🇸🇦Saudi Arabia

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel for oily acne-prone skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

Average

  • SuperiorOily Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

Works for oily acne-prone skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Offers moderate hydration for your oily skin, with glycerin and sodium hyaluronate providing excellent moisturizing benefits without exacerbating oiliness. However, it lacks specialized ingredients to target your primary concerns of acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
  • The formula is well-suited for oily skin due to dimethicone and glycerin, which offer emollient and humectant actions respectively, ensuring optimal hydration.
  • The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your oily skin due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing components like Laminaria Digitata Extract and Saccharomyces Lysate Extract.

How to apply

  • Use this AM and PM routine every day to help clear your skin. Always remember to finish with SPF in the morning.
  • Apply the moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your SPF during the day.
  • Gently press a small amount into your skin and avoid rubbing to keep pores clear.
  • Apply on clean, slightly damp skin to help the product absorb better and control oil.
  • Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a simple patch test before your first use.

People Say

★4.6Overall rating based on 10.0k+ reviews

This oil-free gel is a highly-rated favorite for oily and combination skin, appreciated for its very lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that hydrates without feeling heavy or clogging pores. It also performs well as a base for makeup. However, a significant number of users with dry skin or in colder climates find it not moisturizing enough, and a small number report breakouts or reactions.

Highlights

  • Lightweight absorption Mostly Mentioned
    • “sinks in instantly”
    • “feels like nothing on”
    • “no sticky residue”
    • “disappears into skin”
    • “light refreshing texture”
  • Controls oil Often Mentioned
    • “keeps me matte”
    • “balances my oily T-zone”
    • “doesn't make me greasy”
    • “great for summer humidity”
    • “oil-free hydration”
  • Good under makeup Often Mentioned
    • “perfect primer base”
    • “foundation glides on”
    • “doesn't pill”
    • “smooth canvas”
    • “makeup stays put”
  • Not moisturizing enough Often Mentioned
    • “skin felt tight”
    • “need a second layer”
    • “dry patches remained”
    • “not for winter”
    • “hydration disappears quickly”
  • Non-irritating formula Sometimes Noted
    • “doesn't sting”
    • “fragrance-free”
    • “safe for sensitive skin”
    • “calms redness”
    • “gentle on acne”
  • Pricey for basics Sometimes Noted
    • “expensive for what it is”
    • “paying for the brand”
    • “basic ingredients”
    • “overpriced mineral oil”
    • “drugstore dupes are better”
  • Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
    • “gave me cystic acne”
    • “clogged my pores”
    • “tiny bumps appeared”
    • “caused a rash”
    • “bad reaction”
  • Unpleasant scent Rarely Noted
    • “smells like plastic”
    • “chemical odor”
    • “weird rubber smell”
    • “stinks despite no fragrance”
    • “smells medicinal”

Sources: lovi.care, ulta.com, sephora.com, amazon.com, clinique.com, makeupalley.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel work for oily acne-prone skin?

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel works reasonably well for oily acne-prone skin by providing moderate hydration with glycerin and sodium hyaluronate without making your face greasy. However, it lacks specialized ingredients to target breakouts and blemishes. A moisturizer for this skin type needs targeted blemish-fighting ingredients alongside lightweight hydration to manage acne while keeping skin balanced.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Which ingredients make this moisturizer a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate make this moisturizer a good fit for oily skin by providing essential hydration without adding excess oil, while dimethicone leaves skin feeling smooth. This type of skin also needs specialized ingredients that clear breakouts and target blemishes without clogging pores.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

What does Glycerin do for oily acne-prone skin?

Glycerin helps keep oily acne-prone skin hydrated without feeling heavy. It draws moisture into the skin while supporting the skin barrier so it stays soft and balanced.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

What does Hyaluronic Acid do for oily acne-prone skin?

Hyaluronic acid helps calm oily acne-prone skin by reducing sebum production and lipid synthesis in sebaceous glands. It also supports skin barrier function and improves hydration while helping deliver treatments without causing irritation.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022

Where does it go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This moisturizer goes in your morning and evening routine after your toner and before your sunscreen or treatment. It offers moderate hydration and has a very safe formula with no harsh ingredients, but a better product for this skin needs specialized acne-fighting and blemish-targeting ingredients.

Can I use this moisturizer with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this moisturizer with retinol by applying the retinol first and following with the moisturizer. This helps keep your skin comfortable and minimizes dryness without clogging your pores. Oily acne-prone skin still needs acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to truly clear breakouts.

Cutis, 2006

How often should I use it?

You can use this moisturizer twice a day, in the morning and evening, to keep your oily skin hydrated without feeling greasy. Daily application of moisturizers with glycerin and sodium hyaluronate helps improve skin moisture and supports the skin barrier.

Health Science Reports, 2021Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Can this moisturizer clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This moisturizer is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores on your oily skin because it has an excellent safety profile and lacks harsh ingredients. However, an oily acne-prone skin needs targeted ingredients that actively clear blemishes and prevent breakouts.

Can I use it around the eyes or on my body?

This moisturizer is safe to use around the eyes or on the body, though the skin around your eyes is thinner and requires extra care with gentle application. Glycerin helps maintain hydration across different skin thicknesses without feeling heavy.

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Is this moisturizer fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

  • A novel anti-aging serum containing acetyl hexapeptide-8, dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, gluconolactone, niacinamide, and laminaria extract significantly increased anti-aging biomarkers and improved static and dynamic wrinkles as well as skin quality in clinical studies.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026

  • The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020

  • Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001

  • Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012

  • Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011

  • Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.

    Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022

  • Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.

    BMC Oral Health, 2019

  • Wearing an N95 mask alone compared to using dimethicone cream or hydrocolloid dressing caused more adverse skin reactions among 73 military health care workers, with no significant differences in fit test failure rates between groups.

    Military Medicine, 2024

  • Treatment with a moisturizer containing dimethicone and glycerine increased epidermal thickness by 0.019 mm, improved barrier function by decreasing transepidermal water loss by 13%, decreased melanin intensity, and induced keratins 6 and 16 in fifteen women with moderately photoaged forearms.

    Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2007

  • A skincare regimen containing Macrocystis pyrifera ferment consisting of a cleansing foam, a serum, and a moisturizer decreases the visible effects of inflammation and aging while promoting healing and improving patient satisfaction.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

  • Macrocystis pyrifera ferment-containing creams decrease visible inflammation and signs of aging while enhancing barrier resilience and recovery.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023

  • Aqueous extracts from Macrocystis pyrifera and Durvillaea antarctica exhibited antiviral activity against acyclovir-sensitive and acyclovir-resistant HSV-1 and HSV-2, and topical formulations significantly reduced the severity and duration of HSV-1 skin lesions in an animal model compared to mock treatment and acyclovir.

    Frontiers in Microbiology, 2020

  • Transgenic cucumber expressing poly-γ-glutamic acid synthesis genes increased water content by 6-14%, reduced water loss by 11-12%, decreased facial wrinkles and roughness by 19.58% and 24.97%, decreased skin melanin by 5.27%, and improved facial elasticity in human skin and zebrafish compared to controls.

    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024

  • Copper Oxide nanoparticles synthesized using cucumber extract exhibited antibacterial, antifungal, UV protection, and reactive-oxygen species inhibition properties with low cellular toxicity and skin-rejuvenating effects when incorporated into skin cream.

    Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders Drug Targets, 2021

  • Topical treatment with Holothuria parva extract gel showed significant wound contraction compared to the negative control in full-thickness wounded rats.

    The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds, 2024

Why other moisturizers fit oily acne-prone skin better

Ingredients

Water, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Butylene Glycol, Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Glycerin, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract Extrait Dorge Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake Sunflower Seedcake, Caffeine, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysilicone-11, Silica, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Oleth-10, Lactobacillus Ferment, Laureth-23, Laureth-4, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Vp Copolymer, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Yellow 5 Ci 19140, Red 4 Ci 14700, Ci 15985

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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Prices checked 5 Nov 2026

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Saudi Arabia.

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

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