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Updated on June 04, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin and sensitive skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or parabens

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Nivea Crème American
Nivea Crème
General Moisturizer
German Brand Germany
Clinique Moisture Surge™ 100-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Benefits

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Crème
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Paraffinum Liquidum Emollient, Skin Protecting, Solvent
0-2 / 0 Oil IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon 2 Concerns

Paraffinum Liquidum is also known as liquid paraffin. It is a type of highly refined mineral oil.

0-2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Petrolatum Emollient
May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
2 Concerns

Petrolatum is more commonly known as petroleum jelly. It is created by mixing waxes and mineral oils.

Disliked Full details ->
Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Microcrystalline Wax Emulsion Stabilising
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Microcrystalline Wax is created by de-oiling petroleum. It is highly refined and purified before being added to cosmetics.

Disliked Full details ->
Lanolin Alcohol Emollient, Emulsifying
0-2 / 0 Fatty Alcohol Icon
Fatty AlcoholFatty Alcohol Icon

A complex combination of organic alcohols obtained by the hydrolysis of lanolin and is classified as a fatty alcohol.

0-2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Paraffin Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon 2 Concerns

Paraffin is a solid created from petroleum. The term 'paraffin' can also refer to either petroleum jelly or mineral oil.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Magnesium Sulfate
Sulfate Icon
SulfateSulfate Icon

Magnesium Sulfate is a salt. It can be naturally found in sea water or mineral deposits.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Decyl Oleate Emollient, Skin Conditioning
3 / 0 Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
2 Concerns

Decyl Oleate comes from decyl alcohol and oleic acid.

3 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Octyldodecanol Emollient, Masking

Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol. It is primarily used to enhance the texture of products.

Disliked Full details ->
Aluminum Stearates Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising

We don't have a description for Aluminum Stearates.

Unknown Full details ->
Parfum Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon 2 Concerns

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Panthenol Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps reduce irritation Icon
Helps reduce irritationHelps reduce irritation Icon

Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It can be found naturally in our skin and hair.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Citric Acid Buffering, Masking
AHA IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
AHAAHA Icon 4 Benefits 2 Concerns

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

Disliked Full details ->
Magnesium Stearate Cosmetic Colorant, Moisturising
1 / 0

Magnesium Stearate is a salt that is 2 parts stearic acid and 1 part magnesium.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Anisate Antimicrobial

Sodium Anisate comes from fennel. It is used as a preservative and to add flavoring.

Moisture Surge™ 100-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Dimethicone Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
1 / 0 Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Trisiloxane Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

Trisiloxane is a type of silicone.

Disliked Full details ->
Trehalose Humectant, Moisturising

Trehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.

Sucrose Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Soothing

Sucrose is a natural sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It is the main constituent of white sugar.

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.

Disliked Full details ->
Hydroxyethyl Urea Humectant, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Hydroxyethyl Urea.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps fight Acne Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon 5 Benefits

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.

Silybum Marianum Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Silybum Marianum Extract.

Betula Alba Bark Extract Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon

Betula Alba Bark Extract is from the birch tree named Betula Alba.

Saccharomyces Lysate Extract Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Saccharomyces Lysate Extract is from the yeast Saccharomyces. This ingredient is created from the cell walls of Saccharomyces.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water Masking

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water is an aqueous solution of the steam distillate obtained from the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.

Thermus Thermophillus Ferment Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Thermus Thermophillus Ferment.

Caffeine Skin Conditioning

Caffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and anti-aging.

Sorbitol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon
Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol. It is a hydrating and moisturizing agent created from the reduction process of glucose.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
PeptidePeptide Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 isn't fungal acne safe and is a peptide.

Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon
Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic Acid Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Caprylyl Glycol Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

Oleth-10 Emulsifying
2 / 1

Oleth-10 comes from oleyl alcohol. It is an emulsifier that helps reduce surface tension of dirt and pollutants to be washed away.

2 Com. / 1 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Polyaspartate Humectant, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Sodium Polyaspartate.

Unknown Full details ->
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Polysaccharides Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Polysaccharides comes from the aloe plant.

Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate.

Saccharide Isomerate Humectant

Saccharide Isomerate comes from sugars found in corn. It is a skin hydrator.

Hydrogenated Lecithin Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecule hydrogen and another element.

Tocopheryl Acetate Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps brighten skin Icon
Vitamin EVitamin E Icon AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon Helps brighten skinHelps brighten skin Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Emulsion Stabilising

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.

Disliked Full details ->
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate

We don't have a description for Glyceryl Polymethacrylate.

Tromethamine Buffering, Masking

Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.

Peg-8 Humectant, Solvent

PEG-8 is a synthetic polymer used as a humectant and solvent.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Hexylene Glycol Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
0-2 / 0-1

Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant. Glycols are a class of alcohols. Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant and emulsifier.

0-2 Com. / 0-1 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconHelps brighten skin Icon
Vitamin CVitamin C Icon AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon 5 Benefits

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) is a form of Vitamin C and is an antioxidant. It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.

Citric Acid Buffering, Masking
AHA IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
AHAAHA Icon 4 Benefits 2 Concerns

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

Disliked Full details ->
BHT Antioxidant, Masking
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant. As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Citrate Buffering, Masking

Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.

Potassium Sorbate Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.

Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Benzoate Masking, Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Disliked Full details ->
Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

Very Disliked Full details ->
CI 14700 Cosmetic Colorant
2 / 1

Ci 14700 is a synthetic red dye.

2 Com. / 1 Irr.
Unknown Full details ->
CI 19140 Cosmetic Colorant

CI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.

Unknown Full details ->

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin
Buffering, Masking
Disliked

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.

If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

Crème
4
11
1
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Moisture Surge™ 100-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
20
7
13
3
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

247 Routines
38% use in am
62% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
549 Routines
52% use in am
48% use in pm
94% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Nivea Crème 16 ingredients

4.2 /5
from 0 ratings
Heavy (2) Light Scent (2) Hydrating (2)
rizz's avatar

rizz

3 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

It's just so so, gives my skin a smooth and glowy finish but it looks too oily on my skin as someone that has oily skin. I only use this at night...

It's just so so, gives my skin a smooth and glowy finish but it looks too oily on my skin as someone that has oily skin. I only use this at night though

MadisonB's avatar

MadisonB

2 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

It works well before you put on make up but I mostly use it early in the evening. Right before bed I wipe off the excess. Moisturises well and is...

It works well before you put on make up but I mostly use it early in the evening. Right before bed I wipe off the excess. Moisturises well and is not irritating. Difficult to work with if your face/fingers are still somewhat damp.

Clinique Moisture Surge™ 100-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator 43 ingredients

4.6 /5
from 8 ratings
Absorbs Well (3) Hydrating (3) Works Well (3)
miss_dior's avatar

miss_dior

2 years ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
My skin type: Dry, sensitive, eczema and redness-prone.
How long have I been using it? Two...

Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
My skin type: Dry, sensitive, eczema and redness-prone.
How long have I been using it? Two months.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Pros:
- Highly moisturizing, it does exactly what it promises
- Very light, pleasant gel-like texture, absorbs easily into the skin
- Excellent as a makeup base
- Allergy tested and fragrance-free, it did not irritate my sensitive skin. (still smells really nice)
- Contains some really good ingredients, like aloe vera, green tea extract, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E.
- Non-comedogenic, suitable for all skin types.
- Quite affordable, since a little bit goes a long way.

Cons:
- It may not be hydrating enough for extremely dry and dehydrated skin.
- Not cruelty-free.
- Personally, I do not buy the 100 hours of hydration it supposedly offers. Still a very hydrating product, but this feels more like marketing than anything.

Would I recommend it? Yes, but mostly for normal or combination skin types. Very dry or very oily skin types might need a different product.

stephrosecarter's avatar

stephrosecarter

11 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

Extremely hydrating and soothing