Best Natural Moisturizers & Hydrating Skincare Products

If you’re wondering what’s going on when your skin feels tight, rough, or like it’s missing its bounce — and whether that means it’s “dry” or “dehydrated” — we’ve got you covered. At Clinique, we know that hydration is about more than moisture in the jar; it’s about supporting the skin barrier, helping skin retain water, and protecting it from environmental dehydration. Here’s a friendly, expert-led list of actionable steps using our formulas, and each step recommends one of our trusted products.

1. Start with a gentle, non-drying cleanser

Begin by rinsing away makeup, pollution and daily impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. Use our All About Clean™ Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser — it is non-drying and non-stripping.
Benefit: Leaves your skin fresh and primed to absorb hydration.

2. Use a hydrating serum (or “boost”) to infuse moisture

After cleansing, apply a hydrating serum to help your skin bind water and ease the feeling of “dehydrated” (tight, lacking bounce) rather than chronically “dry.” Try our Moisture Surge™ Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate — it instantly moisturizes dehydrated skin for up to 72 hours.
Benefit: Gives your skin a moisture-infusion boost when it feels parched.

3. Lock in hydration with a rich moisturizer

Now it’s time to seal in hydration and reinforce the skin’s barrier so it retains moisture longer. The Dramatically Different™ Moisturizing Lotion+™ is dermatologist-developed, absorbs fast, and boosts moisture while strengthening the barrier.
Benefit: Helps prevent that midday tightness and supports healthier-feeling skin.

4. Treat hard-to-reach dry spots overnight

When cheeks or other areas feel extra dry, give them an extra layer of care. Use our Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator — lightweight gel-cream that provides up to 100 hours of stabilizing hydration.
Benefit: Helps skin recover and wake up feeling more resilient.

5. Don’t skip hydrating misting or layering lightweight hydrators

If your skin endures drying air (travel, heaters, AC) a mist or lighter hydrator helps refresh and maintain moisture. Consider layering from our Moisture Surge line to manage mid-day dehydration.
Benefit: Keeps your skin from getting “crispy” in dry environments.

6. Always pair with SPF and protect your barrier

Even with the best hydrators, dehydration can come from sun damage or lost barrier integrity. While our focus here is hydration, remember to use a broad-spectrum sun protector as your next step (morning).
Benefit: Protecting your barrier means your moisturizer has a better chance of keeping hydration locked in.

Summary

When you commit to a sequence — cleanse gently, boost with a serum, lock in with a moisturizer, treat specific dry zones, refresh mid-day if needed, and protect your barrier — you’re giving your skin the full support it needs to feel comfortable, bouncy, and hydrated. At Clinique, we bring decades of dermatologist-guided experience to every formula so you can hydrate with confidence. Explore the recommended products above and choose the ones your skin needs now.

Hydration FAQ