a richer cream for driest skin types. Available at Clinique, Nordstrom, Sephora, and Ulta.
- Clinique Turnaroundâ„¢ Overnight Revitalizing Moisturizer ($51.00): A simple moisturising formula that makes skin softer and suppler. Ideal for all skin types, it has no anti-aging properties. Available at Clinique and Ulta.
What I Like About Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus
- Creamy texture sinks in quickly
- Doesn’t leave any greasy residue behind
- Moisturising, it makes skin softer and smoother
- Helps protect skin from environmental aggressors
- Fragrance-free
What I DON’T Like About Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus
- Very basic, only moisturises skin
- May cause acne in people prone to it
Who Should Use This?
This is suitable for dry and sensitive skin in need of a basic moisturiser. If your skin is very dry or irritated and you need to stay off retinol and other powerful actives for a while, then this is a good option to consider. Or if you’re using prescription retinoids and need only a basic moisturiser to help your skin tolerate them and don’t want to break the bank, this does the job just fine.
Does Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Genius yellow moisturiser hydrates all day. | I wouldn’t call it genius, but it does keep skin hydrated all day. |
| Slips on easily, absorbs quickly. | True. |
| Helps strengthen skin’s own moisture barrier, so more moisture stays in. | True. |
Price & Availability
£18.00/$28.00 at Clinique, Look Fantastic, Sephora, and Ulta
The Verdict: Should You Buy It?
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus is by no means a must-have. I’d only recommend it to those with dry/sensitive who are looking for a basics, frills-free moisturiser.
Dupes & Alternatives
- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer ($28.00): A moisturising cream for dry and sensitive skin enriched with soothing ingredients. It moisturises and soothes irritations. Available at Look Fantastic, Sephora, and Ulta.
Ingredients
Water\Aqua\Eau , Mineral Oil\Paraffinum Liquidum\Huile Minérale , Glycerin , Petrolatum , Stearic Acid , Glyceryl Stearate , Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Oil , Urea , Lanolin Alcohol , Triethanolamine , Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract\Extrait D’Orge , Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract , Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake , Propylene Glycol Dicaprate , Sodium Hyaluronate , Butylene Glycol , Pentylene Glycol , Trisodium Edta , Phenoxyethanol , Yellow 6 (Ci 15985) , Yellow 5 (Ci 19140) , Red 33 (Ci 17200)
Ya know, I’ve found that most skincare products don’t live up to the hype. They promise you the moon, and you barely get off the ground.
It’s very rare that I’m super impressed by something skincare related. The only product I can think of that’s made me feel that way recently is the L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil. Holy moly, that stuff is awesome.
Trisha, I agree. I find most skincare products are very basic, and, at best, just include the odd plant extract or antioxidant, usually at such low concentrations that they can’t really do what they promise to.
That oil sounds amazing!
I’ve tried their Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion and Gel (original, before they slightly reformulated and added ‘Plus’). Neither hydrated my skin enough. In fact, my skin felt so dry using the just the Gel that I ended up using it as a ‘toner’ to remove dirt off my face when I didn’t feel like washing it. At the time, I did track and cross country so my face got gross!
I tried the Lotion and it still didn’t do me any good. It felt heavier and unpleasantly heavy in comparison to the lightweight gel and I gave it to my mom or sister haha.
I’ve tried many of their moisturizers because Clinique does GWP’s all year long.
When I read: ‘worth the hype?’ I thought, ‘Oh, heck no!’ There are no antioxidants or special ingredients in the formula and I agree that mineral oil gets bad rep. All marketing schemes and this I’m learning happens across the board from medicine to the food we eat! Thank you for including the ingredients list! I hope you didn’t have to type all of that like you always do! I don’t like the yellow coloring either. I always thought it was strange and I, at first, thought the plastic container was yellow but nope!
Fantastic review. You break down the components in a very easily understandable manner and key in on the important ones.
;]
Janessa, I’m sorry the old formula didn’t work for you. They have now added several humectants so it’s more moisturizing, but I think it may still feel too heavy for you. And I think it’s great that you’ve found another use for those products rather than just throwing them away. I hope the cream worked better for your mom or sister. 🙂
I completely agree with you. It’s so disappointed that a brand like Clinique, which is famous for its skincare products, should come up with such a basic formula in 2013. Where are the antioxidants and other real goodies?
I’m glad you enjoyed this post. 🙂
It’s too bad Clinique didn’t keep the old formula available since there are many highly allergic people who could only use that one and not the new version. I recieved a small size last week in a GWP but I have yet to try it. It’ll probably be used on my neck and décolleté because I’m one that does have issues with glycerin. In some formulations it gives me hives.
Icaria, that’s a shame. I think that’s due to the sunflower and other extracts in the products that don’t really do nothing apart from making the formula look more natural. They are much more likely to cause irritations and allergies than stuff made in a lab. Still, that’s ironic for a brand that prides itself on making products that don’t cause allergies and irritations.
I hope it will work for you. Try doing a sample patch first, though, so that if it gives you hives, it’ll affect only a small part of your skin.
It’s a shame they didn’t include any antioxidants or sunscreen agents in the new formula. I’m turning 25 this year and starting to actually care about keeping my skin a healthy as possible.
Eight, I agree. I get the “if ain’t broken, don’t think it” thing, but since they were going to reformulate it anyway, they should have gone a step further and include antioxidant and sunscreen agents too.
I want to know if the glycerin is plant based or animal based
Ambreen, it can be derived from both. But, I don’t know which type Clinique has chosen, sorry!
I have used all the Q10 products from Garnier, Roc, and Clinique. I can’t say for certain it has helped reduce any fine lines on my face, I have very few at age 34.
I have however been using the Somaluxe Firming Lotion (for my face) and I have very few wrinkles and the skin around my eyes is quite supple and taut (although this could just be good genes and nothing to do with the product). The Somaluxe Firming Lotion is not like Roc or Clinque where you have to act like the product is gold dust and use sparingly. . .its a large bottle which I like. It lasts a long time.
Rogue G, that’s the problem with antioxidants. They prevent, not treat, so it can take years to see if they work. Q10 is a good antioxidant, but skin needs plenty of them to look and feel its best. Are you using more? And glad you’ve found a good cream. I like it when they come in big bottles.Such great value for money.
I own the moisturizing lotion plus in the dry formula, because I do have very dry skin. It worked fine if i used it about three times a month, but if I used it any more than that, it gave me HORRIBLE cystic acne. I gave it plenty of chances to work, and it always gave me blind pimples that were very large, red, and sore. Not a lot of whiteheads, but I would have a ton of undeveloped bumps and texture all over my cheeks and chin. I have looked at tons of reviews of this product, and I have found that this is a popular problem with this product. Any idea why it does this? Have you ever heard of this problem? Do you have any suggestions to clearing up my skin? Because I am currently dealing with the dreadful consequences of using this product. Grrr! Not happy Clinique!!! TO ANYONE READING THIS AND CINSIDERING INVESTING IN THIS PRODUCT: look at plenty of reviews and think carefully about the pros and cons before buying this, because it definitely is not cheap. I do not like being negative, but I want others with similar problems to know that this is a common problem. Thank you.
M, I am so sorry to hear about your problem. The “problem” with this lotion is that it’s full of occlusives, ingredients that can trap moisture into the skin. But, in doing so, they can also clog dirt, comedogenic ingredients and any other impurities, leading to acne. It’s usually a problem that affects those who are already prone to breakouts, but others can be affected sometimes, too.
I recommend you use a salicylic acid exfoliant and benzoyl peroxide spot treatment to get rid of the acne. Salicylic acid gets inside the pores, exfoliating them from within. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness. It keeps the pores clean and soothes skin. Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria that causes acne, but it’s quite harsh so use it only on pimples. You should start to see an improvement within a couple of days.
I have used Clinique since it came out. Since I religiously use RetinA very day, I have found Dramatically Different Moisture works very well. With the RetinA I don’t spend $$ on the latest wrinkle cream so just a good moisturizer is perfect for me.
Lauralee, glad you’ve found something that works well with Retin A. Thanks for sharing.
I am not the only one, yes I also use Retin A everyday and this helps!
Alba, it’s great at counteracting the dryness, isn’t it?
Hi, does this product reduce the rincles also lighter the skin?
Sara, nope. This can only moisturise skin.
I am on Retin A and this is in my opinion an affordable moisturizer that actually helps with the dryness, I tried not to use it thinking it was overhyped, well… first week without it an on Retin A and I looked like a peeling snake, quite embarrassing. I always buy the jumbo version on holidays to get it for cheaper, pretty good deal.
Alba, I do think it’s overpriced for what it is but I can’t deny it’s super moisturizing and that definitely helps with Retin A. It’s great that you can find it at a great price. 🙂
Girl, you need to do more research and not pick and choose evidence that aligns with your beliefs.
This moisturizer that you’re reviewing contains harmful chemicals in general, before considering the parabens. You did not even being to address the fact that parabens are found in numerous products as well as foods so even if you are using a product with a “safe amount” it has additive effects with the other doses of parabens that a person receives during an average day. Also, the United States beauty industry is self-regulated and does not need to test its products for safety. Clinique is an American company. There is no board of safety guaranteeing that what they are putting in the products is actually what they are putting in the products. They are citing that they are putting in the safe limit of parabens but there is no enforcer to ensure that they are. If you’d like an example of just how unregulated the beauty industry is, Google the Johnson & Johnson Talc lawsuits.
I wanted to mention that you did not bring up the fact that these products make their way into the groundwater and are circulated all over the globe and end up bioaccumulating way higher than the “safe” levels you quoted in this post. There are many more scientific studies that you have not included in this article that highlight the other aspects of paraben danger. There are other studies that specifically criticize the studies that you refer to that conclude that parabens are not dangerous.
Overall, I think you should be doing much more research before representing a brand that has the opposite intended effects of “skincare”.
Amanda, thank you for your comment. I respect your opinion and I understand that you’re wary of parabens. But I don’t pick and choose studies. I look at the evidence and so far, there is NO prof that parabens are bad. I didn’t go into details with parabens because I’ve already written a super long post about them here: http://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/the-parabens-controversy/
In short, accumulation of parabens isn’t a concern because studies show your body gets rid of them through your urine within 36 hours. So they never accumulate enough to cause any real harm.
I agree that the beauty industry in the US isn’t regulated as strictly as it could be, but I don’t understand why people believe that brands and cosmetic scientists are out there to kill them. Putting toxic stuff in skincare would put the brand out of business pronto! Besides, there are rules that dictate how much of an ingredient can be used safely. Don’t believe those who tell you brands can put whatever they want in their products. It’s NOT true. Have you noticed how people who spread these rumours either don’t provide any evidence to back up their claims or twists studies that have nothing to do with the subject at hand (for example, they say that applying a tiny amount of an ingredient on your skin will kill you because eating high amount of that ingredient has killed rats!)?
The fact that these substances eventually end up in our environment is a bit more troubling and we need more research in this area. Totally agree on this one.
Everything now a days is toxic to the body no matter what you eat or wear. My problem is that when I was younger I had really bad acne along with my brother. Cystic acne that is. We were injected with retinol and accutane in the face, tongue, back and head to get rid of it. This was way back in the 80s. Worse part is I have never wore makeup in my lifetime because the cystic acne always returned and it was embarrassing. Went to a dermatologist recently who gave me a patch test to see if Im allergic to retinol in which now I am. Its really hard to find a skin product for my hypo pigmentation, sensitive, combo aging skin. Having gone through menopause 4 years ago and seeing the wrinkles and fine lines popping up doesnt help much either. The dermatologist gave me Elta MD spf 46 for my face and told me to wash with La Roche Posay hydrating cleanser, but for moisturizers I am pretty much on my own cause of my allergies. Your right, alot of these high pricey creams,lotions and serums are just a marketing gimmick and they say their clean and natural but are they really is the question unless you test them for yourself. I wish I could find a good moisturizer without being pricey that would truly fit my needs. Thank you for your article, I enjoy reading your blogs.
Skin is different and it’s not only about skin types. I have used dramatic difference moisturizer for years and it works wonderful for me. I tried other products and the results were disastrous. Those products left me looking old, dry and tired, worst are perfumed products because they irritate my eyes. Reading your review made me realize that finding the right skin care products is a personal journey and I am glad I found Clinique.